Mullen Sets Record for 9-Game Series

Pro bowler Michelle Mullen carries about 200 nickels in her left pocket for luck, and Sunday she had plenty of it.

Mullen, of Matteson, Ill., had a 240 average to take the first-round lead in the $30,000 Canoga Park tournament. She knocked down 2,160 pins to establish a Ladies Pro Bowlers Tour record for a nine-game series.

Lorrie Nichols, of Algonquin, Ill., set the old mark of 2,135 in 1986.

Ethel Smith of Warren, Ohio, who bowled the first of two 300-games, is second with 2,148 pins and Rene Fleming of Oklahoma City, Okla., is third with 2,132.

Lisa Wagner of Palmetto, Fla., rolled the other 300 game.

Mullen, 1985 national collegiate champion, rolled a 220, 206, 224, 266, 214, 258, 257, 246 and a 269. Her best finish was eighth place in the Hammer Midwest Open in Rockford, Ill., the only other time she has led a tournament.