WOMEN’S BOWLING : Albrecht Averages 222 for Early Lead

California continues to produce female bowling champions. Bowler-of-the-year honors have been awarded to Californians by the Bowling Writers Assn. of America in 10 of the past 17 years.

Betty Morris (three-time honoree), Donna Adamek (4), Nikki Gianulias and Robin Romeo have reigned in that order since 1975. And Tish Johnson is the reigning champion of the sport.

All five are in contention at the $100,000 U.S. Women’s Open at Fountain Bowl in Fountain Valley.

However, the leader after eight games is Jill Albrecht, a former star from Milwaukee Technical College. She averaged 222 for a 1,781 total. Wendy MacPherson of San Diego was near the pace at 1,756.

Gianulias, of Vallejo, is off to a good start to regain No. 1 in the world.

Having conquered two bouts with pneumonia and frustrations from numerous near-misses in TV finals since 1982, she currently leads the pro trail with three 1991 triumphs, two more than any other. With the Ladies Professional Bowlers Tour already half gone, a victory in this Open would put her in good stead to repeat at Bowler of the Year.

But others among the 240 Open entrants are itching to catch up with Gianulias.

One is Jeanne Maiden of Tacoma, Wash., holder of five world women’s records, including a three-game series of 864 and an all-events score of 2,352. Maiden, close to the lead at 1,726, opened with 10 straight strikes for 288, high game of the opening round.

The finals will be on ESPN Thursday at 6 p.m.