Brett Cunningham of Clay, N.Y., figured if he can't even beat one of his collegiate teammates on a regular basis, his chances of topping an elite field at the 2009 United States Bowling Congress Team USA Trials were slim.

Cunningham not only beat his Lindenwood University teammate Dean Richards on Tuesday, but led the men's field after the opening Round of the Team USA Trials at Sunset Station Hotel and Casino's Strike Zone Bowling Center. Liz Johnson of Cheektowaga, N.Y., leads the women's division.

Cunningham totaled 2,042 for nine games, an average of 226.89, on the Shark lane condition and beat Richards, a current Junior Team USA member who finished the day in eighth place, by 87 pins. Past Team USA member David Haynes of Las Vegas is second with 2,027.

"Dean always beats me, and he's here this week so I wasn't real sure of my chances," Cunningham said. "I know I'm not one of the best here by any means, but everyone has their day. I know I have the skills, but I just haven't been throwing the ball well."

Competing in the Team USA Trials for the first time, Cunningham, 20, said he used solid spare shooting to take the lead.

"I never gave away the pocket and only had three opens all day," Cunningham said. "When the lanes transitioned, they got tough, but then they opened up at the end of the day. I just had to find a way to manage that transition."

In the women's field, Johnson, a current Team USA member, cruised to an easy first-round lead with 2,001, an average of 222.33 per game. Fellow Team USA member Stefanie Nation of Orlando, Fla., finished second with 1,896, while reigning U.S. Junior Amateur champion Kristie Petravich of Orlando, Fla., is third with 1,868.

Johnson competed in the Professional Bowlers Association Women's Series event last week on the same Shark lane condition the bowlers faced Tuesday.

"After bowling on the Shark last week, I was extra sharp today," Johnson said. "I also came out today with the mindset that I had nothing to lose. I just enjoyed it, relaxed and it led to good things."

Competition continues Wednesday with the second of four nine-game blocks. After 36 games, the top three men and top three women will automatically earn spots on Team USA. An additional two men and two women from the remaining field will be selected to join the team.

In addition, four spots on Junior Team USA 2009 are up for grabs. Two boys and two girls who are 20 years old or younger as of Jan. 1, 2009 who competed in either the 2009 Team USA Trials or advanced to the top 16 at the USBC Junior Gold Championships last July are eligible to be selected. The selections will be announced Friday.

Shannon O'Keefe motivated entering 2009 Team USA Trials