RENO, Nev. — Emma Hendrickson isn't using her age as an excuse to slow down.

Less than a month after celebrating her 100th birthday, the Morris Plains, N.J., woman became the oldest competitor in the 90-plus-year history of the United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships.

Hendrickson rolled 115, 97 and 106 for a 318 series in team competition that didn't end until early today at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno. Her average is 120.

"I love bowling because I get to be with people, and because I'm not at home sitting on a rocking chair," she said.

Because her eyesight has diminished over the years, Hendrickson relies on teammates to help her line up spare attempts.

"I can see the ten pins standing clearly, but it's difficult to see what pins are standing for spares," she said. "My teammates help me out there."

Hendrickson previously shared the record with Ethel Brunnick of Santa Monica, Calif., who competed in 1987 at 99.

In 2001, 103-year-old Art Shaver and 100-year-old Bill Hargrove paired as doubles partners at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships in Reno.

While her husband and two children have passed away, Hendrickson's bowling activity is supported by eight grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Several family members joined her in Reno.

"I think it's what keeps her going," 45-year-old granddaughter Karen Mariani told the Reno Gazette-Journal. "It's something she did with her husband, with our mother."

Hendrickson was presented with a plaque and a medallion Saturday night to commemorate her 50th consecutive appearance in the tournament.

She also received a pendant with her birthstone in recognition of her status as the tournament's oldest participant.

Hendrickson plans to bowl six more games during singles and doubles competition Sunday night.

She already has signed up to compete in the 2010 event in El Paso, Texas.

The tournament began in 1916 in St. Louis but wasn't held some years during World War II.