After a lengthy delay thanks to Thanksgiving, we're back for one more day of action during the cricket break. After this, pool will be sparing in the next three weeks before returning alongside the Club Cricket Challenge tournament between December 18 and January 9. Today's first set is...
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Sugar v. Kelly. The red cue leads us off with 7-ball today. Web City's Sugar put on a seven-ball run full of technical skill and amazing positioning work, none better than a casual bump of the 7 on a draw play to free up the 5 to continue the run, giving her a well-earned 1-0 lead over Viewpoint Sound's Kelly. The Meteors' Kelly watch the Spiders' Sugar do much of the work in game 2 as well, including a three-ball run that ended when Sugar cut the 7 a bit too thin at the bottom right, allowing Kelly to tap it in and tie the series at 1. Sugar again carried possession in game 3, scoring a six-ball run on her first turn and sinking her second shot at the 7 after Kelly left it in prime position for a cut. Ranked #50 for 7-ball, Sugar takes a 2-1 series win and advances to the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Lydia v. Juno. The red cue stays up for a series of 9-ball between two players who qualified extremely well. Modernistic's Juno got lucky when Lighton's Lydia had a bit too much on her long bank of the 8 to the bottom left, with the scratch giving Juno ball-in-hand to sink the 9 and take a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Lydia tossed game 2 away by missing contact on the 9, giving the Union's Juno ball-in-hand again to seal the series at 2-0 with an easy shot to the top left for the win. Lydia had a highlight in game 3, kicking the cue off the bottom rail into the 5, which knocked the 8 off the top rail, where it deflected off the 9 and into the bottom right. She scratched on the next shot, but won two turns later by making the 7 and 9 on cuts. Juno still took the series 2-1, and takes a #79 ranked bid in 9-ball to Terrace City's Audi Hall to face the Knights' Oreo in the second round.
Intel Center, Diamond: Pedey v. Cowzart. The blue cue is up now for 10-ball. Pearl's Cowzart brought game 1 to an early end, using the 5 in the bottom left as his set-up for double-potting the 6 to the top side with the deflection sending the cue into the 10, which dropped at the top right to put him up 1-0 over Diamond's rookie Pedey. The Surfers' Cowzart continued to excel in game 2, scoring a four-ball run-out as the Gems' Pedey proved inconsistent in losing any hope in the series down 2-0. Cowzart ended with a routine 8-10 combination to the top right after a good set-up off the 7. Pedey improved in game 3, avoiding the sweep by scoring a three-ball run early and a five-ball run across the middle of the game before getting a look at the 10 when Cowzart scratched after making the 9. The final stood at 2-1 for Cowzart, who takes his #51 ranked 10-ball bid to the second round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Shannon v. Boots. The red cue is back for another set of 9-ball. Southern's Shannon capitalized on a late scratch by Southridge's Boots, scoring the last two balls easily for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Monarchs' Shannon took a back-and-forth game 2 by rocketing an 8-9 combination the bottom right and getting the right bounce to keep the cue up afterwards, taking the series at 2-0 with the strong and savvy shot to down the Defenders' Boots. In game 3, Boots ended up paying for a massive illegal use of the stick violation, as Shannon used the ensuing ball-in-hand to run out the last six balls through excellent positioning and execution of her shots, sealing a 3-0 series sweep. Ranked #16 for 9-ball, Shannon will host Graham of the Eastside Sharks at this venue in the second round.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Boots v. Missy. Boots returns home for the second half of her personal doubleheader, facing an opponent from a Navy Derby rival in 10-ball with the red cue. Capital City's Missy won an uninspiring game 1 with the final two shots, taking a 1-0 series lead over Southridge's Boots. The Defenders' Boots got a break in game 2, as the Sharpshooters' Missy told her to shoot on after illegally potting the 6, which she did, leaving Missy snookered. When she failed to escape it, Boots converted a 4-10 combination to the top left from ball-in-hand to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Boots opted to take possession after Missy's three-ball run ended with an illegally potted 4. Boots missed the 3-10 combination to the top right, but Missy answered with a carom off the 3 to pot the 10, giving her the 2-1 series win. Ranked #55 for 10-ball, Missy is into the second round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Kirstin v. Puff III. The red cue remains busy today, heading west again for 8-ball. Everton's Puff III had a couple of faulty double-pots in game 1, the first ending in a scratch after the 10 and 15 went down, while the second saw the 13 and 8 end up in the side pockets, giving Southern's Kirstin a win and 1-0 lead she didn't exactly earn. The Eagles' Puff III played a lot more carefully in game 2, but she couldn't break down the Monarchs' Kirstin, whose defense stood strong and forced Puff III to look elsewhere until she ended the game and clinched the series at 2-0. Puff III avoided a sweep, winning game 3 by limiting the quality of the shots Kirstin had, which worked to make it a 2-1 series. Kirstin, ranked #39 for 8-ball, will play in the second round.
Intel Center, Diamond: Smokey v. Stripes. The red cue continues into Rotation. Diamond's Smokey made seven balls on five shots to open the game, breaking with the 3 to the bottom right, the 9 to the top right, the 7 to the top side, and the 2 to the bottom left before making three more with good positioning. After Terrace City's Stripes missed the 6-12 combination, Smokey buried it in the bottom left to win 8-0 and take a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Gems' Smokey had a less emphatic break, but still won 8-3, working well in tight spaces to get slop shots down, while the Knights' Stripes worked better in the open, but didn't get enough of those shots to make a difference. Smokey leads the series 2-0 at this point. Smokey dominated in game 3 as well, as Stripes chased it early before dropping the result 8-3 and letting Smokey get the 3-0 sweep. Ranked #24 for Rotation, Smokey made a big statement heading into the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Dominic v. Princess. The silver cue finally gets an appearance in 15-ball. Tysini's Princess dazzled by banking the 9 around the 14 and into the top side off the bottom rail to key a four-ball run, but her scratch on an attempt at the 13 gave Atlantic's Dominic ball-in-hand for his three-ball run-out to take a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Dominic had illegal contact when aiming at the 2, and this lined up an opportunity for the Hummingbirds' Princess to carom off the 2 to pot the 15 in the top right and the 4 in the bottom right as icing in her win that tied the series at 1. Princess bossed it game 3, working a lot of possession, especially in a six-ball run. Dominic nearly got lucky at the end, but the 13 stayed short at the top side, allowing Princess to make the last two shots and take the series 2-1. Ranked #40 for 15-ball, Princess is into the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Spice. The second series in a venue doubleheader sees the blue cue playing 9-ball. Atlantic's Delila had three on the break and three more after that for a six-ball opening run, and nearly got the last three on her next turn, but the 9 stayed up at the top left, allowing Victoria's Spice a tap-in for a 1-0 lead in the series with her opportunistic shot. Game 2 lacked the same sharp shooting, with a more methodical feel, and on her second attempt, the Pirates' Delila mopped up the 9 at the top left that the Spurs' Spice missed twice, tying the series at 1. In game 3, Spice emerged victorious, running out the final five balls and capping the 2-1 series win with a bank of the 9 off the right rail to the bottom left. Spice, ranked #50 for 9-ball, goes to the second round.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: J. Garcia v. Hoot. The blue cue plays 15-ball to close out the afternoon portion. Southridge's Garcia had the better of possession in game 1, working a few runs and producing a highlight by potting the 4 in the bottom right and the 9 in the top right, eventually winning for a 1-0 lead over Pronger's Hoot. The Defenders' Garcia crossed into the realm of dominance, posting an eight-ball run over the middle of the game and a four-ball run-out to leave the Tridents' Hoot with no chance to avoid losing, giving Garcia the 2-0 series lead with a bold effort. Hoot got one back in game 3, working a five-ball run-out with good positioning and execution to make it a 2-1 series. Garcia, ranked #51 for 15-ball, will play in the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Wild Thing v. Dusky. The blue cue carries us into the night with 12-ball. Whitewater's Wild Thing got away with illegally potting the 2, as Archtown's Dusky couldn't muster up the necessary run to make a comeback, and Wild Thing won from ball-in-hand after missed contact to go up 1-0 in the series. The Arrows' Dusky did well to pin the Shores' Wild Thing on the wrong end of the table in game 2, and then some savvy set-up work helped her finish the win to tie the series at 1. Wild Thing had to navigate surrendering a wild card ball in game 3, which he did by playing impeccable defense until Dusky gave it back, at which point he sealed his win and a 2-1 series victory. Ranked #16 for 12-ball, Wild Thing passes to the second round.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Lorde. The blue cue remains at the table for Rotation. Golden's Strut didn't dominate, but he played a well-paced game, chipping away to get to an 8-1 win by overwhelming the Commerce rookie Lorde, giving himself a 1-0 lead in the series. The Tradewinds' Lorde held on a bit longer in game 2, but the Pilots' Strut was a lot better with pulling away, sealing off an 8-3 win to clinch the series at 2-0 with another confident win from the veteran. Strut didn't get the finish he wanted in game 3, watching a late three-ball run wasted as Lorde used defense and timing to take the game 8-7 in a comeback, making it a 2-1 series win for the #23 ranked Strut, who takes his Rotation bid to the second round.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Strawberry. The red cue is back for 9-ball, with a reasonable chance of finishing that particular bracket's first round tonight. Tysini's Leandra needed only two shots to win game 1, pounding the 1 into the 9 and 3 in a cluster that sent the 9 to the bottom right for a 1-0 series lead over a stunned Strawberry of Pronger. The Hummingbirds' Leandra weathered a five-ball run from the Tridents' Strawberry in a much more routine game, and then countered with the 8 and 9 to take the win and a 2-0 series lead. Strawberry had a double-pot that sent the 4 to the top left on a wicked cut, while the 6 bounced off the 9 to get to the bottom right as part of a six-ball run in game 3. Leandra came back with a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand, taking difficult shots but still getting the job done for her sweep. The #14 ranked Leandra will host the Southern Monarchs' Kirstin at this venue in the second round.
Intel Center, Diamond: Smokey v. Dani. The blue cue is back for 15-ball. Capital City's Dani came up clutch in a messy game 1, beating Diamond's Smokey handily with a five-ball run-out filled with accurate shooting, giving her a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Smokey got it back with an insane-angle cut combination, the 5-15 to the top side from a very thin mark, which worked, setting the Sharpshooters' Dani off-guard as the series goes tied at 1. Game 3 came down to just one ball, as the two players chased the 15 a bit before Smokey finally buried it in the top right after Dani's accidental kick sent it near that pocket, sealing a 2-1 series win for Smokey. Ranked #50 in 15-ball, Smokey will play in the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Twilight. The red cue continues a busy day with 8-ball. Atlantic's Delila absolutely dominated Central's Twilight, using a five-ball run early in game 1, but her shot on the 8 was off the mark, and it glanced the 6 for illegal contact before hitting the 8 and dropping it in the top right to give Twilight the 1-0 series lead on a silver platter. The Pirates' Delila kept the attack the same in game 2, using a five-ball run and a three-ball run-out capped by a bank of the 8 off the top rail to the bottom right to tie the series at 1 when Twilight had only two shots, one which ended in a scratch that gave Delila a shutout for game 2. In game 3, Delila potted the 8 to the bottom side way too early, giving another game away to Twilight, who takes the series 2-1. The Warriors' Twilight, ranked #63 in 8-ball, netted two balls in three games but advances to the second round due to Delila's mistakes.
That's all we've got for this break. Over Christmas break, expect about three times as much as this. We might also get a little bit between now and then, maybe one to two days of games. Cricket may resume as early as tomorrow.
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Pool: 2016 A-level First Round - Day 6
The games continue today, beginning with...
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Bear v. Pounce. The blue cue leads us off with Rotation. Whitewater's Bear played much better than Oceanside's Pounce in game 1, dominating from the two balls he sank on the break until the very end of an 8-1 victory, taking a 1-0 series lead with a strong opener. The Waves' Pounce did a good job in game 2 of protecting his initial lead, only letting the Shores' Bear tie it once early on, before Pounce eventually pulling away for an 8-4 win to tie the series at 1. Pounce provided a full blitz in game 3, which connected in the form of a seven-ball run-out to win 8-1, taking the series 2-1 in the process. Ranked #55 in Rotation, Pounce rockets into the second round.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Stealth v. Leonette. The red cue gets its day going with 8-ball. Game 1 went mostly back-and-forth until Swordpoint's Stealth missed contact on the 14, allowing Pacific's Leonette to get ball-in-hand to set up her last two shots, taking a 1-0 series lead with the final push. The Blades' Stealth fought off a late rally from the Volcanoes' Leonette in game 2, using the kitchen shot from her scratch to give him the 8 in the top right, tying the series at 1 with the shot from distance. Leonette sealed up game 3 after nearly blowing a large lead from the start of the game, allowing Stealth to get within a ball of the 8 before potting it to take the series 2-1. Ranked #56 for 8-ball, Leonette is into the second round.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Stripes v. Crystal. The blue cue is back for a set of Accuracy. Terrace City's Stripes did a good job of plugging up shooting lanes for Queens' Crystal in game 1, allowing herself the time and space to make shots while leaving Crystal with nothing in a 1-4 win, putting Stripes up 1-0 in the series. The Flames' Crystal was undone in game 2 by a poorly-aimed shot that resulted in a scratch for her, allowing Stripes of the Knights to buckle down and take a 3-4 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Stripes played a pristine game 3, getting lucky at times and letting her skill reign for the rest in winning 0-2 to sweep the series 3-0. Stripes is ranked #29 for Accuracy and heading to the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Twinkie I v. Lionel. The red cue returns for 10-ball. Twinkie I of Lighton only got the break shot, as Commerce's Lionel went on a ten-ball run-out from there, sinking everything in perfect order with pinpoint accuracy to take a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Lionel kept up the suffocating attack in game 2, as the Prestige's Twinkie I got very few shots in, and Lionel closed with excellent positioning on his four-ball run-out, potting the 10 to the top right from distance as the shot that clinched the series at 2-0. Twinkie I stepped up much more in game 3, working a five-ball run that ended on a scratch after potting the 9, giving Lionel ball-in-hand on the 10, which he converted to sweep the series 3-0. Lionel is ranked #46 for 10-ball, heading to the second round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Ice Cream v. Spirit. The two teams involved in the previous series have another match at the other venue, using the silver cue for 12-ball. Lighton's Spirit proved a bit quicker on the draw in game 1 than did Commerce's Ice Cream, scoring a three-ball run-out including an impeccable kick of the 1 from the bottom rail to the top right to take a 1-0 series lead. The kick, a highlight-worthy shot, was set with just the right angle, pace, and trajectory. The Tradewinds' Ice Cream fought back with a strong defensive effort in game 2, and the Prestige's Spirit tried counter-defense late in the game, but it narrowly failed when Ice Cream cut the 7 to the top left to tie the series at 1. Spirit thought she was out of it when she scratched while sinking the 15, but she bounced back with a sharp three-ball run-out a couple of turns later, taking game 3 and a 2-1 series win. Spirit, ranked #76 for 12-ball, will play her Prestige teammate Lydia in Lighton's Pepsi Arena in the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Cheddar. It's a second straight set of 12-ball with the silver cue. Nikolai of Freedom had game 1 pretty easily despite an early scratch from the rookie, eventually winning on a kick of the 3 off the right rail to bounce it in the top side, holding off Whitewater's Cheddar for a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Nikolai made another error, shooting to the wrong pocket in game 2, and this time, the Shores' Cheddar cashed in on the ball-in-hand to win the game and tie the series at 1. Nikolai's mistakes came back to haunt him in game 3 as well, as an early scratch allowed Cheddar to get the jump and complete the game, winning the series 2-1. Ranked #78 for 12-ball, Cheddar will travel to Pronger's Ford Forum to face the Tridents' Paps in the second round.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Rainmane v. Stripes. The silver cue stays up for 8-ball. Terrace City's Stripes used a four-ball run-out to put Web City's Rainmane in trouble in game 1, winning the game with smart shooting to take a 1-0 series lead in a tight game. Game 2 started with a frenetic pace, as Stripes of the Knights made five straight from the break, followed by a six-ball run by the Spiders' Rainmane, who eventually emerged the winner with a kick off the top rail to tap the 8 in at the bottom right, making it a 1-1 series. Rainmane completed the comeback with a solid game 3, just outlasting Stripes to take the series 2-1. Ranked #28 for 8-ball, Rainmane will play in the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Eastside: Chelsea v. Nikolai. The red cue is back in action, playing 9-ball. Eastside's Chelsea nearly lost it after illegal use of the cue, but Freedom's Nikolai had a narrow miss on the 8 at the top right, allowing Chelsea to make the last two balls and go up 1-0 in the series. The Sharks' Chelsea paid for a late scratch on her attempt at the 9, as the Cascades' Nikolai buried it from ball-in-hand to tie the series at 1. Nikolai had the worst luck at the end of game 3, popping his wrist on the failed masse shot that never turned, which then banked the 9 illegally to the top left, giving him a loss and Chelsea the 2-1 series win. Ranked #29 for 9-ball, Chelsea will host B. Chapman of the Victoria Spurs at this venue in the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Paps v. Noelle. The red cue remains at the table, playing Accuracy now. Pronger's Paps fell apart late in game 1, missing three straight shots as Central's Noelle forced the game into overtime and ended it at a 3-4 win for herself early on there, giving her a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Noelle played a perfect game 2, just barely besting the almost-perfect Paps of the Tridents in her 0-1 win, giving her the 2-0 series lead to clinch a spot in the next round. Game 3 was also a show of excellence for both players despite a challenging look early on, with Noelle again taking the win by a 1-2 score to sweep the series 3-0. Noelle is ranked #55 for Accuracy, and she'll play in the second round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Panda v. Cassandra. This rhyming series is for 8-ball with the silver cue. Southern's Panda started with a six-ball run from the break, and after a doldrums period, Diamond's Cassandra ran out all eight balls she needed for the win, using good positioning to take a 1-0 series lead on the impressive shooting display. The Gems' Cassandra blew it in game 2, trying to separate the 13 and 15, which resulted in the 15 sending the 8 illegally into the top right, gifting a win to the Monarchs' Panda to tie the series. Cassandra made up for it in game 3, although it took her numerous shots to get a look at the 8, nearly allowing Panda the chance to win before sinking the 8 and taking a 2-1 series win. Cassandra, ranked #67 for 8-ball, goes to the second round.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Sweetheart v. Bells. The game is still 8-ball, but the red cue is in play again. Boston's Sweetheart had a five-ball run among the many notable moments in game 1, using it to pressure Oceanside's Bells, which worked when she missed her last ball and Sweetheart made the 8 for a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Sweetheart used a five-ball run from the break and good defense to force the Waves' Bells to play risky, which again did not go well, allowing Sweetheart to clinch the series at 2-0. Sweetheart had fun with game 3, casually shooting but producing a highlight with a flying double-kiss on the 4 to pot it in the top right, and eventually she beat Bells anyway, sweeping the series 3-0. Sweetheart takes her #42 ranked 8-ball bid into the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Dominic v. Kirstin. The final series in the afternoon portion of the day is 7-ball with the blue cue. Atlantic's Dominic ended up putting defense on his own shot, leading to ball-in-hand for Southern's Kirstin, who sprung off of that with a three-ball run-out for a 1-0 series lead. The Monarch's Kirstin dominated in game 2, controlling possession and capitalizing on a scratch by the Pirates' Dominic to get a four-ball run-out and secure the series at 2-0. In game 3, Kirstin scored 6 of the 7 balls, but left the 7 short at the top right, giving Dominic a tap-in for a win, making it a 2-1 series. Ranked #57 for 7-ball, Kirstin advances to the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Amber v. Shadow. The beginning of the night games concludes a venue doubleheader, with the silver cue up for 12-ball yet again. In game 1, Atlantic's Amber received a gift from Web City's Shadow, whose missed contact led Amber to a four-ball run-out of mostly tap-ins at the corners for a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shadow managed to get the Pirates' Amber in a bad position in game 2, using that to his advantage on defense to earn ball-in-hand for his last shot, winning the game to tie the series at 1. Shadow looked in good shape for game 3, but two scratches derailed his entire game, and Amber was ready, making five of her six well-set-up shots, butchering the last one but managing to sink it in time to take the series 2-1. Ranked #26 for 12-ball, Amber will host Whiskers of the Infinity Torpedoes in this venue in the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Twinkie III v. Valencia. The blue cue is back in action for 10-ball. Golden's Valencia lost game 1 by missing the 10 toward the top side, ending her three-ball run and giving Whitewater's Twinkie III a simple enough shot on the 10 to the top left to take a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Valencia stepped her game up in game 2, running out the last six balls through great positioning and accurate cuts, tying the series at 1 with the Shores' Twinkie III, who could only watch what was happening. Twinkie III hit the highlight reel in game 3, threading the cue between the 4 and the 9, kicking it off the bottom rail, dodging the 6, and potting the 3 in the top left for the miracle shot. Twinkie III also took the game after Valencia missed a 9-10 combination to the top right, potting each individually to take the series 2-1. Ranked #38 for 10-ball, Twinkie III is through to the second round.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Stealth v. Niki. The red cue gets its evening time, playing 9-ball. Swordpoint's Stealth had no trouble in game 1, dominating possession and taking advantage of mistakes from Eastside's Niki, her last leading to his three-ball run-out to take a 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Stealth still had the better of the possession in game 2, but the result was different, as the Sharks' Niki got a look at the last two balls and converted, tying the series at 1 by taking a long shot on the 9 to the top left from close to the bottom right. Niki tried to play defense in game 3, but that's not the best strategy in 9-ball, falling as Stealth caromed the cue off the 6 and into the 9, which dropped at the bottom right to give him a 2-1 series win. Ranked #27 in 9-ball, Stealth hosts Lorde of the Commerce Tradewinds at this venue in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Cowzart. The silver cue is back for more 12-ball. My patience for the random number generator wanes as it appears to favor a few numbers more than others. Pearl's Cowzart got into position rather quickly, putting Central's Noelle in a tough spot, and she chose to defend but didn't succeed, narrowly letting Cowzart sink his final ball for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Warriors' Noelle answered in game 2 with a similar defensive play, but it worked this time, as the Surfers' Cowzart was too slow to get to the pockets they both needed, allowing Noelle to win and tie the series at 1. In game 3, both players remained cagey until the end, when an all-out sprint to the finish occurred, favoring Noelle when she deposited the 3 in the top side to take the series 2-1. Noelle, ranked #25 for 12-ball, hosts Misty of the Westside Rockers at this venue in the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Chicky Phil v. Sparkles. The red cue is back for 10-ball this time. Westside's Chicky Phil did all the work over three turns in game 1, destroying Todavía's Sparkles with an opening four-ball run and a six-ball run-out, both using strong cuts and positioning to be accomplished, with Chicky Phil earning a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Chicky Phil made the highlight reel with a jump over the 10 to knock the 9 into the top right. He botched his first attempt at the 10, but so did the Stills' Sparkles, and Chicky Phil made it the second time taking a 2-0 series lead. Sparkles got one back with a strong finishing shot in game 3, caroming the cue off the 4 to pot the 10 in the top right, making it a 2-1 series win for the #39 ranked 10-ball player, Chicky Phil, who is in the second round now.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Amber v. Americus. There's a lot of A's in this all-Pirates match of 9-ball with the red cue. Amber ended up taking the win despite her three-ball run ending on illegal use of the cue, as Americus couldn't convert on the 6-9 combination, which Amber did make to go up 1-0 in the series. Americus made a series of it with a confident finish to a sloppy game 2, banking the 9 off the top rail to the bottom side to tie the series at 1 after Amber stumbled a bit with inaccurate shooting. Americus ended up getting the benefit of a clean shot to end game 3 as well, winning the series 2-1. Ranked #78 for 9-ball, Americus heads to Pearl's Honda Driftwood Coliseum for a second round match with the Surfers captain Watermelon.
That's all for tonight. We'll have some holiday games tomorrow.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Bear v. Pounce. The blue cue leads us off with Rotation. Whitewater's Bear played much better than Oceanside's Pounce in game 1, dominating from the two balls he sank on the break until the very end of an 8-1 victory, taking a 1-0 series lead with a strong opener. The Waves' Pounce did a good job in game 2 of protecting his initial lead, only letting the Shores' Bear tie it once early on, before Pounce eventually pulling away for an 8-4 win to tie the series at 1. Pounce provided a full blitz in game 3, which connected in the form of a seven-ball run-out to win 8-1, taking the series 2-1 in the process. Ranked #55 in Rotation, Pounce rockets into the second round.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Stealth v. Leonette. The red cue gets its day going with 8-ball. Game 1 went mostly back-and-forth until Swordpoint's Stealth missed contact on the 14, allowing Pacific's Leonette to get ball-in-hand to set up her last two shots, taking a 1-0 series lead with the final push. The Blades' Stealth fought off a late rally from the Volcanoes' Leonette in game 2, using the kitchen shot from her scratch to give him the 8 in the top right, tying the series at 1 with the shot from distance. Leonette sealed up game 3 after nearly blowing a large lead from the start of the game, allowing Stealth to get within a ball of the 8 before potting it to take the series 2-1. Ranked #56 for 8-ball, Leonette is into the second round.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Stripes v. Crystal. The blue cue is back for a set of Accuracy. Terrace City's Stripes did a good job of plugging up shooting lanes for Queens' Crystal in game 1, allowing herself the time and space to make shots while leaving Crystal with nothing in a 1-4 win, putting Stripes up 1-0 in the series. The Flames' Crystal was undone in game 2 by a poorly-aimed shot that resulted in a scratch for her, allowing Stripes of the Knights to buckle down and take a 3-4 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Stripes played a pristine game 3, getting lucky at times and letting her skill reign for the rest in winning 0-2 to sweep the series 3-0. Stripes is ranked #29 for Accuracy and heading to the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Twinkie I v. Lionel. The red cue returns for 10-ball. Twinkie I of Lighton only got the break shot, as Commerce's Lionel went on a ten-ball run-out from there, sinking everything in perfect order with pinpoint accuracy to take a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Lionel kept up the suffocating attack in game 2, as the Prestige's Twinkie I got very few shots in, and Lionel closed with excellent positioning on his four-ball run-out, potting the 10 to the top right from distance as the shot that clinched the series at 2-0. Twinkie I stepped up much more in game 3, working a five-ball run that ended on a scratch after potting the 9, giving Lionel ball-in-hand on the 10, which he converted to sweep the series 3-0. Lionel is ranked #46 for 10-ball, heading to the second round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Ice Cream v. Spirit. The two teams involved in the previous series have another match at the other venue, using the silver cue for 12-ball. Lighton's Spirit proved a bit quicker on the draw in game 1 than did Commerce's Ice Cream, scoring a three-ball run-out including an impeccable kick of the 1 from the bottom rail to the top right to take a 1-0 series lead. The kick, a highlight-worthy shot, was set with just the right angle, pace, and trajectory. The Tradewinds' Ice Cream fought back with a strong defensive effort in game 2, and the Prestige's Spirit tried counter-defense late in the game, but it narrowly failed when Ice Cream cut the 7 to the top left to tie the series at 1. Spirit thought she was out of it when she scratched while sinking the 15, but she bounced back with a sharp three-ball run-out a couple of turns later, taking game 3 and a 2-1 series win. Spirit, ranked #76 for 12-ball, will play her Prestige teammate Lydia in Lighton's Pepsi Arena in the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Cheddar. It's a second straight set of 12-ball with the silver cue. Nikolai of Freedom had game 1 pretty easily despite an early scratch from the rookie, eventually winning on a kick of the 3 off the right rail to bounce it in the top side, holding off Whitewater's Cheddar for a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Nikolai made another error, shooting to the wrong pocket in game 2, and this time, the Shores' Cheddar cashed in on the ball-in-hand to win the game and tie the series at 1. Nikolai's mistakes came back to haunt him in game 3 as well, as an early scratch allowed Cheddar to get the jump and complete the game, winning the series 2-1. Ranked #78 for 12-ball, Cheddar will travel to Pronger's Ford Forum to face the Tridents' Paps in the second round.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Rainmane v. Stripes. The silver cue stays up for 8-ball. Terrace City's Stripes used a four-ball run-out to put Web City's Rainmane in trouble in game 1, winning the game with smart shooting to take a 1-0 series lead in a tight game. Game 2 started with a frenetic pace, as Stripes of the Knights made five straight from the break, followed by a six-ball run by the Spiders' Rainmane, who eventually emerged the winner with a kick off the top rail to tap the 8 in at the bottom right, making it a 1-1 series. Rainmane completed the comeback with a solid game 3, just outlasting Stripes to take the series 2-1. Ranked #28 for 8-ball, Rainmane will play in the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Eastside: Chelsea v. Nikolai. The red cue is back in action, playing 9-ball. Eastside's Chelsea nearly lost it after illegal use of the cue, but Freedom's Nikolai had a narrow miss on the 8 at the top right, allowing Chelsea to make the last two balls and go up 1-0 in the series. The Sharks' Chelsea paid for a late scratch on her attempt at the 9, as the Cascades' Nikolai buried it from ball-in-hand to tie the series at 1. Nikolai had the worst luck at the end of game 3, popping his wrist on the failed masse shot that never turned, which then banked the 9 illegally to the top left, giving him a loss and Chelsea the 2-1 series win. Ranked #29 for 9-ball, Chelsea will host B. Chapman of the Victoria Spurs at this venue in the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Paps v. Noelle. The red cue remains at the table, playing Accuracy now. Pronger's Paps fell apart late in game 1, missing three straight shots as Central's Noelle forced the game into overtime and ended it at a 3-4 win for herself early on there, giving her a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Noelle played a perfect game 2, just barely besting the almost-perfect Paps of the Tridents in her 0-1 win, giving her the 2-0 series lead to clinch a spot in the next round. Game 3 was also a show of excellence for both players despite a challenging look early on, with Noelle again taking the win by a 1-2 score to sweep the series 3-0. Noelle is ranked #55 for Accuracy, and she'll play in the second round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Panda v. Cassandra. This rhyming series is for 8-ball with the silver cue. Southern's Panda started with a six-ball run from the break, and after a doldrums period, Diamond's Cassandra ran out all eight balls she needed for the win, using good positioning to take a 1-0 series lead on the impressive shooting display. The Gems' Cassandra blew it in game 2, trying to separate the 13 and 15, which resulted in the 15 sending the 8 illegally into the top right, gifting a win to the Monarchs' Panda to tie the series. Cassandra made up for it in game 3, although it took her numerous shots to get a look at the 8, nearly allowing Panda the chance to win before sinking the 8 and taking a 2-1 series win. Cassandra, ranked #67 for 8-ball, goes to the second round.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Sweetheart v. Bells. The game is still 8-ball, but the red cue is in play again. Boston's Sweetheart had a five-ball run among the many notable moments in game 1, using it to pressure Oceanside's Bells, which worked when she missed her last ball and Sweetheart made the 8 for a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Sweetheart used a five-ball run from the break and good defense to force the Waves' Bells to play risky, which again did not go well, allowing Sweetheart to clinch the series at 2-0. Sweetheart had fun with game 3, casually shooting but producing a highlight with a flying double-kiss on the 4 to pot it in the top right, and eventually she beat Bells anyway, sweeping the series 3-0. Sweetheart takes her #42 ranked 8-ball bid into the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Dominic v. Kirstin. The final series in the afternoon portion of the day is 7-ball with the blue cue. Atlantic's Dominic ended up putting defense on his own shot, leading to ball-in-hand for Southern's Kirstin, who sprung off of that with a three-ball run-out for a 1-0 series lead. The Monarch's Kirstin dominated in game 2, controlling possession and capitalizing on a scratch by the Pirates' Dominic to get a four-ball run-out and secure the series at 2-0. In game 3, Kirstin scored 6 of the 7 balls, but left the 7 short at the top right, giving Dominic a tap-in for a win, making it a 2-1 series. Ranked #57 for 7-ball, Kirstin advances to the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Amber v. Shadow. The beginning of the night games concludes a venue doubleheader, with the silver cue up for 12-ball yet again. In game 1, Atlantic's Amber received a gift from Web City's Shadow, whose missed contact led Amber to a four-ball run-out of mostly tap-ins at the corners for a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shadow managed to get the Pirates' Amber in a bad position in game 2, using that to his advantage on defense to earn ball-in-hand for his last shot, winning the game to tie the series at 1. Shadow looked in good shape for game 3, but two scratches derailed his entire game, and Amber was ready, making five of her six well-set-up shots, butchering the last one but managing to sink it in time to take the series 2-1. Ranked #26 for 12-ball, Amber will host Whiskers of the Infinity Torpedoes in this venue in the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Twinkie III v. Valencia. The blue cue is back in action for 10-ball. Golden's Valencia lost game 1 by missing the 10 toward the top side, ending her three-ball run and giving Whitewater's Twinkie III a simple enough shot on the 10 to the top left to take a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Valencia stepped her game up in game 2, running out the last six balls through great positioning and accurate cuts, tying the series at 1 with the Shores' Twinkie III, who could only watch what was happening. Twinkie III hit the highlight reel in game 3, threading the cue between the 4 and the 9, kicking it off the bottom rail, dodging the 6, and potting the 3 in the top left for the miracle shot. Twinkie III also took the game after Valencia missed a 9-10 combination to the top right, potting each individually to take the series 2-1. Ranked #38 for 10-ball, Twinkie III is through to the second round.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Stealth v. Niki. The red cue gets its evening time, playing 9-ball. Swordpoint's Stealth had no trouble in game 1, dominating possession and taking advantage of mistakes from Eastside's Niki, her last leading to his three-ball run-out to take a 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Stealth still had the better of the possession in game 2, but the result was different, as the Sharks' Niki got a look at the last two balls and converted, tying the series at 1 by taking a long shot on the 9 to the top left from close to the bottom right. Niki tried to play defense in game 3, but that's not the best strategy in 9-ball, falling as Stealth caromed the cue off the 6 and into the 9, which dropped at the bottom right to give him a 2-1 series win. Ranked #27 in 9-ball, Stealth hosts Lorde of the Commerce Tradewinds at this venue in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Cowzart. The silver cue is back for more 12-ball. My patience for the random number generator wanes as it appears to favor a few numbers more than others. Pearl's Cowzart got into position rather quickly, putting Central's Noelle in a tough spot, and she chose to defend but didn't succeed, narrowly letting Cowzart sink his final ball for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Warriors' Noelle answered in game 2 with a similar defensive play, but it worked this time, as the Surfers' Cowzart was too slow to get to the pockets they both needed, allowing Noelle to win and tie the series at 1. In game 3, both players remained cagey until the end, when an all-out sprint to the finish occurred, favoring Noelle when she deposited the 3 in the top side to take the series 2-1. Noelle, ranked #25 for 12-ball, hosts Misty of the Westside Rockers at this venue in the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Chicky Phil v. Sparkles. The red cue is back for 10-ball this time. Westside's Chicky Phil did all the work over three turns in game 1, destroying Todavía's Sparkles with an opening four-ball run and a six-ball run-out, both using strong cuts and positioning to be accomplished, with Chicky Phil earning a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Chicky Phil made the highlight reel with a jump over the 10 to knock the 9 into the top right. He botched his first attempt at the 10, but so did the Stills' Sparkles, and Chicky Phil made it the second time taking a 2-0 series lead. Sparkles got one back with a strong finishing shot in game 3, caroming the cue off the 4 to pot the 10 in the top right, making it a 2-1 series win for the #39 ranked 10-ball player, Chicky Phil, who is in the second round now.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Amber v. Americus. There's a lot of A's in this all-Pirates match of 9-ball with the red cue. Amber ended up taking the win despite her three-ball run ending on illegal use of the cue, as Americus couldn't convert on the 6-9 combination, which Amber did make to go up 1-0 in the series. Americus made a series of it with a confident finish to a sloppy game 2, banking the 9 off the top rail to the bottom side to tie the series at 1 after Amber stumbled a bit with inaccurate shooting. Americus ended up getting the benefit of a clean shot to end game 3 as well, winning the series 2-1. Ranked #78 for 9-ball, Americus heads to Pearl's Honda Driftwood Coliseum for a second round match with the Surfers captain Watermelon.
That's all for tonight. We'll have some holiday games tomorrow.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Pool: 2016 A-level First Round - Day 5
We're back with another set of games today, beginning with...
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Lydia v. Shawn. The first series of the day is Rotation with the red cue. Things started mostly sloppy in game 1, but Lighton's Lydia came on strong late with a five-ball run-out to win 8-2, dazzling with the right mix of accuracy and substantial hubris to make difficult shots for the 1-0 series lead. Swordpoint's Shawn made up for it with an 8-2 win in game 2, including a triple-kiss of the 2 off the 1 to the top left, a glancing shot off the 5 to score the 12 in the bottom right, and a finishing move of the 6 banked off the right rail to the bottom side, all helping to equalize the series at 1 game apiece. Lydia of the Prestige held off a late three-ball run by the Blades' Shawn, tapping in the 13 he left short at the top left to win 8-5 in the game and 2-1 in the series. Lydia is going to the second round of Rotation, ranked #36 in the event.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Bright v. Lionel. The red cue remains at the table for a series of Accuracy in another Southwest town. Commerce's Lionel overcame a weak start to pin Tysini's Bright with bad shots late in game 1, which worked to give the visitor a 3-4 win and a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw the festivities stretch into overtime after a tight game, and a few shots after the Tradewinds' Lionel deposited four on the overtime break, the Hummingbirds' Bright made a narrow miss on an attempt to the bottom left, losing 2-3 to secure a 2-0 series lead for Lionel. Bright salvaged game 3, shooting extremely well to win 1-3 and make it a 2-1 series win for Lionel. Ranked #52 for Accuracy, Lionel goes to the second round.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Diddley v. Goatee. The blue cue comes on to play 10-ball now. Maplewood's Diddley had the better of possession in game 1 than did Westside's Goatee, using his slight edge to pull together a three-ball run-out made of good cut shots to take a 1-0 lead in the series. The Rockers' Goatee looked set to equalize in game 2, but her six-ball run came to an end on a scratch after sinking the 9, giving the Lumberjacks' Diddley ball-in-hand on the 10, which he buried to clinch the series at 2-0. Diddley didn't hold back in game 3, going on a seven-ball run early and then making the last two from ball-in-hand as Goatee scratched on her successful shot. Diddley is ranked #40 for 10-ball and he'll play in the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Zach. The blue cue is still going for Rotation in this series. Viewpoint Sound's Zach used a hot start in game 1 to stave off a bold late attack from Lighton's Spirit, eventually closing with an 8-4 win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Spirit answered with a bounce-back game 2, scoring a double-pot of the 6 to the bottom right and the 7 to the top right early on and a 10-12 combination to take the game 8-3 at the end, tying the series with the Meteors' Zach at 1. Spirit kept her hopes high in a sloppy game 3, in which she pieced together a four-ball run-out to come from behind and win 8-6, taking the series 2-1 in the process. Spirit, ranked #35 for Rotation, heads to the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Paps v. B. Chapman. The red cue is up for 9-ball once again on a fast-moving bracket. Victoria's Chapman took a 1-0 series lead with a bit of a sloppy win in game 1, as both herself and Pronger's Paps had iffy shooting moments, none bigger than a scratch by Paps that gave Chapman the ball-in-hand to shoot the 9 for the win. The Spurs' Chapman used a three-ball run-out to answer the Tridents' Paps scoring a three-ball run just before it, with Chapman clinching the series at 2-0 with another win. In game 3, neither player look all that thrilled to be playing, but Chapman did work a 2-3-9 combination to the top right to seal a 3-0 sweep, sending her #69 ranked 9-ball bid to the second round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Kelly v. Ruby. The blue cue is back for 15-ball this time around. Around the middle of game 1, Viewpoint Sound's Kelly unleashed a seven-ball run, looking primed to take the game until missing the 13, which allowed Archtown's Ruby to pot the last two balls and take a 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Kelly timed her play better in game 2, running out the last three balls after a thundering back and forth affair with the Arrows' Ruby, tying the series at 1 in the competitive game. Game 3 appeared to be up for grabs until Ruby glanced the cue off the 10, which fell in the bottom right and sent the cue hurtling toward the 15, which dropped in the top right to give her the win and a 2-1 series win. Ranked #71 for 15-ball, Ruby is through to the second round.
Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Leonardo. A pair of Stills teammates battle in this intrateam series with the blue cue used for 7-ball. Leonardo flubbed a simple shot on the 6 to the top side in game 1, paving the way for Easter to take the last two shots and a 1-0 series lead. Leonardo avoided a similar mistake in game 2, working up for a three-ball run-out to keep Easter away from the table and tying the series at 1 with a confident win. Leonardo capitalized on a bit of lazy shooting from Easter in game 3, taking what she gave away to turn in a win and a 2-1 series victory. Ranked #51 for 7-ball, Leonardo will play in the second round.
Ebay Center, Queens: Paige v. Nightfur. Players from teams with a deep rivalry battle in 12-ball with the blue cue. Royal's Nightfur didn't need a lot of time to win game 1, using a pair of three-ball runs to seal up the game, going ahead of Queens' Paige 1-0 in the series. The Flames' Paige used a bit of defense to hold off the Crowns' Nightfur, who didn't help her own cause by scratching three times in the game, allowing Paige to easily tie the series at 1. Nightfur went back to the blueprint of game 1 to win game 3, winning on two three-ball runs after getting good positioning, giving Nightfur the 2-1 series win. Ranked #33 for 12-ball, Nightfur is into the second round.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Dusky. The red cue is back in action for 8-ball. Archtown's Dusky had a lot of help from a terribly unlucky Chris of Capital City, who got her first run going unofficially, as she took the next five easily. Dusky faded a bit late, but held on for a 1-0 series lead with the win. The Sharpshooters' Chris nearly botched it in game 2, missing the 8 after a four-ball run, but he buried the second chance after the Arrows' Dusky missed it from distance, tying the series at 1. Chris had a four-ball run answered by Dusky's five-ball run in game 3, but the frenetic pace dipped, and Dusky's second swing at 8 connected, giving her the game and a 2-1 series win. Dusky takes her #51 ranked 8-ball bid goes to the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Gizmo v. Sally. The red cue stays up for 10-ball in the Northeast. Central's Gizmo made the most of his shot at the 10 after a miss from Archtown's Sally, burying it to the bottom left to take a 1-0 series lead after a mediocre game. The Warriors' Gizmo made a similar shot to win game 2 and clinch the series at 2-0, but only after the Arrows' Sally left it short on an attempt at the bottom side that she shot wide to end a strong four-ball run. Gizmo had a four-ball run ceased by a scratch, allowing Sally to tap in the last two shots from ball-in-hand, making it a 2-1 series win for Gizmo. The #44 ranked 10-ball player Gizmo is through to the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Lydia. There's a second series for a venue-based doubleheader, with the red cue staying on for 7-ball. Central's Twilight used excellent positioning work to top Lighton's Lydia, who had a three-ball run come to a heartbreaking end just before Twilight won it to go up 1-0 in the series. The Warriors' Twilight settled a back-and-forth game with a no-nonsense bank of the 7, which came from being pinned on the left rail to the bottom right on a perfect shot, giving Twilight a 2-0 series lead over the Prestige's Lydia. In game 3, Lydia had a five-ball run-out to avoid the sweep, but Twilight took the series 2-1 despite the mishap in the final game. Ranked #52 for 7-ball, Twilight is into the second round.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Puff I v. Bright. The silver cue makes its first appearance of the day in the last afternoon series, playing 9-ball up north. Puff I of Modernistic took a better approach to game 1, but still needed Tysini's Bright to narrowly miss the 9 at the top right to get the tap-in for a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Puff I got lucky again in game 2, as the Hummingbirds' Bright ended a three-ball run when the 9 redirected the cue into the bottom side for a scratch, giving Puff I a free shot on the 9 from ball-in-hand, converted to make it 2-0 in the series. Bright answered in game 3, getting a sloppy win on his third attempt at the 9, coming after Puff I left it short at the top left. Puff I took the series 2-1, and her #48 ranked 9-ball bid goes to the second round.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Shiny v. Stinky. The silver cue stays up to lead off the evening, as 10-ball is the game. Shiny of Web City managed to hold off a bold final attack from Freedom's Stinky, derailed only by leaving the 10 short at the top right to allow Shiny to tap in for a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shiny had good positioning late in game 2, a necessary skill after the Cascades' Stinky had a narrow miss to end a four-ball run, with Shiny holding on to get the win and go up 2-0 in the series. Shiny completed the sweep with a game 3 win, coming after another four-ball run by Stinky left Shiny with an 8-10 combination to the top right to seal the 3-0 result. Shiny, ranked #33 for 10-ball, goes to the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Eastside: Graham v. Dani. The silver cue continues with this set of Rotation. Eastside's Graham had a slight edge in game 1, holding Capital City's Dani back a bit throughout until he could get a three-ball run-out to seal an 8-4 win, giving him a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Dani had a better game in game 2, keeping the Sharks' Graham at bay well, using a three-ball run-out keyed by a bank of the 10 off the left rail to the top side to earn an 8-5 win, tying the series at 1. Dani pulled the same trick in game 3, putting Graham on the ropes, and letting his own illegal contact set up her final shot for another 8-5 win to claim the series at 2-1. Dani, ranked #58 for Rotation, will go to the second round.
Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Ruby. The game is still Rotation, but the blue cue is called on for play time. Ruby came out on top in a poor game 1, winning 8-4 mostly thanks to Todavía's Easter scratching to erase two balls on the break and many more throughout the course of the game, giving Ruby a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Ruby had a highlight in game 2, banking the 6 to the bottom right off the top rail, while the deflection off the 6 sent the 8 into the same pocket just before the 6 fell. Ruby's luck mostly ended with that shot, as the Stills' Easter held her off for an 8-6 win to tie the series at 1. Ruby just didn't have anything left for game 3, allowing Easter to build up a big lead and eventually win at 8-4 after a messy ending. Ranked #28 for Rotation, Easter is through to the second round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Lionel v. Dustin. The blue cue continues on with a series of 7-ball. Dustin of Central mopped up at the end of game 1, scoring the 7 on his second chance after the end of a six-ball run from Commerce's Lionel, giving Dustin the 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Dustin earned his game 2 win, holding a majority of possession with a three-ball run early that paced his attack, allowing him to finish well and beat the Tradewinds' Lionel for a 2-0 series lead. Lionel had a good look in game 3, but wasted it, allowing Dustin to finish off another game to complete his 3-0 sweep. Dustin, ranked #55 for 7-ball, goes through to the second round.
We'll have more pool action tomorrow.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Lydia v. Shawn. The first series of the day is Rotation with the red cue. Things started mostly sloppy in game 1, but Lighton's Lydia came on strong late with a five-ball run-out to win 8-2, dazzling with the right mix of accuracy and substantial hubris to make difficult shots for the 1-0 series lead. Swordpoint's Shawn made up for it with an 8-2 win in game 2, including a triple-kiss of the 2 off the 1 to the top left, a glancing shot off the 5 to score the 12 in the bottom right, and a finishing move of the 6 banked off the right rail to the bottom side, all helping to equalize the series at 1 game apiece. Lydia of the Prestige held off a late three-ball run by the Blades' Shawn, tapping in the 13 he left short at the top left to win 8-5 in the game and 2-1 in the series. Lydia is going to the second round of Rotation, ranked #36 in the event.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Bright v. Lionel. The red cue remains at the table for a series of Accuracy in another Southwest town. Commerce's Lionel overcame a weak start to pin Tysini's Bright with bad shots late in game 1, which worked to give the visitor a 3-4 win and a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw the festivities stretch into overtime after a tight game, and a few shots after the Tradewinds' Lionel deposited four on the overtime break, the Hummingbirds' Bright made a narrow miss on an attempt to the bottom left, losing 2-3 to secure a 2-0 series lead for Lionel. Bright salvaged game 3, shooting extremely well to win 1-3 and make it a 2-1 series win for Lionel. Ranked #52 for Accuracy, Lionel goes to the second round.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Diddley v. Goatee. The blue cue comes on to play 10-ball now. Maplewood's Diddley had the better of possession in game 1 than did Westside's Goatee, using his slight edge to pull together a three-ball run-out made of good cut shots to take a 1-0 lead in the series. The Rockers' Goatee looked set to equalize in game 2, but her six-ball run came to an end on a scratch after sinking the 9, giving the Lumberjacks' Diddley ball-in-hand on the 10, which he buried to clinch the series at 2-0. Diddley didn't hold back in game 3, going on a seven-ball run early and then making the last two from ball-in-hand as Goatee scratched on her successful shot. Diddley is ranked #40 for 10-ball and he'll play in the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Zach. The blue cue is still going for Rotation in this series. Viewpoint Sound's Zach used a hot start in game 1 to stave off a bold late attack from Lighton's Spirit, eventually closing with an 8-4 win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Spirit answered with a bounce-back game 2, scoring a double-pot of the 6 to the bottom right and the 7 to the top right early on and a 10-12 combination to take the game 8-3 at the end, tying the series with the Meteors' Zach at 1. Spirit kept her hopes high in a sloppy game 3, in which she pieced together a four-ball run-out to come from behind and win 8-6, taking the series 2-1 in the process. Spirit, ranked #35 for Rotation, heads to the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Paps v. B. Chapman. The red cue is up for 9-ball once again on a fast-moving bracket. Victoria's Chapman took a 1-0 series lead with a bit of a sloppy win in game 1, as both herself and Pronger's Paps had iffy shooting moments, none bigger than a scratch by Paps that gave Chapman the ball-in-hand to shoot the 9 for the win. The Spurs' Chapman used a three-ball run-out to answer the Tridents' Paps scoring a three-ball run just before it, with Chapman clinching the series at 2-0 with another win. In game 3, neither player look all that thrilled to be playing, but Chapman did work a 2-3-9 combination to the top right to seal a 3-0 sweep, sending her #69 ranked 9-ball bid to the second round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Kelly v. Ruby. The blue cue is back for 15-ball this time around. Around the middle of game 1, Viewpoint Sound's Kelly unleashed a seven-ball run, looking primed to take the game until missing the 13, which allowed Archtown's Ruby to pot the last two balls and take a 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Kelly timed her play better in game 2, running out the last three balls after a thundering back and forth affair with the Arrows' Ruby, tying the series at 1 in the competitive game. Game 3 appeared to be up for grabs until Ruby glanced the cue off the 10, which fell in the bottom right and sent the cue hurtling toward the 15, which dropped in the top right to give her the win and a 2-1 series win. Ranked #71 for 15-ball, Ruby is through to the second round.
Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Leonardo. A pair of Stills teammates battle in this intrateam series with the blue cue used for 7-ball. Leonardo flubbed a simple shot on the 6 to the top side in game 1, paving the way for Easter to take the last two shots and a 1-0 series lead. Leonardo avoided a similar mistake in game 2, working up for a three-ball run-out to keep Easter away from the table and tying the series at 1 with a confident win. Leonardo capitalized on a bit of lazy shooting from Easter in game 3, taking what she gave away to turn in a win and a 2-1 series victory. Ranked #51 for 7-ball, Leonardo will play in the second round.
Ebay Center, Queens: Paige v. Nightfur. Players from teams with a deep rivalry battle in 12-ball with the blue cue. Royal's Nightfur didn't need a lot of time to win game 1, using a pair of three-ball runs to seal up the game, going ahead of Queens' Paige 1-0 in the series. The Flames' Paige used a bit of defense to hold off the Crowns' Nightfur, who didn't help her own cause by scratching three times in the game, allowing Paige to easily tie the series at 1. Nightfur went back to the blueprint of game 1 to win game 3, winning on two three-ball runs after getting good positioning, giving Nightfur the 2-1 series win. Ranked #33 for 12-ball, Nightfur is into the second round.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Dusky. The red cue is back in action for 8-ball. Archtown's Dusky had a lot of help from a terribly unlucky Chris of Capital City, who got her first run going unofficially, as she took the next five easily. Dusky faded a bit late, but held on for a 1-0 series lead with the win. The Sharpshooters' Chris nearly botched it in game 2, missing the 8 after a four-ball run, but he buried the second chance after the Arrows' Dusky missed it from distance, tying the series at 1. Chris had a four-ball run answered by Dusky's five-ball run in game 3, but the frenetic pace dipped, and Dusky's second swing at 8 connected, giving her the game and a 2-1 series win. Dusky takes her #51 ranked 8-ball bid goes to the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Gizmo v. Sally. The red cue stays up for 10-ball in the Northeast. Central's Gizmo made the most of his shot at the 10 after a miss from Archtown's Sally, burying it to the bottom left to take a 1-0 series lead after a mediocre game. The Warriors' Gizmo made a similar shot to win game 2 and clinch the series at 2-0, but only after the Arrows' Sally left it short on an attempt at the bottom side that she shot wide to end a strong four-ball run. Gizmo had a four-ball run ceased by a scratch, allowing Sally to tap in the last two shots from ball-in-hand, making it a 2-1 series win for Gizmo. The #44 ranked 10-ball player Gizmo is through to the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Lydia. There's a second series for a venue-based doubleheader, with the red cue staying on for 7-ball. Central's Twilight used excellent positioning work to top Lighton's Lydia, who had a three-ball run come to a heartbreaking end just before Twilight won it to go up 1-0 in the series. The Warriors' Twilight settled a back-and-forth game with a no-nonsense bank of the 7, which came from being pinned on the left rail to the bottom right on a perfect shot, giving Twilight a 2-0 series lead over the Prestige's Lydia. In game 3, Lydia had a five-ball run-out to avoid the sweep, but Twilight took the series 2-1 despite the mishap in the final game. Ranked #52 for 7-ball, Twilight is into the second round.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Puff I v. Bright. The silver cue makes its first appearance of the day in the last afternoon series, playing 9-ball up north. Puff I of Modernistic took a better approach to game 1, but still needed Tysini's Bright to narrowly miss the 9 at the top right to get the tap-in for a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Puff I got lucky again in game 2, as the Hummingbirds' Bright ended a three-ball run when the 9 redirected the cue into the bottom side for a scratch, giving Puff I a free shot on the 9 from ball-in-hand, converted to make it 2-0 in the series. Bright answered in game 3, getting a sloppy win on his third attempt at the 9, coming after Puff I left it short at the top left. Puff I took the series 2-1, and her #48 ranked 9-ball bid goes to the second round.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Shiny v. Stinky. The silver cue stays up to lead off the evening, as 10-ball is the game. Shiny of Web City managed to hold off a bold final attack from Freedom's Stinky, derailed only by leaving the 10 short at the top right to allow Shiny to tap in for a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shiny had good positioning late in game 2, a necessary skill after the Cascades' Stinky had a narrow miss to end a four-ball run, with Shiny holding on to get the win and go up 2-0 in the series. Shiny completed the sweep with a game 3 win, coming after another four-ball run by Stinky left Shiny with an 8-10 combination to the top right to seal the 3-0 result. Shiny, ranked #33 for 10-ball, goes to the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Eastside: Graham v. Dani. The silver cue continues with this set of Rotation. Eastside's Graham had a slight edge in game 1, holding Capital City's Dani back a bit throughout until he could get a three-ball run-out to seal an 8-4 win, giving him a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Dani had a better game in game 2, keeping the Sharks' Graham at bay well, using a three-ball run-out keyed by a bank of the 10 off the left rail to the top side to earn an 8-5 win, tying the series at 1. Dani pulled the same trick in game 3, putting Graham on the ropes, and letting his own illegal contact set up her final shot for another 8-5 win to claim the series at 2-1. Dani, ranked #58 for Rotation, will go to the second round.
Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Ruby. The game is still Rotation, but the blue cue is called on for play time. Ruby came out on top in a poor game 1, winning 8-4 mostly thanks to Todavía's Easter scratching to erase two balls on the break and many more throughout the course of the game, giving Ruby a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Ruby had a highlight in game 2, banking the 6 to the bottom right off the top rail, while the deflection off the 6 sent the 8 into the same pocket just before the 6 fell. Ruby's luck mostly ended with that shot, as the Stills' Easter held her off for an 8-6 win to tie the series at 1. Ruby just didn't have anything left for game 3, allowing Easter to build up a big lead and eventually win at 8-4 after a messy ending. Ranked #28 for Rotation, Easter is through to the second round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Lionel v. Dustin. The blue cue continues on with a series of 7-ball. Dustin of Central mopped up at the end of game 1, scoring the 7 on his second chance after the end of a six-ball run from Commerce's Lionel, giving Dustin the 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Dustin earned his game 2 win, holding a majority of possession with a three-ball run early that paced his attack, allowing him to finish well and beat the Tradewinds' Lionel for a 2-0 series lead. Lionel had a good look in game 3, but wasted it, allowing Dustin to finish off another game to complete his 3-0 sweep. Dustin, ranked #55 for 7-ball, goes through to the second round.
We'll have more pool action tomorrow.
Monday, November 23, 2015
Pool: 2016 A-level First Round - Day 4
More pool action is on the schedule for today. We begin at...
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Brownie v. Ruby. The first series of the day has the silver cue up for 10-ball. Archtown's Ruby received a gift in a tight game 1, winning from ball-in-hand after a crisp cut by Harrison's Brownie ran the cue ball on the ricochet into the top left for a scratch, giving Ruby an easy shot for the 1-0 advantage in the series. In game 2, the Specters' Brownie came out on top in a very back-and-forth affair, taking advantage of poor positioning from the Arrows' Ruby to even the series at 1-1. Brownie carried the momentum into game 3, especially playing well late in the game to seal a 2-1 series win over Ruby, who just didn't have the sharp accuracy needed. Ranked #43 for 10-ball, Brownie is into the second round.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Ms. Kitty. The red cue is up now for 9-ball. Oreo of Terrace City handled tight spaces better than Pacific's Ms. Kitty, working through a cluster along the right rail before emerging to convert a 4-9 combination to the bottom right for a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty sealed her own fate with a botched jump attempt in game 2, accidentally striking the 9 into the bottom right illegally for a loss that gave the Knights' Oreo an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the series. Ms. Kitty did get a game back, winning in game 3 after Oreo botched a tap-in of the 8, allowing Ms. Kitty the last two balls to make a 2-1 final. Ranked #34 in 9-ball, Oreo is in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Gizmo v. Misty. The silver cue is back for 12-ball. Westside's Misty controlled the pace early, staving off a comeback attempt by Central's Gizmo that ended with him illegally potting his final ball, allowing Misty to use good positioning to get the last two of her own set for a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Gizmo used extensive set up shots to gain an edge in game 2, and it worked as the Rockers' Misty let her defense go early, setting Gizmo up for a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Gizmo erred in giving Misty a wild card ball, which aided her two turns later when she ran out four balls to seal a 2-1 series win after setting things up cleanly. Misty is ranked #68 and headed to the second round for 12-ball.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Gabe v. Dustin. The silver cue keeps going with some Rotation down in the Southwest. Game 1 was even pretty early on, but Central's Dustin had a slightly better finish, pulling away to win 8-5 over Infinity's Gabe, taking a 1-0 series lead with the victory. The Warriors' Dustin kept the good feelings going with his 8-1 win in game 2, topping the Torpedoes' Gabe with a four-ball run-out highlighted by a subtle deflection off the 6 to pot the 12 in the bottom right, which made it 6-1 at the time. Dustin clinched at a 2-0 lead in the series. Gabe made an impressive six-ball run-out, including a double-pot of the 5 and the 12 at the bottom right to get it going, winning the game 8-2, but losing 2-1 in the series to Dustin. Ranked #45 for Rotation, Dustin advances to the second round.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Jack v. Fluffina. The game is still Rotation, but the red cue gets the appearance here. Maplewood's Fluffina couldn't overcome losing two balls to her first of three scratches, while Pacific's Jack also scratched once but had much more success in winning 8-4 in game 1 to take a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Fluffina had a highlight early in game 2, using masse to swerve the cue into the 2, which found the bottom side as part of a three-ball run. The Volcanoes' Jack later had a four-ball run to tie it at 4, but Fluffina finished with an 8-4 win to tie the series at 1. Fluffina staked out a large lead with a six-ball run in game 3, including her double-pot of the 6 to the bottom right and the 15 to the bottom side after blasting away with the 3 in a cluster, pacing her to an 8-1 win and a 2-1 series win. Fluffina takes her #72 ranked Rotation bid to the second round with a decisive victory.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Bells v. Strawberry. The silver cue returns to action for more 10-ball. Pronger's Strawberry went to the textbook for theft, stealing game 1 by potting the 10 after a short miss by Oceanside's Bells at the bottom left after the latter's nine-ball run came to an end, giving the former a 1-0 lead in the series. Strawberry of the Tridents earned her game 2 win, using a carom off the 2 to sink the 5 in the bottom right, while the 2 banked the 10 off the top rail and into the same pocket for a legal game-winning double-pot to seal the series at 2-0 over the Waves' Bells. Strawberry finished strong, winning game 3 with a three-ball run-out following her previous three-ball run, which made it a 3-0 sweep. Strawberry is looking good in 10-ball, advancing her #66 ranked bid to the second round.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Paige. The red cue is up for 7-ball as the action stays in the Coastal region. Pacific's Ms. Kitty came out on top in a very mixed first game, getting the final clean shot after Queens' Paige left it short at the top right to take a 1-0 series lead. Ms. Kitty of the Volcanoes clinched the series in game 2, using a carom off the 1 to sink the 7 in the top left after the Flames' Paige left the opportunity open, making it a 2-0 series. Paige played a bit too soft in a sloppier game 3, allowing Ms. Kitty to work around her and get another win, sealing her sweep at 3-0. Ms. Kitty takes her #61 ranked 7-ball campaign to the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Twinkie I v. Shaggy. The blue cue gets its first appearance of the day in Accuracy. Game 1 went well, as both players were sharp and a little better than average, although a late miss by Lighton's Twinkie I allowed Southridge's Shaggy to force overtime, where Twinkie I came up with two shots, winning 2-3 for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Prestige's Twinkie I proved even stronger in game 2, missing just once while the Defenders' Shaggy had a rougher go of things, giving Twinkie I a 2-0 lead in the series, which will be enough to advance on the 1-2 win. Shaggy finally got one in game 3 as Twinkie I had a few unlucky shots, dropping the game 1-3 but taking the series 2-1. Ranked #29 for Accuracy, Twinkie I is through to the second round.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Whiskers v. Dustin: The silver cue comes back for more 12-ball. Infinity's Whiskers took advantage of the wild card ball surrendered by Central's Dustin, using it as leverage to keep Dustin out of position as she worked to get her final two balls down, which she did to go up 1-0 in the series. The Torpedoes' Whiskers gave away a wild card ball early, but Dustin of the Warriors scratched, negating the advantage. The game then favored Whiskers, who was just a bit sharper in shooting, which helped her go to 2-0 in the series with the win. Each played had a wild card ball in game 3, but Dustin made better use of his, excelling on defense until a three-ball run-out came to fruition. Whiskers still took the series 2-1, pushing her #41 ranked 12-ball bid to the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Eastside: Taylor Swift v. Gradley. The game is Rotation, with the blue cue headed east to play in it. Boston's Gradley had a highlight, a double-pot of the 11 to the bottom right and 9 to the top side after drilling the 9 off of the 10 as part of a three-ball run. It wasn't enough when Taylor of Eastside ran out the final five balls for a come-from-behind 8-7 win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Gradley shot back in game 2, making seven balls over his last two turns to win 8-5 over the Sharks' Taylor. The highlight came with his second make of the game, where Gradley jumped three balls to sink the 5 at the top right, and then converted a 7-8 combination to the bottom right before his four-ball run-out on the next turn to tie the series at 1. Game 3 lacked highlights, but it was still exciting, with the players going neck-and-neck for most of the game until Gradley emerged on an 8-7 win by making the last two balls to take the series 2-1. Ranked #49, Gradley's Rotation campaign goes to the second round.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Paps. More 12-ball with the silver cue is on schedule now. Pronger's Paps weathered a storm of a break from Pacific's Ms. Kitty, who took three on the first shot, before exchanging painful misses late, and then Paps got set and took his last two balls for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 had less fireworks at the start, but the Tridents' Paps still got the win despite giving Ms. Kitty two wild card balls, which did her defense no good at the end of the game, allowing Paps to take a 2-0 series lead. Paps iced the series in a 3-0 sweep with a three-ball run-out to claim game 3, which sends his #70 ranked 12-ball campaign into the second round.
Apple Center, Todavía: Sierra v. Watermelon. The red cue gets another look with a series of 9-ball. Pearl's Watermelon kept pace with Todavía's Sierra early on before burying the host on a four-ball run-out to put herself up 1-0 in the series with the strong sequence of shots. The Surfers' Watermelon couldn't close out in game 2, leaving the 9 short at the bottom side for the Stills' Sierra to tap in and equalize the series at 1 game apiece. Watermelon ended game 3 surprisingly, taking ball-in-hand and jamming the 3 off the 9 to the top right, while the 9 bounced off the 8 and headed into the top left to give the visitor a 2-1 series win. Ranked #61 for 9-ball, Watermelon heads to the second round.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Dreamy v. Chimpy. The next set is Rotation with the blue cue. Game 1 favored Chimpy 8-2, as he used a four-ball run-out to pull away from Swordpoint's Dreamy after exchanging early makes and misses, giving him a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Chimpy wasn't exactly sharp in game 2, but his defensive positioning frustrated the Blades' Dreamy to no end, allowing Chimpy to slowly build his way to an 8-1 win, clinching the series at 2-0 with the savvy play. Chimpy and Dreamy battled hard in game 3, with Dreamy securing a double-pot that sent the 5 to the bottom right and the 13 to the bottom side while Chimpy scored three in a row on combination shots. Dreamy had one last highlight on her final run, caroming the 12 off the 14 to roll along the right rail into the top right, setting up her final shot to win 8-6. Chimpy, ranked #51, used a 2-1 series win to get into the second round of Rotation.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Lorde v. Debby Ryan. The stars are out in the industrial town, as 9-ball is played with the red cue. Commerce's Lorde had three highlights in game 1, with a kick of the 1 to the bottom left, a 2-4 combination kick that potted the 4 in the top side, and a 5-9 glancing combination to win the game at the bottom side for a 1-0 series lead over Southridge's Debby. The Tradewinds' Lorde still won for excitement in game 2, but the four-ball run-out belonged to the Defenders' Debby, who tied the series with the precision showcase at the end of the game. Lorde bounced back with a confident game 3, taking the series 2-1 with a good close. Lorde, ranked #31 for 9-ball, advances to the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Lydia v. Bear. The silver cue returns for more 12-ball as Lydia makes her season debut. Whitewater's Bear had the advantage in game 1 for a long time before Lighton's Lydia made an attack, but she came up short after a strategic scratch from Bear, which led to him getting ball-in-hand for the last two shots to win the game and go up 1-0 in the series. The Prestige's Lydia answered with a well-defended effort in game 2, keeping the Shores' Bear from the clear shots, which succeeded for the host to tie the series at 1. Bear ended up paying for giving away a wild card ball in game 3, as Lydia used the advantage successfully to seal the win and a 2-1 series win, taking her #33 ranked 12-ball bid to the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Gizmo v. Twinkie I. The silver cue stays at the table for 9-ball. Lighton's Twinkie I had a slow start, but she got away from Central's Gizmo with a solid performance late, running out the final four balls to claim a 1-0 lead in the series. The Prestige's Twinkie I never let the Warriors' Gizmo to the table in game 2, working three shots total, including making three balls on the break and potting the 9 off a carom by the cue off of the 2 to the top right, securing the series with a 2-0 lead. Twinkie I came up short in game 3, with her late three-ball run being pointless as Gizmo took the last two balls easily to make it a 2-1 series. Ranked #58 in 9-ball, Twinkie I goes through to the second round.
More to come tomorrow.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Brownie v. Ruby. The first series of the day has the silver cue up for 10-ball. Archtown's Ruby received a gift in a tight game 1, winning from ball-in-hand after a crisp cut by Harrison's Brownie ran the cue ball on the ricochet into the top left for a scratch, giving Ruby an easy shot for the 1-0 advantage in the series. In game 2, the Specters' Brownie came out on top in a very back-and-forth affair, taking advantage of poor positioning from the Arrows' Ruby to even the series at 1-1. Brownie carried the momentum into game 3, especially playing well late in the game to seal a 2-1 series win over Ruby, who just didn't have the sharp accuracy needed. Ranked #43 for 10-ball, Brownie is into the second round.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Ms. Kitty. The red cue is up now for 9-ball. Oreo of Terrace City handled tight spaces better than Pacific's Ms. Kitty, working through a cluster along the right rail before emerging to convert a 4-9 combination to the bottom right for a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty sealed her own fate with a botched jump attempt in game 2, accidentally striking the 9 into the bottom right illegally for a loss that gave the Knights' Oreo an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the series. Ms. Kitty did get a game back, winning in game 3 after Oreo botched a tap-in of the 8, allowing Ms. Kitty the last two balls to make a 2-1 final. Ranked #34 in 9-ball, Oreo is in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Gizmo v. Misty. The silver cue is back for 12-ball. Westside's Misty controlled the pace early, staving off a comeback attempt by Central's Gizmo that ended with him illegally potting his final ball, allowing Misty to use good positioning to get the last two of her own set for a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Gizmo used extensive set up shots to gain an edge in game 2, and it worked as the Rockers' Misty let her defense go early, setting Gizmo up for a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Gizmo erred in giving Misty a wild card ball, which aided her two turns later when she ran out four balls to seal a 2-1 series win after setting things up cleanly. Misty is ranked #68 and headed to the second round for 12-ball.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Gabe v. Dustin. The silver cue keeps going with some Rotation down in the Southwest. Game 1 was even pretty early on, but Central's Dustin had a slightly better finish, pulling away to win 8-5 over Infinity's Gabe, taking a 1-0 series lead with the victory. The Warriors' Dustin kept the good feelings going with his 8-1 win in game 2, topping the Torpedoes' Gabe with a four-ball run-out highlighted by a subtle deflection off the 6 to pot the 12 in the bottom right, which made it 6-1 at the time. Dustin clinched at a 2-0 lead in the series. Gabe made an impressive six-ball run-out, including a double-pot of the 5 and the 12 at the bottom right to get it going, winning the game 8-2, but losing 2-1 in the series to Dustin. Ranked #45 for Rotation, Dustin advances to the second round.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Jack v. Fluffina. The game is still Rotation, but the red cue gets the appearance here. Maplewood's Fluffina couldn't overcome losing two balls to her first of three scratches, while Pacific's Jack also scratched once but had much more success in winning 8-4 in game 1 to take a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Fluffina had a highlight early in game 2, using masse to swerve the cue into the 2, which found the bottom side as part of a three-ball run. The Volcanoes' Jack later had a four-ball run to tie it at 4, but Fluffina finished with an 8-4 win to tie the series at 1. Fluffina staked out a large lead with a six-ball run in game 3, including her double-pot of the 6 to the bottom right and the 15 to the bottom side after blasting away with the 3 in a cluster, pacing her to an 8-1 win and a 2-1 series win. Fluffina takes her #72 ranked Rotation bid to the second round with a decisive victory.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Bells v. Strawberry. The silver cue returns to action for more 10-ball. Pronger's Strawberry went to the textbook for theft, stealing game 1 by potting the 10 after a short miss by Oceanside's Bells at the bottom left after the latter's nine-ball run came to an end, giving the former a 1-0 lead in the series. Strawberry of the Tridents earned her game 2 win, using a carom off the 2 to sink the 5 in the bottom right, while the 2 banked the 10 off the top rail and into the same pocket for a legal game-winning double-pot to seal the series at 2-0 over the Waves' Bells. Strawberry finished strong, winning game 3 with a three-ball run-out following her previous three-ball run, which made it a 3-0 sweep. Strawberry is looking good in 10-ball, advancing her #66 ranked bid to the second round.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Paige. The red cue is up for 7-ball as the action stays in the Coastal region. Pacific's Ms. Kitty came out on top in a very mixed first game, getting the final clean shot after Queens' Paige left it short at the top right to take a 1-0 series lead. Ms. Kitty of the Volcanoes clinched the series in game 2, using a carom off the 1 to sink the 7 in the top left after the Flames' Paige left the opportunity open, making it a 2-0 series. Paige played a bit too soft in a sloppier game 3, allowing Ms. Kitty to work around her and get another win, sealing her sweep at 3-0. Ms. Kitty takes her #61 ranked 7-ball campaign to the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Twinkie I v. Shaggy. The blue cue gets its first appearance of the day in Accuracy. Game 1 went well, as both players were sharp and a little better than average, although a late miss by Lighton's Twinkie I allowed Southridge's Shaggy to force overtime, where Twinkie I came up with two shots, winning 2-3 for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Prestige's Twinkie I proved even stronger in game 2, missing just once while the Defenders' Shaggy had a rougher go of things, giving Twinkie I a 2-0 lead in the series, which will be enough to advance on the 1-2 win. Shaggy finally got one in game 3 as Twinkie I had a few unlucky shots, dropping the game 1-3 but taking the series 2-1. Ranked #29 for Accuracy, Twinkie I is through to the second round.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Whiskers v. Dustin: The silver cue comes back for more 12-ball. Infinity's Whiskers took advantage of the wild card ball surrendered by Central's Dustin, using it as leverage to keep Dustin out of position as she worked to get her final two balls down, which she did to go up 1-0 in the series. The Torpedoes' Whiskers gave away a wild card ball early, but Dustin of the Warriors scratched, negating the advantage. The game then favored Whiskers, who was just a bit sharper in shooting, which helped her go to 2-0 in the series with the win. Each played had a wild card ball in game 3, but Dustin made better use of his, excelling on defense until a three-ball run-out came to fruition. Whiskers still took the series 2-1, pushing her #41 ranked 12-ball bid to the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Eastside: Taylor Swift v. Gradley. The game is Rotation, with the blue cue headed east to play in it. Boston's Gradley had a highlight, a double-pot of the 11 to the bottom right and 9 to the top side after drilling the 9 off of the 10 as part of a three-ball run. It wasn't enough when Taylor of Eastside ran out the final five balls for a come-from-behind 8-7 win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Gradley shot back in game 2, making seven balls over his last two turns to win 8-5 over the Sharks' Taylor. The highlight came with his second make of the game, where Gradley jumped three balls to sink the 5 at the top right, and then converted a 7-8 combination to the bottom right before his four-ball run-out on the next turn to tie the series at 1. Game 3 lacked highlights, but it was still exciting, with the players going neck-and-neck for most of the game until Gradley emerged on an 8-7 win by making the last two balls to take the series 2-1. Ranked #49, Gradley's Rotation campaign goes to the second round.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Paps. More 12-ball with the silver cue is on schedule now. Pronger's Paps weathered a storm of a break from Pacific's Ms. Kitty, who took three on the first shot, before exchanging painful misses late, and then Paps got set and took his last two balls for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 had less fireworks at the start, but the Tridents' Paps still got the win despite giving Ms. Kitty two wild card balls, which did her defense no good at the end of the game, allowing Paps to take a 2-0 series lead. Paps iced the series in a 3-0 sweep with a three-ball run-out to claim game 3, which sends his #70 ranked 12-ball campaign into the second round.
Apple Center, Todavía: Sierra v. Watermelon. The red cue gets another look with a series of 9-ball. Pearl's Watermelon kept pace with Todavía's Sierra early on before burying the host on a four-ball run-out to put herself up 1-0 in the series with the strong sequence of shots. The Surfers' Watermelon couldn't close out in game 2, leaving the 9 short at the bottom side for the Stills' Sierra to tap in and equalize the series at 1 game apiece. Watermelon ended game 3 surprisingly, taking ball-in-hand and jamming the 3 off the 9 to the top right, while the 9 bounced off the 8 and headed into the top left to give the visitor a 2-1 series win. Ranked #61 for 9-ball, Watermelon heads to the second round.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Dreamy v. Chimpy. The next set is Rotation with the blue cue. Game 1 favored Chimpy 8-2, as he used a four-ball run-out to pull away from Swordpoint's Dreamy after exchanging early makes and misses, giving him a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Chimpy wasn't exactly sharp in game 2, but his defensive positioning frustrated the Blades' Dreamy to no end, allowing Chimpy to slowly build his way to an 8-1 win, clinching the series at 2-0 with the savvy play. Chimpy and Dreamy battled hard in game 3, with Dreamy securing a double-pot that sent the 5 to the bottom right and the 13 to the bottom side while Chimpy scored three in a row on combination shots. Dreamy had one last highlight on her final run, caroming the 12 off the 14 to roll along the right rail into the top right, setting up her final shot to win 8-6. Chimpy, ranked #51, used a 2-1 series win to get into the second round of Rotation.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Lorde v. Debby Ryan. The stars are out in the industrial town, as 9-ball is played with the red cue. Commerce's Lorde had three highlights in game 1, with a kick of the 1 to the bottom left, a 2-4 combination kick that potted the 4 in the top side, and a 5-9 glancing combination to win the game at the bottom side for a 1-0 series lead over Southridge's Debby. The Tradewinds' Lorde still won for excitement in game 2, but the four-ball run-out belonged to the Defenders' Debby, who tied the series with the precision showcase at the end of the game. Lorde bounced back with a confident game 3, taking the series 2-1 with a good close. Lorde, ranked #31 for 9-ball, advances to the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Lydia v. Bear. The silver cue returns for more 12-ball as Lydia makes her season debut. Whitewater's Bear had the advantage in game 1 for a long time before Lighton's Lydia made an attack, but she came up short after a strategic scratch from Bear, which led to him getting ball-in-hand for the last two shots to win the game and go up 1-0 in the series. The Prestige's Lydia answered with a well-defended effort in game 2, keeping the Shores' Bear from the clear shots, which succeeded for the host to tie the series at 1. Bear ended up paying for giving away a wild card ball in game 3, as Lydia used the advantage successfully to seal the win and a 2-1 series win, taking her #33 ranked 12-ball bid to the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Gizmo v. Twinkie I. The silver cue stays at the table for 9-ball. Lighton's Twinkie I had a slow start, but she got away from Central's Gizmo with a solid performance late, running out the final four balls to claim a 1-0 lead in the series. The Prestige's Twinkie I never let the Warriors' Gizmo to the table in game 2, working three shots total, including making three balls on the break and potting the 9 off a carom by the cue off of the 2 to the top right, securing the series with a 2-0 lead. Twinkie I came up short in game 3, with her late three-ball run being pointless as Gizmo took the last two balls easily to make it a 2-1 series. Ranked #58 in 9-ball, Twinkie I goes through to the second round.
More to come tomorrow.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Pool: 2016 A-level First Round - Day 3
We're back with pool action all this week, filling up the blog in the absence of cricket. We begin with...
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Shaggy v. Patches. The first series of the week is 7-ball with the silver cue. Southridge's Shaggy took game 1 comfortably, rocking a three-ball run-out that ended with a 4-7 combination to the bottom right, with a moderate cut to take the 1-0 lead over a tame Patches of Boston. Game 2 went quickly, with Patches taking the 7 to the bottom right by caroming the cue off the 1, stunning the Defenders' Shaggy to tie the series at 1. Game 3 went a bit back and forth, but Shaggy's failed cut attempt on the 7 set Patches up tap it in to take the game and win the series 2-1. Ranked #47 for 7-ball, Patches is into the second round with the series comeback.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Amber v. Charli XCX. The action shifts east with the silver cue still at the table for 8-ball this series. Things were close in game 1, with Tysini's Charli recovering from a poor start with a good comeback. Atlantic's Amber lost it when her jump attempt came up short, giving Charli ball-in-hand on the 8 to take a 1-0 series lead with ease. The Hummingbirds' Charli proved resilient in game 2, withstanding an early blitz by the Pirates' Amber to eventually get her crack at the 8, which she buried for a 2-0 series lead. Charli used a four-ball run in game 3 to keep her head above water, eventually out-muscling Amber to get to the 8 and secure the series sweep at 3-0. The #61 ranked 8-ball player, Charli will play in the second round.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Shiny v. Twilight. The silver cue continues its run, now in for 15-ball. Web City's Shiny did quick work in game 1, taking the 15 as the cue converted a 2-15 combination to the bottom right after caroming off the 1, with the 15 being in position after Central's Twilight just missed the lucky shot. The Spiders' Shiny is up 1-0. Shiny won game 2 to go up 2-0 on a four-ball run-out, and also had the early highlight of a double-pot that sent the 3 to the top right and the 6 caroming into the bottom left, dominating the Warriors' Twilight with positioning and accurate shooting. Shiny worked a luck-fueled four-ball run in game 3, but it ended on a scratch, and Twilight took care of the last two shots, using the 9 and the top rail to get the cue to knock the 15 to the bottom side to make it a 2-1 series. Ranked #32, Shiny advances into the second round of 15-ball.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Puff I v. Delila. The blue cue gets a piece of the action, playing Rotation for this series. Puff I of Modernistic rode a hot start in game 1 to an 8-3 win, completing the victory when Atlantic's Delila scratched, giving away ball-in-hand for the host to take a 1-0 series lead. Puff I took an identical 8-3 win for the Union to clinch the series at 2-0 in game 2, but it went much quicker. Puff I had a five-ball run from the break, answer with a three-ball run by the Pirates' Delila. Puff I iced it on a three-ball run-out in the third turn of the game, scoring a decisive win. Puff I put up a solid fight in game 3, but eventually Delila cashed in on her hot start, taking the game 8-5 to salvage a 2-1 result in the series that favored Puff I, who takes her #46 ranked bid into the second round of Rotation.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Chicky Phil v. Kirstin. The red cue is in the party now, heading to the Urban Core North for 9-ball. Westside's Chicky Phil needed just his second turn after a three-ball run by Southern's Kirstin ended in a scratch. Chicky Phil turned the 6-9 combination to the top right to earn a 1-0 lead in the series. The Rockers' Chicky Phil looked set to continue into game 2, running four balls from the start. The Monarchs' Kirstin stepped up, sinking the last five balls over two turns, including a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Kirstin rallied in game 3, helped a bit by a late scratch from Chicky Phil, allowing her ball-in-hand to seal the last two shots and take the series 2-1. Ranked #56 for 9-ball, the rookie Kirstin plays on into the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Eastside: Chelsea v. Debby Ryan. The game is again Rotation with the blue cue from the rural southeast. Eastside's Chelsea emerged in game 1 with an 8-5 win, holding off strong play from Southridge's Debby early on to take the game late for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Chelsea had a bad break in game 2, but it got better from there, as she stormed past the Defenders' Debby on a five-ball run-out to claim an 8-3 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Chelsea had another slow start in game 3, but again she did well when it counted, running out the final four balls to win 8-6 and take the series in a 3-0 sweep over Debby. Chelsea, ranked #44 for Rotation, is into the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Bear. The action returns to Westside as the blue cue stays up for 8-ball. Whitewater's Bear had to weather a four-ball run from the break by Westside's Misty, but he answered with a six-ball run that helped him a lot, and a narrow miss by Misty on the 8 gave Bear a clean shot to the bottom left for the 1-0 series lead. Misty answered for the Rockers in game 2, winning a come from behind game after the Shores' Bear left the 8 short at the top right for Misty to tap in on her final three-ball run-out. Misty managed to use a four-ball run to save a poorly organized game 3, leaving Bear with an unfavorable position that he couldn't work out of. Misty tapped the 8 in for a 2-1 series win, taking her #37 ranked 8-ball bid into the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Americus v. Shaggy. Back in the east, the red cue is up for 12-ball. Atlantic's Americus had very good set up shots, making her life a lot easier in the end of game 1, as she tapped in the last two shots to take a 1-0 series lead over Southridge's Shaggy. Shaggy bounced back, tying the series for the Defenders in game 2. The Pirates' Americus hit three balls in on the break, giving a wild card ball to Shaggy, who used that and a ball-in-hand opportunity to quickly navigate her part of the rack, making it a 1-1 series after her quick win. Shaggy had a well-played four-ball run to make it close in game 3, but Americus had better defense late, eventually breaking free for a 2-1 series win after Shaggy gave away a wild card ball. Americus is ranked #64 for 12-ball and will play in the second round.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Goldy v. Citrus. The silver cue is back after a long layoff to play 8-ball. Everton's Goldy used a six-ball run in the middle of game 1 to pace her attack, eventually toppling Diamond's Citrus at the end of the game with simple shooting lifting the host to a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Citrus answered in game 2, working to an advantage through the middle of the game and then taking a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand in the kitchen after a scratch by the Eagles' Goldy, tying the series at 1 to set up a decisive single game. Goldy didn't let Citrus' four-ball run from the break faze her, settling in with a three-ball run late and good defensive positioning to bide her time until a clean look at the 8 allowed her to take the win for a 2-1 series victory. Goldy is through to the second round of 8-ball on her #29 ranked bid.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Leonette v. Marsell. The afternoon ends with some 15-ball and the blue cue. Pacific's Leonette wasted no time in securing game 1 after Royal's Marsell scratched after illegal contact. Leonette buried the 7-15 combination to the top left to take a 1-0 lead in the series from ball-in-hand. The Crowns' Marsell answered with a similar situation in game 2, as the Volcanoes' Leonette committed illegal contact and Marsell used the ball-in-hand to take a 7-15 combination to the top right, tying the series at 1 with a savvy dose of revenge. Marsell turned on the jets at the right time in game 3, rallying for an eight-ball run-out to seal the series in his favor at 2-1. Marsell is ranked #65 for 15-ball, playing on into the second round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Mr. Snowman v. Americus. The blue cue keeps going in the evening session, with this set of 7-ball. Atlantic's Americus ran three balls late in game 1, but her miss on the 7 set Viewpoint Sound's Mr. Snowman up to bank it off the top rail into the bottom left for the 1-0 advantage in the series. The Pirates' Americus tied it in game 2, cleaning up a short leave from the Meteors' Mr. Snowman on the 7 at the bottom side after a quick and competitive game, tying the series at 1. Americus won the series 2-1 with a four-ball run-out in game 3, highlight by her spin-kick of the 5 off the top rail and along the right rail to the bottom right, allowing decent position on the 6 and a tap-in on the 7. Americus takes her #49 ranked 7-ball bid into the second round.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Goldy v. Jennifer Livilotti. The silver cue returns for night games, playing 12-ball now. Everton's Goldy played a smart game, giving Terrace City's Jennifer only poor looks at her final ball as Goldy built up a rally, eventually capping it from ball-in-hand after Jennifer missed contact, going up 1-0 in the series. The Eagles' Goldy had only one chance late in game 2, and she made the most of it, turning in a four-ball run-out with the aid of a wild card ball surrendered by the Knights' Jennifer, stunning the visitor en route to securing the series at 2-0. In game 3, Goldy had a hot start and managed to create good set up shots, making her late positioning all the better to capture a 3-0 sweep of Jennifer, who did not line up shots well throughout the series, and especially in game 3. Ranked #47 for 12-ball, Goldy goes to the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Sweetheart: The game is still 12-ball, but the cue is now blue. Freedom's Roxy proved a little bit better than her former teammate Sweetheart of Boston, wrapping up a sloppy first game after Sweetheart hit a plateau, which gave Roxy the 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Roxy gave away a wild card ball on the break, and after a bit of stagnant play in the middle, the Swifts' Sweetheart took advantage by making her last ball to one of the two open pockets, earning a win that tied the series at 1 after an unremarkable game. Sweetheart managed to pull off a three-ball run-out in game 3, taking the series 2-1 through accurate shooting and the lack of pace from Roxy. Sweetheart, ranked #32 for 12-ball, is through to the second round.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Pedey. A savvy veteran faces a rookie in 7-ball with the silver cue. Diamond's Pedey didn't have the most accurate game, but he came up with a three-ball run-out when Terrace City's Oreo missed on the 5, giving himself a 1-0 series lead with the strong finish. Pedey ran three balls again for the Gems in game 2, but a bit earlier in the game. The Knights' Oreo had a good shot on the 6, but missed an easy shot on the 7, giving Pedey the tap-in at the top side to clinch the series at 2-0. Pedey sealed the series with a fairly strong, possession-based game 3, defeating Oreo by keeping control of the cue. Pedey's 3-0 sweep sees his #51 ranked 7-ball campaign go to the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Eastside: Graham v. Dominic. The red cue returns with a series of 9-ball. Eastside's Graham never let Atlantic's Dominic see the table in game 1, potting the 9 to the top left off the break to take a quick 1-0 lead in the series. The Pirates' Dominic got his revenge in a well-played game 2, running out the final five balls to even the series at 1, while the Sharks' Graham had a decent appearance as well. Game 3 also went pretty quickly, with Dominic running six balls before missing on the 7, which Graham used to ignite a three-ball run-out to claim the series 2-1. The #51 ranked 9-ball player, Graham will go on to the second round after an exciting first round series.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Princess v. Dreamy. The final series of the night is 7-ball with the silver cue from the Southwest. Princess of Tysini had the slight edge in game 1, taking a bit of the better possession as well as the win to lead 1-0 over Swordpoint's Dreamy. The Hummingbirds' Princess started game 2 just fine, but she was no match for the five-ball run-out unleashed by the Blades' Dreamy, which helped her to tie the series at 1 with the big effort. Princess fired back in game 3, working possession again. She missed her first attempt at the 7, a bank toward the bottom side, but Dreamy's missed contact allowed Princess to tap in at the top right for a win and a 2-1 series win. Princess is ranked #39 for 7-ball and heading to the second round.
That's all for today's pool, but there's more to come every day this week. Stay tuned.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Shaggy v. Patches. The first series of the week is 7-ball with the silver cue. Southridge's Shaggy took game 1 comfortably, rocking a three-ball run-out that ended with a 4-7 combination to the bottom right, with a moderate cut to take the 1-0 lead over a tame Patches of Boston. Game 2 went quickly, with Patches taking the 7 to the bottom right by caroming the cue off the 1, stunning the Defenders' Shaggy to tie the series at 1. Game 3 went a bit back and forth, but Shaggy's failed cut attempt on the 7 set Patches up tap it in to take the game and win the series 2-1. Ranked #47 for 7-ball, Patches is into the second round with the series comeback.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Amber v. Charli XCX. The action shifts east with the silver cue still at the table for 8-ball this series. Things were close in game 1, with Tysini's Charli recovering from a poor start with a good comeback. Atlantic's Amber lost it when her jump attempt came up short, giving Charli ball-in-hand on the 8 to take a 1-0 series lead with ease. The Hummingbirds' Charli proved resilient in game 2, withstanding an early blitz by the Pirates' Amber to eventually get her crack at the 8, which she buried for a 2-0 series lead. Charli used a four-ball run in game 3 to keep her head above water, eventually out-muscling Amber to get to the 8 and secure the series sweep at 3-0. The #61 ranked 8-ball player, Charli will play in the second round.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Shiny v. Twilight. The silver cue continues its run, now in for 15-ball. Web City's Shiny did quick work in game 1, taking the 15 as the cue converted a 2-15 combination to the bottom right after caroming off the 1, with the 15 being in position after Central's Twilight just missed the lucky shot. The Spiders' Shiny is up 1-0. Shiny won game 2 to go up 2-0 on a four-ball run-out, and also had the early highlight of a double-pot that sent the 3 to the top right and the 6 caroming into the bottom left, dominating the Warriors' Twilight with positioning and accurate shooting. Shiny worked a luck-fueled four-ball run in game 3, but it ended on a scratch, and Twilight took care of the last two shots, using the 9 and the top rail to get the cue to knock the 15 to the bottom side to make it a 2-1 series. Ranked #32, Shiny advances into the second round of 15-ball.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Puff I v. Delila. The blue cue gets a piece of the action, playing Rotation for this series. Puff I of Modernistic rode a hot start in game 1 to an 8-3 win, completing the victory when Atlantic's Delila scratched, giving away ball-in-hand for the host to take a 1-0 series lead. Puff I took an identical 8-3 win for the Union to clinch the series at 2-0 in game 2, but it went much quicker. Puff I had a five-ball run from the break, answer with a three-ball run by the Pirates' Delila. Puff I iced it on a three-ball run-out in the third turn of the game, scoring a decisive win. Puff I put up a solid fight in game 3, but eventually Delila cashed in on her hot start, taking the game 8-5 to salvage a 2-1 result in the series that favored Puff I, who takes her #46 ranked bid into the second round of Rotation.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Chicky Phil v. Kirstin. The red cue is in the party now, heading to the Urban Core North for 9-ball. Westside's Chicky Phil needed just his second turn after a three-ball run by Southern's Kirstin ended in a scratch. Chicky Phil turned the 6-9 combination to the top right to earn a 1-0 lead in the series. The Rockers' Chicky Phil looked set to continue into game 2, running four balls from the start. The Monarchs' Kirstin stepped up, sinking the last five balls over two turns, including a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Kirstin rallied in game 3, helped a bit by a late scratch from Chicky Phil, allowing her ball-in-hand to seal the last two shots and take the series 2-1. Ranked #56 for 9-ball, the rookie Kirstin plays on into the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Eastside: Chelsea v. Debby Ryan. The game is again Rotation with the blue cue from the rural southeast. Eastside's Chelsea emerged in game 1 with an 8-5 win, holding off strong play from Southridge's Debby early on to take the game late for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Chelsea had a bad break in game 2, but it got better from there, as she stormed past the Defenders' Debby on a five-ball run-out to claim an 8-3 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Chelsea had another slow start in game 3, but again she did well when it counted, running out the final four balls to win 8-6 and take the series in a 3-0 sweep over Debby. Chelsea, ranked #44 for Rotation, is into the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Bear. The action returns to Westside as the blue cue stays up for 8-ball. Whitewater's Bear had to weather a four-ball run from the break by Westside's Misty, but he answered with a six-ball run that helped him a lot, and a narrow miss by Misty on the 8 gave Bear a clean shot to the bottom left for the 1-0 series lead. Misty answered for the Rockers in game 2, winning a come from behind game after the Shores' Bear left the 8 short at the top right for Misty to tap in on her final three-ball run-out. Misty managed to use a four-ball run to save a poorly organized game 3, leaving Bear with an unfavorable position that he couldn't work out of. Misty tapped the 8 in for a 2-1 series win, taking her #37 ranked 8-ball bid into the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Americus v. Shaggy. Back in the east, the red cue is up for 12-ball. Atlantic's Americus had very good set up shots, making her life a lot easier in the end of game 1, as she tapped in the last two shots to take a 1-0 series lead over Southridge's Shaggy. Shaggy bounced back, tying the series for the Defenders in game 2. The Pirates' Americus hit three balls in on the break, giving a wild card ball to Shaggy, who used that and a ball-in-hand opportunity to quickly navigate her part of the rack, making it a 1-1 series after her quick win. Shaggy had a well-played four-ball run to make it close in game 3, but Americus had better defense late, eventually breaking free for a 2-1 series win after Shaggy gave away a wild card ball. Americus is ranked #64 for 12-ball and will play in the second round.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Goldy v. Citrus. The silver cue is back after a long layoff to play 8-ball. Everton's Goldy used a six-ball run in the middle of game 1 to pace her attack, eventually toppling Diamond's Citrus at the end of the game with simple shooting lifting the host to a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Citrus answered in game 2, working to an advantage through the middle of the game and then taking a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand in the kitchen after a scratch by the Eagles' Goldy, tying the series at 1 to set up a decisive single game. Goldy didn't let Citrus' four-ball run from the break faze her, settling in with a three-ball run late and good defensive positioning to bide her time until a clean look at the 8 allowed her to take the win for a 2-1 series victory. Goldy is through to the second round of 8-ball on her #29 ranked bid.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Leonette v. Marsell. The afternoon ends with some 15-ball and the blue cue. Pacific's Leonette wasted no time in securing game 1 after Royal's Marsell scratched after illegal contact. Leonette buried the 7-15 combination to the top left to take a 1-0 lead in the series from ball-in-hand. The Crowns' Marsell answered with a similar situation in game 2, as the Volcanoes' Leonette committed illegal contact and Marsell used the ball-in-hand to take a 7-15 combination to the top right, tying the series at 1 with a savvy dose of revenge. Marsell turned on the jets at the right time in game 3, rallying for an eight-ball run-out to seal the series in his favor at 2-1. Marsell is ranked #65 for 15-ball, playing on into the second round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Mr. Snowman v. Americus. The blue cue keeps going in the evening session, with this set of 7-ball. Atlantic's Americus ran three balls late in game 1, but her miss on the 7 set Viewpoint Sound's Mr. Snowman up to bank it off the top rail into the bottom left for the 1-0 advantage in the series. The Pirates' Americus tied it in game 2, cleaning up a short leave from the Meteors' Mr. Snowman on the 7 at the bottom side after a quick and competitive game, tying the series at 1. Americus won the series 2-1 with a four-ball run-out in game 3, highlight by her spin-kick of the 5 off the top rail and along the right rail to the bottom right, allowing decent position on the 6 and a tap-in on the 7. Americus takes her #49 ranked 7-ball bid into the second round.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Goldy v. Jennifer Livilotti. The silver cue returns for night games, playing 12-ball now. Everton's Goldy played a smart game, giving Terrace City's Jennifer only poor looks at her final ball as Goldy built up a rally, eventually capping it from ball-in-hand after Jennifer missed contact, going up 1-0 in the series. The Eagles' Goldy had only one chance late in game 2, and she made the most of it, turning in a four-ball run-out with the aid of a wild card ball surrendered by the Knights' Jennifer, stunning the visitor en route to securing the series at 2-0. In game 3, Goldy had a hot start and managed to create good set up shots, making her late positioning all the better to capture a 3-0 sweep of Jennifer, who did not line up shots well throughout the series, and especially in game 3. Ranked #47 for 12-ball, Goldy goes to the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Sweetheart: The game is still 12-ball, but the cue is now blue. Freedom's Roxy proved a little bit better than her former teammate Sweetheart of Boston, wrapping up a sloppy first game after Sweetheart hit a plateau, which gave Roxy the 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Roxy gave away a wild card ball on the break, and after a bit of stagnant play in the middle, the Swifts' Sweetheart took advantage by making her last ball to one of the two open pockets, earning a win that tied the series at 1 after an unremarkable game. Sweetheart managed to pull off a three-ball run-out in game 3, taking the series 2-1 through accurate shooting and the lack of pace from Roxy. Sweetheart, ranked #32 for 12-ball, is through to the second round.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Pedey. A savvy veteran faces a rookie in 7-ball with the silver cue. Diamond's Pedey didn't have the most accurate game, but he came up with a three-ball run-out when Terrace City's Oreo missed on the 5, giving himself a 1-0 series lead with the strong finish. Pedey ran three balls again for the Gems in game 2, but a bit earlier in the game. The Knights' Oreo had a good shot on the 6, but missed an easy shot on the 7, giving Pedey the tap-in at the top side to clinch the series at 2-0. Pedey sealed the series with a fairly strong, possession-based game 3, defeating Oreo by keeping control of the cue. Pedey's 3-0 sweep sees his #51 ranked 7-ball campaign go to the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Eastside: Graham v. Dominic. The red cue returns with a series of 9-ball. Eastside's Graham never let Atlantic's Dominic see the table in game 1, potting the 9 to the top left off the break to take a quick 1-0 lead in the series. The Pirates' Dominic got his revenge in a well-played game 2, running out the final five balls to even the series at 1, while the Sharks' Graham had a decent appearance as well. Game 3 also went pretty quickly, with Dominic running six balls before missing on the 7, which Graham used to ignite a three-ball run-out to claim the series 2-1. The #51 ranked 9-ball player, Graham will go on to the second round after an exciting first round series.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Princess v. Dreamy. The final series of the night is 7-ball with the silver cue from the Southwest. Princess of Tysini had the slight edge in game 1, taking a bit of the better possession as well as the win to lead 1-0 over Swordpoint's Dreamy. The Hummingbirds' Princess started game 2 just fine, but she was no match for the five-ball run-out unleashed by the Blades' Dreamy, which helped her to tie the series at 1 with the big effort. Princess fired back in game 3, working possession again. She missed her first attempt at the 7, a bank toward the bottom side, but Dreamy's missed contact allowed Princess to tap in at the top right for a win and a 2-1 series win. Princess is ranked #39 for 7-ball and heading to the second round.
That's all for today's pool, but there's more to come every day this week. Stay tuned.
Friday, November 20, 2015
UPCL Cricket: Week 14 Part 3
The final segment of action before the Thanksgiving Break is right here and right now. We begin with...
Microsoft Pitch at Del Sur: The West Division sees a top team travel to a straggling side to kick off the segment. Princess got nervous after settling a ball on her backhand, and her lack of backswing ended her turn at 102 for Tysini. Panda flipped a quick 643 for Southern, giving them the strong initial lead. Leandra mitigated the damage for the Hummingbirds, slicing 521 to get them back in the fight. Shannon paddled 290 to keep the Monarchs noticeably ahead at the halfway mark. Charli belted 819 for Tysini, staking out a lead for the visitors at this point. Kirstin's swings proved too big, ending up with 128 for Southern as they fall into a familiar late deficit. Bright added 506 to get the Hummingbirds to a total of 1948 in an expected victory. Nicole's 215 sealed the loss at 1276 for the Monarchs, their tenth straight defeat at home. Tysini maintains leverage near the top of the table, getting to 21-10 on a four-game winning streak that puts them fourth in the league, while Southern is 10-24.
GE Stadium, Southridge: The Spiders make a short trip south for a meeting with the Defenders. Shadow had a weak start for Web City, managing only 112 to put them in some early trouble. Boots broke her recent form, going with only 162 for Southridge to take a moderate lead early on. Rainmane wasted her turn, scoring a measly 21 for the Spiders after a poor swing made it official. Debby had a more confident appearance, taking 399 to put the Defenders in a more solid lead despite recovering too slowly from a big swing. Sugar failed Web City as well, scoring 168 after getting beat on a swing-and-miss. J. Garcia ripped 793 for Southridge, likely sealing up their advantage before the end of the game. Shiny rallied with 972 for the Spiders, but they fell short at 1273, taking a loss despite a furious comeback effort. Shaggy's 271 capped the Defenders win over her boyfriend's team at 1625. Southridge has won four straight at home to get to 11-19, while Web City's recent struggles place them at 10-15.
Blades Fusion ProGlide Park, Swordpoint: The Hummingbirds travel across the Southwest region for another road match, this time with an opponent near them in the standings. The return match is in three league games. Princess chopped 287 for Tysini in a reasonable start. Snowball slammed 790 for Swordpoint, giving them a huge lead early in the game. Leandra slipped up with 243 for the Hummingbirds, failing to cover the deficit. Dreamy pummeled another 851 for the Blades, solidifying their lead halfway through the game. Charli also proved harmless to the hosts, posting 146 for Tysini in a poor showing. Shawn had a meager 80 for Swordpoint as they put the offense in cruise control for the remainder of the game. Bright hit 247 for the Hummingbirds, ending their chances at 923 as they take a big loss. Stealth flicked 487 for the Blades, sending them to 2208 total in the win. Swordpoint jumps to 19-9, snapping a four-game losing streak and remaining a perfect 7-0 in the division, while Tysini hits the middle of the season at 21-11 as their four-game winning streak ends. Their midseason report is available here.
Audi Knights Pitch, Terrace City: The Knights seek a sweep, having beaten the Sharks a few weeks ago in Eastside. Graham played a bit risky and ended up with only 202 for Eastside. Kiwi clubbed 408 for Terrace City in response, giving them the initial lead. Chelsea lifted 663 for the Sharks, keeping them in the thick of the battle. Jennifer blitzed with 985 for the Knights, extending their lead with a remarkable performance. Taylor failed to cover the deficit, grabbing 311 for Eastside in an average turn. Oreo kept things steady with 230 for Terrace City, and they still hold a large lead with a player each to go. Niki managed a paltry 39 for the Sharks, and they lost with 1215. Stripes iced it with 456 individually for a grand total of 2079 in the win. Terrace City claims a sweep, jumping to 19-13 at the halfway mark (midseason report here), while Eastside is 15-13 now, snapping a three-game winning streak.
Apple Park, Todavía: The Stills get their first rodeo with the league-leading Eagles. Goldy has lost her way a bit for Everton, taking only 55 this game in a pathetic start. Easter maintained her solid home form, slapping 464 for Todavía to take the lead. Puff III was able to stop two balls at once, but the third ended her effort at 234 for the Eagles. Sierra hit 280 for the Stills, adding a little more to their lead at the halfway point of the game. Cleo supplied 471 for Everton, giving them a fighting chance again. Leonardo smashed 798 for Todavía, restoring an even greater lead late in the game for the hosts. Blizzard put up only 54 for the Eagles after an odd bounce, putting them at a loss with 814. Sparkles, playing without pressure, broke out of her home funk, scoring 425 to give the Stills a winning total of 1967. Todavía, a poor home team, gets the win over the Eagles to jump to 15-14, while Everton is 24-5 after another throwback to their low-offense days in the loss.
Cisco Tysini Field, Tysini: As promised, the return match, with the Blades looking to double down on their win from three games ago at home. Snowball couldn't control an arcing ball, ending with 171 for Swordpoint after two unsuccessful backhand attempts went out of bounds at the same time. Princess had to get fancy with the bat to save her turn, and her wizardry produced 305 for Tysini. Dreamy covered the deficit with 337 for the Blades. Leandra had only 63 for the Hummingbirds, allowing them to fall behind after a bad bounce. Shawn had just 175 for Swordpoint as the game turns against offense. Charli failed with 112 for Tysini in another weak showing. Stealth rallied for 455 for the Blades, putting them at a total of 1138. Bright did well with 439 for the Hummingbirds, but they came up short at 919. Swordpoint completes the quick sweep to go to 20-9, and 8-0 in division, while Tysini is down to 21-12 with another loss.
Sprint Pitch, Victoria: The Eagles get another game in the Southwest, moving inland to the official region to face the lowly Spurs, a team they beat early in the season at home. Goldy cranked out 591 for Everton, wasting no time in a bounce-back effort. Spice drilled 661 in response for Victoria, giving them a slight lead early on. Puff III slugged 913 for the Eagles, restoring a massive lead. B. Chapman's 313 put the Spurs in trouble, as they fell off the frenetic pace of the game. Cleo tacked on a crisp 481 for Everton, padding their lead well. Yekaterina couldn't catch up for Victoria, scoring 281 on her middling turn. Blizzard tapped 80 to quickly finalize the Eagles total of 2065. Kavan also had a pathetic 80, leaving the Spurs at 1335 in the loss. Everton went to 25-5, while Victoria is down to 8-18.
Volkswagen Stadium, Viewpoint Sound: The Spurs immediately head north after their last loss for the second game in a doubleheader against a Meteors team looking for a sweep. Spice put in another poor effort, taking only 66 for Victoria. Mr. Snowman matched it with 66 for Viewpoint Sound in a game that appears destined to be minimalist on offense. B. Chapman had a modest 260 for the Spurs, giving them an edge for now. Mams continued to sputter at home, taking only 16 for the Meteors in a horrific outing. Yekaterina cobbled 639 to pull Victoria farther away, giving them a huge lead later in the game. Zach posted 320 for Viewpoint Sound, putting a dent in the deficit. Kavan batted 321 for the Spurs, putting them at 1286 overall. Kelly had a wimpy 6 for the Meteors, and they lost with 408. Victoria splits the series, going to 9-18, while Viewpoint Sound has an untimely setback to 10-14.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Now it's the Meteors' turn to play a doubleheader, heading a good distance east to take on the similarly-ranked Spiders. Mr. Snowman did not start well, taking only 112 for Viewpoint Sound. Shadow didn't have the appearance of confidence, but he produced well with 511 for Web City to take the early lead. Mams faltered with only 21 for the Meteors in a poor effort. Rainmane had a poor 150 for the Spiders, but it worked to maintain their lead. Zach popped 895 for Viewpoint Sound in a surprising turn, giving them a lead. Sugar fired right back with 970 for Web City, extending their lead late. Kelly couldn't cover the deficit, with her 216 leaving the Meteors short at 1244. Shiny hit a meager 41 for the Spiders, but they still won with 1672. Web City stands at 11-15, passing the now 10-15 Viewpoint Sound side.
BMW RockDome, Westside: As promised in the last segment, the Crowns and Rockers meet for the second time this week, with the Rockers in position to get the sweep. Frosty collected 432 for Royal in a solid opener. Misty couldn't keep up, taking 224 for Westside. Jake came up big for the Crowns, adding an extra 546 to their offense, as they have taken a firm grip in this meeting. Goatee smacked 777 for the Rockers, giving them a slight edge halfway through the game. Marsell's 122 left Royal quite vulnerable at an inopportune time. Midnight didn't pull Westside away, but they retained a lead on her 260, ending only because she couldn't settle a backhand attempt. Nightfur scooped 394 to set the Crowns at 1494, forcing a response from the hosts. Chicky Phil put up only 138 for the Rockers, leaving them at a loss with 1399. Royal finally snaps their road losing streak at seven games in going to 8-19 with the season split, while Westside is down to 8-16 after another setback.
Samsung Whitewater Stadium, Whitewater: The traveling battering ram that is the Waves comes inland to face the Shores in the week 14 finale. Snuggle had a mediocre 225 to lead off for Oceanside. Bear answered with 304 to give Whitewater a marginal lead early on. Bells rocketed 892 for the Waves, giving them a large lead with the impressive appearance. Twinkie III got some of it back with 300 for the Shores. Alyssa slipped with 169 for Oceanside, but they still hold a large lead. Cheddar made a game of it, spiking 627 for Whitewater to make things close with a player each to go. Pounce padded the Waves lead with 528, setting the mark at 1814, which will be tough for the hosts to match. Wild Thing had only 113 for the Shores, leaving them at 1344 in the loss. Oceanside ends the week at 13-13 on a four-game winning streak, while Whitewater appears doomed with a record of 10-21.
Standings update soon to follow. For my American readers, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. We'll be back around November 30, but please keep an eye out for Pool action next week.
Microsoft Pitch at Del Sur: The West Division sees a top team travel to a straggling side to kick off the segment. Princess got nervous after settling a ball on her backhand, and her lack of backswing ended her turn at 102 for Tysini. Panda flipped a quick 643 for Southern, giving them the strong initial lead. Leandra mitigated the damage for the Hummingbirds, slicing 521 to get them back in the fight. Shannon paddled 290 to keep the Monarchs noticeably ahead at the halfway mark. Charli belted 819 for Tysini, staking out a lead for the visitors at this point. Kirstin's swings proved too big, ending up with 128 for Southern as they fall into a familiar late deficit. Bright added 506 to get the Hummingbirds to a total of 1948 in an expected victory. Nicole's 215 sealed the loss at 1276 for the Monarchs, their tenth straight defeat at home. Tysini maintains leverage near the top of the table, getting to 21-10 on a four-game winning streak that puts them fourth in the league, while Southern is 10-24.
GE Stadium, Southridge: The Spiders make a short trip south for a meeting with the Defenders. Shadow had a weak start for Web City, managing only 112 to put them in some early trouble. Boots broke her recent form, going with only 162 for Southridge to take a moderate lead early on. Rainmane wasted her turn, scoring a measly 21 for the Spiders after a poor swing made it official. Debby had a more confident appearance, taking 399 to put the Defenders in a more solid lead despite recovering too slowly from a big swing. Sugar failed Web City as well, scoring 168 after getting beat on a swing-and-miss. J. Garcia ripped 793 for Southridge, likely sealing up their advantage before the end of the game. Shiny rallied with 972 for the Spiders, but they fell short at 1273, taking a loss despite a furious comeback effort. Shaggy's 271 capped the Defenders win over her boyfriend's team at 1625. Southridge has won four straight at home to get to 11-19, while Web City's recent struggles place them at 10-15.
Blades Fusion ProGlide Park, Swordpoint: The Hummingbirds travel across the Southwest region for another road match, this time with an opponent near them in the standings. The return match is in three league games. Princess chopped 287 for Tysini in a reasonable start. Snowball slammed 790 for Swordpoint, giving them a huge lead early in the game. Leandra slipped up with 243 for the Hummingbirds, failing to cover the deficit. Dreamy pummeled another 851 for the Blades, solidifying their lead halfway through the game. Charli also proved harmless to the hosts, posting 146 for Tysini in a poor showing. Shawn had a meager 80 for Swordpoint as they put the offense in cruise control for the remainder of the game. Bright hit 247 for the Hummingbirds, ending their chances at 923 as they take a big loss. Stealth flicked 487 for the Blades, sending them to 2208 total in the win. Swordpoint jumps to 19-9, snapping a four-game losing streak and remaining a perfect 7-0 in the division, while Tysini hits the middle of the season at 21-11 as their four-game winning streak ends. Their midseason report is available here.
Audi Knights Pitch, Terrace City: The Knights seek a sweep, having beaten the Sharks a few weeks ago in Eastside. Graham played a bit risky and ended up with only 202 for Eastside. Kiwi clubbed 408 for Terrace City in response, giving them the initial lead. Chelsea lifted 663 for the Sharks, keeping them in the thick of the battle. Jennifer blitzed with 985 for the Knights, extending their lead with a remarkable performance. Taylor failed to cover the deficit, grabbing 311 for Eastside in an average turn. Oreo kept things steady with 230 for Terrace City, and they still hold a large lead with a player each to go. Niki managed a paltry 39 for the Sharks, and they lost with 1215. Stripes iced it with 456 individually for a grand total of 2079 in the win. Terrace City claims a sweep, jumping to 19-13 at the halfway mark (midseason report here), while Eastside is 15-13 now, snapping a three-game winning streak.
Apple Park, Todavía: The Stills get their first rodeo with the league-leading Eagles. Goldy has lost her way a bit for Everton, taking only 55 this game in a pathetic start. Easter maintained her solid home form, slapping 464 for Todavía to take the lead. Puff III was able to stop two balls at once, but the third ended her effort at 234 for the Eagles. Sierra hit 280 for the Stills, adding a little more to their lead at the halfway point of the game. Cleo supplied 471 for Everton, giving them a fighting chance again. Leonardo smashed 798 for Todavía, restoring an even greater lead late in the game for the hosts. Blizzard put up only 54 for the Eagles after an odd bounce, putting them at a loss with 814. Sparkles, playing without pressure, broke out of her home funk, scoring 425 to give the Stills a winning total of 1967. Todavía, a poor home team, gets the win over the Eagles to jump to 15-14, while Everton is 24-5 after another throwback to their low-offense days in the loss.
Cisco Tysini Field, Tysini: As promised, the return match, with the Blades looking to double down on their win from three games ago at home. Snowball couldn't control an arcing ball, ending with 171 for Swordpoint after two unsuccessful backhand attempts went out of bounds at the same time. Princess had to get fancy with the bat to save her turn, and her wizardry produced 305 for Tysini. Dreamy covered the deficit with 337 for the Blades. Leandra had only 63 for the Hummingbirds, allowing them to fall behind after a bad bounce. Shawn had just 175 for Swordpoint as the game turns against offense. Charli failed with 112 for Tysini in another weak showing. Stealth rallied for 455 for the Blades, putting them at a total of 1138. Bright did well with 439 for the Hummingbirds, but they came up short at 919. Swordpoint completes the quick sweep to go to 20-9, and 8-0 in division, while Tysini is down to 21-12 with another loss.
Sprint Pitch, Victoria: The Eagles get another game in the Southwest, moving inland to the official region to face the lowly Spurs, a team they beat early in the season at home. Goldy cranked out 591 for Everton, wasting no time in a bounce-back effort. Spice drilled 661 in response for Victoria, giving them a slight lead early on. Puff III slugged 913 for the Eagles, restoring a massive lead. B. Chapman's 313 put the Spurs in trouble, as they fell off the frenetic pace of the game. Cleo tacked on a crisp 481 for Everton, padding their lead well. Yekaterina couldn't catch up for Victoria, scoring 281 on her middling turn. Blizzard tapped 80 to quickly finalize the Eagles total of 2065. Kavan also had a pathetic 80, leaving the Spurs at 1335 in the loss. Everton went to 25-5, while Victoria is down to 8-18.
Volkswagen Stadium, Viewpoint Sound: The Spurs immediately head north after their last loss for the second game in a doubleheader against a Meteors team looking for a sweep. Spice put in another poor effort, taking only 66 for Victoria. Mr. Snowman matched it with 66 for Viewpoint Sound in a game that appears destined to be minimalist on offense. B. Chapman had a modest 260 for the Spurs, giving them an edge for now. Mams continued to sputter at home, taking only 16 for the Meteors in a horrific outing. Yekaterina cobbled 639 to pull Victoria farther away, giving them a huge lead later in the game. Zach posted 320 for Viewpoint Sound, putting a dent in the deficit. Kavan batted 321 for the Spurs, putting them at 1286 overall. Kelly had a wimpy 6 for the Meteors, and they lost with 408. Victoria splits the series, going to 9-18, while Viewpoint Sound has an untimely setback to 10-14.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Now it's the Meteors' turn to play a doubleheader, heading a good distance east to take on the similarly-ranked Spiders. Mr. Snowman did not start well, taking only 112 for Viewpoint Sound. Shadow didn't have the appearance of confidence, but he produced well with 511 for Web City to take the early lead. Mams faltered with only 21 for the Meteors in a poor effort. Rainmane had a poor 150 for the Spiders, but it worked to maintain their lead. Zach popped 895 for Viewpoint Sound in a surprising turn, giving them a lead. Sugar fired right back with 970 for Web City, extending their lead late. Kelly couldn't cover the deficit, with her 216 leaving the Meteors short at 1244. Shiny hit a meager 41 for the Spiders, but they still won with 1672. Web City stands at 11-15, passing the now 10-15 Viewpoint Sound side.
BMW RockDome, Westside: As promised in the last segment, the Crowns and Rockers meet for the second time this week, with the Rockers in position to get the sweep. Frosty collected 432 for Royal in a solid opener. Misty couldn't keep up, taking 224 for Westside. Jake came up big for the Crowns, adding an extra 546 to their offense, as they have taken a firm grip in this meeting. Goatee smacked 777 for the Rockers, giving them a slight edge halfway through the game. Marsell's 122 left Royal quite vulnerable at an inopportune time. Midnight didn't pull Westside away, but they retained a lead on her 260, ending only because she couldn't settle a backhand attempt. Nightfur scooped 394 to set the Crowns at 1494, forcing a response from the hosts. Chicky Phil put up only 138 for the Rockers, leaving them at a loss with 1399. Royal finally snaps their road losing streak at seven games in going to 8-19 with the season split, while Westside is down to 8-16 after another setback.
Samsung Whitewater Stadium, Whitewater: The traveling battering ram that is the Waves comes inland to face the Shores in the week 14 finale. Snuggle had a mediocre 225 to lead off for Oceanside. Bear answered with 304 to give Whitewater a marginal lead early on. Bells rocketed 892 for the Waves, giving them a large lead with the impressive appearance. Twinkie III got some of it back with 300 for the Shores. Alyssa slipped with 169 for Oceanside, but they still hold a large lead. Cheddar made a game of it, spiking 627 for Whitewater to make things close with a player each to go. Pounce padded the Waves lead with 528, setting the mark at 1814, which will be tough for the hosts to match. Wild Thing had only 113 for the Shores, leaving them at 1344 in the loss. Oceanside ends the week at 13-13 on a four-game winning streak, while Whitewater appears doomed with a record of 10-21.
Standings update soon to follow. For my American readers, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. We'll be back around November 30, but please keep an eye out for Pool action next week.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Midseason Report: Terrace City Knights
Given the history of the Pirates, Meteors, and Cascades, expectations started low for the Terrace City Knights as an expansion franchise. Instead, they set a huge tone this year, holding the longest undefeated run at the start of the season. While there have been growing pains for the Knights, the collection of experienced players has helped them, including their captain, Kiwi. The Knights have been streaky if nothing else, but they are 19-13 overall halfway through their first season. At home, they are 8-6, while an 11-7 road record carries them to lofty heights, currently residing in ninth place league-wide. Also, their 9-5 division mark in an admittedly soft Center Division helps them when it comes time for tiebreakers.
As a team, the Knights are producing 1727 points per game, which is likely a result of having no rookies on their team. Their captain, Kiwi, joined them as the first overall pick in the draft after demanding a release from the Modernistic Union. Playing very near her old team, Kiwi strikes 452 a game for 26% of the offense. She does lack consistency, holding approximately a 1.1 in that metric, but her explosive play at the top of the lineup has helped more than it hurts. Behind her is the former Whitewater Shore, Jennifer Livilotti, who didn't have much success as a spare part on the runners-up last year. Splitting has benefited the player more, as Jennifer hits almost 457 a game for 26.5% of the offense and a consistency approaching 1.9, making her a very valuable asset to the team, while her former team languishes in the bottom half of the standings. The savvy veteran Oreo is the third hitter, most recently of the Swordpoint Blades, and she puts up 378 per game. Her average is solid but unspectacular this season, accounting for 22% of the offense at a consistency of well over 1.5. Closing out the team is the former Viewpoint Sound Meteor, Stripes, who was cut after two years on the coast. Stripes has finally tamed her tenacity at the back of the lineup, swinging for 440 per game, which gives her 25.5% of the offense. Stripes also hangs around 1.5 on consistency, and she locks things down effectively for the team. That's important, as they are in the thick of the playoff hunt. One big slump could send them reeling, but their offense and a collective chip on their shoulders has me thinking they're playoff bound.
As a team, the Knights are producing 1727 points per game, which is likely a result of having no rookies on their team. Their captain, Kiwi, joined them as the first overall pick in the draft after demanding a release from the Modernistic Union. Playing very near her old team, Kiwi strikes 452 a game for 26% of the offense. She does lack consistency, holding approximately a 1.1 in that metric, but her explosive play at the top of the lineup has helped more than it hurts. Behind her is the former Whitewater Shore, Jennifer Livilotti, who didn't have much success as a spare part on the runners-up last year. Splitting has benefited the player more, as Jennifer hits almost 457 a game for 26.5% of the offense and a consistency approaching 1.9, making her a very valuable asset to the team, while her former team languishes in the bottom half of the standings. The savvy veteran Oreo is the third hitter, most recently of the Swordpoint Blades, and she puts up 378 per game. Her average is solid but unspectacular this season, accounting for 22% of the offense at a consistency of well over 1.5. Closing out the team is the former Viewpoint Sound Meteor, Stripes, who was cut after two years on the coast. Stripes has finally tamed her tenacity at the back of the lineup, swinging for 440 per game, which gives her 25.5% of the offense. Stripes also hangs around 1.5 on consistency, and she locks things down effectively for the team. That's important, as they are in the thick of the playoff hunt. One big slump could send them reeling, but their offense and a collective chip on their shoulders has me thinking they're playoff bound.
Midseason Report: Tysini Hummingbirds
The addition of Princess in the 2014 draft after she was let go by the Victoria Spurs has changed the direction of the Tysini Hummingbirds. Once rumored to be relocated to Terrace City (home of the expansion Knights), the Hummingbirds have found success in the Southwest, previously the playground of the Lighton Prestige. Currently, the Hummingbirds are 21-11 on the season. At home, the Hummingbirds play their best, with an 11-2 record, while they are 10-9 on the road, acceptable but not great. They play in a cutthroat West Division, but they are holding near the top of the division with a 7-3 mark against other West teams.
Tysini is a powerful, mostly three-headed offense that collectively cranks out 1732 points per game, making them a tough team to beat consistently. The captain of this new-look, high-offense Tysini side is Princess, who supplies 484 points per game for 28% of the offense, with a consistency of about 1.3, giving her a sort of explosiveness. Behind her is a new addition to the team, Leandra, who came from the Harrison Specters in the 2015 draft. Leandra is a little better halfway through the season, clocking in at 496 points per game and 28.5% of the offense, while having a consistency of about 1.75, making her the much more stable option firmly planted in the middle of the lineup. Another newcomer, Charli XCX, supplements the top-two with 468 points per game herself, accounting for 27% of the offense. Charli hangs just over 1.6 on consistency, providing a middle ground in the lineup. The one weakness for the Hummingbirds is their longest-tenured player, Bright, who is in his third year with the team. Bright is at just 283 points per game, a measly 16.5% of the offense, and 1.4 consistency. If the game isn't sealed by the time it gets to Bright, there's no guarantees. That being said, the Hummingbirds look like a sure bet for the playoffs, even if they are in a tie for 6th place in the league that will resolve itself by the end of the week. This team, long mocked for high player turnover (no original members left) and lack of success, is set to succeed with a rebellious core for years to come.
Tysini is a powerful, mostly three-headed offense that collectively cranks out 1732 points per game, making them a tough team to beat consistently. The captain of this new-look, high-offense Tysini side is Princess, who supplies 484 points per game for 28% of the offense, with a consistency of about 1.3, giving her a sort of explosiveness. Behind her is a new addition to the team, Leandra, who came from the Harrison Specters in the 2015 draft. Leandra is a little better halfway through the season, clocking in at 496 points per game and 28.5% of the offense, while having a consistency of about 1.75, making her the much more stable option firmly planted in the middle of the lineup. Another newcomer, Charli XCX, supplements the top-two with 468 points per game herself, accounting for 27% of the offense. Charli hangs just over 1.6 on consistency, providing a middle ground in the lineup. The one weakness for the Hummingbirds is their longest-tenured player, Bright, who is in his third year with the team. Bright is at just 283 points per game, a measly 16.5% of the offense, and 1.4 consistency. If the game isn't sealed by the time it gets to Bright, there's no guarantees. That being said, the Hummingbirds look like a sure bet for the playoffs, even if they are in a tie for 6th place in the league that will resolve itself by the end of the week. This team, long mocked for high player turnover (no original members left) and lack of success, is set to succeed with a rebellious core for years to come.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
UPCL Cricket: Week 14 Part 2
The games continue in a post-storm time, beginning with...
Mercedes-Benz Field, Harrison: The second part of the Halloween Derby goes, with the Spiders trying to salvage a split after an early-season loss to their bitterest rivals. Shadow took an optional replay after an untimely end, but scored only 64 on the second attempt, putting Web City in a bad position. Slinks answered with 440 for Harrison, giving the hosts a sizable lead. Rainmane just flicked a ball on her backhand out of bounds, giving her just 31 for the Spiders. Twinkie II had a humble start, but gained momentum and ended with 1065 for the Specters, extending their lead to a wide margin. Sugar took just 199 for Web City as it appears to be a lost game for them. Sydney tacked on 470 for Harrison as they continue to keep the pressure high. Shiny's 407 was far from enough for the Spiders, as they dropped a loss with 701 overall. Brownie had a simple 66 to give the Specters a final of 2041 in the win. Harrison surprises with the season sweep, going to 13-16 now, while Web City takes another setback to 10-14, falling behind their opponents with the division loss.
Nissan Infinity Stadium, Infinity: These two teams meet for the first time this season. Jasmine cobbled 495 for Freedom, ending on a swing and miss. Smudge answered with 411 for Infinity, keeping them in range early on. Stinky grabbed only 253 for the Cascades, leaving them vulnerable. Shelley wasted no time in giving the Torpedoes a lead, raking in 467 on her turn to give them the minor advantage. Roxy answered right back with 481 for Freedom, covering the deficit easily. Gabe slipped with a decidedly average 264 for Infinity, and they now trail by a slim margin with a player each to go. Nikolai rolled 135 for the Cascades, potentially costing them the game as they finish far from safe at 1364. Whiskers botched the comeback, taking a measly 16 to put the Torpedoes at a loss with 1158. Freedom got away with one here, going to 15-13 on the lucky win, while Infinity's five-game winning streak is halted as they fall to 8-16.
Pepsi Prestige Park, Lighton: The West Division gets highlighted with a pair of teams currently in playoff positions. Watermelon had only 233 this time after her great previous outing, putting Pearl at a weak starting point. Acorn's ill-timed swing resulted in a ball going back over his head, giving him a pathetic 6 points for Lighton. Neopolitan struck 719 to supplement the Surfers lead in an effective way. Spirit scored 292 for the struggling Prestige. Wings swung 564 for Pearl, but as many have recently, he ended with an unintentional backwards hit. Twinkie I asnwered with 482 for Lighton, but it's likely too little and too late. Cowzart chipped 98 to give the Surfers a grand total of 1614. Lydia had a respectable 304 for the Prestige, but they took the loss with 1084, their third straight at home. Pearl is up to 20-9, while also going 4-1 on a five-game road trip, while Lighton slides to 15-12 with an unsightly 2-5 division mark.
UPS Ground, Maplewood: This could be a trap game, as the home-strong Lumberjacks face a cold Crowns side. Frosty produced 240 for Royal on her turn, a mediocre opener. Fluffina had too much momentum, scoring 235 after lifting one ball just a bit too high for Maplewood, keeping things close at the start. Jake tried to use his backhand to save his turn, but the ball took just the right arc to be out of his reach and land squarely on the wicket, giving him only 110 for the Crowns. Bryant had a measly 64 for the Lumberjacks, which put them farther behind. Marsell batted 487 to give Royal a more stable lead as the game enters its late phases. Diddley got some of it back, scoring 333 for Maplewood as their situation gets dire. Nightfur added 227 for the Crowns, giving them a low 1064 as their final. Cubby came up clutch for the Lumberjacks, lining 477 to send them to victory with 1109. Maplewood has won six straight at home now, going to 13-10, while a seventh straight road loss puts Royal at 7-18.
Google Pitch at Union Ground, Modernistic: Snowball pulled in 424 to give Swordpoint a stable base to build on for this meeting. Juno unleashed 475 to give Modernistic a slight edge early in the game. Dreamy posted 273 for the Blades, leaving their minor lead quite vulnerable. Ms. Puppy pounded 523 for the Union, giving them a bigger lead at the halfway mark. Shawn faltered with 223, leaving Swordpoint short and in danger. Chimpy slapped a crisp 614 for Modernistic, likely securing their lead with the strong effort. Stealth had a measly 12 for the Blades, giving them 932 in their fourth straight road loss, making them a team in disarray. Puff I added 447 for the Union, sealing their win at 2059 to snap their three game home losing streak. Modernistic comes out of nowhere for this win, going to 9-16 while snapping a six-game losing streak, while Swordpoint is dropping rapidly, now at 18-9, losers of their last four, and currently occupying a tie for fifth in the league.
AT&T Oceanside Stadium, Oceanside: Someone's troubles end in this game, as two venue-related losing streaks meet with one guaranteed to snap. Smokey proved solid for Diamond, leading off with 392 to give them a decent beginning. Snuggle got 334 back for Oceanside in a solid rebuttal. Citrus had a critical misplay for the Gems, scoring only 64 on her turn. Bells also struggled, putting up a meager 39 for the Waves in a terrible showing. Pedey failed with 99 for Diamond, as the game turns into a battle to see who can score the lowest without ruining their team. Alyssa hit 227 to save Oceanside, making it a close game with a player each to go. Cassandra tapped 204 for the Gems, forcing a response as they finish with 759. Pounce's 258 gave the Waves 858, enough to claim an uninspiring victory. Oceanside's eight-game home losing streak ends, sending them to 11-13, while Diamond has lost five straight on the road, falling to 14-16 with their playoff hopes flickering again.
Verizon Field, Pacific: The hottest team in the league hosts one of the colder road sides. Juno got overwhelmed by pace early on, producing only 177 for Modernistic in a weak start. Starlight completely messed her turn up, scoring a pathetic 21 for Pacific. Ms. Puppy hit 353 for the Union to add onto their lead. Ms. Kitty slammed 585 for the Volcanoes, giving them a small lead after a successful comeback effort. Chimpy had only 152 for Modernistic in a frustrating appearance, putting them in a vulnerable position. Jack suffered from a bad bounce that sent him to only 72 for Pacific, making things even more interesting with a player each to go. Puff I crushed 996 for the Union, setting a high bar with a final of 1678, forcing a massive response. Leonette belted 894 for the Volcanoes, but this left them short at 1572, ending their eight-game win streak. Modernistic snapped a four-game road losing streak to get to 10-16, while Pacific drops into a three-way tie for fourth at 18-9.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: The Union continue a busy but successful stretch by making the short trip to Pearl for the second game in a doubleheader and their third in the last four league games. Juno started with 384 for Modernistic, giving them a solid opener. Watermelon scooped a middling 224 for Pearl, setting them behind at first. Ms. Puppy blasted 1361 for the Union, extending their lead into the stratosphere. Neopolitan rocketed right after her, slugging 1685 for the Surfers to take the lead at the halfway mark in a remarkable counterattack. Chimpy fired back with 214 for Modernistic, covering the deficit but just barely. Wings suffered a sticky pitch that sent his score down to 96, keeping Pearl just slightly ahead with a player each to go. Puff I scored 211 for the Union, ending their attack at 2170, far from a secure lead in this crazy game. Cowzart laid out for 232, sending the Surfers to victory with 2237. Pearl took the good vibes from what they called a "unifying" road trip and put them to good use at home, jumping to 21-9 and holding down second place, while Modernistic is 10-17 after the tough loss.
Tridents Park sponsored by Ford, Pronger: Chris provided a solid 394 for Capital City in the opening turn. Strawberry managed 218 for Pronger in a middling effort, putting them behind from the start. Missy answered with 377 for the Sharpshooters, extending their lead slightly. Hoot hit a measly 42 for the Tridents, allowing the deficit to grow. Sprinkles tacked on 543 for Capital City in a strong showing, putting their lead at a likely untouchable level. Precious faltered with 192 after starting with good control, as Pronger knows this one's out of reach. Dani's 36 gave the Sharpshooters 1350 as their final, likely a win. Paps put together 593 for the Tridents, but this only put them at a total of 1045, taking a tough loss. Capital City goes to 11-13, while Pronger's three-game losing streak sees them to 11-15.
Ebay Center, Queens: The Flames are in line for the sweep here if they can hold off a solid road team in the Waves. Snuggle hit a humble 264 to begin for Oceanside in an unimposing way. Crystal's poor swing sank her turn at 69 for Queens, a terrible start for the hosts. Bells lifted 384 to add onto the Waves lead successfully. Kayla swung too hard on her turn, producing just 112 for the Flames as they fall farther behind. Alyssa poked 322 for Oceanside, maintaining their lead well. Max shrunk the deficit, swatting 496 for Queens on a confident turn. Pounce erased that with his own 535 for the Waves, sending them to a total of 1505. Paige took only 144, giving the Flames a loss at 821. Oceanside continues to be masterful on the road, going to 12-13 while pressing Queens farther into the cellar at 6-21.
Kraft Crowns Park, Royal: These two teams meet in Westside in ten games as well, making for a quick season series between Center Division rivals. Misty posted 489, getting Westside off to a favorable start with a solid lead. Frosty took on 231 for Royal, putting them in an early hole. Goatee padded the lead with 552 for the Rockers, quickly running away with the festivities. Jake took 312 for the Crowns, cutting into the deficit a little bit. Midnight suffered a bad bounce that ended her turn at 87 for Westside. Marsell only pulled in 113 for Royal, keeping the hosts quite a distance away. Chicky Phil piled on with 371 for the Rockers, putting them at 1499 overall. Nightfur's 193 put the Crowns at only 849 in the loss. Westside gets a big win over another struggling team, going to 8-15, while Royal is 7-19.
Tomorrow or Friday will see the publication of the end of Week 14.
Mercedes-Benz Field, Harrison: The second part of the Halloween Derby goes, with the Spiders trying to salvage a split after an early-season loss to their bitterest rivals. Shadow took an optional replay after an untimely end, but scored only 64 on the second attempt, putting Web City in a bad position. Slinks answered with 440 for Harrison, giving the hosts a sizable lead. Rainmane just flicked a ball on her backhand out of bounds, giving her just 31 for the Spiders. Twinkie II had a humble start, but gained momentum and ended with 1065 for the Specters, extending their lead to a wide margin. Sugar took just 199 for Web City as it appears to be a lost game for them. Sydney tacked on 470 for Harrison as they continue to keep the pressure high. Shiny's 407 was far from enough for the Spiders, as they dropped a loss with 701 overall. Brownie had a simple 66 to give the Specters a final of 2041 in the win. Harrison surprises with the season sweep, going to 13-16 now, while Web City takes another setback to 10-14, falling behind their opponents with the division loss.
Nissan Infinity Stadium, Infinity: These two teams meet for the first time this season. Jasmine cobbled 495 for Freedom, ending on a swing and miss. Smudge answered with 411 for Infinity, keeping them in range early on. Stinky grabbed only 253 for the Cascades, leaving them vulnerable. Shelley wasted no time in giving the Torpedoes a lead, raking in 467 on her turn to give them the minor advantage. Roxy answered right back with 481 for Freedom, covering the deficit easily. Gabe slipped with a decidedly average 264 for Infinity, and they now trail by a slim margin with a player each to go. Nikolai rolled 135 for the Cascades, potentially costing them the game as they finish far from safe at 1364. Whiskers botched the comeback, taking a measly 16 to put the Torpedoes at a loss with 1158. Freedom got away with one here, going to 15-13 on the lucky win, while Infinity's five-game winning streak is halted as they fall to 8-16.
Pepsi Prestige Park, Lighton: The West Division gets highlighted with a pair of teams currently in playoff positions. Watermelon had only 233 this time after her great previous outing, putting Pearl at a weak starting point. Acorn's ill-timed swing resulted in a ball going back over his head, giving him a pathetic 6 points for Lighton. Neopolitan struck 719 to supplement the Surfers lead in an effective way. Spirit scored 292 for the struggling Prestige. Wings swung 564 for Pearl, but as many have recently, he ended with an unintentional backwards hit. Twinkie I asnwered with 482 for Lighton, but it's likely too little and too late. Cowzart chipped 98 to give the Surfers a grand total of 1614. Lydia had a respectable 304 for the Prestige, but they took the loss with 1084, their third straight at home. Pearl is up to 20-9, while also going 4-1 on a five-game road trip, while Lighton slides to 15-12 with an unsightly 2-5 division mark.
UPS Ground, Maplewood: This could be a trap game, as the home-strong Lumberjacks face a cold Crowns side. Frosty produced 240 for Royal on her turn, a mediocre opener. Fluffina had too much momentum, scoring 235 after lifting one ball just a bit too high for Maplewood, keeping things close at the start. Jake tried to use his backhand to save his turn, but the ball took just the right arc to be out of his reach and land squarely on the wicket, giving him only 110 for the Crowns. Bryant had a measly 64 for the Lumberjacks, which put them farther behind. Marsell batted 487 to give Royal a more stable lead as the game enters its late phases. Diddley got some of it back, scoring 333 for Maplewood as their situation gets dire. Nightfur added 227 for the Crowns, giving them a low 1064 as their final. Cubby came up clutch for the Lumberjacks, lining 477 to send them to victory with 1109. Maplewood has won six straight at home now, going to 13-10, while a seventh straight road loss puts Royal at 7-18.
Google Pitch at Union Ground, Modernistic: Snowball pulled in 424 to give Swordpoint a stable base to build on for this meeting. Juno unleashed 475 to give Modernistic a slight edge early in the game. Dreamy posted 273 for the Blades, leaving their minor lead quite vulnerable. Ms. Puppy pounded 523 for the Union, giving them a bigger lead at the halfway mark. Shawn faltered with 223, leaving Swordpoint short and in danger. Chimpy slapped a crisp 614 for Modernistic, likely securing their lead with the strong effort. Stealth had a measly 12 for the Blades, giving them 932 in their fourth straight road loss, making them a team in disarray. Puff I added 447 for the Union, sealing their win at 2059 to snap their three game home losing streak. Modernistic comes out of nowhere for this win, going to 9-16 while snapping a six-game losing streak, while Swordpoint is dropping rapidly, now at 18-9, losers of their last four, and currently occupying a tie for fifth in the league.
AT&T Oceanside Stadium, Oceanside: Someone's troubles end in this game, as two venue-related losing streaks meet with one guaranteed to snap. Smokey proved solid for Diamond, leading off with 392 to give them a decent beginning. Snuggle got 334 back for Oceanside in a solid rebuttal. Citrus had a critical misplay for the Gems, scoring only 64 on her turn. Bells also struggled, putting up a meager 39 for the Waves in a terrible showing. Pedey failed with 99 for Diamond, as the game turns into a battle to see who can score the lowest without ruining their team. Alyssa hit 227 to save Oceanside, making it a close game with a player each to go. Cassandra tapped 204 for the Gems, forcing a response as they finish with 759. Pounce's 258 gave the Waves 858, enough to claim an uninspiring victory. Oceanside's eight-game home losing streak ends, sending them to 11-13, while Diamond has lost five straight on the road, falling to 14-16 with their playoff hopes flickering again.
Verizon Field, Pacific: The hottest team in the league hosts one of the colder road sides. Juno got overwhelmed by pace early on, producing only 177 for Modernistic in a weak start. Starlight completely messed her turn up, scoring a pathetic 21 for Pacific. Ms. Puppy hit 353 for the Union to add onto their lead. Ms. Kitty slammed 585 for the Volcanoes, giving them a small lead after a successful comeback effort. Chimpy had only 152 for Modernistic in a frustrating appearance, putting them in a vulnerable position. Jack suffered from a bad bounce that sent him to only 72 for Pacific, making things even more interesting with a player each to go. Puff I crushed 996 for the Union, setting a high bar with a final of 1678, forcing a massive response. Leonette belted 894 for the Volcanoes, but this left them short at 1572, ending their eight-game win streak. Modernistic snapped a four-game road losing streak to get to 10-16, while Pacific drops into a three-way tie for fourth at 18-9.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: The Union continue a busy but successful stretch by making the short trip to Pearl for the second game in a doubleheader and their third in the last four league games. Juno started with 384 for Modernistic, giving them a solid opener. Watermelon scooped a middling 224 for Pearl, setting them behind at first. Ms. Puppy blasted 1361 for the Union, extending their lead into the stratosphere. Neopolitan rocketed right after her, slugging 1685 for the Surfers to take the lead at the halfway mark in a remarkable counterattack. Chimpy fired back with 214 for Modernistic, covering the deficit but just barely. Wings suffered a sticky pitch that sent his score down to 96, keeping Pearl just slightly ahead with a player each to go. Puff I scored 211 for the Union, ending their attack at 2170, far from a secure lead in this crazy game. Cowzart laid out for 232, sending the Surfers to victory with 2237. Pearl took the good vibes from what they called a "unifying" road trip and put them to good use at home, jumping to 21-9 and holding down second place, while Modernistic is 10-17 after the tough loss.
Tridents Park sponsored by Ford, Pronger: Chris provided a solid 394 for Capital City in the opening turn. Strawberry managed 218 for Pronger in a middling effort, putting them behind from the start. Missy answered with 377 for the Sharpshooters, extending their lead slightly. Hoot hit a measly 42 for the Tridents, allowing the deficit to grow. Sprinkles tacked on 543 for Capital City in a strong showing, putting their lead at a likely untouchable level. Precious faltered with 192 after starting with good control, as Pronger knows this one's out of reach. Dani's 36 gave the Sharpshooters 1350 as their final, likely a win. Paps put together 593 for the Tridents, but this only put them at a total of 1045, taking a tough loss. Capital City goes to 11-13, while Pronger's three-game losing streak sees them to 11-15.
Ebay Center, Queens: The Flames are in line for the sweep here if they can hold off a solid road team in the Waves. Snuggle hit a humble 264 to begin for Oceanside in an unimposing way. Crystal's poor swing sank her turn at 69 for Queens, a terrible start for the hosts. Bells lifted 384 to add onto the Waves lead successfully. Kayla swung too hard on her turn, producing just 112 for the Flames as they fall farther behind. Alyssa poked 322 for Oceanside, maintaining their lead well. Max shrunk the deficit, swatting 496 for Queens on a confident turn. Pounce erased that with his own 535 for the Waves, sending them to a total of 1505. Paige took only 144, giving the Flames a loss at 821. Oceanside continues to be masterful on the road, going to 12-13 while pressing Queens farther into the cellar at 6-21.
Kraft Crowns Park, Royal: These two teams meet in Westside in ten games as well, making for a quick season series between Center Division rivals. Misty posted 489, getting Westside off to a favorable start with a solid lead. Frosty took on 231 for Royal, putting them in an early hole. Goatee padded the lead with 552 for the Rockers, quickly running away with the festivities. Jake took 312 for the Crowns, cutting into the deficit a little bit. Midnight suffered a bad bounce that ended her turn at 87 for Westside. Marsell only pulled in 113 for Royal, keeping the hosts quite a distance away. Chicky Phil piled on with 371 for the Rockers, putting them at 1499 overall. Nightfur's 193 put the Crowns at only 849 in the loss. Westside gets a big win over another struggling team, going to 8-15, while Royal is 7-19.
Tomorrow or Friday will see the publication of the end of Week 14.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)