We're back to a somewhat normal schedule to play today's games. The first is in...
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Kelly v. A. Charlton. The first set of the day is Rotation with the red cue. Viewpoint Sound's Kelly had a highlight in game 1, gaining the lead by cutting the 7 to the top right and caroming the cue to take the 15 in the top left. Kelly won the game 8-4, with an 8-10 bank combination to the bottom left keying a three-ball run that led her to a 1-0 series lead on the overwhelmed Charlton of Golden. The Pilots' Charlton build up a lead in game 2 as well, but never trailed in the game, allowing the Meteors' Kelly to tie it a couple of times before Charlton ran out the last three balls for an 8-5 win to tie the series at 1. Charlton surged to an easy win despite some lazy shots at the end of game 3, burying Kelly by an 8-2 score to steal the series 2-1. Ranked #95 for Rotation, Charlton will travel to Commerce to face the Tradewinds' Ice Cream in the second round at Nike Field Events Center.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Blizzard. The silver cue is up for 8-ball in this series. Freedom's Roxy used a strategic scratch in game 1 against Everton's Blizzard, and when the latter missed contact, the former ran out the last three balls for the win, taking a 1-0 series lead with the smart play. Game 2 went a bit choppy for both players, with neither really piecing together a solid run. The ending favored the Cascades' Roxy, as the Eagles; Blizzard left the 8 short at the top right and Roxy was able to kick it in for the 2-0 series lead. Blizzard ended up giving the game away just after Roxy gave her a freebie, as she scratched, and Roxy made her last two shots, winning the game and sweeping the series 3-0. Roxy is ranked #18 in 8-ball, and she'll play in the second round at this venue against Rainmane of the Web City Spiders.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Princess v. A. Charlton. The silver cue stays up for some 9-ball. Tysini's Princess got away with missing the 9 short at the bottom right, as Golden's Charlton attempted a cut but hit it too hard, with the cue coming back for a scratch to give Princess the win and a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 started well, but the accuracy disappeared late, with the Pilots' Charlton winning the game on her second attempt at the 9 after the Hummingbirds' Princess couldn't pocket it. The win allowed Charlton to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Princess nearly had the win on a 2-9 combination to the bottom right, but her shot was just slightly too strong, and the cue fell in the bottom side, giving her the loss and Charlton the 2-1 series win. Charlton takes her #76 ranked 9-ball bid to the second round.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Shelley v. Dominic. The blue cue is in for this series of 10-ball. Atlantic's Dominic executed a six-ball run-out filled with good positioning and accurate shooting to win game 1 and take the 1-0 series lead over a solid but unremarkable Shelley of Infinity. The Pirates' Dominic got lucky in game 2, as he illegally potted the 8 and the Torpedoes' Shelley took possession to sink a close-in shot on the 7. Her cut of the 10 failed at the top right, and Dominic tapped it in for the win and a 2-0 series lead. Shelley surged late in game 3, but she couldn't quite cut the 10 in at the bottom side, and Dominic mopped it up to sweep the series 3-0. Ranked #76 for 10-ball, Dominic travels to Oceanside's AT&T Hall to face the Waves' Alyssa in the second round.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Dreamy v. Spice. The silver cue returns to the table for a series of Accuracy. Game 1 went to overtime, as Swordpoint's Dreamy failed to hold onto the lead she built up with Victoria's Spice pressuring on defense, making it a 3-3 tie. Spice wasted one chance to win in overtime, missing a close shot, but she buried the next one to take a 4-5 win and a 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Spice played perfectly in game 2, never really giving the Blades' Dreamy a chance, although she held in for quite awhile before succumbing to the 0-2 loss. Spice clinched the series at 2-0 with the win. Spice missed the first ball in game 3, but Dreamy missed the last two in a 1-2 loss, giving Spice the series sweep at 3-0. Ranked #89 for Accuracy, Spice heads to Amazon Field Exhibition Hall in Golden for a match with the Pilots' Strut in the second round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Mr. Snowman v. Missy. The red cue is up again for some 12-ball. Capital City's Missy used extensive set-up shots to make the end of game 1 easier, and iced it off one turn after illegal contact by Viewpoint Sound's Mr. Snowman, with her five-ball run-out sealing the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Missy was a bit less thorough in setting things up in game 2, but the Meteors' Mr. Snowman was just as less organized overall, so Missy still still got the win with precision shooting and planning, clinching the series at 2-0. Mr. Snowman still couldn't get himself set in game 3, and while Missy was set up, she needed a wild card ball and a scratch from Mr. Snowman to finish the game and complete the 3-0 sweep. Missy is ranked #92 in 12-ball, and she'll play her second round series against Sleepy B. of the Arrows in Archtown's Starbucks Arena.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Americus v. Wild Thing. The blue cue's last Rotation series of the first round is right here. Whitewater's Wild Thing had an edge after a four-ball run in the middle of the game, and while Atlantic's Americus tied it, she scratched late, allowing Wild Thing to win from ball-in-hand by an 8-6 score for a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Pirates' Americus turned the tables on the Shores' Wild Thing, coming from behind and winning 8-5 with a little bit of defense until Wild Thing missed contact, allowing Americus a tap-in to tie the series at 1. Americus nearly got beat in game 3, but Wild Thing couldn't pot the 11, and Americus worked a five-ball run-out coming from behind for an 8-7 win and 2-1 series win. Americus is the #1 ranked Rotation player, and will host Puff I of the Modernistic Union in the second round at this venue.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Smudge. The blue cue continues to play, now in use for 15-ball. Boston's Gradley had a terrible break in game 1, and it plagued the game with missed or illegal contact and scratches, the last of which allowed Infinity's Smudge ball-in-hand for a 9-15 combination to the top right for a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Smudge had a three-ball run from the break (two on the break and a 1-15-6 combination to the top right) end in a scratch in game 2. The Swifts' Gradley brought the game to a quick close, burying the 1-15 combination to the top right to tie the series at 1. Gradley had a highlight in game 3, threading the 7 through the 10, 8, and 14 to get it in the bottom right pocket, a highly difficult shot. It wouldn't be enough, as he made a 13 and 14 double-pot combination to the bottom right later, but couldn't sink the 15, which Smudge did to claim the series 2-1. Ranked #93 for 15-ball, Smudge heads to Del Sur's Microsoft Center to face Shannon of the Southern Monarchs in a second round series.
Ebay Center, Queens: Max v. Gradley. Boston's Gradley gets a doubleheader, making the short trip to Queens to face Max in 9-ball with the silver cue. The Flames' Max had the better of play in game 1, as the Swifts' Gradley seemed a bit prone to scratching. Max made the last two balls for the win and a 1-0 lead in the series. Gradley ended another game 2 a bit early, as the stagnant middle stanza with Max came to a quick close when Gradley potted the 4-9 combination in the bottom right, tying the series at 1. Max dialed up a 2-5-3 combination early in game 3 at the top right, and then closed on a three-ball run-out with all the balls going to that same pocket for the win and a 2-1 series win. Ranked #30 for 9-ball, Max will host another local player, A. Charlton of the Golden Pilots, in the second round from this location.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Oreo. The silver cue is still in play, going with 15-ball this series. Ms. Puppy of Modernistic had the majority of the possession in game 1, dominating with multiple runs of three or more, but Terrace City's Oreo got the 15, giving her a 1-0 series lead against her metropolitan rival. The Union's Ms. Puppy blew it with illegal contact on the 15 in game 2, and the lateness of the play meant the Knights' Oreo had ball-in-hand for the last two shots, which she made to clinch the series at 2-0. In game 3, things started with some sharp shooting both sides, but the ending was a bit disastrous. Oreo ended up with the win, but it wasn't pretty, and she swept the series 3-0. Ranked #67 for 15-ball, Oreo heads west to AT&T Hall in Oceanside, matching up with the Waves' Alyssa in the second round.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Gabe v. Rainmane. The silver cue is on another binge, going for Accuracy here. Infinity's Gabe was nearly perfect, missing only one ball, but that was all Web City's Rainmane needed, as she stayed perfect and took the win 0-1 for a 1-0 series lead in an excellent display of shooting skill in game 1. The Spiders' Rainmane used a bunch of defensive positioning to get the Torpedoes' Gabe in trouble and force overtime in game 2, with Rainmane carrying momentum into the extra shots, where she won with makes on the 4 to the bottom side and 11 to the top right on a lucky shot for the 3-4 win and 2-0 series lead. Rainmane couldn't hold her lead in game 3, letting it slip to overtime tied at 2 until Gabe missed on his overtime shot and Rainmane made the 11-13 combination to the top right for the 2-3 win. Rainmane swept the series 3-0, and takes her #91 ranked Accuracy bid to the second round at Gillette Center in Swordpoint, facing the Blades' Shawn.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Bryant. The silver cue will close the afternoon with its fourth straight series, playing Rotation in a location-based doubleheader in Infinity. Maplewood's Bryant tried rallying back from Infinity's Smudge having a good early attack, but a scratch ended the rally and gave Smudge ball-in-hand to win 8-4 and take a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Bryant fell short on his comeback attempt, as his three-ball run tied it but left the 14 short for the Torpedoes' Smudge to tap in for an 8-7 win and 2-0 series lead. Smudge couldn't hold her lead in game 3, as Bryant meticulously rallied back from being way to winning 8-7 with good defense. Smudge, ranked #26 for Rotation, advances to the second round with a 2-1 series win, hosting the Pearl Surfers' Cowzart at this venue.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Spice v. Snowball. Rotation with the silver cue also leads our evening session with another series from the Southwest. With game 1 tied and one ball on the table, Spice of Victoria struck it a bit too hard straight on, scratching, and giving Swordpoint's Snowball a free shot to win 8-7 for a 1-0 series lead in a hard-fought game. The Blades' Snowball made a more confident finish to game 2, banking the 12 to the top side for the 8-5 win, sealing the series at 2-0 as the Spurs' Spice couldn't form an adequate answer. Spice saved some face in game 3, working a wonderful six-ball run-out to win 8-2, including a double-pot of the 4 and 15 to the right corners and more excellent positioning to string the shots together. Snowball took the series 2-1, and her #76 ranked Rotation campaign heads to Freedom's Toyota Arena for a second round series with the Cascades' Roxy.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Starlight v. Lorde. One of the best rookies of all time hosts a current rookie in 10-ball with the blue cue. Commerce's Lorde worked a four-ball run after a stick violation from Pacific's Starlight, and a four-ball run-out on Lorde's next turn gave her a 1-0 series lead with a dominant win. The Volcanoes' Starlight got bossed around a bit by the Tradewinds' Lorde in game 2, but Starlight held on and made the last two shots from some distance to get the win and tie the series at 1. Starlight's lack of possession caught up with her in game 3, as Lorde again controlled the pace of the game, and this helped her get to a three-ball run-out to seal a 2-1 series win. Ranked #79 for 10-ball, Lorde heads to Diamond's Intel Center to face the Gems captain Smokey in the second round.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Neopolitan v. Puff I. The blue cue is still in action, but for 8-ball this series. Pearl's Neopolitan couldn't corral the last ball in her suit, allowing Puff I of Modernistic to haul herself back into the game and get the win for a 1-0 series lead with patient but persistent shooting. Neopolitan got onto the 8 in game 2, but the Surfers star was stuffed again, as the Union's Puff I defended at first and then worked a three-ball run-out to clinch the series on a 2-0 lead. Game 3 went smoothly for each side, particularly as Puff I worked in a five-ball run, but the 8 caused problems. Puff I eventually corralled the 8 to sweep the series 3-0. Ranked #82 for 8-ball, Puff I faces her ancestor, Puff II of the Swifts, at Boston's Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center in the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Midnight v. Lionel. The final series tonight is 12-ball with the red cue. Westside's Midnight got off to a great start but had to weather a four-ball run from Commerce's Lionel, offset by his scratch. Lionel nearly gave the game away himself, but Midnight missed a freebie shot, and won later as Lionel was not set up, giving the host a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Midnight capitalized on again having better positioning, especially when the Tradewinds' Lionel missed contact on the 11, giving Midnight ball-in-hand for her last two balls, which she made to seal the series at 2-0. Lionel burst out to a good game in game 3, scoring a four-ball run with good set-up work on the last two balls, which took a bit of effort to get to but eventually fell to make it a 2-1 series. Ranked #34 for 12-ball, Midnight hosts Precious of the Pronger Tridents at this venue in the second round.
That's it for tonight. More games on an anticipated heavy schedule tomorrow.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Club Cricket Challenge: Preliminary Round - Game 10
The games are starting to wind down for a number of teams. This is the tenth batch of games led by...
Group B with Humanity + (H+) hosting Humanity Neutral (H0) at Cisco Tysini Field. A. Charlton lined 716 to begin for H0, as a few H+ rejects will have a chance to prove themselves to their official club on coalition team. Taylor answered with 451 for H+, keeping things a bit close. Lorde embarrassed herself again with only 41 for H0. Chelsea ripped 690 for H+, putting them in the lead. B. Chapman went with only 208 for H0. Jasmine had a pathetic 51 for H+, but they still lead the game. Yekaterina couldn't catch H0 up, striking a meager 82 on her turn in the all-or-nothing type of game. Alyssa tallied 208 for H+, keeping their lead in check. Her sister, Kelly, batted 596 for the other team as H0 takes a late lead. Kayla swatted 663 to restore the lead for H+ with a player each to go. Cassandra poked 384 for H0, but they lost on 2027. Zach collected 367 to give H+ a final of 2430 in their win.
In Modernistic, Humanity- (H-) welcomes Youth Movement (YM). Watermelon had only 49 for YM, getting her team off to a terrible start. Charli managed 296 for H-, and they'll start with the lead. Puff III saved it with 441 for YM, giving them a chance again. Chris had only 44 for H-, flicking a ball too high on his backhand in desperation. Neopolitan pulled in 387 for YM, adding to their lead. Bryant cut into the deficit for H-, striking 410 to get them closer at the halfway point. Kiwi fired back with 425, continuing to be the best player for YM. Amber pounded 531 for H-, making it even closer as the game gets late. Ice Cream flubbed her turn with only 126 for YM, leaving them highly vulnerable against the quality subs of their hosts. Shawn couldn't capitalize, faltering to 64 for H- as they lose ground with the final players coming to bat. Spirit had a weak 16, leaving YM at 1444 and far from safety. Shannon had 177 for H-, giving them the win on 1522.
At HP Field in Eastside, Reality brings in Delila Enterprises 2 (DE2) in their group's most pivotal match. Goatee suffered a bad deflection for DE2, producing only 249 to start the game. Starlight carved out 456 for Reality, giving them the initial lead on her optional replay turn. Diddley answered with 432 for DE2, keeping them in the fight. Twilight slugged 1235 for Reality, her best game of the group stages coming at the best possible time. Cleo got 359 back for DE2, but they are still far behind. Twinkie II didn't have the best turn with an average 259 for Reality, as they carry a significant lead. Precious tallied 527 for DE2, cutting into the deficit again with another stellar performance. Spice had only 176 for Reality, continuing a minor slump. Max had 240 for DE2, not exactly what they were looking for at this juncture. Dusty lifted 490 for Reality, doing her part to secure the lead late in the game. Ruby's 320 was not enough for DE2, and they took the loss with 2127, a disappointing result. Missy capped it with 394 individually to give Reality 3010 as they seal their group with a win.
Finally, at Samsung Whitewater Stadium, the Delila Enterprises/Oriental United Coalition (DEOU) hosts Delila Enterprises 1 (DE1). Delila opened with 376 for DE1, her best effort so far. Panda couldn't quite meet that mark, hitting 320 to lead for DEOU. Ms. Kitty stumbled with 128 for DE1, leaving them vulnerable again. Mr. Snowman grabbed just 223 for DEOU, but it was enough to take the lead with. Leandra answered with 279 for DE1 as the game gets a bit sloppy in form. Shiny churned out 467 for DEOU, extending their lead. Snuggle gambled on using an optional replay and lost, taking a measly 146 for DE1 as the game gets out of reach a bit. Chicky Phil clubbed 501 for DEOU, as they continue to control the game. Easter answered with 384 for DE1, cutting the deficit a bit. Mams had just 176 for DEOU, leaving them somewhat vulnerable late in the game. Fluffina swung 392 for DE1, forcing a response as the visitors end with 1705. Paps did as little as he could with 54, giving DEOU a narrow win on 1741.
The four group winners have been determined: Solid Core 2 (A), Oriental United (B), Brute Force (C), and Reality (D). Humanity- in Group C will be one wild card, most likely. The other wild card is to be determined New Year's Day.
Group B with Humanity + (H+) hosting Humanity Neutral (H0) at Cisco Tysini Field. A. Charlton lined 716 to begin for H0, as a few H+ rejects will have a chance to prove themselves to their official club on coalition team. Taylor answered with 451 for H+, keeping things a bit close. Lorde embarrassed herself again with only 41 for H0. Chelsea ripped 690 for H+, putting them in the lead. B. Chapman went with only 208 for H0. Jasmine had a pathetic 51 for H+, but they still lead the game. Yekaterina couldn't catch H0 up, striking a meager 82 on her turn in the all-or-nothing type of game. Alyssa tallied 208 for H+, keeping their lead in check. Her sister, Kelly, batted 596 for the other team as H0 takes a late lead. Kayla swatted 663 to restore the lead for H+ with a player each to go. Cassandra poked 384 for H0, but they lost on 2027. Zach collected 367 to give H+ a final of 2430 in their win.
In Modernistic, Humanity- (H-) welcomes Youth Movement (YM). Watermelon had only 49 for YM, getting her team off to a terrible start. Charli managed 296 for H-, and they'll start with the lead. Puff III saved it with 441 for YM, giving them a chance again. Chris had only 44 for H-, flicking a ball too high on his backhand in desperation. Neopolitan pulled in 387 for YM, adding to their lead. Bryant cut into the deficit for H-, striking 410 to get them closer at the halfway point. Kiwi fired back with 425, continuing to be the best player for YM. Amber pounded 531 for H-, making it even closer as the game gets late. Ice Cream flubbed her turn with only 126 for YM, leaving them highly vulnerable against the quality subs of their hosts. Shawn couldn't capitalize, faltering to 64 for H- as they lose ground with the final players coming to bat. Spirit had a weak 16, leaving YM at 1444 and far from safety. Shannon had 177 for H-, giving them the win on 1522.
At HP Field in Eastside, Reality brings in Delila Enterprises 2 (DE2) in their group's most pivotal match. Goatee suffered a bad deflection for DE2, producing only 249 to start the game. Starlight carved out 456 for Reality, giving them the initial lead on her optional replay turn. Diddley answered with 432 for DE2, keeping them in the fight. Twilight slugged 1235 for Reality, her best game of the group stages coming at the best possible time. Cleo got 359 back for DE2, but they are still far behind. Twinkie II didn't have the best turn with an average 259 for Reality, as they carry a significant lead. Precious tallied 527 for DE2, cutting into the deficit again with another stellar performance. Spice had only 176 for Reality, continuing a minor slump. Max had 240 for DE2, not exactly what they were looking for at this juncture. Dusty lifted 490 for Reality, doing her part to secure the lead late in the game. Ruby's 320 was not enough for DE2, and they took the loss with 2127, a disappointing result. Missy capped it with 394 individually to give Reality 3010 as they seal their group with a win.
Finally, at Samsung Whitewater Stadium, the Delila Enterprises/Oriental United Coalition (DEOU) hosts Delila Enterprises 1 (DE1). Delila opened with 376 for DE1, her best effort so far. Panda couldn't quite meet that mark, hitting 320 to lead for DEOU. Ms. Kitty stumbled with 128 for DE1, leaving them vulnerable again. Mr. Snowman grabbed just 223 for DEOU, but it was enough to take the lead with. Leandra answered with 279 for DE1 as the game gets a bit sloppy in form. Shiny churned out 467 for DEOU, extending their lead. Snuggle gambled on using an optional replay and lost, taking a measly 146 for DE1 as the game gets out of reach a bit. Chicky Phil clubbed 501 for DEOU, as they continue to control the game. Easter answered with 384 for DE1, cutting the deficit a bit. Mams had just 176 for DEOU, leaving them somewhat vulnerable late in the game. Fluffina swung 392 for DE1, forcing a response as the visitors end with 1705. Paps did as little as he could with 54, giving DEOU a narrow win on 1741.
The four group winners have been determined: Solid Core 2 (A), Oriental United (B), Brute Force (C), and Reality (D). Humanity- in Group C will be one wild card, most likely. The other wild card is to be determined New Year's Day.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Club Cricket Challenge: Preliminary Round - Game 9
As promised, here's the rest of the Tuesday night double-pack. We begin in...
Samsung Whitewater Stadium, as Group A's Delila Enterprises 1 (DE1) hosts Solid Core 2 (SC2). Roxy chopped 608 for SC2 to start with, giving them a solid base to build on. Ms. Kitty couldn't rally, taking only 102 for DE1. Boots faltered on her turn as well, with a meager 50 for SC2. Princess suffered a bad deflection, ending with just 93 for DE1 as they struggle early on again. Leonette crushed 1184 for SC2 this time around, boosting their lead to stellar heights. Leandra ripped 454 for DE1, trying to save their tournament lives. Leonardo mashed another 526 to pad the SC2 lead. Easter didn't have much, hitting only 283 for DE1. Sweetheart tallied 425 for SC2, keeping them in firm control. Fluffina had an acceptable 289 for DE1 in her appearance, but the game is pretty much out of hand. Frosty's 490 gave SC2 a final of 3283, likely good enough to get to 5-1 and win the group. Ms. Puppy had only 99, giving DE1 a brutal loss on 1320.
At Cisco Tysini Field, Group B's Humanity Neutral (H0) welcomes Oriental United (OU). Goldy began with 509 for OU, a strong start. Lorde had a weak 36 for H0, as they are in trouble early on. Hoot didn't do much better with his 49 for OU, marring what should be a good match. B. Chapman cut into the deficit with 394 for H0, making it a closer game. Stealth answered with 337 for OU, keeping them in charge tenuously. Yekaterina shrunk the deficit significantly with her 443 for H0, bringing them very close at the halfway point. Sparkles slashed 320 for OU, but their lead is far from stable. Kelly let things slip a bit with 312 for H0, but they are still extremely close and it is anyone's game right now. Bells accidentally sent a ball backward as she planted her bat, giving OU only 316 in a competitive battle. Kirstin let things slip with 135 for H0, and they have fallen slightly farther behind with a player each to go. Chimpy failed to secure the game, hitting just 96 for OU, leaving them at 1627 total. Paige failed to take advantage with her 64 for H0, and they lost with 1384.
From Google Pitch at Union Ground in Modernistic, Group C's game is Empyre 1 (E1) bringing in Brute Force (BF) in the return of the game from earlier tonight. Rainmane belted 834 for BF this time, giving them a strong lead again. Tigerette fell apart with 256 for E1. Smokey slipped up with 215 for BF, but they still have a solid lead. Graham had 311 to cut the deficit for E1 a bit. Wings carved out 663 for BF, adding to their lead well. Stripes answered with 550 for E1, attempting to keep the game close. Pedey stepped up with 392 for BF, maintaining their lead efficiently. Dustin lost it with 45 for E1, as they are almost certain to lose again. Juno rocked 327 for BF as they soar through the end of the game. Noelle cut back with 441 for E1, but the deficit remains mammoth. Slinks had 204, icing the BF total at 2635. Jake made it a very close finish, smashing 998 to leave E1 just short at 2601.
Finally, Empyre 2 (E2) hosts the Youth Movement/Brute Force Coalition (YMBF) at HP Field in Eastside. Sierra had 234 for YMBF in a weak opening attack. Pounce pulled 304 for E2, giving them a slight edge early on. Strawberry had only 51 for YMBF, as they fall behind even more. Cowzart lined 463 to give E2 a stronger lead. Citrus had just 73 for YMBF as they begin to unravel as a team. Cubby had a meager 69 for E2, as their offense is not strong in this game either. Nikolai had 341 to pull YMBF a little closer again. Cheddar let 449 fly off the end of her bat, padding the E2 lead as the game gets late. Midnight poked 216 for YMBF, but they are prepared to take a loss. Dusky tapped 82 as E2 winds things down in a poor game. Bright's 96 brought the end for YMBF, as they lost with 1011 in a terrible showing. Brownie swatted a quick 668 to bring E2 to a final of 2035 in the win.
Game 10s are tomorrow evening.
Samsung Whitewater Stadium, as Group A's Delila Enterprises 1 (DE1) hosts Solid Core 2 (SC2). Roxy chopped 608 for SC2 to start with, giving them a solid base to build on. Ms. Kitty couldn't rally, taking only 102 for DE1. Boots faltered on her turn as well, with a meager 50 for SC2. Princess suffered a bad deflection, ending with just 93 for DE1 as they struggle early on again. Leonette crushed 1184 for SC2 this time around, boosting their lead to stellar heights. Leandra ripped 454 for DE1, trying to save their tournament lives. Leonardo mashed another 526 to pad the SC2 lead. Easter didn't have much, hitting only 283 for DE1. Sweetheart tallied 425 for SC2, keeping them in firm control. Fluffina had an acceptable 289 for DE1 in her appearance, but the game is pretty much out of hand. Frosty's 490 gave SC2 a final of 3283, likely good enough to get to 5-1 and win the group. Ms. Puppy had only 99, giving DE1 a brutal loss on 1320.
At Cisco Tysini Field, Group B's Humanity Neutral (H0) welcomes Oriental United (OU). Goldy began with 509 for OU, a strong start. Lorde had a weak 36 for H0, as they are in trouble early on. Hoot didn't do much better with his 49 for OU, marring what should be a good match. B. Chapman cut into the deficit with 394 for H0, making it a closer game. Stealth answered with 337 for OU, keeping them in charge tenuously. Yekaterina shrunk the deficit significantly with her 443 for H0, bringing them very close at the halfway point. Sparkles slashed 320 for OU, but their lead is far from stable. Kelly let things slip a bit with 312 for H0, but they are still extremely close and it is anyone's game right now. Bells accidentally sent a ball backward as she planted her bat, giving OU only 316 in a competitive battle. Kirstin let things slip with 135 for H0, and they have fallen slightly farther behind with a player each to go. Chimpy failed to secure the game, hitting just 96 for OU, leaving them at 1627 total. Paige failed to take advantage with her 64 for H0, and they lost with 1384.
From Google Pitch at Union Ground in Modernistic, Group C's game is Empyre 1 (E1) bringing in Brute Force (BF) in the return of the game from earlier tonight. Rainmane belted 834 for BF this time, giving them a strong lead again. Tigerette fell apart with 256 for E1. Smokey slipped up with 215 for BF, but they still have a solid lead. Graham had 311 to cut the deficit for E1 a bit. Wings carved out 663 for BF, adding to their lead well. Stripes answered with 550 for E1, attempting to keep the game close. Pedey stepped up with 392 for BF, maintaining their lead efficiently. Dustin lost it with 45 for E1, as they are almost certain to lose again. Juno rocked 327 for BF as they soar through the end of the game. Noelle cut back with 441 for E1, but the deficit remains mammoth. Slinks had 204, icing the BF total at 2635. Jake made it a very close finish, smashing 998 to leave E1 just short at 2601.
Finally, Empyre 2 (E2) hosts the Youth Movement/Brute Force Coalition (YMBF) at HP Field in Eastside. Sierra had 234 for YMBF in a weak opening attack. Pounce pulled 304 for E2, giving them a slight edge early on. Strawberry had only 51 for YMBF, as they fall behind even more. Cowzart lined 463 to give E2 a stronger lead. Citrus had just 73 for YMBF as they begin to unravel as a team. Cubby had a meager 69 for E2, as their offense is not strong in this game either. Nikolai had 341 to pull YMBF a little closer again. Cheddar let 449 fly off the end of her bat, padding the E2 lead as the game gets late. Midnight poked 216 for YMBF, but they are prepared to take a loss. Dusky tapped 82 as E2 winds things down in a poor game. Bright's 96 brought the end for YMBF, as they lost with 1011 in a terrible showing. Brownie swatted a quick 668 to bring E2 to a final of 2035 in the win.
Game 10s are tomorrow evening.
Club Cricket Challenge: Preliminary Round - Game 8
Sorry for the delay. My birthday yesterday did not end as planned, with a minor technological crisis pushing the games back a bit. I intend to play Games 8 and 9 tonight, Game 10 tomorrow, and complete the preliminary round with Games 11 and 12 on New Year's Day. With that, let's begin with...
Group D from HP Field in Eastside, where Delila Enterprises 2 (DE2) hosts Reality. Starlight started with 361 for Reality in a serviceable opener. Strut had 297 for DE2, keeping them in range. Twilight lined a sharp 566 for Reality, boosting their lead pretty well. Goatee struck 336 for DE2, but they slipped a bit and face a steeper deficit now. Twinkie II hammered another 679 for Reality, extending their lead another step up the ladder. Precious cut into the deficit deeply, tallying 840 to get DE2 back in the game. Patches hit only 96 for Reality, leaving them vulnerable. Max swatted 625 to pull DE2 into the lead, changing the tone of the game dramatically. Spice failed to cover the deficit, posting 276 for Reality as things get dangerous for them. Americus faltered with only 64 for DE2, leaving the door open as the final players step up to bat. Missy proved resilient for Reality, rallying for 570 to give them a final of 2548, which could make it a close finish. Ruby's 312 left DE2 just a bit short on 2474 total.
Along to Samsung Whitewater Stadium for Group A's match of Delila Enterprises 1 (DE1) welcoming the Delila Enterprises/Oriental United Coalition (DEOU). Panda got a bit aggressive with his swings for DEOU, giving them a start of only 222. Delila had a pathetic 39 for DE1, and they start from behind again. Mr. Snowman didn't inspire confidence with only 195 for DEOU. Princess cut into the deficit with 320 for DE1, making it a closer game with a solid output. Dominic had a measly 55 for DEOU, another poor effort from him. Leandra lifted 535 for DE1, rewarding their manager's faith in her by giving the team the lead. Shiny fired back with 552 for DEOU, keeping them in the game. Easter continues to dazzle for DE1, slamming 907 to build up a big lead for them as the game gets late. Chicky Phil slipped with 124 for DEOU. Fluffina had a solid 298 for DE1, maintaining their lead effectively. Paps produced 431 for DEOU, but they still took the loss on 1579 total. Ms. Puppy poked 281 to give DE1 a final of 2380 in their win.
At Cisco Tysini Field, Group B sees Humanity Neutral (H0) bring in Solid Core 1 (SC1). Acorn led off with 367 for SC1, a reasonable opener. A. Charlton had a meager 12 for H0, leaving them well behind at this point. Smudge added 297 for SC1, as they hold a lead but far from dominantly. Lorde launched 552 to cut down the deficit for H0. Dreamy almost saved one on her backhand, but it got a little too high and went out for 217 to add to the SC1 lead, which is dwindling. B. Chapman slapped 610 for H0, giving them the lead halfway through the game. Sleepy B. covered the deficit with 320 for SC1, making it an interesting part of the game. Kelly tacked on 557 as H0 seems to have found a groove, pacing them to a significant lead. Shadow gave it away, hitting a pathetic 28 for SC1. Kirstin popped 152 for H0, putting them in cruise control as the game's end approaches. Oreo's 335 was not enough, as SC1 ended in a loss with 1564. Cassandra had just 20 to ice the H0 win at 1903.
Finally, in Modernistic's Google Pitch at Union Ground, Brute Force (BF) hosts Empyre 1 (E1). Tigerette slugged a massive 904 to get E1 off on the right foot. Rainmane chopped 610 in response for BF, making it a high-scoring start. Stripes left E1 vulnerable with her 103. Smokey erased the deficit with 751 for BF, giving them a minor lead. Dustin's 224 kept E1 trailing in the game as things are taking a turn for the worst for the visitors. Wings pounded another 541 for BF, padding their lead at the halfway mark. Snowball continued the decline of E1, taking a meager 75 on her turn. Pedey managed 311 for BF, good enough to extend their lead a little bit. Noelle got E1 back into it with her 668, closing the gap quite a bit. Juno put up 359 for BF, deterring the threat of a comeback from the opposition. Sally had just 51 for E1, and they lost on 2025. Nightfur iced it with 167 for BF, bringing them to a total of 2739 in the win.
Game 9s will follow in a little over an hour.
Group D from HP Field in Eastside, where Delila Enterprises 2 (DE2) hosts Reality. Starlight started with 361 for Reality in a serviceable opener. Strut had 297 for DE2, keeping them in range. Twilight lined a sharp 566 for Reality, boosting their lead pretty well. Goatee struck 336 for DE2, but they slipped a bit and face a steeper deficit now. Twinkie II hammered another 679 for Reality, extending their lead another step up the ladder. Precious cut into the deficit deeply, tallying 840 to get DE2 back in the game. Patches hit only 96 for Reality, leaving them vulnerable. Max swatted 625 to pull DE2 into the lead, changing the tone of the game dramatically. Spice failed to cover the deficit, posting 276 for Reality as things get dangerous for them. Americus faltered with only 64 for DE2, leaving the door open as the final players step up to bat. Missy proved resilient for Reality, rallying for 570 to give them a final of 2548, which could make it a close finish. Ruby's 312 left DE2 just a bit short on 2474 total.
Along to Samsung Whitewater Stadium for Group A's match of Delila Enterprises 1 (DE1) welcoming the Delila Enterprises/Oriental United Coalition (DEOU). Panda got a bit aggressive with his swings for DEOU, giving them a start of only 222. Delila had a pathetic 39 for DE1, and they start from behind again. Mr. Snowman didn't inspire confidence with only 195 for DEOU. Princess cut into the deficit with 320 for DE1, making it a closer game with a solid output. Dominic had a measly 55 for DEOU, another poor effort from him. Leandra lifted 535 for DE1, rewarding their manager's faith in her by giving the team the lead. Shiny fired back with 552 for DEOU, keeping them in the game. Easter continues to dazzle for DE1, slamming 907 to build up a big lead for them as the game gets late. Chicky Phil slipped with 124 for DEOU. Fluffina had a solid 298 for DE1, maintaining their lead effectively. Paps produced 431 for DEOU, but they still took the loss on 1579 total. Ms. Puppy poked 281 to give DE1 a final of 2380 in their win.
At Cisco Tysini Field, Group B sees Humanity Neutral (H0) bring in Solid Core 1 (SC1). Acorn led off with 367 for SC1, a reasonable opener. A. Charlton had a meager 12 for H0, leaving them well behind at this point. Smudge added 297 for SC1, as they hold a lead but far from dominantly. Lorde launched 552 to cut down the deficit for H0. Dreamy almost saved one on her backhand, but it got a little too high and went out for 217 to add to the SC1 lead, which is dwindling. B. Chapman slapped 610 for H0, giving them the lead halfway through the game. Sleepy B. covered the deficit with 320 for SC1, making it an interesting part of the game. Kelly tacked on 557 as H0 seems to have found a groove, pacing them to a significant lead. Shadow gave it away, hitting a pathetic 28 for SC1. Kirstin popped 152 for H0, putting them in cruise control as the game's end approaches. Oreo's 335 was not enough, as SC1 ended in a loss with 1564. Cassandra had just 20 to ice the H0 win at 1903.
Finally, in Modernistic's Google Pitch at Union Ground, Brute Force (BF) hosts Empyre 1 (E1). Tigerette slugged a massive 904 to get E1 off on the right foot. Rainmane chopped 610 in response for BF, making it a high-scoring start. Stripes left E1 vulnerable with her 103. Smokey erased the deficit with 751 for BF, giving them a minor lead. Dustin's 224 kept E1 trailing in the game as things are taking a turn for the worst for the visitors. Wings pounded another 541 for BF, padding their lead at the halfway mark. Snowball continued the decline of E1, taking a meager 75 on her turn. Pedey managed 311 for BF, good enough to extend their lead a little bit. Noelle got E1 back into it with her 668, closing the gap quite a bit. Juno put up 359 for BF, deterring the threat of a comeback from the opposition. Sally had just 51 for E1, and they lost on 2025. Nightfur iced it with 167 for BF, bringing them to a total of 2739 in the win.
Game 9s will follow in a little over an hour.
Pool: 2016 A-level First Round - Day 16
Another day of games kicks off now, beginning with...
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Jake. The first set of the day is 15-ball with the red cue. Royal's Jake came on strong late in game 1, after an illegal use of the stick violation from Pacific's Ms. Kitty. Jake used a three-ball run-out to take the 1-0 series lead, one turn after his three-ball run from ball-in-hand. The Crowns' Jake took an uninspired game 2 and ended it in grand fashion, using the 6 as a wrecking ball that potted the 12 at the bottom right and then caromed to take the 15 in the top right, securing the series at 2-0 over the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty. Jake had a highlight in game 3, working a kick-combination that scored as 3-11-4-6 to the top right. Jake also had a four-ball run, but it ended in a scratch that allowed Ms. Kitty to go for an 11-15 combination to the top right to get a win. Ranked #85 in 15-ball, Jake won the series 2-1 and heads to Everton's Chevrolet Center to face the Eagles' Blizzard in the second round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Kelly v. Sierra. The red cue stays on the coast for 8-ball with the red cue. Viewpoint Sound's Kelly scratched on the break, but it got better from there, culminating with a three-ball run-out to sneak a win from under the nose of Todavía's Sierra for the 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Sierra deserved to win in game 2, and thanks to the Meteors' Kelly scratching on the 8 to end a four-ball run at the end of the game, Sierra did get the win, tying the series at 1 on Kelly's error. Game 3 appeared to favor Sierra until Kelly pulled out a four-ball run to gain the advantage. Sierra almost overcame it, but Kelly iced the game and won the series 2-1. Kelly is ranked #22 for 8-ball, and she's set to host Princess of the Tysini Hummingbirds in the second round.
Intel Center, Diamond: Smokey v. Niki. The blue cue is up for 10-ball in this series. Diamond's Smokey grabbed the win in game 1 when Eastside's Niki wasted her five-ball run by missing the 10. Smokey made it on a tough cut, going up 1-0 in the series despite a lack of possession. The Gems' Smokey did a bit better in shooting in game 2, and it worked in his favor as the Sharks' Niki couldn't string much together, opening the door for Smokey to score the last two balls and clinch the series at 2-0. Niki had a good finish to bring game 3 to an early close, scoring the 4-10 combination to the bottom side to grab a win. Smokey still took the series 2-1, and advances his #24 ranked 10-ball bid to the second round.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Alyssa v. Chicky Phil. Alyssa faces a former Rockers teammate in a series of Rotation with the blue cue. Westside's Chicky Phil used a four-ball run in game 1, including an 8-9 bank combination to the top right that became a double-pot when the 13 fell in the bottom side off a cue ball carom, winning 8-3 to take the 1-0 series lead on Oceanside's Alyssa. In game 2, the Waves' Alyssa looked unbeatable at the start, building a five-ball lead only to see eight unanswered from the Rockers' Chicky Phil, who won 8-5 to take the series at 2-0 in a stunning comeback. Chicky Phil wasted little time in game 3, charging out to a lead and eventually winning 8-3 to sweep the series 3-0. Ranked #78 in Rotation, Chicky Phil travels to Boston's Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center to face the Swifts' Gradley in a second round series.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Leandra. Speaking of Gradley, he hosts a series of 10-ball with the silver cue. Tysini's Leandra capitalized on Boston's Gradley ending his three-ball run late in game 1 on a failed kick attempt at the 10, potting it in the bottom right to win the game for a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Leandra missed on two chances on the 10 in game 2, which featured a sloppy ending that only came about with the Swifts' Gradley burying the 10 on his third try to tie the series at 1. Leandra took advantage of ball-in-hand when Gradley made illegal contact, ending game 3 on a three-ball run capped by setting up and burying the 4-10 combination on consecutive shots near the bottom right, good for a 2-1 series win. Leandra, ranked #78 for 10-ball, heads to Web City's Home Depot Forum to play against the Spiders' Shiny in the second round.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Sugar v. Niki. The red cue is back in action at 15-ball in the Northeast. Eastside's Niki made the last two balls in a bit of a back-and-forth game against Web City's Sugar, giving the visitor a 1-0 series lead after the unremarkable game 1. In game 2, the Spiders' Sugar railed off a seven-ball run to accelerate the proceedings, and eventually won by making the last two balls when the Sharks' Niki lost a step on her shots. Sugar tied the series at 1 with this win. The players exchanged a couple of runs in game 3, but Niki ended up coming out on top, making the 15 on her second try to seal the series at 2-1. Niki is ranked #86 for 15-ball, and she travels to Everton's Chevrolet Center for a second round series with the Eagles' Cleo.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Bear v. Nikolai. The red cue keeps its busy day going with Accuracy. Game 1 played out in a fairly average manner, with both players missing a few shots. Freedom's Nikolai had the slight edge, winning 2-3 as Whitewater's Bear had some trouble early on he couldn't bounce back from as Nikolai took a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Bear got even in game 2, forcing the Cascades' Nikolai into tough shots that he couldn't convert, as Bear tied the series at 1 on a 2-3 win. Game 3 did not end in the cleanest form, but despite Bear scratching on the last shot, he held on for a 4-5 win to claim the series at 2-1. Ranked #31 for Accuracy, Bear is through to the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Midnight v. Mams. The blue cue returns to the table for a set of 9-ball. Westside's Midnight took game 1 on a 7-9 combination to the bottom right, cleaning up the shot after Viewpoint Sound's Mams missed the same attempt on the previous turn. Midnight took a 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Mams cashed in on the Rockers' Midnight missing the 9 after a three-ball run, potting it with authority to get the game 2 win and tie the series at 1 after an uninspiring stanza. Midnight weathered a dominant start from Mams in game 3, and then countered with a three-ball run-out full of sharp shots to take the series 2-1. Ranked #18 for 9-ball, Midnight is in the second round.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Yekaterina Vasilyeva v. Roxy. The silver cue returns for a series of 15-ball. Game 1 went poorly at the start, turning around when Freedom's Roxy rattled off a seven-ball run, and then ended with Roxy banking the 15 to the bottom side for a 1-0 series lead, going for style over substance to defeat Victoria's Yekaterina. Game 2 played a bit better, with both players making a handful of good shots. The Cascades' Roxy picked up momentum late with a five-ball run, but the Spurs' Yekaterina wrapped the game up with a three-ball run-out, tying the series at 1. Roxy seemed just fine in game 3, until she left the 15 short at the bottom right, and Yekaterina tapped it in to win the game and the series 2-1. Ranked #11 for 15-ball, Yekaterina hosts Shelley of the Infinity Torpedoes in the second round at this venue.
HP Field Events Center, Eastside: Taylor Swift v. Alyssa. The game is 10-ball with the blue cue once again. Oceanside's Alyssa had the last shot in game 1, potting the 10 that Eastside's Taylor left short at the top right in a game riddled with errors, giving her a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Taylor proved more aggressive in game 2, forcing the Waves' Alyssa into a few misses, the last of which set Taylor up for her five-ball run with excellent positioning. Taylor nearly under-hit the 10, but it got to its destination, tying the series at 1. Game 3 was very quick, with Alyssa scoring a five-ball run, answered by a three-ball run from Taylor, but then Alyssa made the last two and won the series 2-1. Ranked #75 in 10-ball, Alyssa plays on into the second round.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Nightfur. The silver cue continues to alternate, getting in for Accuracy. Royal's Nightfur buried Infinity's Smudge very early, as the latter missed three straight early on while the former stayed perfect. Nightfur won 2-4 to take a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Smudge returned the favor, burying the Crowns' Nightfur with bad leaves late in game 2 to secure her 2-4 win to tie the series at 1 and set up a decisive game for the series. Game 3 saw both players struggle to gain separation, and Nightfur left Smudge a tough shot on the final ball, which she missed, forcing overtime tied at 3. It took just one turn in overtime, a miss by Smudge on the break and a make from Nightfur, who took the 3-4 game for a 2-1 series win. Ranked #86 in Accuracy, Nightfur heads to Del Sur's Microsoft Center, hosted by the Southern Monarchs' Shannon in their second round series.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Kirstin v. Lorde. Out at the coast, the afternoon ends with more silver cue Accuracy between a pair of rookies. Game 1 went to overtime after a good first rack. In overtime, Southern's Kirstin sank nothing on the break, saved only by Commerce's Lorde scratching (having narrowly missed a scratch at the end of regulation). Lorde missed her next shot, and Kirstin's 2-3 win gave her a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Lorde had a highlight in game 2, making a 10-6-13 bank combination to the bottom side to control the lead. Lorde managed to hold on for the most part from there, as the Monarchs' Kirstin couldn't keep pace. Lorde's 2-3 win tied the series at 1. In game 3, Lorde intentionally missed on the last ball and nearly paid for it, but Kirstin left it short to tie the game, forcing overtime. Kirstin tried for revenge with the soft break, but Lorde decidedly ended the game by potting four balls (three to the bottom right) to win 4-5 and take the series 2-1. Ranked #88 for Accuracy, Lorde's entertaining series win sends her to Boston's Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center to face the Swifts' Puff II in the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Cheddar v. Neopolitan. The silver cue will extend its run with 9-ball in the Tuesday opener, as a change in plans forced the two days of games to be combined. Pearl's Neopolitan brought a disappointing game 1 to a close, caroming the cue off the 4 and into the 9, which fell at the bottom right for her to lead Whitewater's Cheddar 1-0 in the series. The Shores' Cheddar had better luck in game 2, working a three-ball run-out after the Surfers' Neopolitan missed on the 5-6 combination she attempted, and Cheddar made a 7-9 combination to the top right to tie the series at 1. Cheddar dominated in game 3, working a four-ball run from the break and a three-ball run later, but she needed two shots on the 9 to get the win, which she did. Cheddar took the series 2-1, and her #43 ranked 9-ball campaign is into the second round.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Leonette v. Dani. The silver cue keeps going for 10-ball. Pacific's Leonette controlled possession for much of game 1, but her miss on the 10 left an easy tap-in for Capital City's Dani, who took advantage of the leave to take a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 played a lot more competitively, with Dani of the Sharpshooters getting a number of shots in to keep pace with the Volcanoes' Leonette. In the end, Leonette pieced together a three-ball run-out to take the win and tie the series at 1. Dani had game 3 in her grasp, but she inexplicably missed the 10, allowing Leonette ball-in-hand for the win and a 2-1 series win. Ranked #23 for 10-ball, Leonette is set to host Strawberry of the Pronger Tridents in the second round at this venue.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Debby Ryan v. Puff III. The silver cue gets a fifth straight series in 7-ball. Everton's Puff III weathered a sharp storm from Southridge's Debby, who had a four-ball run in the middle of the game but couldn't win as Puff III made the last two shots for a 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Puff III got luck as the Defenders' Debby wasted a chance to win by missing contact at point-blank range on the 7, and Puff III tapped it in to get the win and clinch the series at 2-0. Debby saved some face, getting the win in game 3 on her second shot on the 7, mostly because of a late scratch by Puff III. Ranked #77 for 7-ball, Puff III heads to Audi Hall in Terrace City, set to face the Knights' Kiwi in a second round series. Puff III's win marked the end of Debby's sophomore campaign, the first player knocked out, and Puff III's first kill of the season.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Bells. The silver rush continues, returning to the 9-ball bracket. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy turned on the jets late in game 1, holding Oceanside's Bells off until a four-ball run-out sealed the win for the host to take a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 started a bit lazily, but it picked up later, with the Waves' Bells capitalizing on a few late misses from the Union's Ms. Puppy to accrue the proper shots and get the win, tying the series at 1. Ms. Puppy came out shooting in game 3, blasting an early run and a four-ball run-out, with Bells left neutralized as Ms. Puppy claimed the series 2-1. Ranked #42 for 9-ball, Ms. Puppy will play in the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Hoot v. Diddley. The red cue breaks silver's streak, with 7-ball as the game now. Pronger's Hoot nearly got into position on the 7, but his shot from the 6 ended in a scratch, and Maplewood's Diddley knocked in the 7 from ball-in-hand for the 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Diddley went for a kick on the 7 toward the bottom left, but came up just short, allowing the Tridents' Hoot a simple tap-in to get the win and tie the series at 1. Hoot got extremely lucky in game 3 as the 7 rattled in the top side on the break after looking to be nowhere near the pocket early on, shutting Diddley out from a chance to win the series as Hoot takes it 2-1. Ranked #19 for 7-ball, Hoot will host the Golden Pilots' A. Charlton in the second round at this venue.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Juno. The blue cue is in action now with 12-ball. Harrison's Twinkie II scored a four-ball run on the break, allowing her to be patient in setting up her final shot, while Modernistic's Juno chased the game but never caught up, as Twinkie II made a good cut for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II had a four-ball run in game 2, answering the opening attack from the Union's Juno of a four-ball run, but Juno had a defensive advantage even after giving a wild card ball away. Twinkie II narrowly missed on a long kick for her last shot, and Juno tapped in her final ball to win the game, tying the series at 1. Twinkie II emerged with the win in game 3, holding off a rally by Juno, who had a wild card ball but couldn't take advantage of it, as Twinkie II's last ball was set up well for the 2-1 series win. Ranked #3 in 12-ball, Twinkie II hosts the Boston Swifts' Sweetheart in the second round at this venue.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Shawn v. Shelley. The red cue returns for another set of 7-ball. Swordpoint's Shawn set the tone in game 1, as Infinity's Shelley paid dearly for scratching, with Shawn rallying on a six-ball run-out for a 1-0 series lead from the ensuing ball-in-hand. The Torpedoes' Shelley shot back with a huge highlight in game 2, kicking the cue off the right rail to hit the 4, which deflected off the 7 to the top side while the 7 fell in the bottom side, stunning the Blades' Shawn as the series became tied at 1. Game 3 started a bit messy, but Shelley scored a four-ball run. Shawn took advantage of her failing to pot the 6, burying it with good position to then take the 7 and win the series 2-1. Ranked #17 for 7-ball, Shawn will host the Web City Spiders' Sugar in the second round at this venue.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Slinks v. Ice Cream. The game is still 7-ball, but the silver cue gets this series. Harrison's Slinks ran three ball from the break, but she never saw the table again, as Commerce's Ice Cream had a four-ball run-out to claim a 1-0 series lead in game 1. The Tradewinds' Ice Cream did all the work in her game 2 win over the Specters' Slinks, using three turns to claim the victory and seal the series at 2-0. Slinks salvaged game 3 with a competitive win, but the series still favored Ice Cream 2-1, and she will advance. Ranked #79 for 7-ball, Ice Cream travels to Ford Forum in Pronger, opposing the Tridents' Precious in the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Cubby. The blue cue gets an appearance for 8-ball now. Pronger's Precious pulled off a rare trick, setting up a shot and using defense all at once, and it worked when Maplewood's Cubby failed to kick the 8 in, allowing Precious to make the last two balls for a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Cubby bounced back in game 2, when the Tridents' Precious made it easy for him to pot the 13-15 combination to the top right, and two shots later drive the 8 to the top left to tie the series at 1. Cubby had a highlight in game 3, working a double-pot on the 1-15-4-2 combination, with the last two of those falling as part of a seven-ball run-out he used to top Precious 2-1 in the series with a quick victory. Cubby is ranked #81 for 8-ball, and travels just a ways down the road to the Intel Center in Diamond to face the Gems' rookie Pedey in the second round.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Sydney Sierota. The red cue returns for this series of Rotation. Harrison's Sydney had a couple of chances to break out in game 1, but when she missed, Terrace City's Oreo shut things down very quickly, working a three-ball run-out to seal an 8-2 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Sydney had to weather a four-ball run from the Knights' Oreo at the start, but she surged back, using a three-ball run to tie game 2 and then charging to an 8-6 win to tie the series at 1. Oreo was twice denied a win in game 3 due to her own scratches, allowing Sydney to get a bit closer before Oreo could finish off the 8-6 win and 2-1 series win. Ranked #15 for Rotation, Oreo hosts the Maplewood Lumberjacks' Fluffina in the second round at this venue.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Shiny v. Twinkie III. The silver cue gets another appearance in 7-ball. Whitewater's Twinkie III took game 1 with the slight edge over Web City's Shiny, winning by making the last two balls in a tight game, good for the visitor to have a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Twinkie III kept up her good play in game 2, and just a small step back from the Spiders' Shiny cost her, as Twinkie III ran out the last three balls and secured the series at 2-0 with another win. Twinkie III thought her defense would be enough in game 3, but her four-ball run ending gave Shiny a chance to successfully kick the 7 to the top left and get a win. Twinkie III claimed the series at 2-1, with her #80 ranked 7-ball bid going to Cisco Arena in Tysini to face Princess of the Hummingbirds in the second round.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: B. Chapman v. Jasmine. The blue cue gets the last series for this league-day, playing Rotation. Freedom's Jasmine held a lead for the middle of game 1, but Victoria's Chapman made it interesting late, holding a 7-6 lead. Jasmine bounced back with the last two balls, winning 8-7 for a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Jasmine clinched the series at 2-0 with a huge comeback on a seven-ball run-out in game 2, toppling the Spurs' Chapman 8-4 on the spurt of excellence. Jasmine got a sweep of the series with her game 3 win, coming from behind again to win 8-6. Ranked #86 for Rotation, Jasmine heads to Eastside's HP Field Events Center to play the Sharks' Chelsea in the second round.
That's all for now. Regular schedule to be expected tomorrow.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Jake. The first set of the day is 15-ball with the red cue. Royal's Jake came on strong late in game 1, after an illegal use of the stick violation from Pacific's Ms. Kitty. Jake used a three-ball run-out to take the 1-0 series lead, one turn after his three-ball run from ball-in-hand. The Crowns' Jake took an uninspired game 2 and ended it in grand fashion, using the 6 as a wrecking ball that potted the 12 at the bottom right and then caromed to take the 15 in the top right, securing the series at 2-0 over the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty. Jake had a highlight in game 3, working a kick-combination that scored as 3-11-4-6 to the top right. Jake also had a four-ball run, but it ended in a scratch that allowed Ms. Kitty to go for an 11-15 combination to the top right to get a win. Ranked #85 in 15-ball, Jake won the series 2-1 and heads to Everton's Chevrolet Center to face the Eagles' Blizzard in the second round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Kelly v. Sierra. The red cue stays on the coast for 8-ball with the red cue. Viewpoint Sound's Kelly scratched on the break, but it got better from there, culminating with a three-ball run-out to sneak a win from under the nose of Todavía's Sierra for the 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Sierra deserved to win in game 2, and thanks to the Meteors' Kelly scratching on the 8 to end a four-ball run at the end of the game, Sierra did get the win, tying the series at 1 on Kelly's error. Game 3 appeared to favor Sierra until Kelly pulled out a four-ball run to gain the advantage. Sierra almost overcame it, but Kelly iced the game and won the series 2-1. Kelly is ranked #22 for 8-ball, and she's set to host Princess of the Tysini Hummingbirds in the second round.
Intel Center, Diamond: Smokey v. Niki. The blue cue is up for 10-ball in this series. Diamond's Smokey grabbed the win in game 1 when Eastside's Niki wasted her five-ball run by missing the 10. Smokey made it on a tough cut, going up 1-0 in the series despite a lack of possession. The Gems' Smokey did a bit better in shooting in game 2, and it worked in his favor as the Sharks' Niki couldn't string much together, opening the door for Smokey to score the last two balls and clinch the series at 2-0. Niki had a good finish to bring game 3 to an early close, scoring the 4-10 combination to the bottom side to grab a win. Smokey still took the series 2-1, and advances his #24 ranked 10-ball bid to the second round.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Alyssa v. Chicky Phil. Alyssa faces a former Rockers teammate in a series of Rotation with the blue cue. Westside's Chicky Phil used a four-ball run in game 1, including an 8-9 bank combination to the top right that became a double-pot when the 13 fell in the bottom side off a cue ball carom, winning 8-3 to take the 1-0 series lead on Oceanside's Alyssa. In game 2, the Waves' Alyssa looked unbeatable at the start, building a five-ball lead only to see eight unanswered from the Rockers' Chicky Phil, who won 8-5 to take the series at 2-0 in a stunning comeback. Chicky Phil wasted little time in game 3, charging out to a lead and eventually winning 8-3 to sweep the series 3-0. Ranked #78 in Rotation, Chicky Phil travels to Boston's Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center to face the Swifts' Gradley in a second round series.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Leandra. Speaking of Gradley, he hosts a series of 10-ball with the silver cue. Tysini's Leandra capitalized on Boston's Gradley ending his three-ball run late in game 1 on a failed kick attempt at the 10, potting it in the bottom right to win the game for a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Leandra missed on two chances on the 10 in game 2, which featured a sloppy ending that only came about with the Swifts' Gradley burying the 10 on his third try to tie the series at 1. Leandra took advantage of ball-in-hand when Gradley made illegal contact, ending game 3 on a three-ball run capped by setting up and burying the 4-10 combination on consecutive shots near the bottom right, good for a 2-1 series win. Leandra, ranked #78 for 10-ball, heads to Web City's Home Depot Forum to play against the Spiders' Shiny in the second round.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Sugar v. Niki. The red cue is back in action at 15-ball in the Northeast. Eastside's Niki made the last two balls in a bit of a back-and-forth game against Web City's Sugar, giving the visitor a 1-0 series lead after the unremarkable game 1. In game 2, the Spiders' Sugar railed off a seven-ball run to accelerate the proceedings, and eventually won by making the last two balls when the Sharks' Niki lost a step on her shots. Sugar tied the series at 1 with this win. The players exchanged a couple of runs in game 3, but Niki ended up coming out on top, making the 15 on her second try to seal the series at 2-1. Niki is ranked #86 for 15-ball, and she travels to Everton's Chevrolet Center for a second round series with the Eagles' Cleo.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Bear v. Nikolai. The red cue keeps its busy day going with Accuracy. Game 1 played out in a fairly average manner, with both players missing a few shots. Freedom's Nikolai had the slight edge, winning 2-3 as Whitewater's Bear had some trouble early on he couldn't bounce back from as Nikolai took a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Bear got even in game 2, forcing the Cascades' Nikolai into tough shots that he couldn't convert, as Bear tied the series at 1 on a 2-3 win. Game 3 did not end in the cleanest form, but despite Bear scratching on the last shot, he held on for a 4-5 win to claim the series at 2-1. Ranked #31 for Accuracy, Bear is through to the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Midnight v. Mams. The blue cue returns to the table for a set of 9-ball. Westside's Midnight took game 1 on a 7-9 combination to the bottom right, cleaning up the shot after Viewpoint Sound's Mams missed the same attempt on the previous turn. Midnight took a 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Mams cashed in on the Rockers' Midnight missing the 9 after a three-ball run, potting it with authority to get the game 2 win and tie the series at 1 after an uninspiring stanza. Midnight weathered a dominant start from Mams in game 3, and then countered with a three-ball run-out full of sharp shots to take the series 2-1. Ranked #18 for 9-ball, Midnight is in the second round.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Yekaterina Vasilyeva v. Roxy. The silver cue returns for a series of 15-ball. Game 1 went poorly at the start, turning around when Freedom's Roxy rattled off a seven-ball run, and then ended with Roxy banking the 15 to the bottom side for a 1-0 series lead, going for style over substance to defeat Victoria's Yekaterina. Game 2 played a bit better, with both players making a handful of good shots. The Cascades' Roxy picked up momentum late with a five-ball run, but the Spurs' Yekaterina wrapped the game up with a three-ball run-out, tying the series at 1. Roxy seemed just fine in game 3, until she left the 15 short at the bottom right, and Yekaterina tapped it in to win the game and the series 2-1. Ranked #11 for 15-ball, Yekaterina hosts Shelley of the Infinity Torpedoes in the second round at this venue.
HP Field Events Center, Eastside: Taylor Swift v. Alyssa. The game is 10-ball with the blue cue once again. Oceanside's Alyssa had the last shot in game 1, potting the 10 that Eastside's Taylor left short at the top right in a game riddled with errors, giving her a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Taylor proved more aggressive in game 2, forcing the Waves' Alyssa into a few misses, the last of which set Taylor up for her five-ball run with excellent positioning. Taylor nearly under-hit the 10, but it got to its destination, tying the series at 1. Game 3 was very quick, with Alyssa scoring a five-ball run, answered by a three-ball run from Taylor, but then Alyssa made the last two and won the series 2-1. Ranked #75 in 10-ball, Alyssa plays on into the second round.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Nightfur. The silver cue continues to alternate, getting in for Accuracy. Royal's Nightfur buried Infinity's Smudge very early, as the latter missed three straight early on while the former stayed perfect. Nightfur won 2-4 to take a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Smudge returned the favor, burying the Crowns' Nightfur with bad leaves late in game 2 to secure her 2-4 win to tie the series at 1 and set up a decisive game for the series. Game 3 saw both players struggle to gain separation, and Nightfur left Smudge a tough shot on the final ball, which she missed, forcing overtime tied at 3. It took just one turn in overtime, a miss by Smudge on the break and a make from Nightfur, who took the 3-4 game for a 2-1 series win. Ranked #86 in Accuracy, Nightfur heads to Del Sur's Microsoft Center, hosted by the Southern Monarchs' Shannon in their second round series.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Kirstin v. Lorde. Out at the coast, the afternoon ends with more silver cue Accuracy between a pair of rookies. Game 1 went to overtime after a good first rack. In overtime, Southern's Kirstin sank nothing on the break, saved only by Commerce's Lorde scratching (having narrowly missed a scratch at the end of regulation). Lorde missed her next shot, and Kirstin's 2-3 win gave her a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Lorde had a highlight in game 2, making a 10-6-13 bank combination to the bottom side to control the lead. Lorde managed to hold on for the most part from there, as the Monarchs' Kirstin couldn't keep pace. Lorde's 2-3 win tied the series at 1. In game 3, Lorde intentionally missed on the last ball and nearly paid for it, but Kirstin left it short to tie the game, forcing overtime. Kirstin tried for revenge with the soft break, but Lorde decidedly ended the game by potting four balls (three to the bottom right) to win 4-5 and take the series 2-1. Ranked #88 for Accuracy, Lorde's entertaining series win sends her to Boston's Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center to face the Swifts' Puff II in the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Cheddar v. Neopolitan. The silver cue will extend its run with 9-ball in the Tuesday opener, as a change in plans forced the two days of games to be combined. Pearl's Neopolitan brought a disappointing game 1 to a close, caroming the cue off the 4 and into the 9, which fell at the bottom right for her to lead Whitewater's Cheddar 1-0 in the series. The Shores' Cheddar had better luck in game 2, working a three-ball run-out after the Surfers' Neopolitan missed on the 5-6 combination she attempted, and Cheddar made a 7-9 combination to the top right to tie the series at 1. Cheddar dominated in game 3, working a four-ball run from the break and a three-ball run later, but she needed two shots on the 9 to get the win, which she did. Cheddar took the series 2-1, and her #43 ranked 9-ball campaign is into the second round.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Leonette v. Dani. The silver cue keeps going for 10-ball. Pacific's Leonette controlled possession for much of game 1, but her miss on the 10 left an easy tap-in for Capital City's Dani, who took advantage of the leave to take a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 played a lot more competitively, with Dani of the Sharpshooters getting a number of shots in to keep pace with the Volcanoes' Leonette. In the end, Leonette pieced together a three-ball run-out to take the win and tie the series at 1. Dani had game 3 in her grasp, but she inexplicably missed the 10, allowing Leonette ball-in-hand for the win and a 2-1 series win. Ranked #23 for 10-ball, Leonette is set to host Strawberry of the Pronger Tridents in the second round at this venue.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Debby Ryan v. Puff III. The silver cue gets a fifth straight series in 7-ball. Everton's Puff III weathered a sharp storm from Southridge's Debby, who had a four-ball run in the middle of the game but couldn't win as Puff III made the last two shots for a 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Puff III got luck as the Defenders' Debby wasted a chance to win by missing contact at point-blank range on the 7, and Puff III tapped it in to get the win and clinch the series at 2-0. Debby saved some face, getting the win in game 3 on her second shot on the 7, mostly because of a late scratch by Puff III. Ranked #77 for 7-ball, Puff III heads to Audi Hall in Terrace City, set to face the Knights' Kiwi in a second round series. Puff III's win marked the end of Debby's sophomore campaign, the first player knocked out, and Puff III's first kill of the season.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Bells. The silver rush continues, returning to the 9-ball bracket. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy turned on the jets late in game 1, holding Oceanside's Bells off until a four-ball run-out sealed the win for the host to take a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 started a bit lazily, but it picked up later, with the Waves' Bells capitalizing on a few late misses from the Union's Ms. Puppy to accrue the proper shots and get the win, tying the series at 1. Ms. Puppy came out shooting in game 3, blasting an early run and a four-ball run-out, with Bells left neutralized as Ms. Puppy claimed the series 2-1. Ranked #42 for 9-ball, Ms. Puppy will play in the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Hoot v. Diddley. The red cue breaks silver's streak, with 7-ball as the game now. Pronger's Hoot nearly got into position on the 7, but his shot from the 6 ended in a scratch, and Maplewood's Diddley knocked in the 7 from ball-in-hand for the 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Diddley went for a kick on the 7 toward the bottom left, but came up just short, allowing the Tridents' Hoot a simple tap-in to get the win and tie the series at 1. Hoot got extremely lucky in game 3 as the 7 rattled in the top side on the break after looking to be nowhere near the pocket early on, shutting Diddley out from a chance to win the series as Hoot takes it 2-1. Ranked #19 for 7-ball, Hoot will host the Golden Pilots' A. Charlton in the second round at this venue.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Juno. The blue cue is in action now with 12-ball. Harrison's Twinkie II scored a four-ball run on the break, allowing her to be patient in setting up her final shot, while Modernistic's Juno chased the game but never caught up, as Twinkie II made a good cut for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II had a four-ball run in game 2, answering the opening attack from the Union's Juno of a four-ball run, but Juno had a defensive advantage even after giving a wild card ball away. Twinkie II narrowly missed on a long kick for her last shot, and Juno tapped in her final ball to win the game, tying the series at 1. Twinkie II emerged with the win in game 3, holding off a rally by Juno, who had a wild card ball but couldn't take advantage of it, as Twinkie II's last ball was set up well for the 2-1 series win. Ranked #3 in 12-ball, Twinkie II hosts the Boston Swifts' Sweetheart in the second round at this venue.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Shawn v. Shelley. The red cue returns for another set of 7-ball. Swordpoint's Shawn set the tone in game 1, as Infinity's Shelley paid dearly for scratching, with Shawn rallying on a six-ball run-out for a 1-0 series lead from the ensuing ball-in-hand. The Torpedoes' Shelley shot back with a huge highlight in game 2, kicking the cue off the right rail to hit the 4, which deflected off the 7 to the top side while the 7 fell in the bottom side, stunning the Blades' Shawn as the series became tied at 1. Game 3 started a bit messy, but Shelley scored a four-ball run. Shawn took advantage of her failing to pot the 6, burying it with good position to then take the 7 and win the series 2-1. Ranked #17 for 7-ball, Shawn will host the Web City Spiders' Sugar in the second round at this venue.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Slinks v. Ice Cream. The game is still 7-ball, but the silver cue gets this series. Harrison's Slinks ran three ball from the break, but she never saw the table again, as Commerce's Ice Cream had a four-ball run-out to claim a 1-0 series lead in game 1. The Tradewinds' Ice Cream did all the work in her game 2 win over the Specters' Slinks, using three turns to claim the victory and seal the series at 2-0. Slinks salvaged game 3 with a competitive win, but the series still favored Ice Cream 2-1, and she will advance. Ranked #79 for 7-ball, Ice Cream travels to Ford Forum in Pronger, opposing the Tridents' Precious in the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Cubby. The blue cue gets an appearance for 8-ball now. Pronger's Precious pulled off a rare trick, setting up a shot and using defense all at once, and it worked when Maplewood's Cubby failed to kick the 8 in, allowing Precious to make the last two balls for a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Cubby bounced back in game 2, when the Tridents' Precious made it easy for him to pot the 13-15 combination to the top right, and two shots later drive the 8 to the top left to tie the series at 1. Cubby had a highlight in game 3, working a double-pot on the 1-15-4-2 combination, with the last two of those falling as part of a seven-ball run-out he used to top Precious 2-1 in the series with a quick victory. Cubby is ranked #81 for 8-ball, and travels just a ways down the road to the Intel Center in Diamond to face the Gems' rookie Pedey in the second round.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Sydney Sierota. The red cue returns for this series of Rotation. Harrison's Sydney had a couple of chances to break out in game 1, but when she missed, Terrace City's Oreo shut things down very quickly, working a three-ball run-out to seal an 8-2 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Sydney had to weather a four-ball run from the Knights' Oreo at the start, but she surged back, using a three-ball run to tie game 2 and then charging to an 8-6 win to tie the series at 1. Oreo was twice denied a win in game 3 due to her own scratches, allowing Sydney to get a bit closer before Oreo could finish off the 8-6 win and 2-1 series win. Ranked #15 for Rotation, Oreo hosts the Maplewood Lumberjacks' Fluffina in the second round at this venue.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Shiny v. Twinkie III. The silver cue gets another appearance in 7-ball. Whitewater's Twinkie III took game 1 with the slight edge over Web City's Shiny, winning by making the last two balls in a tight game, good for the visitor to have a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Twinkie III kept up her good play in game 2, and just a small step back from the Spiders' Shiny cost her, as Twinkie III ran out the last three balls and secured the series at 2-0 with another win. Twinkie III thought her defense would be enough in game 3, but her four-ball run ending gave Shiny a chance to successfully kick the 7 to the top left and get a win. Twinkie III claimed the series at 2-1, with her #80 ranked 7-ball bid going to Cisco Arena in Tysini to face Princess of the Hummingbirds in the second round.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: B. Chapman v. Jasmine. The blue cue gets the last series for this league-day, playing Rotation. Freedom's Jasmine held a lead for the middle of game 1, but Victoria's Chapman made it interesting late, holding a 7-6 lead. Jasmine bounced back with the last two balls, winning 8-7 for a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Jasmine clinched the series at 2-0 with a huge comeback on a seven-ball run-out in game 2, toppling the Spurs' Chapman 8-4 on the spurt of excellence. Jasmine got a sweep of the series with her game 3 win, coming from behind again to win 8-6. Ranked #86 for Rotation, Jasmine heads to Eastside's HP Field Events Center to play the Sharks' Chelsea in the second round.
That's all for now. Regular schedule to be expected tomorrow.
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Pool: 2016 A-level First Round - Day 15
Today should fill the schedule a bit better. We are currently holding our pace to finish the first round before the league takes another break for pool. The status of the second round starting before that break is questionable, what with administrative days for schedule creation and standings updates. For today, the games begin in...
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Bells v. Precious. The blue cue gets the first nod today for 15-ball. Oceanside's Bells took a shaky game 1 by potting the 15, but both she and Pronger's Precious left opportunities for extended runs on the table. Bells leads the series 1-0 with this win. Bells had a five-ball run late in game 2, but she missed a cut on the 12, setting the Tridents' Precious up for a three-ball run-out on some good cut shots of her own, tying the series at 1 in a spectacular end. Bells had a full-on attack in game 3, with runs of four and three balls late, but a bank of the 15 off the left rail to the bottom right sealed the 2-1 series win for Precious. Ranked #91 for 15-ball, Precious heads to Pearl's Honda Driftwood Coliseum, where she'll visit the Surfers' Wings in the second round.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Brownie. The red cue steps in for a series of 12-ball. Golden's Dusty surrendered a wild card ball early on in game 1, but got one back at the best time, as Harrison's Brownie ended her four-ball run with an accidental potting of Dusty's last ball, giving Dusty the 1-0 series lead on a weird ending. The Specters' Brownie received a wild card ball and ball-in-hand from the Pilots' Dusty having a wild break, and she used those two advantages to work a five-ball run-out on her only turn in the game for the win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 saw both players work quickly to their last ball, but then stall, even with each holding a wild card ball. Brownie, after a series of errors, picked up the win at the bottom right, taking the series 2-1. Ranked #85 for 12-ball, Brownie is in the second round.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Strut. The red cue stays active for 10-ball. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy had a good share of the possession in game 1, and Golden's Strut missed his best chance at the 10 short at the top left, allowing Ms. Puppy to tap in for a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Strut had two moments of agony in game 2, as he double-potted the 3 to the top side and 10 to the top right, only to see the cue go into the top left, and then a scratched after making the 8 that led Ms. Puppy of the Union to the last two balls and a win for the 2-0 series lead. Ms. Puppy dominated with a pair of four-ball runs in game 3, although her make of the 10 stood alone as she won for the 3-0 series sweep. Ranked #31 for 10-ball, Ms. Puppy advances to the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Amber v. Kavan. The red cue continues its streak with 15-ball. Atlantic's Amber dominated early in the game, but Victoria's Kavan stepped up on a late four-ball run and then a 13-15 combination on his next turn to win the game at the top right pocket for a 1-0 series lead. Kavan of the Spurs had another win in game 2, but it wasn't pretty. The Pirates' Amber virtually gave the game away, faltering multiple times in the last five balls to allow Kavan the win for him to clinch the series at 2-0. Kavan almost won game 3 accidentally, with a bank combination of the 7-15 toward the bottom right not falling. Amber had a more conventional 7-15 combination to the same spot to get a win, making it a 2-1 series win for Kavan. Ranked #80 in 15-ball, Kavan will travel to UPS Hall in Maplewood to face the Lumberjacks' Diddley in the second round.
Ebay Center, Queens: Kayla v. Roxy. The blue cue is back in action for this series of Accuracy. Both players were perfect until the cluster had to be busted. Queens' Kayla missed three in a row, but enough for Freedom's Roxy to hold on despite two late misses, winning 2-3 for the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw even better play from both sides, as they each missed once and forced overtime. In overtime, the Cascades' Roxy made a ball on the break, but the Flames' Kayla over-cut her shot, falling 1-2 and going down 2-0 in the series. Roxy fell apart around the middle of game 3, eventually losing 2-5, but taking the series 2-1. Ranked #62 for Accuracy, Roxy travels to Samsung Arena in Whitewater to face the Shores' Cheddar.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Princess v. Goatee. The silver cue makes its first appearance of the day for its last set of 12-ball in this round. Tysini's Princess fell behind early after Westside's Goatee had a three-ball run, but she rallied back on a short run of her own, and eventually won with good positioning, going up 1-0 in the series. The Rockers' Goatee just outlasted the Hummingbirds' Princess, burying her well-set shots at the end on the left corners to tie the series at 1 with her game 2 win. In game 3, Goatee stunned with a five-ball run-out, a series of well-executed shots capped with a tough bank on the 2 to the top left to claim the series 2-1. Ranked #98 for 12-ball, Goatee is set to travel to Archtown's Starbucks Arena to play against the Arrows' Ruby in the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Pedey. The blue cue returns for some 8-ball. Diamond's Pedey picked up the first game with a three-ball run-out, using his set-up shots effectively as Lighton's Spirit couldn't sneak the 8 behind the 9, and Pedey's win gave him a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Spirit had another hot start in game 2 come up short, as the Gems' Pedey worked another three-ball run-out with excellent positioning skills to take the series at 2-0. Spirit had a blitz attack in game 3, running four balls early on and never relenting to salvage a win, making it a 2-1 series win for the rookie Pedey. Ranked #80 in 8-ball, Pedey heads to the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Strawberry v. Bryant. Out in the east, the red cue is up for Accuracy. Pronger's Strawberry sank the 14, 5, and 9 in the bottom side on the break, the only time in recent history of a player sinking three balls in one pocket in a full-rack break. Still, game 1 went to Maplewood's Bryant, who made seven shots to win 0-1 and take a 1-0 series lead in a perfect appearance. Game 2 also started well for the Lumberjacks' Bryant, but he finally cracked and missed a couple of shots. Late excellence by the Tridents' Strawberry forced overtime, where it took two turns for Strawberry to seal a 2-3 win and tie the series at 1. Bryant had pinpoint accuracy again in game 3, going perfect for the second time in three games to win 0-1 and seal the 2-1 series victory. Ranked #74 for Accuracy, Bryant could be a favorite on this bracket going forward into the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Bear v. Mams. The silver cue is back for this series of 15-ball. Bear of Whitewater had a three-ball run late in game 1, but it ended up being a bit short of what he needed, as his miss on the 15 gave Viewpoint Sound's Mams a tap-in for the 1-0 series lead after a messy game. Save for one solid run of play by the Shores' Bear, game 2 mostly belonged to the Meteors' Mams, although she was far from dominant either way. With the win, Mams secured the series at 2-0. Bear's scratch in game 3 ended up working for him, as Mams failed her 3-15 combination attempt, lining up an easier on for Bear at the top left, which gave him a win. Mams took the series 2-1, and her #52 ranked 15-ball campaign travels to Tysini's Cisco Arena for a match with the Hummingbirds' Bright.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Kavan v. Kayla. The red cue steps up for some 12-ball in this series. Victoria's Kavan took advantage of the wild card ball Queens' Kayla gave him, winning game 1 on a three-ball run-out that exploited having an extra pocket open to succeed, giving the host the 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Kayla had a false sense of security in game 2, thinking her four-ball run would be enough to hold off the Spurs' Kavan. Instead, Kavan replied with a well-executed four-ball run-out with precise positioning to take the game and a 2-0 series lead. Kavan botched his chance to win in game 3, removing his defense but missing his last shot, allowing Kayla to snag a game and make it a 2-1 series. Ranked #41 for 12-ball, Kavan will host the Harrison Specters' Brownie in the second round at this venue.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Nicole v. Whiskers. The afternoon closes with a series of 15-ball and the blue cue. Southern's Nicole had a decent start but faded fast, and Infinity's Whiskers was there to pick up the pieces, working a four-ball run-out to close out a win and take a 1-0 series lead after game 1. In game 2, the Monarchs' Nicole let the Torpedoes' Whiskers do most of the early work, and then burst out with a sharply shot five-ball run-out to close the game, tying the series at 1 with the burst of excellence. Nicole and Whiskers battled with erratic shooting in the decisive game 3, until Nicole caromed the cue off the 11 and took the 15 in the top right to seal a 2-1 series win. Ranked #22 for 15-ball, Nicole hosts the Pacific Volcanoes' Starlight at this venue in the second round.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Sugar v. Slinks. The evening will start with 12-ball and the blue cue. Web City's Sugar gave away a wild card ball on the break, but she still managed to get the win for a 1-0 series lead, out-shooting Harrison's Slinks and ending on a three-ball run-out to close a quick game 1. The Specters' Slinks saw her well-built lead buckle but not break in game 2, as the Spiders' Sugar used a four-ball run to make it close in the end. Slinks left Sugar with no shot on her last ball, and Sugar failed to return that favor, giving Slinks a clean shot to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Slinks surrendered a wild card ball on the break, and that proved vital to Sugar, who won with her last two shots from ball-in-hand with pocket flexibility after Slinks missed contact on her final ball on a kick attempt. Sugar took the series 2-1, and her #5 ranked 12-ball will host Nightfur of the Royal Crowns in the second round at this venue.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Smokey. The blue cue remains in play for 7-ball. Diamond's Smokey came up big when he needed to, scoring the 7 at the top left to win game 1 and take a 1-0 series lead despite Lighton's Acorn having the better game in terms of shooting ability and success. The Prestige's Acorn had a similar game 2, running five balls but missing twice on the 7, which was cleaned up to the bottom right by the Gems' Smokey, as he secured the series at 2-0. Acorn salvaged a win in game 3, making quick work of a 1-7 combination to the top left from a tough cut angle, making it a 2-1 series win for Smokey. Ranked #87 for 7-ball, Smokey heads to Atlantic's McDonald's Hall to face the Pirates' Americus in the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stinky v. Ms. Puppy. The game is still 7-ball, but the red cue makes an appearance here. Ms. Puppy of Modernistic had a wonderful game 1, doing everything but winning with a hair-raising six-ball run that ended with the 7 lined up for Stinky of Freedom to pot at the bottom right for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Ms. Puppy had a bit less of the offense but a bit more of the success in game 2, cutting the 7 in for the win after the Cascades' Stinky potted a few balls but had a short run end. The series is tied at 1. In game 3, Ms. Puppy seemed to again have the edge, but her bank of the 7 came up short at the bottom left, and Stinky tapped it in, taking the series 2-1. Ranked #22 for 7-ball, Stinky will host former teammate Kavan, now of the Victoria Spurs, in the second round at this venue.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Lydia v. Shannon. The silver cue appears in the Southwest for this series of Accuracy. Lighton's Lydia thought she was safe when she induced two misses by Southern's Shannon, but the visitor forced three misses on the host, winning 2-4 to take a 1-0 series lead with the savvy play. The Monarchs' Shannon tried to get tricky again in game 2, leaving a poor shot for the Prestige's Lydia on the 12, but she got stuck with a bad angle herself, and ended up losing 2-3 when Lydia made it the second time, good to tie the series at 1. Shannon started game 3 badly, but Lydia couldn't finish it, and the game went to overtime tied at 3. In overtime, Lydia missed her second shot and Shannon got a good line to pot hers for the 3-4 win and a 2-1 series win. Shannon takes her #84 ranked Accuracy campaign to the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Kiwi. The Pepsi Arena gets its third event in four league series, as 15-ball is played with the silver cue now. Terrace City's Kiwi dominated late in game 1, working a four-ball run before a bit of possession from Lighton's Spirit, and then a four-ball run-out to win the game for a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Kiwi kept her foot on the gas in game 2, using a six-ball run to pressure the Prestige's Spirit late. Kiwi's plans fell apart when her miss on the 12 left the 15 short at the bottom left after a few rail caroms, and Spirit used the 12-15 combination to win the game and tie the series at 1. Game 3 played pretty evenly between the two players, but it came down to the 15, and Kiwi was able to pot it, taking the series 2-1 with the final victory. Kiwi takes her #62 ranked 15-ball bid on the road again in the second round, playing Nightfur of the Crowns in Royal's Kraft Forum.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Juno v. Midnight. The blue cue is back for Rotation as representatives of Urban Core North rivals meet. Westside's Midnight made a huge five-ball run to take the lead, but missed the 11 short at the bottom left. Modernistic's Juno then worked the last four shots, capitalizing on the 15 also being left short to win 8-7 for a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Juno got a bit gutsy in game 2, holding steady with the Rockers' Midnight for most of the game and then winning with sharp cuts on a three-ball run for an 8-5 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Midnight looked really good in the meaningless game 3, working an 8-0 shutout with a six-ball run-out included to bring it to a quick end. Ranked #10 for Rotation, Juno will host Modernistic Union teammate Chimpy in the second round at this venue.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Zach v. Leandra. The night ends with 15-ball and the red cue. Viewpoint Sound's Zach did a strong job in dominating possession in game 1, but his mistake was leaving the 14 and 15 close to pockets, which allowed Tysini's Leandra an easy finish to all his previous hard work, and her win gave her a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 can only be described as an embarrassment to the game of pool, with both players at their absolute worst. In the end, the Meteors' Zach made the same mistake as last time, and the Hummingbirds' Leandra cashed in to take a 2-0 series lead with another easy finish in the win. Game 3 saw improvements, but Zach inexcusably missed a short straight-in shot on the 15, giving Leandra the win and a 3-0 series sweep. Ranked #81 for 15-ball, Leandra will visit Del Sur's Microsoft Center to oppose the Southern Monarchs captain, Panda, in the second round.
Tomorrow's a busy day. I do not know how much pool will be played, but there will be at least some.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Bells v. Precious. The blue cue gets the first nod today for 15-ball. Oceanside's Bells took a shaky game 1 by potting the 15, but both she and Pronger's Precious left opportunities for extended runs on the table. Bells leads the series 1-0 with this win. Bells had a five-ball run late in game 2, but she missed a cut on the 12, setting the Tridents' Precious up for a three-ball run-out on some good cut shots of her own, tying the series at 1 in a spectacular end. Bells had a full-on attack in game 3, with runs of four and three balls late, but a bank of the 15 off the left rail to the bottom right sealed the 2-1 series win for Precious. Ranked #91 for 15-ball, Precious heads to Pearl's Honda Driftwood Coliseum, where she'll visit the Surfers' Wings in the second round.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Brownie. The red cue steps in for a series of 12-ball. Golden's Dusty surrendered a wild card ball early on in game 1, but got one back at the best time, as Harrison's Brownie ended her four-ball run with an accidental potting of Dusty's last ball, giving Dusty the 1-0 series lead on a weird ending. The Specters' Brownie received a wild card ball and ball-in-hand from the Pilots' Dusty having a wild break, and she used those two advantages to work a five-ball run-out on her only turn in the game for the win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 saw both players work quickly to their last ball, but then stall, even with each holding a wild card ball. Brownie, after a series of errors, picked up the win at the bottom right, taking the series 2-1. Ranked #85 for 12-ball, Brownie is in the second round.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Strut. The red cue stays active for 10-ball. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy had a good share of the possession in game 1, and Golden's Strut missed his best chance at the 10 short at the top left, allowing Ms. Puppy to tap in for a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Strut had two moments of agony in game 2, as he double-potted the 3 to the top side and 10 to the top right, only to see the cue go into the top left, and then a scratched after making the 8 that led Ms. Puppy of the Union to the last two balls and a win for the 2-0 series lead. Ms. Puppy dominated with a pair of four-ball runs in game 3, although her make of the 10 stood alone as she won for the 3-0 series sweep. Ranked #31 for 10-ball, Ms. Puppy advances to the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Amber v. Kavan. The red cue continues its streak with 15-ball. Atlantic's Amber dominated early in the game, but Victoria's Kavan stepped up on a late four-ball run and then a 13-15 combination on his next turn to win the game at the top right pocket for a 1-0 series lead. Kavan of the Spurs had another win in game 2, but it wasn't pretty. The Pirates' Amber virtually gave the game away, faltering multiple times in the last five balls to allow Kavan the win for him to clinch the series at 2-0. Kavan almost won game 3 accidentally, with a bank combination of the 7-15 toward the bottom right not falling. Amber had a more conventional 7-15 combination to the same spot to get a win, making it a 2-1 series win for Kavan. Ranked #80 in 15-ball, Kavan will travel to UPS Hall in Maplewood to face the Lumberjacks' Diddley in the second round.
Ebay Center, Queens: Kayla v. Roxy. The blue cue is back in action for this series of Accuracy. Both players were perfect until the cluster had to be busted. Queens' Kayla missed three in a row, but enough for Freedom's Roxy to hold on despite two late misses, winning 2-3 for the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw even better play from both sides, as they each missed once and forced overtime. In overtime, the Cascades' Roxy made a ball on the break, but the Flames' Kayla over-cut her shot, falling 1-2 and going down 2-0 in the series. Roxy fell apart around the middle of game 3, eventually losing 2-5, but taking the series 2-1. Ranked #62 for Accuracy, Roxy travels to Samsung Arena in Whitewater to face the Shores' Cheddar.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Princess v. Goatee. The silver cue makes its first appearance of the day for its last set of 12-ball in this round. Tysini's Princess fell behind early after Westside's Goatee had a three-ball run, but she rallied back on a short run of her own, and eventually won with good positioning, going up 1-0 in the series. The Rockers' Goatee just outlasted the Hummingbirds' Princess, burying her well-set shots at the end on the left corners to tie the series at 1 with her game 2 win. In game 3, Goatee stunned with a five-ball run-out, a series of well-executed shots capped with a tough bank on the 2 to the top left to claim the series 2-1. Ranked #98 for 12-ball, Goatee is set to travel to Archtown's Starbucks Arena to play against the Arrows' Ruby in the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Pedey. The blue cue returns for some 8-ball. Diamond's Pedey picked up the first game with a three-ball run-out, using his set-up shots effectively as Lighton's Spirit couldn't sneak the 8 behind the 9, and Pedey's win gave him a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Spirit had another hot start in game 2 come up short, as the Gems' Pedey worked another three-ball run-out with excellent positioning skills to take the series at 2-0. Spirit had a blitz attack in game 3, running four balls early on and never relenting to salvage a win, making it a 2-1 series win for the rookie Pedey. Ranked #80 in 8-ball, Pedey heads to the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Strawberry v. Bryant. Out in the east, the red cue is up for Accuracy. Pronger's Strawberry sank the 14, 5, and 9 in the bottom side on the break, the only time in recent history of a player sinking three balls in one pocket in a full-rack break. Still, game 1 went to Maplewood's Bryant, who made seven shots to win 0-1 and take a 1-0 series lead in a perfect appearance. Game 2 also started well for the Lumberjacks' Bryant, but he finally cracked and missed a couple of shots. Late excellence by the Tridents' Strawberry forced overtime, where it took two turns for Strawberry to seal a 2-3 win and tie the series at 1. Bryant had pinpoint accuracy again in game 3, going perfect for the second time in three games to win 0-1 and seal the 2-1 series victory. Ranked #74 for Accuracy, Bryant could be a favorite on this bracket going forward into the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Bear v. Mams. The silver cue is back for this series of 15-ball. Bear of Whitewater had a three-ball run late in game 1, but it ended up being a bit short of what he needed, as his miss on the 15 gave Viewpoint Sound's Mams a tap-in for the 1-0 series lead after a messy game. Save for one solid run of play by the Shores' Bear, game 2 mostly belonged to the Meteors' Mams, although she was far from dominant either way. With the win, Mams secured the series at 2-0. Bear's scratch in game 3 ended up working for him, as Mams failed her 3-15 combination attempt, lining up an easier on for Bear at the top left, which gave him a win. Mams took the series 2-1, and her #52 ranked 15-ball campaign travels to Tysini's Cisco Arena for a match with the Hummingbirds' Bright.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Kavan v. Kayla. The red cue steps up for some 12-ball in this series. Victoria's Kavan took advantage of the wild card ball Queens' Kayla gave him, winning game 1 on a three-ball run-out that exploited having an extra pocket open to succeed, giving the host the 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Kayla had a false sense of security in game 2, thinking her four-ball run would be enough to hold off the Spurs' Kavan. Instead, Kavan replied with a well-executed four-ball run-out with precise positioning to take the game and a 2-0 series lead. Kavan botched his chance to win in game 3, removing his defense but missing his last shot, allowing Kayla to snag a game and make it a 2-1 series. Ranked #41 for 12-ball, Kavan will host the Harrison Specters' Brownie in the second round at this venue.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Nicole v. Whiskers. The afternoon closes with a series of 15-ball and the blue cue. Southern's Nicole had a decent start but faded fast, and Infinity's Whiskers was there to pick up the pieces, working a four-ball run-out to close out a win and take a 1-0 series lead after game 1. In game 2, the Monarchs' Nicole let the Torpedoes' Whiskers do most of the early work, and then burst out with a sharply shot five-ball run-out to close the game, tying the series at 1 with the burst of excellence. Nicole and Whiskers battled with erratic shooting in the decisive game 3, until Nicole caromed the cue off the 11 and took the 15 in the top right to seal a 2-1 series win. Ranked #22 for 15-ball, Nicole hosts the Pacific Volcanoes' Starlight at this venue in the second round.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Sugar v. Slinks. The evening will start with 12-ball and the blue cue. Web City's Sugar gave away a wild card ball on the break, but she still managed to get the win for a 1-0 series lead, out-shooting Harrison's Slinks and ending on a three-ball run-out to close a quick game 1. The Specters' Slinks saw her well-built lead buckle but not break in game 2, as the Spiders' Sugar used a four-ball run to make it close in the end. Slinks left Sugar with no shot on her last ball, and Sugar failed to return that favor, giving Slinks a clean shot to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Slinks surrendered a wild card ball on the break, and that proved vital to Sugar, who won with her last two shots from ball-in-hand with pocket flexibility after Slinks missed contact on her final ball on a kick attempt. Sugar took the series 2-1, and her #5 ranked 12-ball will host Nightfur of the Royal Crowns in the second round at this venue.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Smokey. The blue cue remains in play for 7-ball. Diamond's Smokey came up big when he needed to, scoring the 7 at the top left to win game 1 and take a 1-0 series lead despite Lighton's Acorn having the better game in terms of shooting ability and success. The Prestige's Acorn had a similar game 2, running five balls but missing twice on the 7, which was cleaned up to the bottom right by the Gems' Smokey, as he secured the series at 2-0. Acorn salvaged a win in game 3, making quick work of a 1-7 combination to the top left from a tough cut angle, making it a 2-1 series win for Smokey. Ranked #87 for 7-ball, Smokey heads to Atlantic's McDonald's Hall to face the Pirates' Americus in the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stinky v. Ms. Puppy. The game is still 7-ball, but the red cue makes an appearance here. Ms. Puppy of Modernistic had a wonderful game 1, doing everything but winning with a hair-raising six-ball run that ended with the 7 lined up for Stinky of Freedom to pot at the bottom right for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Ms. Puppy had a bit less of the offense but a bit more of the success in game 2, cutting the 7 in for the win after the Cascades' Stinky potted a few balls but had a short run end. The series is tied at 1. In game 3, Ms. Puppy seemed to again have the edge, but her bank of the 7 came up short at the bottom left, and Stinky tapped it in, taking the series 2-1. Ranked #22 for 7-ball, Stinky will host former teammate Kavan, now of the Victoria Spurs, in the second round at this venue.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Lydia v. Shannon. The silver cue appears in the Southwest for this series of Accuracy. Lighton's Lydia thought she was safe when she induced two misses by Southern's Shannon, but the visitor forced three misses on the host, winning 2-4 to take a 1-0 series lead with the savvy play. The Monarchs' Shannon tried to get tricky again in game 2, leaving a poor shot for the Prestige's Lydia on the 12, but she got stuck with a bad angle herself, and ended up losing 2-3 when Lydia made it the second time, good to tie the series at 1. Shannon started game 3 badly, but Lydia couldn't finish it, and the game went to overtime tied at 3. In overtime, Lydia missed her second shot and Shannon got a good line to pot hers for the 3-4 win and a 2-1 series win. Shannon takes her #84 ranked Accuracy campaign to the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Kiwi. The Pepsi Arena gets its third event in four league series, as 15-ball is played with the silver cue now. Terrace City's Kiwi dominated late in game 1, working a four-ball run before a bit of possession from Lighton's Spirit, and then a four-ball run-out to win the game for a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Kiwi kept her foot on the gas in game 2, using a six-ball run to pressure the Prestige's Spirit late. Kiwi's plans fell apart when her miss on the 12 left the 15 short at the bottom left after a few rail caroms, and Spirit used the 12-15 combination to win the game and tie the series at 1. Game 3 played pretty evenly between the two players, but it came down to the 15, and Kiwi was able to pot it, taking the series 2-1 with the final victory. Kiwi takes her #62 ranked 15-ball bid on the road again in the second round, playing Nightfur of the Crowns in Royal's Kraft Forum.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Juno v. Midnight. The blue cue is back for Rotation as representatives of Urban Core North rivals meet. Westside's Midnight made a huge five-ball run to take the lead, but missed the 11 short at the bottom left. Modernistic's Juno then worked the last four shots, capitalizing on the 15 also being left short to win 8-7 for a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Juno got a bit gutsy in game 2, holding steady with the Rockers' Midnight for most of the game and then winning with sharp cuts on a three-ball run for an 8-5 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Midnight looked really good in the meaningless game 3, working an 8-0 shutout with a six-ball run-out included to bring it to a quick end. Ranked #10 for Rotation, Juno will host Modernistic Union teammate Chimpy in the second round at this venue.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Zach v. Leandra. The night ends with 15-ball and the red cue. Viewpoint Sound's Zach did a strong job in dominating possession in game 1, but his mistake was leaving the 14 and 15 close to pockets, which allowed Tysini's Leandra an easy finish to all his previous hard work, and her win gave her a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 can only be described as an embarrassment to the game of pool, with both players at their absolute worst. In the end, the Meteors' Zach made the same mistake as last time, and the Hummingbirds' Leandra cashed in to take a 2-0 series lead with another easy finish in the win. Game 3 saw improvements, but Zach inexcusably missed a short straight-in shot on the 15, giving Leandra the win and a 3-0 series sweep. Ranked #81 for 15-ball, Leandra will visit Del Sur's Microsoft Center to oppose the Southern Monarchs captain, Panda, in the second round.
Tomorrow's a busy day. I do not know how much pool will be played, but there will be at least some.
Club Cricket Challenge: Preliminary Round - Game 7
The CCC is back in the second half of the group stages. We begin with a big match in...
Modernistic's Google Pitch at Union Ground, where Brute Force (BF) hosts Humanity- (H-) in a pivotal meeting between the top teams in Group C. Charli had no issues with a 690 opener for H-, setting a harsh tone at the start of the critical game. Rainmane faltered with only 60 for BF, putting them far back early on. Chris smacked 519 for H-, extending their lead very well. Smokey crushed 1328 for BF, giving them the lead all of a sudden, setting up an exciting game. Bryant came up a bit soft with 304 for H- on his turn. Wings smashed 972 in response, boosting the BF lead big time. Debby let the deficit grow, grabbing only 192 for H- as the game gets out of their hands. Juno added 295 for BF as they appear to enter cruise control on this game. Shawn shot back with 424 for H-, trying to keep them competitive. Nightfur sliced another 295 for BF as they continue to hold the lead late in the game. Shannon struck 560 for H-, but they came up with a loss at 2689 in an epic game. Slinks tapped 112 to give BF the win on 3062.
Out at HP Field in Eastside, Group D sees Empyre 2 (E2) welcome Reality. Starlight clubbed 554 for Reality in her return from a benching. Pounce hit 424 to keep E2 involved in the game. Twilight scooped another 472 for Reality, adding to their lead. Cheddar did decently to reply with 305 for E2. Twinkie II covered that with her 311 for Reality, maintaining their lead efficiently. Dusky ripped 530 for E2, getting them significantly closer at the halfway mark of the game. Patches batted a reasonable 373 for Reality, keeping them in front. Brownie's 360 worked to keep E2 in range but still slightly behind. Spice's 200 left Reality quite vulnerable late in a somewhat high-scoring game. Jack had a middling 240 to cut the deficit a little more, leaving it all up to the final players. Dusty fell with 145 for Reality, leaving them at a final of 2055. Marsell did enough with 263, giving E2 the win as they close with 2122.
For Group A at Samsung Whitewater Stadium, the Delila Enterprises/Oriental United Coalition (DEOU) brings in Solid Core 2 (SC2). Roxy lifted a quick 391 for SC2. Panda launched 711 for DEOU, giving them a decent lead at the start. Boots had only 267 for SC2, failing to cover the deficit. Mr. Snowman cranked out 543 to assert the DEOU lead a bit more firmly. Leonette belted 1299 for SC2, giving them the lead now. Shiny had her first bad game of the tournament, with only 16 for DEOU to create a massive deficit and a lack of momentum. Leonardo slammed 580 to solidify the SC2 lead. Chicky Phil got 230 back for DEOU, but it didn't help a whole lot for this game. Sweetheart blasted 636 for SC2, as they appear to hurtle toward victory. Mams came up weak with 184 for DEOU, who seem set to lose. Frosty's 456 gives SC2 a grand total of 3629. Whiskers hit a measly 106, giving DEOU 1790 in the brutal loss.
Finally, Group B action at Cisco Tysini Field sees Humanity+ (H+) host Solid Core 1 (SC1). Acorn hit a crisp 334 for SC1 at the start. Jennifer had a weak 128 at the start in another poor going for H+. Blizzard did not impress with only 138 for SC1 as the game takes a low-scoring turn. Chelsea replied with 288 for H+, keeping them close early on. Smudge popped 208 for SC1, keeping them modestly in front. Jasmine cut the deficit with 224 for H+, getting them closer halfway through the game. Sleepy B. did nothing to help SC1, taking a measly 32 for SC1 on her failed turn. Sydney's modest 215 did enough to earn H+ a small lead. Shadow countered with 476 for SC1, giving them the lead again in confident form. Alyssa made it a close game by adding 295 for H+, with a player each to go now. Misty had only 37 for SC1 after a deflection, leaving them at a highly vulnerable 1225. Zach sawed off 202 to give H+ the win on 1352.
Game 8s are tomorrow. Games 9-12 will be completed before or on New Year's Day.
Modernistic's Google Pitch at Union Ground, where Brute Force (BF) hosts Humanity- (H-) in a pivotal meeting between the top teams in Group C. Charli had no issues with a 690 opener for H-, setting a harsh tone at the start of the critical game. Rainmane faltered with only 60 for BF, putting them far back early on. Chris smacked 519 for H-, extending their lead very well. Smokey crushed 1328 for BF, giving them the lead all of a sudden, setting up an exciting game. Bryant came up a bit soft with 304 for H- on his turn. Wings smashed 972 in response, boosting the BF lead big time. Debby let the deficit grow, grabbing only 192 for H- as the game gets out of their hands. Juno added 295 for BF as they appear to enter cruise control on this game. Shawn shot back with 424 for H-, trying to keep them competitive. Nightfur sliced another 295 for BF as they continue to hold the lead late in the game. Shannon struck 560 for H-, but they came up with a loss at 2689 in an epic game. Slinks tapped 112 to give BF the win on 3062.
Out at HP Field in Eastside, Group D sees Empyre 2 (E2) welcome Reality. Starlight clubbed 554 for Reality in her return from a benching. Pounce hit 424 to keep E2 involved in the game. Twilight scooped another 472 for Reality, adding to their lead. Cheddar did decently to reply with 305 for E2. Twinkie II covered that with her 311 for Reality, maintaining their lead efficiently. Dusky ripped 530 for E2, getting them significantly closer at the halfway mark of the game. Patches batted a reasonable 373 for Reality, keeping them in front. Brownie's 360 worked to keep E2 in range but still slightly behind. Spice's 200 left Reality quite vulnerable late in a somewhat high-scoring game. Jack had a middling 240 to cut the deficit a little more, leaving it all up to the final players. Dusty fell with 145 for Reality, leaving them at a final of 2055. Marsell did enough with 263, giving E2 the win as they close with 2122.
For Group A at Samsung Whitewater Stadium, the Delila Enterprises/Oriental United Coalition (DEOU) brings in Solid Core 2 (SC2). Roxy lifted a quick 391 for SC2. Panda launched 711 for DEOU, giving them a decent lead at the start. Boots had only 267 for SC2, failing to cover the deficit. Mr. Snowman cranked out 543 to assert the DEOU lead a bit more firmly. Leonette belted 1299 for SC2, giving them the lead now. Shiny had her first bad game of the tournament, with only 16 for DEOU to create a massive deficit and a lack of momentum. Leonardo slammed 580 to solidify the SC2 lead. Chicky Phil got 230 back for DEOU, but it didn't help a whole lot for this game. Sweetheart blasted 636 for SC2, as they appear to hurtle toward victory. Mams came up weak with 184 for DEOU, who seem set to lose. Frosty's 456 gives SC2 a grand total of 3629. Whiskers hit a measly 106, giving DEOU 1790 in the brutal loss.
Finally, Group B action at Cisco Tysini Field sees Humanity+ (H+) host Solid Core 1 (SC1). Acorn hit a crisp 334 for SC1 at the start. Jennifer had a weak 128 at the start in another poor going for H+. Blizzard did not impress with only 138 for SC1 as the game takes a low-scoring turn. Chelsea replied with 288 for H+, keeping them close early on. Smudge popped 208 for SC1, keeping them modestly in front. Jasmine cut the deficit with 224 for H+, getting them closer halfway through the game. Sleepy B. did nothing to help SC1, taking a measly 32 for SC1 on her failed turn. Sydney's modest 215 did enough to earn H+ a small lead. Shadow countered with 476 for SC1, giving them the lead again in confident form. Alyssa made it a close game by adding 295 for H+, with a player each to go now. Misty had only 37 for SC1 after a deflection, leaving them at a highly vulnerable 1225. Zach sawed off 202 to give H+ the win on 1352.
Game 8s are tomorrow. Games 9-12 will be completed before or on New Year's Day.
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Pool: 2016 A-level First Round - Day 14
We're back in action after the holiday. This is probably going to be a short post being a Saturday. We'll make up for it tomorrow. The first series is...
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Rainmane. The red cue leads off the day with 7-ball. Web City's Rainmane was able to pot the 7 that Pearl's Watermelon missed wide on at the bottom left, giving the former a 1-0 series lead over the latter. The Spiders' Rainmane had a four-ball run after making two balls on the break, but she never saw the table again as the Surfers' Watermelon closed game 2 on a three-ball run-out, tying the series at 1. Rainmane's scratch early in game 3 proved the turning point, as Watermelon rattled off a six-ball run-out to win the game and take the series 2-1. The highlight was a perfectly weighted double-kiss on the 5 that scored it off the top rail to the bottom right while retaining position on the 6. Ranked #29 for 7-ball, Watermelon is through to the second round.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Dominic. The blue cue comes on for 12-ball. Atlantic's Dominic got himself set up just ahead of Modernistic's Ms. Puppy, making his last two shots just as she lined up to grab the win and a 1-0 series lead. An early scratch in game 2 doomed the Union's Ms. Puppy, as it gave the Pirates' Dominic just enough to work with to gain a narrow lead that bent but wouldn't break during the game. Ms. Puppy had a chance to win, but her bank of the 3 went wide at the top side, and Dominic iced the game for a 2-0 series lead. Ms. Puppy used very solid defensive positioning in a patient game 3, keeping Dominic away from good shots long enough to take the win herself. Dominic still won the series 2-1, and his #55 ranked 12-ball bid will head to Whitewater's Samsung Arena for a second round series with the Shores' Wild Thing.
HP Field Events Center, Eastside: Graham v. Wings. The red cue is back on the 7-ball bracket for this series. Pearl's Wings might have had a slight edge in possession in game 1, but Eastside's Graham got the one that counts, pocketing the 7 to the top right after Wings left it short, and taking a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Wings made it count in game 2 despite a sharp start from the Sharks' Graham, potting a four-ball run-out to tie the series at 1 with the strong showing from Wings. In game 3, Wings had a failed jump attempt at the 5, but the cue bounced out of the bottom side. Graham couldn't get the 6, leaving it at the top side, and Wings potted it and the 7 to win the game and the series 2-1. Wings, ranked #82 for 7-ball, will head home to Honda Driftwood Coliseum to act as visitor in a series with Surfers teammate Watermelon in the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Eastside: Taylor Swift v. Roxy. The venue gets a second dose of 7-ball, with the blue cue coming on for the second series. Freedom's Roxy worked a four-ball run-out after both she and Eastside's Taylor had iffy shooting early in game 1, but Roxy finished with a 1-0 series lead with the confident run. The Cascades' Roxy was a bit more dominant in game 2, although the Sharks' Taylor didn't exactly inspire confidence in the game. Roxy breezed her way to a win for a 2-0 series lead. Taylor scratched on the 3 in game 3, and Roxy used the ball-in-hand to work a four-ball run-out, sweeping the series 3-0. Ranked #78 in 7-ball, Roxy will travel to Todavía's Apple Center to face the Stills' Leonardo in the second round.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Sweetheart v. Strut. Another edition of the Doubles Derby is up in 15-ball with the blue cue. Golden's Strut appeared to have a scratching problem in game 1 after he had a six-ball run, but Boston's Sweetheart had the costliest scratch, allowing Strut ball-in-hand on the 15, which he buried for a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Strut had a good share of possession in game 2, but he left the 15 vulnerable at the top right, and the Swifts' Sweetheart potted it in an 8-15 combination to tie the series at 1 with the smart shot. Game 3 stayed even, although swings of momentum occurred, with it swinging last to favor Sweetheart, who was able to pot the last two when Strut's four-ball run ended. Sweetheart, ranked #29 in 15-ball, won the series 2-1 to go to the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Kiwi. The silver cue appears for 9-ball to end an abbreviated afternoon, with a match in the Suburban Derby. Westside's Misty held her own for a bit, but lost it around mid-game, and Terrace City's Kiwi overwhelmed with a four-ball run-out to claim a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Kiwi dominated with a six-ball run in the middle of game 2, and when the Rockers' Misty missed the 9 on a bank toward the bottom left a bit wide, Kiwi hammered it in from distance to clinch the series at 2-0. Kiwi brought game 3 to a quick end, getting a brush on the 9 off the break to push it to the bottom side for the win, sweeping the series 3-0. Kiwi, ranked #65 for 9-ball, is headed for the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Goatee v. Stealth. In the venue's doubleheader nightcap, the game is 7-ball with the red cue. Westside's Goatee took a fairly even game 1, winning with the last two balls when Swordpoint's Stealth ended up a bit wide on his bank attempt on the 5. The win put Goatee ahead 1-0 in the series. The Rockers' Goatee had a three-ball run in game 2, but it didn't matter as the Blades' Stealth pieced together a three-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1. Stealth got a gift in game 3, as Goatee couldn't contact the 7 on her greedy kick attempt, and he buried it from ball-in-hand to win the series 2-1. Ranked #86 for 7-ball, Stealth heads to Boston's Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center to face the Swifts' Gradley in the second round.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Diddley v. Slinks. The red cue stays up for some Rotation. Harrison's Slinks managed to overcome a good break from Maplewood's Diddley, leading for much of the rest of the game and taking the game 8-6 when Diddley left the 14 short at the top right, earning a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the end was a comedy of errors with multiple misses by the Lumberjacks' Diddley. The Specters' Slinks had her last miss prove very costly, as Diddley ran out the last three balls to win 8-7 and tie the series at 1. Diddley had a good break and two highlights in his 8-5 win in game 3, claiming the series 2-1. The highlights were a double-kiss 4-9 combination to the top left with the 4 kicking off the right rail, and a two-rail kick of the 6 to the top left. Diddley, ranked #18 for Rotation, will host Lydia of the Lighton Prestige at this venue in the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Jasmine v. J. Garcia. The red cue continues its streak with 7-ball once again. Freedom's Jasmine saw the 7 rattle around the top right but fail to fall, and Southridge's Garcia needed just two shots for a 2-7 combination to that pocket for the win and a 1-0 series lead. Garcia absolutely stole game 2, making just the 7 after the Cascades' Jasmine left it short at the top right following a six-ball run. Garcia clinched the series with her 2-0 lead in the series. Garcia never gave Jasmine a shot in game 3, scoring the 7 in the top left on the break to sweep the series 3-0. Ranked #88, Garcia will travel to Kraft Forum in Royal to play Marsell of the Crowns in the second round.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Dreamy v. Taylor Swift. The blue cue returns for some 15-ball. Eastside's Taylor played a decent game against Swordpoint's Dreamy, with both players seemingly equal throughout. Taylor did get the slight edge, potting the 15 for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Taylor picked up steam with a five-ball run in game 3, and while the Blades' Dreamy made it interesting by replying on a three-ball run, she failed to pot the 15, allowing Taylor a tap-in to secure the series at 2-0. Taylor completed the 3-0 series sweep with a four-ball run-out in game 3. Taylor's #88 ranked 15-ball bid advances to the second round, where she'll travel to Boston's Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center to face the Swifts' Sweetheart.
We'll let that be all for today, a half-day of games if you will. Tomorrow should be a full slate.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Rainmane. The red cue leads off the day with 7-ball. Web City's Rainmane was able to pot the 7 that Pearl's Watermelon missed wide on at the bottom left, giving the former a 1-0 series lead over the latter. The Spiders' Rainmane had a four-ball run after making two balls on the break, but she never saw the table again as the Surfers' Watermelon closed game 2 on a three-ball run-out, tying the series at 1. Rainmane's scratch early in game 3 proved the turning point, as Watermelon rattled off a six-ball run-out to win the game and take the series 2-1. The highlight was a perfectly weighted double-kiss on the 5 that scored it off the top rail to the bottom right while retaining position on the 6. Ranked #29 for 7-ball, Watermelon is through to the second round.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Dominic. The blue cue comes on for 12-ball. Atlantic's Dominic got himself set up just ahead of Modernistic's Ms. Puppy, making his last two shots just as she lined up to grab the win and a 1-0 series lead. An early scratch in game 2 doomed the Union's Ms. Puppy, as it gave the Pirates' Dominic just enough to work with to gain a narrow lead that bent but wouldn't break during the game. Ms. Puppy had a chance to win, but her bank of the 3 went wide at the top side, and Dominic iced the game for a 2-0 series lead. Ms. Puppy used very solid defensive positioning in a patient game 3, keeping Dominic away from good shots long enough to take the win herself. Dominic still won the series 2-1, and his #55 ranked 12-ball bid will head to Whitewater's Samsung Arena for a second round series with the Shores' Wild Thing.
HP Field Events Center, Eastside: Graham v. Wings. The red cue is back on the 7-ball bracket for this series. Pearl's Wings might have had a slight edge in possession in game 1, but Eastside's Graham got the one that counts, pocketing the 7 to the top right after Wings left it short, and taking a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Wings made it count in game 2 despite a sharp start from the Sharks' Graham, potting a four-ball run-out to tie the series at 1 with the strong showing from Wings. In game 3, Wings had a failed jump attempt at the 5, but the cue bounced out of the bottom side. Graham couldn't get the 6, leaving it at the top side, and Wings potted it and the 7 to win the game and the series 2-1. Wings, ranked #82 for 7-ball, will head home to Honda Driftwood Coliseum to act as visitor in a series with Surfers teammate Watermelon in the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Eastside: Taylor Swift v. Roxy. The venue gets a second dose of 7-ball, with the blue cue coming on for the second series. Freedom's Roxy worked a four-ball run-out after both she and Eastside's Taylor had iffy shooting early in game 1, but Roxy finished with a 1-0 series lead with the confident run. The Cascades' Roxy was a bit more dominant in game 2, although the Sharks' Taylor didn't exactly inspire confidence in the game. Roxy breezed her way to a win for a 2-0 series lead. Taylor scratched on the 3 in game 3, and Roxy used the ball-in-hand to work a four-ball run-out, sweeping the series 3-0. Ranked #78 in 7-ball, Roxy will travel to Todavía's Apple Center to face the Stills' Leonardo in the second round.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Sweetheart v. Strut. Another edition of the Doubles Derby is up in 15-ball with the blue cue. Golden's Strut appeared to have a scratching problem in game 1 after he had a six-ball run, but Boston's Sweetheart had the costliest scratch, allowing Strut ball-in-hand on the 15, which he buried for a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Strut had a good share of possession in game 2, but he left the 15 vulnerable at the top right, and the Swifts' Sweetheart potted it in an 8-15 combination to tie the series at 1 with the smart shot. Game 3 stayed even, although swings of momentum occurred, with it swinging last to favor Sweetheart, who was able to pot the last two when Strut's four-ball run ended. Sweetheart, ranked #29 in 15-ball, won the series 2-1 to go to the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Kiwi. The silver cue appears for 9-ball to end an abbreviated afternoon, with a match in the Suburban Derby. Westside's Misty held her own for a bit, but lost it around mid-game, and Terrace City's Kiwi overwhelmed with a four-ball run-out to claim a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Kiwi dominated with a six-ball run in the middle of game 2, and when the Rockers' Misty missed the 9 on a bank toward the bottom left a bit wide, Kiwi hammered it in from distance to clinch the series at 2-0. Kiwi brought game 3 to a quick end, getting a brush on the 9 off the break to push it to the bottom side for the win, sweeping the series 3-0. Kiwi, ranked #65 for 9-ball, is headed for the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Goatee v. Stealth. In the venue's doubleheader nightcap, the game is 7-ball with the red cue. Westside's Goatee took a fairly even game 1, winning with the last two balls when Swordpoint's Stealth ended up a bit wide on his bank attempt on the 5. The win put Goatee ahead 1-0 in the series. The Rockers' Goatee had a three-ball run in game 2, but it didn't matter as the Blades' Stealth pieced together a three-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1. Stealth got a gift in game 3, as Goatee couldn't contact the 7 on her greedy kick attempt, and he buried it from ball-in-hand to win the series 2-1. Ranked #86 for 7-ball, Stealth heads to Boston's Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center to face the Swifts' Gradley in the second round.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Diddley v. Slinks. The red cue stays up for some Rotation. Harrison's Slinks managed to overcome a good break from Maplewood's Diddley, leading for much of the rest of the game and taking the game 8-6 when Diddley left the 14 short at the top right, earning a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the end was a comedy of errors with multiple misses by the Lumberjacks' Diddley. The Specters' Slinks had her last miss prove very costly, as Diddley ran out the last three balls to win 8-7 and tie the series at 1. Diddley had a good break and two highlights in his 8-5 win in game 3, claiming the series 2-1. The highlights were a double-kiss 4-9 combination to the top left with the 4 kicking off the right rail, and a two-rail kick of the 6 to the top left. Diddley, ranked #18 for Rotation, will host Lydia of the Lighton Prestige at this venue in the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Jasmine v. J. Garcia. The red cue continues its streak with 7-ball once again. Freedom's Jasmine saw the 7 rattle around the top right but fail to fall, and Southridge's Garcia needed just two shots for a 2-7 combination to that pocket for the win and a 1-0 series lead. Garcia absolutely stole game 2, making just the 7 after the Cascades' Jasmine left it short at the top right following a six-ball run. Garcia clinched the series with her 2-0 lead in the series. Garcia never gave Jasmine a shot in game 3, scoring the 7 in the top left on the break to sweep the series 3-0. Ranked #88, Garcia will travel to Kraft Forum in Royal to play Marsell of the Crowns in the second round.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Dreamy v. Taylor Swift. The blue cue returns for some 15-ball. Eastside's Taylor played a decent game against Swordpoint's Dreamy, with both players seemingly equal throughout. Taylor did get the slight edge, potting the 15 for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Taylor picked up steam with a five-ball run in game 3, and while the Blades' Dreamy made it interesting by replying on a three-ball run, she failed to pot the 15, allowing Taylor a tap-in to secure the series at 2-0. Taylor completed the 3-0 series sweep with a four-ball run-out in game 3. Taylor's #88 ranked 15-ball bid advances to the second round, where she'll travel to Boston's Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center to face the Swifts' Sweetheart.
We'll let that be all for today, a half-day of games if you will. Tomorrow should be a full slate.
Friday, December 25, 2015
Club Cricket Challenge: Preliminary Round - Game 6
After these games, the first round will be half done. We begin with...
Oriental United (OU) hosting Solid Core 1 (SC1) at Cisco Tysini Field for the Group B match. Acorn failed SC1 with only 28 on his turn in what's expected to be a low-scoring night due to food comas from Christmas. Shelley obliged that prediction, taking a pathetic 16 for OU. Smudge got SC1 back on track, accepting 332 after drawing an optional replay she declined. Stealth let OU drop behind when he produced only 186. Dreamy didn't secure the SC1 lead, scoring a meager 97. Sparkles slugged 1623 for OU, giving them a huge lead at the halfway mark in the game. Sleepy B. only got 305 back for SC1. Bells unleashed 837 for OU, extending their lead to an untouchable level. Shadow went with only 173 as SC1 has no hope of a comeback. Wild Thing tacked on a modest 102 to the OU lead. Oreo fell predictably short on 97 for SC1, and they suffered a brutal loss at 1032. Chimpy levied 480 to give OU a final of 3244.
At Google Pitch at Union Ground in Modernistic, Empyre 1 (E1) welcomes Youth Movement (YM). Watermelon began with 264 for YM, a middling performance. Tigerette belted 1094 in a confident opener, giving E1 a huge lead in the game. Neopolitan smashed 711 for YM, keeping them in the fight. Graham faltered with only 30 for E1, leaving them vulnerable. Kiwi pulled YM into the lead with her 544, a big showing from the reliable veteran. Her Knights teammate Stripes hit 387 for E1, keeping things close at the halfway mark. Ice Cream crushed 1038 for YM, giving them a large lead now. Dustin shot back with a big 717 for E1 by himself, as the game has been high-scoring. Spirit slashed 345 for YM, keeping them in control. Noelle swung 484 for E1, cutting the deficit with a player each to go. Valencia had a weak 169 for YM, putting them at 3071 total. Valencia and Gradley will take next game off as new parents. Jake fumbled with 25 for E1, and they lost with 2737.
In Group D action at Eastside's HP Field, Delila Enterprises 2 (DE2) brings in Empyre 2 (E2). Pounce batted 663 for E2 to start the game well. Goatee edged DE2 just ahead on her 679-point showing. Cowzart got tangled up, taking only 28 for E2. Diddley hit a measly 12 for DE2, and the game is now tied in its early stages. Cubby scooped only 90 for E2, leaving them vulnerable again. Precious stepped up with 597 for DE2 to take a significant lead halfway through the game. Dusky got 304 back for E2, but they still trail. Max padded the DE2 lead by striking 532. Brownie answered with 208 for E2, but they are not getting any closer to shrinking the deficit. Americus secured the DE2 lead with another massive 765 as they continue to slug their way to victory. Marsell popped 208 as E2 lost at 1501. Ruby hit 415 for DE2, placing them at an even 3000 in their big win.
Finally, Solid Core 2 (SC2) hosts Delila Enterprises 1 (DE1) at Samsung Whitewater Stadium for Group A's game. Delila had just 82 for DE1 with the pressure of being a big performer given her league play. Roxy grabbed 285 for SC2, giving them a moderate lead. Ms. Kitty had just 84 for DE1, and they are beginning to regret their late schedule start. Boots batted another 405 to keep SC2 in charge. Princess had just 213 for DE1, and they continue to trail in the game. Leonette continued the SC2 campaign for an upset, swatting 463 on a good turn. Leandra let DE1 down with her pathetic 82, the third player out of four to drastically disappoint for the squad with high expectations. Sweetheart lined another 594 for SC2 as the crown's excitement builds for the surprising game. Snuggle got twisted on his turn with only 117 for DE1, as they appear set to drop the game. Crystal had a simple 227 for SC2 in a hold-down appearance to keep the team in front late in the game. Easter's 617 did little more than bring DE1 to a slightly less embarrassing final of 1195. Frosty slapped 351 to give SC2 a win on 2325 total.
No games tomorrow, while there's a chance of games on Sunday. No pool from Christmas either. We'll see what that looks like through the weekend.
Oriental United (OU) hosting Solid Core 1 (SC1) at Cisco Tysini Field for the Group B match. Acorn failed SC1 with only 28 on his turn in what's expected to be a low-scoring night due to food comas from Christmas. Shelley obliged that prediction, taking a pathetic 16 for OU. Smudge got SC1 back on track, accepting 332 after drawing an optional replay she declined. Stealth let OU drop behind when he produced only 186. Dreamy didn't secure the SC1 lead, scoring a meager 97. Sparkles slugged 1623 for OU, giving them a huge lead at the halfway mark in the game. Sleepy B. only got 305 back for SC1. Bells unleashed 837 for OU, extending their lead to an untouchable level. Shadow went with only 173 as SC1 has no hope of a comeback. Wild Thing tacked on a modest 102 to the OU lead. Oreo fell predictably short on 97 for SC1, and they suffered a brutal loss at 1032. Chimpy levied 480 to give OU a final of 3244.
At Google Pitch at Union Ground in Modernistic, Empyre 1 (E1) welcomes Youth Movement (YM). Watermelon began with 264 for YM, a middling performance. Tigerette belted 1094 in a confident opener, giving E1 a huge lead in the game. Neopolitan smashed 711 for YM, keeping them in the fight. Graham faltered with only 30 for E1, leaving them vulnerable. Kiwi pulled YM into the lead with her 544, a big showing from the reliable veteran. Her Knights teammate Stripes hit 387 for E1, keeping things close at the halfway mark. Ice Cream crushed 1038 for YM, giving them a large lead now. Dustin shot back with a big 717 for E1 by himself, as the game has been high-scoring. Spirit slashed 345 for YM, keeping them in control. Noelle swung 484 for E1, cutting the deficit with a player each to go. Valencia had a weak 169 for YM, putting them at 3071 total. Valencia and Gradley will take next game off as new parents. Jake fumbled with 25 for E1, and they lost with 2737.
In Group D action at Eastside's HP Field, Delila Enterprises 2 (DE2) brings in Empyre 2 (E2). Pounce batted 663 for E2 to start the game well. Goatee edged DE2 just ahead on her 679-point showing. Cowzart got tangled up, taking only 28 for E2. Diddley hit a measly 12 for DE2, and the game is now tied in its early stages. Cubby scooped only 90 for E2, leaving them vulnerable again. Precious stepped up with 597 for DE2 to take a significant lead halfway through the game. Dusky got 304 back for E2, but they still trail. Max padded the DE2 lead by striking 532. Brownie answered with 208 for E2, but they are not getting any closer to shrinking the deficit. Americus secured the DE2 lead with another massive 765 as they continue to slug their way to victory. Marsell popped 208 as E2 lost at 1501. Ruby hit 415 for DE2, placing them at an even 3000 in their big win.
Finally, Solid Core 2 (SC2) hosts Delila Enterprises 1 (DE1) at Samsung Whitewater Stadium for Group A's game. Delila had just 82 for DE1 with the pressure of being a big performer given her league play. Roxy grabbed 285 for SC2, giving them a moderate lead. Ms. Kitty had just 84 for DE1, and they are beginning to regret their late schedule start. Boots batted another 405 to keep SC2 in charge. Princess had just 213 for DE1, and they continue to trail in the game. Leonette continued the SC2 campaign for an upset, swatting 463 on a good turn. Leandra let DE1 down with her pathetic 82, the third player out of four to drastically disappoint for the squad with high expectations. Sweetheart lined another 594 for SC2 as the crown's excitement builds for the surprising game. Snuggle got twisted on his turn with only 117 for DE1, as they appear set to drop the game. Crystal had a simple 227 for SC2 in a hold-down appearance to keep the team in front late in the game. Easter's 617 did little more than bring DE1 to a slightly less embarrassing final of 1195. Frosty slapped 351 to give SC2 a win on 2325 total.
No games tomorrow, while there's a chance of games on Sunday. No pool from Christmas either. We'll see what that looks like through the weekend.
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Pool: 2016 A-level First Round - Day 13
Today's Christmas Eve special begins with...
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Boots v. Juno. The first set is 7-ball with the blue cue. Southridge's Boots walked a fine line, favoring the side of brilliance over misfortune. She had a five-ball run-out in game 1, including a double-pot of the 3 (banked off the right rail and caromed off the 4 to the top side) and the 4 (sent to the top left), followed by a bank of the 5 to the bottom right before letting positioning take over and give her a 1-0 series lead over Modernistic's Juno. The Union's Juno didn't care much for luck, instead displaying her skill in game 2, running the table on her only turn to tie the series with the Defenders' Boots at 1. Juno made every ball in game 3 as well, not as dominantly but still good enough to earn a 2-1 series win. Juno, ranked #68 for 7-ball, will travel to Del Sur's Microsoft Center to oppose Kirstin of the Southern Monarchs in the second round.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Boots v. Strawberry: Boots is dealing with a home doubleheader, playing 12-ball with the blue cue now. Southridge's Boots had the edge in game 1, building up an effective lead and holding on as Pronger's Strawberry couldn't quite catch up, giving Boots a 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Boots surrendered a wild card ball to the Tridents' Strawberry, but it all worked out as she was able to pot her last ball in the same pocket and secure the series at 2-0. Strawberry got game 3 with a three-ball run-out, but both players had very sharp shots and battled for a quick game. Boots won the series 2-1, and takes her #11 ranked 12-ball bid to host the Diamond Gems' Cassandra at this venue in the second round.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Alyssa v. Wings. The blue cue gets another set of 12-ball here for a game doubleheader. Oceanside's Alyssa had a very favorable break, making a five-ball run to start the game and leaving the 14 at the bottom right for her last shot, which she tapped in after Pearl's Wings couldn't catch her, giving her a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Wings ended up with a strategic scratch in game 2, as the Waves' Alyssa then missed contact, and Wings used the ball-in-hand for a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Alyssa had a slight edge as Wings needed to set up shots Alyssa already had down, helping her claim the game and a 2-1 series win. Ranked #10 for 12-ball, Alyssa will host Waves teammate Pounce at this venue in the second round.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Nightfur v. Cheddar. Back south, the silver cue gets an appearance in 10-ball. Game 1 took a back-and-forth tilt to it, with Whitewater's Cheddar holding the slight edge in possession and the better timing, mopping up the 10 that Royal's Nightfur left up. Cheddar leads 1-0 in the series. Frustrations boiled over in game 2, but they quickly simmered. The Crowns' Nightfur managed to work a three-ball run-out, topping an inaccurate Cheddar of the Shores to tie the series at 1. Nightfur managed to take the infuriating series 2-1 with a three-ball run-out in game 3, stymieing an effort from Cheddar. Ranked #28 for 10-ball, Nightfur will host Capital City Sharpshooters captain Chris at this venue in the second round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Mr. Snowman v. Crystal. The silver cue stays up for a series of 8-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Mr. Snowman tried to get too fancy for contact after a seven-ball run from Queens' Crystal, and it failed, giving Crystal ball-in-hand on the 8 for an easy tap-in and a 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Mr. Snowman had a bad finish in game 2, missing the 8 and watching the Flames' Crystal run out the last three balls to take the game and clinch the series at 2-0. Mr. Snowman did well on his finish for game 3, running out five balls, including a double-pot follow of the 12 and 14 to the bottom right, making it a 2-1 series win for Crystal. Ranked #73 for 8-ball, Crystal travels to Diamond's Intel Center to face Cassandra of the Gems in the second round.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Cheddar. The blue cue is back for a series of Accuracy. Whitewater's Cheddar kept pace with Terrace City's Kiwi throughout the game, and then Kiwi missed on the last ball and Cheddar made it, winning 2-3 for a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Cheddar came out on top in game 2 as well, but it took overtime to do it. The Knights' Kiwi had the overtime break, but she didn't get anything, prompting Cheddar to convert the 6-2-15 combination to the bottom right for a 3-4 win and a 2-0 series lead. Cheddar buried Kiwi quite easily in game 3, forcing her into a handful of mistakes while limiting her own to win 1-3 and take the series in a 3-0 sweep. Ranked #60 for Accuracy, Cheddar will play in the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Tigerette. Two of the most prominent league figures face off for 10-ball with the red cue to renew their clubs' deep rivalry. Lighton's Acorn dominated throughout game 1, frustrating Commerce's Tigerette with terrible leaves, and Acorn sealed the game on a three-ball run-out, all distance cut shots, for a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Acorn made three on the break and the last two in another dominant game 2. The Tradewinds' Tigerette twice forced Acorn to shoot after making uncalled shots, and this helped to increase his confidence, as he roared to a 2-0 series lead in the win. Acorn lacked the same dominance in game 3, and this allowed Tigerette to salvage a win, making it 2-1 Acorn for the series. Ranked #33 for 10-ball, Acorn heads to the second round.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Dusky v. Lionel. The red cue is still in action for a series of Rotation. Commerce's Lionel got behind Archtown's Dusky very early in game 1, but he rallied back and won 8-5, ending with a distance shot on the 13 to the bottom left to make it a 1-0 series lead for himself. The Tradewinds' Lionel held a lead through the middle of game 2, but the ending was tangled, and the Arrows' Dusky emerged with an 8-7 win after banking the 14 diagonally to the top left off the bottom right rail section, tying the series at 1. Dusky stormed out to a big 8-2 win in game 3, earning a 2-1 series win. Dusky takes her #22 ranked Rotation bid to the second round, where she hosts the Pronger Tridents' Precious at this venue.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Shiny v. Chris. The blue cue gets another 12-ball series in the fast-moving bracket. Game 1 started in a roar and ended in a whisper, as Capital City's Chris watched his four-ball run be for naught when Web City's Shiny rallied back and defended the top left (which they both needed). After some jostling in a small space, Shiny got a glimpse and buried the 7 to take a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shiny had a decent start to game 2, but she really capitalized on the Sharpshooters' Chris being out of position on many shots, working to take a 2-0 series lead with the win. In game 3, Chris did well to set up his shots, eventually jamming his 14 with Shiny's 7 at the top right. Shiny tried to defend, but Chris eventually poked it in and took the game. Shiny won the series 2-1, and her #7 ranked 12-ball campaign will host another Sharpshooter, Sprinkles, at this venue in the second round.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Wings v. Valencia. The blue cue closes the short afternoon with 15-ball. Pearl's Wings held his own against Golden's Valencia in game 1, exchanging shots in an even meeting, and then Wings burst out with a four-ball run-out, giving him the 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Valencia ended up getting the edge in another mediocre game, beating the Surfers' Wings on a two-ball run-out to make it a 1-1 series. Valencia controlled possession for much of game 3, but she lost it late, and Wings picked it up with a four-ball run-out to make it a 2-1 series win for himself. Wings advances to the second round as the #30 ranked 15-ball player.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Dominic. The silver cue gets an appearance in Accuracy to start the evening. Game 1 saw the players do pretty well, but Golden's Strut had just a little better run as Atlantic's Dominic faded late. Strut won 2-3, going up 1-0 in the series. The Pilots' Strut made a couple of mistakes around a cluster, and while the Pirates' Dominic was far from perfect, he was good enough to hold on for a 2-3 win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was a little more sloppy, but Strut controlled it from the start, holding what ended as a 3-4 advantage over Dominic to win the series 2-1. Ranked #43 in Accuracy, Strut heads to the second round.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Alyssa v. Lorde. The blue cue is back for 7-ball. Oceanside's Alyssa scratched on the break, allowing Commerce's Lorde to run four balls, but Alyssa bounced back with long cuts on the 6 and 7 for the win and a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the circumstances were quite similar, as the Tradewinds' Lorde pieced together a four-ball run only to see the Waves' Alyssa take the game, this time with a double-kiss at the top left on the 7 to earn the 2-0 series lead. Lorde saved some face with a three-ball run-out to end game 3, making it a 2-1 series win for Alyssa. Ranked #11 in 7-ball, Alyssa is set to host the Central Warriors' Dustin at this venue in the second round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Ice Cream v. Puff II. The silver cue gets another set of Accuracy now. Both players were perfect until halfway through overtime, when Commerce's Ice Cream miscued and missed her shot, losing 0-1 to Boston's relentless Puff II, who owns a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was far less clean, featuring misses in painful fashion for both players, but the Swifts' Puff II made two late mistakes. She missed the last ball, and that allowed the Tradewinds' Ice Cream to force overtime. In overtime, Puff II did a soft break, and Ice Cream shattered the mostly intact rack, scoring one to win 4-5 and tie the series at 1. Puff II played game 3 like it was game 1, while Ice Cream played like it was game 2, and that made it an easy win for Puff II, 1-5, and she took the series 2-1. Ranked #82 for Accuracy, Puff II heads to the second round.
Intel Center, Diamond: Citrus v. Snuggle. The blue cue gets its turn for Rotation now. Oceanside's Snuggle narrowly prevailed in game 1, rallying with a three-ball run to take the lead on Diamond's Citrus and then tapping in the 15 on his second try to win 8-7 for a 1-0 series lead in the tight game. The Gems' Citrus pulled out to a lead in game 2 as well, but she managed to hold off the Waves' Snuggle this time around, keeping him at arm's length in an 8-6 win to tie the series at 1. Citrus parlayed a five-ball run early on into an 8-6 win after Snuggle made it interesting near the end of the game. Citrus took the series 2-1, advancing her #13 ranked Rotation bid to the second round, where she'll bring in Lighton Prestige star Spirit to this venue.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Bright v. Twinkie II. The two cues continue to alternate, with the silver cue back again for 15-ball. Harrison's Twinkie II looked absolutely unbeatable for a bit in game 1, running seven balls and generally dominating the middle to late parts of the game. She missed the 15 short at the top right, allowing Tysini's Bright the tap-in for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II had a problem with shooting light in game 2, leaving a few easy shots for the Hummingbirds' Bright, and he used those plus a five-ball run early on to pace his attack. Twinkie II left the 15 short again as well, and Bright scored it for a 2-0 series lead. In game 3, Bright was doing well until the 10, which he couldn't land contact on. Twinkie II iced the game by double-potting the 10 to the top right and the 15 to the bottom right for the win. Bright, ranked #17 for 15-ball, heads to the second round on a 2-1 series win.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Cheddar v. Jennifer Livilotti. A former Shore returns to her previous home for Rotation with the red cue against an old teammate. Whitewater's Cheddar fell behind early in game 1, and she made a very bold comeback attempt, but Terrace City's Jennifer secured the game 8-6 and took a 1-0 series lead in the process with a composed effort. The Knights' Jennifer had a highlight in game 2, scoring the 9 on a spinning cut to the bottom left, tying the game at 5. On her next turn, she had a three-ball run-out to complete the come from behind 8-6 win over the Shores' Cheddar, good for a 2-0 series lead. Cheddar kept control in game 3, eventually working her way to an 8-6 win despite a sharp comeback attempt from Jennifer. Ranked #85 for Rotation, Jennifer will travel to Diamond's Intel Center to play Gems captain Smokey in the second round.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Shadow. The red cue is up again for 7-ball, as a son-in-law hosts his father-in-law and soon-to-be grandparent of the former's children. Web City's Shadow had a perfectly acceptable three-ball run in game 1, but Boston's Gradley countered with a four-ball run-out with precision shooting for the 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shadow did a little more in game 2, working long shots for most of the game with ease. The Swifts' Gradley did what he could, but Shadow rallied for a four-ball run-out, tying the series at 1. Shadow thought he would capitalize on Gradley missing the 7 at the end of a three-ball run, but he left it short at the top right, allowing Gradley the second chance to tap it in and win the series 2-1. Ranked #32 for 7-ball, Gradley advances to the second round.
Ebay Center, Queens: Paige v. Sleepy B. The day will end with 9-ball and the blue cue. Queens' Paige didn't have a lot of luck with the ball in game 1, and that was amplified when Archtown's Sleepy B. ran out the last four balls, including double-potting the 7 to the top right and 8 to the bottom right to take a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Sleepy B. potted three on the break in an opening six-ball run, and when the Flames' Paige made her only miss, Sleepy B. ended the game to clinch the series at 2-0. Game 3 was fairly even, with Sleepy B. missing a cut on the 9 while Paige made it for the win, putting the series at 2-1 for Sleepy B. Ranked #66 for 9-ball, Sleepy B. will play in the second round.
Tomorrow and Saturday's action may be combined into one post.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Boots v. Juno. The first set is 7-ball with the blue cue. Southridge's Boots walked a fine line, favoring the side of brilliance over misfortune. She had a five-ball run-out in game 1, including a double-pot of the 3 (banked off the right rail and caromed off the 4 to the top side) and the 4 (sent to the top left), followed by a bank of the 5 to the bottom right before letting positioning take over and give her a 1-0 series lead over Modernistic's Juno. The Union's Juno didn't care much for luck, instead displaying her skill in game 2, running the table on her only turn to tie the series with the Defenders' Boots at 1. Juno made every ball in game 3 as well, not as dominantly but still good enough to earn a 2-1 series win. Juno, ranked #68 for 7-ball, will travel to Del Sur's Microsoft Center to oppose Kirstin of the Southern Monarchs in the second round.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Boots v. Strawberry: Boots is dealing with a home doubleheader, playing 12-ball with the blue cue now. Southridge's Boots had the edge in game 1, building up an effective lead and holding on as Pronger's Strawberry couldn't quite catch up, giving Boots a 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Boots surrendered a wild card ball to the Tridents' Strawberry, but it all worked out as she was able to pot her last ball in the same pocket and secure the series at 2-0. Strawberry got game 3 with a three-ball run-out, but both players had very sharp shots and battled for a quick game. Boots won the series 2-1, and takes her #11 ranked 12-ball bid to host the Diamond Gems' Cassandra at this venue in the second round.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Alyssa v. Wings. The blue cue gets another set of 12-ball here for a game doubleheader. Oceanside's Alyssa had a very favorable break, making a five-ball run to start the game and leaving the 14 at the bottom right for her last shot, which she tapped in after Pearl's Wings couldn't catch her, giving her a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Wings ended up with a strategic scratch in game 2, as the Waves' Alyssa then missed contact, and Wings used the ball-in-hand for a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Alyssa had a slight edge as Wings needed to set up shots Alyssa already had down, helping her claim the game and a 2-1 series win. Ranked #10 for 12-ball, Alyssa will host Waves teammate Pounce at this venue in the second round.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Nightfur v. Cheddar. Back south, the silver cue gets an appearance in 10-ball. Game 1 took a back-and-forth tilt to it, with Whitewater's Cheddar holding the slight edge in possession and the better timing, mopping up the 10 that Royal's Nightfur left up. Cheddar leads 1-0 in the series. Frustrations boiled over in game 2, but they quickly simmered. The Crowns' Nightfur managed to work a three-ball run-out, topping an inaccurate Cheddar of the Shores to tie the series at 1. Nightfur managed to take the infuriating series 2-1 with a three-ball run-out in game 3, stymieing an effort from Cheddar. Ranked #28 for 10-ball, Nightfur will host Capital City Sharpshooters captain Chris at this venue in the second round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Mr. Snowman v. Crystal. The silver cue stays up for a series of 8-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Mr. Snowman tried to get too fancy for contact after a seven-ball run from Queens' Crystal, and it failed, giving Crystal ball-in-hand on the 8 for an easy tap-in and a 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Mr. Snowman had a bad finish in game 2, missing the 8 and watching the Flames' Crystal run out the last three balls to take the game and clinch the series at 2-0. Mr. Snowman did well on his finish for game 3, running out five balls, including a double-pot follow of the 12 and 14 to the bottom right, making it a 2-1 series win for Crystal. Ranked #73 for 8-ball, Crystal travels to Diamond's Intel Center to face Cassandra of the Gems in the second round.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Cheddar. The blue cue is back for a series of Accuracy. Whitewater's Cheddar kept pace with Terrace City's Kiwi throughout the game, and then Kiwi missed on the last ball and Cheddar made it, winning 2-3 for a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Cheddar came out on top in game 2 as well, but it took overtime to do it. The Knights' Kiwi had the overtime break, but she didn't get anything, prompting Cheddar to convert the 6-2-15 combination to the bottom right for a 3-4 win and a 2-0 series lead. Cheddar buried Kiwi quite easily in game 3, forcing her into a handful of mistakes while limiting her own to win 1-3 and take the series in a 3-0 sweep. Ranked #60 for Accuracy, Cheddar will play in the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Tigerette. Two of the most prominent league figures face off for 10-ball with the red cue to renew their clubs' deep rivalry. Lighton's Acorn dominated throughout game 1, frustrating Commerce's Tigerette with terrible leaves, and Acorn sealed the game on a three-ball run-out, all distance cut shots, for a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Acorn made three on the break and the last two in another dominant game 2. The Tradewinds' Tigerette twice forced Acorn to shoot after making uncalled shots, and this helped to increase his confidence, as he roared to a 2-0 series lead in the win. Acorn lacked the same dominance in game 3, and this allowed Tigerette to salvage a win, making it 2-1 Acorn for the series. Ranked #33 for 10-ball, Acorn heads to the second round.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Dusky v. Lionel. The red cue is still in action for a series of Rotation. Commerce's Lionel got behind Archtown's Dusky very early in game 1, but he rallied back and won 8-5, ending with a distance shot on the 13 to the bottom left to make it a 1-0 series lead for himself. The Tradewinds' Lionel held a lead through the middle of game 2, but the ending was tangled, and the Arrows' Dusky emerged with an 8-7 win after banking the 14 diagonally to the top left off the bottom right rail section, tying the series at 1. Dusky stormed out to a big 8-2 win in game 3, earning a 2-1 series win. Dusky takes her #22 ranked Rotation bid to the second round, where she hosts the Pronger Tridents' Precious at this venue.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Shiny v. Chris. The blue cue gets another 12-ball series in the fast-moving bracket. Game 1 started in a roar and ended in a whisper, as Capital City's Chris watched his four-ball run be for naught when Web City's Shiny rallied back and defended the top left (which they both needed). After some jostling in a small space, Shiny got a glimpse and buried the 7 to take a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shiny had a decent start to game 2, but she really capitalized on the Sharpshooters' Chris being out of position on many shots, working to take a 2-0 series lead with the win. In game 3, Chris did well to set up his shots, eventually jamming his 14 with Shiny's 7 at the top right. Shiny tried to defend, but Chris eventually poked it in and took the game. Shiny won the series 2-1, and her #7 ranked 12-ball campaign will host another Sharpshooter, Sprinkles, at this venue in the second round.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Wings v. Valencia. The blue cue closes the short afternoon with 15-ball. Pearl's Wings held his own against Golden's Valencia in game 1, exchanging shots in an even meeting, and then Wings burst out with a four-ball run-out, giving him the 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Valencia ended up getting the edge in another mediocre game, beating the Surfers' Wings on a two-ball run-out to make it a 1-1 series. Valencia controlled possession for much of game 3, but she lost it late, and Wings picked it up with a four-ball run-out to make it a 2-1 series win for himself. Wings advances to the second round as the #30 ranked 15-ball player.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Dominic. The silver cue gets an appearance in Accuracy to start the evening. Game 1 saw the players do pretty well, but Golden's Strut had just a little better run as Atlantic's Dominic faded late. Strut won 2-3, going up 1-0 in the series. The Pilots' Strut made a couple of mistakes around a cluster, and while the Pirates' Dominic was far from perfect, he was good enough to hold on for a 2-3 win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was a little more sloppy, but Strut controlled it from the start, holding what ended as a 3-4 advantage over Dominic to win the series 2-1. Ranked #43 in Accuracy, Strut heads to the second round.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Alyssa v. Lorde. The blue cue is back for 7-ball. Oceanside's Alyssa scratched on the break, allowing Commerce's Lorde to run four balls, but Alyssa bounced back with long cuts on the 6 and 7 for the win and a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the circumstances were quite similar, as the Tradewinds' Lorde pieced together a four-ball run only to see the Waves' Alyssa take the game, this time with a double-kiss at the top left on the 7 to earn the 2-0 series lead. Lorde saved some face with a three-ball run-out to end game 3, making it a 2-1 series win for Alyssa. Ranked #11 in 7-ball, Alyssa is set to host the Central Warriors' Dustin at this venue in the second round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Ice Cream v. Puff II. The silver cue gets another set of Accuracy now. Both players were perfect until halfway through overtime, when Commerce's Ice Cream miscued and missed her shot, losing 0-1 to Boston's relentless Puff II, who owns a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was far less clean, featuring misses in painful fashion for both players, but the Swifts' Puff II made two late mistakes. She missed the last ball, and that allowed the Tradewinds' Ice Cream to force overtime. In overtime, Puff II did a soft break, and Ice Cream shattered the mostly intact rack, scoring one to win 4-5 and tie the series at 1. Puff II played game 3 like it was game 1, while Ice Cream played like it was game 2, and that made it an easy win for Puff II, 1-5, and she took the series 2-1. Ranked #82 for Accuracy, Puff II heads to the second round.
Intel Center, Diamond: Citrus v. Snuggle. The blue cue gets its turn for Rotation now. Oceanside's Snuggle narrowly prevailed in game 1, rallying with a three-ball run to take the lead on Diamond's Citrus and then tapping in the 15 on his second try to win 8-7 for a 1-0 series lead in the tight game. The Gems' Citrus pulled out to a lead in game 2 as well, but she managed to hold off the Waves' Snuggle this time around, keeping him at arm's length in an 8-6 win to tie the series at 1. Citrus parlayed a five-ball run early on into an 8-6 win after Snuggle made it interesting near the end of the game. Citrus took the series 2-1, advancing her #13 ranked Rotation bid to the second round, where she'll bring in Lighton Prestige star Spirit to this venue.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Bright v. Twinkie II. The two cues continue to alternate, with the silver cue back again for 15-ball. Harrison's Twinkie II looked absolutely unbeatable for a bit in game 1, running seven balls and generally dominating the middle to late parts of the game. She missed the 15 short at the top right, allowing Tysini's Bright the tap-in for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II had a problem with shooting light in game 2, leaving a few easy shots for the Hummingbirds' Bright, and he used those plus a five-ball run early on to pace his attack. Twinkie II left the 15 short again as well, and Bright scored it for a 2-0 series lead. In game 3, Bright was doing well until the 10, which he couldn't land contact on. Twinkie II iced the game by double-potting the 10 to the top right and the 15 to the bottom right for the win. Bright, ranked #17 for 15-ball, heads to the second round on a 2-1 series win.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Cheddar v. Jennifer Livilotti. A former Shore returns to her previous home for Rotation with the red cue against an old teammate. Whitewater's Cheddar fell behind early in game 1, and she made a very bold comeback attempt, but Terrace City's Jennifer secured the game 8-6 and took a 1-0 series lead in the process with a composed effort. The Knights' Jennifer had a highlight in game 2, scoring the 9 on a spinning cut to the bottom left, tying the game at 5. On her next turn, she had a three-ball run-out to complete the come from behind 8-6 win over the Shores' Cheddar, good for a 2-0 series lead. Cheddar kept control in game 3, eventually working her way to an 8-6 win despite a sharp comeback attempt from Jennifer. Ranked #85 for Rotation, Jennifer will travel to Diamond's Intel Center to play Gems captain Smokey in the second round.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Shadow. The red cue is up again for 7-ball, as a son-in-law hosts his father-in-law and soon-to-be grandparent of the former's children. Web City's Shadow had a perfectly acceptable three-ball run in game 1, but Boston's Gradley countered with a four-ball run-out with precision shooting for the 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shadow did a little more in game 2, working long shots for most of the game with ease. The Swifts' Gradley did what he could, but Shadow rallied for a four-ball run-out, tying the series at 1. Shadow thought he would capitalize on Gradley missing the 7 at the end of a three-ball run, but he left it short at the top right, allowing Gradley the second chance to tap it in and win the series 2-1. Ranked #32 for 7-ball, Gradley advances to the second round.
Ebay Center, Queens: Paige v. Sleepy B. The day will end with 9-ball and the blue cue. Queens' Paige didn't have a lot of luck with the ball in game 1, and that was amplified when Archtown's Sleepy B. ran out the last four balls, including double-potting the 7 to the top right and 8 to the bottom right to take a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Sleepy B. potted three on the break in an opening six-ball run, and when the Flames' Paige made her only miss, Sleepy B. ended the game to clinch the series at 2-0. Game 3 was fairly even, with Sleepy B. missing a cut on the 9 while Paige made it for the win, putting the series at 2-1 for Sleepy B. Ranked #66 for 9-ball, Sleepy B. will play in the second round.
Tomorrow and Saturday's action may be combined into one post.
Club Cricket Challenge: Preliminary Round: Game 5
We're rapidly approaching the halfway mark of the group stage. I am shuffling the schedule a bit due to mismanaged time today, with at least one game per group on the slate for Christmas. Today's games begin with...
The Reality/Humanity Coalition (RH) hosting the Delila Enterprises/Oriental United Coalition (DEOU) at Samsung Whitewater Stadium. Panda finally rewarded DEOU, smacking 719 to lead off the game. Bear struggled with 145 for RH, putting them behind at the start. Mr. Snowman shot back with 247 for DEOU, patching their lead a little bit. Gizmo had a modest 279 for RH, keeping things fairly balanced. Dominic slipped with 96 for DEOU, destabilizing their lead. RH got a lot closer with 439 supplied by Twinkie I, closing the gap a bit at the halfway mark. Shiny muscled up with 944 for DEOU, blasting her way to give the team a lead. Dani's comeback effort wavered with only 162 for RH, and they are now far behind later in the game. Mams slashed 512 for DEOU, shoring up any gaps in their lead. Puff I poked 248 for RH, but they still face a steep deficit. Paps had a weak 135, putting DEOU at a final of 2653 in their best effort yet. Dani hauled in 454, but RH still lost badly with 1727.
At Cisco Tysini Field, the group B game is Solid Core 1 (SC1) welcoming Oriental United (OU) in a battle of the current group co-leaders. Goldy couldn't get comfortable, taking just 66 for OU. Acorn got beat on a deflection, hitting 329 for SC1 to take a minor lead with. Shelley sliced 352 for OU in response, keeping them in the game. Blizzard had a pathetic 51 for SC1, and they have fallen behind in a close game. Stealth drilled 512 for OU, giving them a larger lead to work with. Smudge failed with a measly 72 for SC1, who are watching this game get out of hand. Sparkles cranked out another 569 to extend the OU lead to relatively safe heights. Sleepy B. pounded 816 for SC1, drastically shrinking the deficit in a spectacular appearance. Bells kept the lead safe with 335 for OU, but the threat is more real now. Oreo fell away with 171 for SC1, putting a speed bump in their path. Wild Thing hammered 528 to give OU 2362 as their final score for the game. Misty fell way short, taking just 51 as SC1 ended with 1490 in the loss.
For Group C from Google Pitch at Union Ground in Modernistic, Humanity- (H-) brings in Brute Force (BF). Rainmane wasted no time for BF, slapping 822 to give them the initial lead. Charli replied with 418 for H-, cutting the deficit in about half. Smokey had only 233 for BF as a bad deflection was unable to be hit given his range. Bryant belted 681 for H- to make it a close game early on. Wings grabbed 304 for BF, giving them a small lead again. Lydia had a weak 144 for H-, allowing their control to slip away at the halfway mark. Juno didn't exactly inspire confidence with only 295 on her turn, as the game remains uncomfortably close for either team. Debby swung 547 for H-, giving them the lead but not by much. Nightfur covered the deficit and then some with her 501 for BF, making for an exciting ending. Amber had a weak 112 for H-, and they will trail heading into the final players. Slinks got beat on a low roller for a swing-and-miss, but she tacked on 487 to give BF the final of 2642. Shawn's 330 left H- at 2232 in the loss, but it was a competitive game and brought the fans to their feet.
Finally, the Youth Movement/Brute Force Coalition (YMBF) hosts Delila Enterprises 2 (DE2) in Group D action for HP Field in Eastside. Strut was mediocre in his game, scoring only 152 to begin for DE2. Sierra popped 328 for YMBF, giving them a slight edge. Goatee slugged 944 in response for DE2, giving them a big lead. Citrus did alright with 312 for YMBF, but they are now chasing the game. Diddley added 283 for DE2 to keep their lead in check. Sprinkles failed to cut the deficit with her 256 for YMBF, leaving them in a tough position at the halfway point. Cleo faltered with 148 for DE2, and their lead is beginning to shrink a bit. Nikolai swatted 599 for YMBF, nearly erasing the entire deficit with his big performance. Precious tallied 527 to restore the DE2 lead, but they know they aren't safe yet. Midnight couldn't catch the opposition, but her 414 for YMBF keeps them in striking range with a player each to go. Max added 300 to give DE2 the final score of 2354, far from a safe total. Bright's 267 left YMBF short at 2176 total in their loss.
Game 6s are scheduled for sometime tomorrow. Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!
The Reality/Humanity Coalition (RH) hosting the Delila Enterprises/Oriental United Coalition (DEOU) at Samsung Whitewater Stadium. Panda finally rewarded DEOU, smacking 719 to lead off the game. Bear struggled with 145 for RH, putting them behind at the start. Mr. Snowman shot back with 247 for DEOU, patching their lead a little bit. Gizmo had a modest 279 for RH, keeping things fairly balanced. Dominic slipped with 96 for DEOU, destabilizing their lead. RH got a lot closer with 439 supplied by Twinkie I, closing the gap a bit at the halfway mark. Shiny muscled up with 944 for DEOU, blasting her way to give the team a lead. Dani's comeback effort wavered with only 162 for RH, and they are now far behind later in the game. Mams slashed 512 for DEOU, shoring up any gaps in their lead. Puff I poked 248 for RH, but they still face a steep deficit. Paps had a weak 135, putting DEOU at a final of 2653 in their best effort yet. Dani hauled in 454, but RH still lost badly with 1727.
At Cisco Tysini Field, the group B game is Solid Core 1 (SC1) welcoming Oriental United (OU) in a battle of the current group co-leaders. Goldy couldn't get comfortable, taking just 66 for OU. Acorn got beat on a deflection, hitting 329 for SC1 to take a minor lead with. Shelley sliced 352 for OU in response, keeping them in the game. Blizzard had a pathetic 51 for SC1, and they have fallen behind in a close game. Stealth drilled 512 for OU, giving them a larger lead to work with. Smudge failed with a measly 72 for SC1, who are watching this game get out of hand. Sparkles cranked out another 569 to extend the OU lead to relatively safe heights. Sleepy B. pounded 816 for SC1, drastically shrinking the deficit in a spectacular appearance. Bells kept the lead safe with 335 for OU, but the threat is more real now. Oreo fell away with 171 for SC1, putting a speed bump in their path. Wild Thing hammered 528 to give OU 2362 as their final score for the game. Misty fell way short, taking just 51 as SC1 ended with 1490 in the loss.
For Group C from Google Pitch at Union Ground in Modernistic, Humanity- (H-) brings in Brute Force (BF). Rainmane wasted no time for BF, slapping 822 to give them the initial lead. Charli replied with 418 for H-, cutting the deficit in about half. Smokey had only 233 for BF as a bad deflection was unable to be hit given his range. Bryant belted 681 for H- to make it a close game early on. Wings grabbed 304 for BF, giving them a small lead again. Lydia had a weak 144 for H-, allowing their control to slip away at the halfway mark. Juno didn't exactly inspire confidence with only 295 on her turn, as the game remains uncomfortably close for either team. Debby swung 547 for H-, giving them the lead but not by much. Nightfur covered the deficit and then some with her 501 for BF, making for an exciting ending. Amber had a weak 112 for H-, and they will trail heading into the final players. Slinks got beat on a low roller for a swing-and-miss, but she tacked on 487 to give BF the final of 2642. Shawn's 330 left H- at 2232 in the loss, but it was a competitive game and brought the fans to their feet.
Finally, the Youth Movement/Brute Force Coalition (YMBF) hosts Delila Enterprises 2 (DE2) in Group D action for HP Field in Eastside. Strut was mediocre in his game, scoring only 152 to begin for DE2. Sierra popped 328 for YMBF, giving them a slight edge. Goatee slugged 944 in response for DE2, giving them a big lead. Citrus did alright with 312 for YMBF, but they are now chasing the game. Diddley added 283 for DE2 to keep their lead in check. Sprinkles failed to cut the deficit with her 256 for YMBF, leaving them in a tough position at the halfway point. Cleo faltered with 148 for DE2, and their lead is beginning to shrink a bit. Nikolai swatted 599 for YMBF, nearly erasing the entire deficit with his big performance. Precious tallied 527 to restore the DE2 lead, but they know they aren't safe yet. Midnight couldn't catch the opposition, but her 414 for YMBF keeps them in striking range with a player each to go. Max added 300 to give DE2 the final score of 2354, far from a safe total. Bright's 267 left YMBF short at 2176 total in their loss.
Game 6s are scheduled for sometime tomorrow. Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Pool: 2016 A-level First Round - Day 12
The pool action is back, with a full schedule or more on the slate today. The first series is...
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Stealth v. Mams. The silver cue gets the first set today, playing Accuracy. Both players dazzled with excellent shooting game 1, but Viewpoint Sound's Mams cracked first, and it cost her as she lost to Swordpoint's Stealth 1-2, giving the latter a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Meteors' Mams fell behind early on, but used good defensive positioning to force the Blades' Stealth into a tie at 3. The tie needed overtime, where the break and a 15-9-7 combination from Mams finally topped Stealth, winning 3-4 to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Stealth returned to his early form, holding tight through a competitive game and then winning 1-3 after a miss ended Mams' threat to counter, giving Stealth a 2-1 series win. Ranked #48 in Accuracy, Stealth goes to the second round.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Fluffina v. Puff III. The silver cue remains at the table for a series of 10-ball. Everton's Puff III stole game 1, as Maplewood's Fluffina worked a four-ball run both early and late in the game, but couldn't stretch either one, and Puff III potted the 10 to the top left for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Eagles' Puff III scratched on a successful 4-10 combination to the top right, nullifying the result, and a four-ball run from Puff III later allowed the Lumberjacks' Fluffina a crack at the 10. She missed it, and Puff III buried her second chance for the win, going up 2-0 in the series. Game 3 featured a bit more sloppy play in mostly tight spaces, but Puff III took the last two balls and won the series 3-0. Ranked #70 for 10-ball, Puff III heads to the second round with the strong sweep over Fluffina.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Cleo v. Precious. The red cue gets an appearance in 12-ball now. Pronger's Precious came out with the win in an error-filled game 1, featuring multiple scratches and missed shots by herself and Everton's Cleo, but Precious was able to bury her last ball when she got a favorable angle on it. The Eagles' Cleo burst her way to a game 2 victory, keeping even with the Tridents' Precious until she had set up an ideal three-ball run-out, which she easily converted to tie the series at 1. Game 3 remained tight, with Precious working an early three-ball run to give herself a lead, and this worked out in the end, as Cleo only caught up, but failed to make the 10 on a two-rail bank toward the bottom side, leaving Precious aligned for the 2 in the top side for the win. Precious, ranked #84 for 12-ball, advances to the second round on a 2-1 series win.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Marsell v. Strawberry. The blue cue is up now for a series of Rotation. Royal's Marsell kept a level head despite a controversial illegal contact call and solid defense from Pronger's Strawberry, turning all of it around on his four-ball run-out to win game 1 by an 8-5 score for a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Marsell didn't stop his rampage in game 2, using defense very early on the Tridents' Strawberry, and backing it up with incremental progress until he could hit a three-ball run-out to win 8-2 and clinch the series at 2-0. Marsell's plans backfired in game 3, as Strawberry used the tight spaces to induce illegal contact from Marsell, eventually earning herself an 8-2 victory. Marsell took the series 2-1, and his #14 ranked Rotation bid will host Easter of the Todavía Stills at this venue in the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Shawn. The silver cue returns to action for Accuracy. Things did not start well on either side, but Pronger's Precious had the worst of the misses. When things settled down, Swordpoint's Shawn had a lead that he held onto throughout, winning 2-4 for a 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Shawn stayed perfect through most of game 2, but had a late scare from the Tridents' Precious after consecutive misses. Shawn sealed the 2-3 win with a bank of the 14 to the bottom left from the top rail, securing the series at 2-0. Precious ended up besting Shawn narrowly by a 1-2 score in a well-played game 3, but Shawn claimed the series 2-1. Ranked #76 for Accuracy, Shawn heads to the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Chris. The blue cue returns for a series of 7-ball. Freedom's Nikolai got two on the break but scratched, but Capital City's Chris ended his three-ball run poorly and scratched on the 7, allowing Nikolai to tap it in for a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Nikolai did all the work in game 2, scoring a four-ball run on his second turn and a three-ball run-out on his fourth turn, shutting out the Sharpshooters' Chris to clinch the series at 2-0. Chris made quick work of game 3, using a five-ball run-out highlight by his bank of the 4 to the top side to get a win over Nikolai. Ranked #7 for 7-ball, Nikolai will be hosting the Southern Monarchs captain Panda in the second round at this venue thanks to his 2-1 series win here.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Pounce v. Strut. The blue cue gets another set, now playing 12-ball. Golden's Strut thought he would use a wild card ball to get the win in game 1 after a wild break from Oceanside's Pounce, but the host lined up a four-ball run-out to stun Strut, taking the 1-0 series lead with a well-executed series of shots. The Waves' Pounce didn't have as good a break in game 2, and the Pilots' Strut did well to get his last shot set up, but Pounce swooped in again with a sharp bank of the 4 to the bottom side and then a cut to send the 6 to the bottom left for the win and a 2-0 series lead, enraging Strut for losing two games in such close fashion. Strut would not be denied in game 3 after Pounce gave up a wild card ball on the break and got caught with an illegally potted ball, giving Strut the ball-in-hand for his big finish. Pounce still won the series 2-1, and will his #13 ranked 12-ball bid is through to the second round.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Starlight. The red cue gets a look in this 8-ball series. Tysini's Leandra did most of the work in game 1, even making some balls for Pacific's Starlight, but she got stalled on the 8, and Starlight roared back to take the game with the last two shots for a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Starlight had a highlight shot in game 2, rocketing the 14 to the top right and the 13 to the bottom right on a fast-paced double-pot. Leandra had a four-ball run and a three-ball run to catch up to Starlight, but the Hummingbirds' star got stymied by Starlight's defense on the 8, which then turned into Starlight potting the 9 at the bottom side and the 8 at the top left to win and clinch the series at 2-0. Leandra had a highlight in game 3, plucking the 2 off of the 8 and dropping it from the right rail to the bottom side on a second contact deflection with the cue. After some jostling late in the game, Starlight was able to pot the 8 in the top right for the win and a 3-0 series sweep. Starlight, ranked #71 in 8-ball, will play in the second round.
Intel Center, Diamond: Cassandra v. Puff II. We're back to 12-ball with the blue cue now. Diamond's Cassandra did well in beating former Gem Puff II, who couldn't gather a win for Boston. Cassandra avoided the errors that Boston's Puff II made, and that led the former to a win and a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Cassandra held on longer in game 2, and used better set-up shots than did the Swifts' Puff II, who volleyed around the top side without ever getting aligned, giving Cassandra enough time to make her final shots and win the game, going up 2-0 in the series. In game 3, Cassandra gave away two wild card balls to Puff II, usually a death sentence. She overcame this with a thin cut on the 13 to the top left despite thorough defense, and took the series in a 3-0 sweep. Cassandra, ranked #12 for 12-ball, heads to the second round.
Apple Center, Todavía: Sparkles v. Starlight. The blue cue is up for 15-ball in the next series. A botched jump and a four-ball run by Todavía's Sparkles were not enough to keep Pacific's Starlight down, as she buried the 15 that Sparkles left short at the top right, taking a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was a lot more choppy and back-and-forth, with each player making a ball or two and then turning over possession. In the end, the Volcanoes Starlight got the last turn, running out three balls after the Stills' Sparkles couldn't make anything of her ball-in-hand opportunity. Starlight owns a 2-0 series lead. Starlight again slacked in game 3, but Sparkles wasted her late four-ball run, turning it into a free-for-all ending that Starlight came up with the win in, sweeping the series 3-0. Ranked #79 for 15-ball, Starlight moves into the second round.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Marsell v. Chicky Phil. The red cue returns in the southeast for a 7-ball series. Westside's Chicky Phil handled the more powerful shooting from Royal's Marsell, who rocked in a few shots that he might have gotten lucky on. Chicky Phil cut the 7 to the top side at the end, winning for a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Marsell answered with a five-ball run-out in game 2, highlighted by his stunning second shot that saw the 4 and 5 bump twice before the 5 hit the 6 into the top side to extend his turn. With the win, Marsell tied up the series at 1 with the Rockers' Chicky Phil. Marsell played a calm and collected game 3, running out the final four balls to complete the come from behind win in the game, as well as a 2-1 series win. Marsell, ranked #35 for 7-ball, is in the second round.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Fluffina v. Jasmine. The blue cue playing Accuracy is how the afternoon session will end. Freedom's Jasmine wasted a lead by missing three straight in game 1, allowing Maplewood's Fluffina to earn a shot at overtime. Fluffina won 4-5 in overtime on the second turn, going up 1-0 in the series. Game 2 stayed more competitive, with both players burying shots perfectly. They exchanged misses a bit late, and then Fluffina of the Lumberjacks missed the 12 to the bottom right, allowing the Cascades' Jasmine to walk away with a 1-2 win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 started terribly, but the players bounced back from there. Fluffina held the tie for awhile, and then finally forced Jasmine into a miss, turning the tables on the situation from game 2 to end up with a 2-3 win to claim the series 2-1. Fluffina, ranked #24 in Accuracy, goes to the second round.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sleepy B. v. Leonette. The evening gets going with 12-ball and the red cue. Pacfic's Leonette gambled that a strategic scratch would work out in game 1, but Archtown's Sleepy B. set herself up well and Leonette had no response, allowing Sleepy B. to take the game for a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Leonette had another close call in game 2, but won the game as the Arrows' Sleepy B. couldn't get organized even with a wild card ball in her hand, allowing Leonette to tie the series at 1 through patient play. In game 3, a comedy of errors saw Sleepy B. have and lose a wild card ball, followed by Leonette getting herself out of position, and then Sleepy B. finished the game and took the series 2-1 with her simple shots. Ranked #49 for 12-ball, Sleepy B. is in the second round.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Snuggle v. Citrus. The red cue stays up for a series of Accuracy. Oceanside's Snuggle had a better go of things in game 1, holding even with Diamond's Citrus early on and then beating her 2-4 as she faded in the late part of the game, good for Snuggle to take a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Citrus struggled both early and late in game 2, and the Waves' Snuggle did enough to keep ahead of her, eventually winning on a 3-5 result for a 2-0 series lead to clinch advancement. Game 3 was the best of the series, with both players playing well, but a late miss from Citrus sealed her fate with another loss, giving Snuggle the 3-0 series sweep. Ranked #34 for Accuracy, Snuggle will play in the second round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Shannon v. Rainmane. The red cue continues its tour with Rotation along the southwest coast. Game 1 saw a bit of everything, most noticeably a large collapse from Web City's Rainmane after she pulled in a three-ball run, but she couldn't finish the game. Southern's Shannon chipped away at the deficit and finished it up after a missed bank of the 14 to the bottom side, winning 8-7 for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was also a close one, with the Monarchs' Shannon nearly squandering her three-ball run for a lead, but the Spiders' Rainmane faltered at the end, allowing Shannon to win 8-6 and clinch the series at 2-0. Shannon went with no nonsense in game 3, dominating throughout for an 8-2 win that sealed up her 3-0 sweep. Shannon takes her #24 ranked Rotation bid to the second round, where she'll host another Spider, Shiny, at this venue.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Goatee v. Charli XCX. The blue cue returns to play with Accuracy. Westside's Goatee scratched on the break, and Tysini's Charli capitalized by leaving her in bad spots for a few more shots, cruising to an easy 1-4 win for the visitor Charli to take a 1-0 series lead. The players stayed much more compact in game 2, hardly ceding an inch until late in the game when the Hummingbirds' Charli had a miss, and the Rockers' Goatee cashed in, taking the advantage and winning 1-2 to tie the series 1-1. Game 3 started off pretty sloppy, but the players zoned in and stayed tied at 3-3, forcing an overtime. In overtime, both players exchanged makes, but Goatee missed and lost 3-4 about halfway through the rack. Charli takes the series 2-1, and advances with her #57 ranked Accuracy bid to the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Chicky Phil v. Twinkie II. The venue gets a doubleheader, now hosting 8-ball with the red cue. Harrison's Twinkie II took advantage of her four-ball run, leading her to a win over Westside's Chicky Phil that put her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Rockers' Chicky Phil did a good job of delaying the progress of the Specters' Twinkie II in game 2, as she played flustered on her early shots. She did rattle off a four-ball run, but it ended in scratch, and that gave Chicky Phil what he needed to take the game and tie the series at 1. Twinkie II rushed out to a decent lead in game 3, but it didn't hold under a four-ball run from Chicky Phil, and on his next turn, he iced the game and took the series 2-1. Ranked #25 for 8-ball, Chicky Phil will host the Pacific Volcanoes captain Starlight in the second round at this venue.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Patches v. Paige. The final series of the night is 10-ball with the silver cue. Boston's Patches had the more consistent play in game 1, but Queens' Paige came up with the win when the accuracy faded for both players late in the game, allowing Paige to take the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went very poorly, with both players slopping their way around the table, scratching and failing to make contact on many occasions. The game ended on a modest two-ball run-out by the Swifts' Patches, tying the series with the Flames' Paige at 1. Paige made a very solid effort in game 3, and was rewarded with her a four-ball run-out to take the game and a 2-1 series win. Ranked #72 for 10-ball, Paige will travel to Everton's Chevrolet Center for a second round series with the Eagles' Puff III.
Biggest day of the break so far. Expect similar tomorrow.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Stealth v. Mams. The silver cue gets the first set today, playing Accuracy. Both players dazzled with excellent shooting game 1, but Viewpoint Sound's Mams cracked first, and it cost her as she lost to Swordpoint's Stealth 1-2, giving the latter a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Meteors' Mams fell behind early on, but used good defensive positioning to force the Blades' Stealth into a tie at 3. The tie needed overtime, where the break and a 15-9-7 combination from Mams finally topped Stealth, winning 3-4 to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Stealth returned to his early form, holding tight through a competitive game and then winning 1-3 after a miss ended Mams' threat to counter, giving Stealth a 2-1 series win. Ranked #48 in Accuracy, Stealth goes to the second round.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Fluffina v. Puff III. The silver cue remains at the table for a series of 10-ball. Everton's Puff III stole game 1, as Maplewood's Fluffina worked a four-ball run both early and late in the game, but couldn't stretch either one, and Puff III potted the 10 to the top left for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Eagles' Puff III scratched on a successful 4-10 combination to the top right, nullifying the result, and a four-ball run from Puff III later allowed the Lumberjacks' Fluffina a crack at the 10. She missed it, and Puff III buried her second chance for the win, going up 2-0 in the series. Game 3 featured a bit more sloppy play in mostly tight spaces, but Puff III took the last two balls and won the series 3-0. Ranked #70 for 10-ball, Puff III heads to the second round with the strong sweep over Fluffina.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Cleo v. Precious. The red cue gets an appearance in 12-ball now. Pronger's Precious came out with the win in an error-filled game 1, featuring multiple scratches and missed shots by herself and Everton's Cleo, but Precious was able to bury her last ball when she got a favorable angle on it. The Eagles' Cleo burst her way to a game 2 victory, keeping even with the Tridents' Precious until she had set up an ideal three-ball run-out, which she easily converted to tie the series at 1. Game 3 remained tight, with Precious working an early three-ball run to give herself a lead, and this worked out in the end, as Cleo only caught up, but failed to make the 10 on a two-rail bank toward the bottom side, leaving Precious aligned for the 2 in the top side for the win. Precious, ranked #84 for 12-ball, advances to the second round on a 2-1 series win.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Marsell v. Strawberry. The blue cue is up now for a series of Rotation. Royal's Marsell kept a level head despite a controversial illegal contact call and solid defense from Pronger's Strawberry, turning all of it around on his four-ball run-out to win game 1 by an 8-5 score for a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Marsell didn't stop his rampage in game 2, using defense very early on the Tridents' Strawberry, and backing it up with incremental progress until he could hit a three-ball run-out to win 8-2 and clinch the series at 2-0. Marsell's plans backfired in game 3, as Strawberry used the tight spaces to induce illegal contact from Marsell, eventually earning herself an 8-2 victory. Marsell took the series 2-1, and his #14 ranked Rotation bid will host Easter of the Todavía Stills at this venue in the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Shawn. The silver cue returns to action for Accuracy. Things did not start well on either side, but Pronger's Precious had the worst of the misses. When things settled down, Swordpoint's Shawn had a lead that he held onto throughout, winning 2-4 for a 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Shawn stayed perfect through most of game 2, but had a late scare from the Tridents' Precious after consecutive misses. Shawn sealed the 2-3 win with a bank of the 14 to the bottom left from the top rail, securing the series at 2-0. Precious ended up besting Shawn narrowly by a 1-2 score in a well-played game 3, but Shawn claimed the series 2-1. Ranked #76 for Accuracy, Shawn heads to the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Chris. The blue cue returns for a series of 7-ball. Freedom's Nikolai got two on the break but scratched, but Capital City's Chris ended his three-ball run poorly and scratched on the 7, allowing Nikolai to tap it in for a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Nikolai did all the work in game 2, scoring a four-ball run on his second turn and a three-ball run-out on his fourth turn, shutting out the Sharpshooters' Chris to clinch the series at 2-0. Chris made quick work of game 3, using a five-ball run-out highlight by his bank of the 4 to the top side to get a win over Nikolai. Ranked #7 for 7-ball, Nikolai will be hosting the Southern Monarchs captain Panda in the second round at this venue thanks to his 2-1 series win here.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Pounce v. Strut. The blue cue gets another set, now playing 12-ball. Golden's Strut thought he would use a wild card ball to get the win in game 1 after a wild break from Oceanside's Pounce, but the host lined up a four-ball run-out to stun Strut, taking the 1-0 series lead with a well-executed series of shots. The Waves' Pounce didn't have as good a break in game 2, and the Pilots' Strut did well to get his last shot set up, but Pounce swooped in again with a sharp bank of the 4 to the bottom side and then a cut to send the 6 to the bottom left for the win and a 2-0 series lead, enraging Strut for losing two games in such close fashion. Strut would not be denied in game 3 after Pounce gave up a wild card ball on the break and got caught with an illegally potted ball, giving Strut the ball-in-hand for his big finish. Pounce still won the series 2-1, and will his #13 ranked 12-ball bid is through to the second round.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Starlight. The red cue gets a look in this 8-ball series. Tysini's Leandra did most of the work in game 1, even making some balls for Pacific's Starlight, but she got stalled on the 8, and Starlight roared back to take the game with the last two shots for a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Starlight had a highlight shot in game 2, rocketing the 14 to the top right and the 13 to the bottom right on a fast-paced double-pot. Leandra had a four-ball run and a three-ball run to catch up to Starlight, but the Hummingbirds' star got stymied by Starlight's defense on the 8, which then turned into Starlight potting the 9 at the bottom side and the 8 at the top left to win and clinch the series at 2-0. Leandra had a highlight in game 3, plucking the 2 off of the 8 and dropping it from the right rail to the bottom side on a second contact deflection with the cue. After some jostling late in the game, Starlight was able to pot the 8 in the top right for the win and a 3-0 series sweep. Starlight, ranked #71 in 8-ball, will play in the second round.
Intel Center, Diamond: Cassandra v. Puff II. We're back to 12-ball with the blue cue now. Diamond's Cassandra did well in beating former Gem Puff II, who couldn't gather a win for Boston. Cassandra avoided the errors that Boston's Puff II made, and that led the former to a win and a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Cassandra held on longer in game 2, and used better set-up shots than did the Swifts' Puff II, who volleyed around the top side without ever getting aligned, giving Cassandra enough time to make her final shots and win the game, going up 2-0 in the series. In game 3, Cassandra gave away two wild card balls to Puff II, usually a death sentence. She overcame this with a thin cut on the 13 to the top left despite thorough defense, and took the series in a 3-0 sweep. Cassandra, ranked #12 for 12-ball, heads to the second round.
Apple Center, Todavía: Sparkles v. Starlight. The blue cue is up for 15-ball in the next series. A botched jump and a four-ball run by Todavía's Sparkles were not enough to keep Pacific's Starlight down, as she buried the 15 that Sparkles left short at the top right, taking a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was a lot more choppy and back-and-forth, with each player making a ball or two and then turning over possession. In the end, the Volcanoes Starlight got the last turn, running out three balls after the Stills' Sparkles couldn't make anything of her ball-in-hand opportunity. Starlight owns a 2-0 series lead. Starlight again slacked in game 3, but Sparkles wasted her late four-ball run, turning it into a free-for-all ending that Starlight came up with the win in, sweeping the series 3-0. Ranked #79 for 15-ball, Starlight moves into the second round.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Marsell v. Chicky Phil. The red cue returns in the southeast for a 7-ball series. Westside's Chicky Phil handled the more powerful shooting from Royal's Marsell, who rocked in a few shots that he might have gotten lucky on. Chicky Phil cut the 7 to the top side at the end, winning for a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Marsell answered with a five-ball run-out in game 2, highlighted by his stunning second shot that saw the 4 and 5 bump twice before the 5 hit the 6 into the top side to extend his turn. With the win, Marsell tied up the series at 1 with the Rockers' Chicky Phil. Marsell played a calm and collected game 3, running out the final four balls to complete the come from behind win in the game, as well as a 2-1 series win. Marsell, ranked #35 for 7-ball, is in the second round.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Fluffina v. Jasmine. The blue cue playing Accuracy is how the afternoon session will end. Freedom's Jasmine wasted a lead by missing three straight in game 1, allowing Maplewood's Fluffina to earn a shot at overtime. Fluffina won 4-5 in overtime on the second turn, going up 1-0 in the series. Game 2 stayed more competitive, with both players burying shots perfectly. They exchanged misses a bit late, and then Fluffina of the Lumberjacks missed the 12 to the bottom right, allowing the Cascades' Jasmine to walk away with a 1-2 win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 started terribly, but the players bounced back from there. Fluffina held the tie for awhile, and then finally forced Jasmine into a miss, turning the tables on the situation from game 2 to end up with a 2-3 win to claim the series 2-1. Fluffina, ranked #24 in Accuracy, goes to the second round.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sleepy B. v. Leonette. The evening gets going with 12-ball and the red cue. Pacfic's Leonette gambled that a strategic scratch would work out in game 1, but Archtown's Sleepy B. set herself up well and Leonette had no response, allowing Sleepy B. to take the game for a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Leonette had another close call in game 2, but won the game as the Arrows' Sleepy B. couldn't get organized even with a wild card ball in her hand, allowing Leonette to tie the series at 1 through patient play. In game 3, a comedy of errors saw Sleepy B. have and lose a wild card ball, followed by Leonette getting herself out of position, and then Sleepy B. finished the game and took the series 2-1 with her simple shots. Ranked #49 for 12-ball, Sleepy B. is in the second round.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Snuggle v. Citrus. The red cue stays up for a series of Accuracy. Oceanside's Snuggle had a better go of things in game 1, holding even with Diamond's Citrus early on and then beating her 2-4 as she faded in the late part of the game, good for Snuggle to take a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Citrus struggled both early and late in game 2, and the Waves' Snuggle did enough to keep ahead of her, eventually winning on a 3-5 result for a 2-0 series lead to clinch advancement. Game 3 was the best of the series, with both players playing well, but a late miss from Citrus sealed her fate with another loss, giving Snuggle the 3-0 series sweep. Ranked #34 for Accuracy, Snuggle will play in the second round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Shannon v. Rainmane. The red cue continues its tour with Rotation along the southwest coast. Game 1 saw a bit of everything, most noticeably a large collapse from Web City's Rainmane after she pulled in a three-ball run, but she couldn't finish the game. Southern's Shannon chipped away at the deficit and finished it up after a missed bank of the 14 to the bottom side, winning 8-7 for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was also a close one, with the Monarchs' Shannon nearly squandering her three-ball run for a lead, but the Spiders' Rainmane faltered at the end, allowing Shannon to win 8-6 and clinch the series at 2-0. Shannon went with no nonsense in game 3, dominating throughout for an 8-2 win that sealed up her 3-0 sweep. Shannon takes her #24 ranked Rotation bid to the second round, where she'll host another Spider, Shiny, at this venue.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Goatee v. Charli XCX. The blue cue returns to play with Accuracy. Westside's Goatee scratched on the break, and Tysini's Charli capitalized by leaving her in bad spots for a few more shots, cruising to an easy 1-4 win for the visitor Charli to take a 1-0 series lead. The players stayed much more compact in game 2, hardly ceding an inch until late in the game when the Hummingbirds' Charli had a miss, and the Rockers' Goatee cashed in, taking the advantage and winning 1-2 to tie the series 1-1. Game 3 started off pretty sloppy, but the players zoned in and stayed tied at 3-3, forcing an overtime. In overtime, both players exchanged makes, but Goatee missed and lost 3-4 about halfway through the rack. Charli takes the series 2-1, and advances with her #57 ranked Accuracy bid to the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Chicky Phil v. Twinkie II. The venue gets a doubleheader, now hosting 8-ball with the red cue. Harrison's Twinkie II took advantage of her four-ball run, leading her to a win over Westside's Chicky Phil that put her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Rockers' Chicky Phil did a good job of delaying the progress of the Specters' Twinkie II in game 2, as she played flustered on her early shots. She did rattle off a four-ball run, but it ended in scratch, and that gave Chicky Phil what he needed to take the game and tie the series at 1. Twinkie II rushed out to a decent lead in game 3, but it didn't hold under a four-ball run from Chicky Phil, and on his next turn, he iced the game and took the series 2-1. Ranked #25 for 8-ball, Chicky Phil will host the Pacific Volcanoes captain Starlight in the second round at this venue.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Patches v. Paige. The final series of the night is 10-ball with the silver cue. Boston's Patches had the more consistent play in game 1, but Queens' Paige came up with the win when the accuracy faded for both players late in the game, allowing Paige to take the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went very poorly, with both players slopping their way around the table, scratching and failing to make contact on many occasions. The game ended on a modest two-ball run-out by the Swifts' Patches, tying the series with the Flames' Paige at 1. Paige made a very solid effort in game 3, and was rewarded with her a four-ball run-out to take the game and a 2-1 series win. Ranked #72 for 10-ball, Paige will travel to Everton's Chevrolet Center for a second round series with the Eagles' Puff III.
Biggest day of the break so far. Expect similar tomorrow.
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