By the end of the day, we should know every player who will compete for medals in the B-level Finals. We have 12 series today to wrap up the individual brackets, beginning with...
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Puff II v. Starlight. Two of Reality's finest meet in 15-ball with the red cue. Game 1 lasted only one shot, as Boston's Puff II initially felt joy for starting the game with a triple-pot that sent the 14 and 15 to the bottom right and the 3 to the top right. This was shattered when the 8 bumped the cue into the bottom left, giving Pacific's Starlight the early win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 took much longer to get done, as the shooting was not great in the middle of the game. Both players created defensive positions, prolonging the game. In the end, the Swifts' Puff II had a three-ball run that the Volcanoes' Starlight couldn't answer, and Puff II banked the 15 to the bottom left to win, tying the series at 1. Starlight had the better of play in game 3, but it left her when she needed it most, and Puff II came up with a three-ball run-out in the end to win the series 2-1. Puff II felt every emotion to get to the finals, with an 8-4 record on the bracket to go with her.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Americus. The blue cue gets a look at 7-ball in this series. Harrison's Twinkie II played a much better game 1 than did Atlantic's Americus, with the latter making light or no contact multiple times. This allowed Twinkie II to dictate play, and resulted in Twinkie II's final shot on the 7, a tap-in to win and earn a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Americus had a lot more influence in game 2, and the Specters' Twinkie II couldn't respond effectively. Twinkie II's misses on the 3 and 5 opened the door for Americus, who would get the win on a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was likely the cleanest game on both sides, which saw Twinkie II prevail on a four-ball run-out for the win, giving her a 2-1 series win as well. Twinkie II advances to the finals after going 8-4 on the bracket.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Jasmine v. Twinkie I. Steady veterans are set to meet in 15-ball with the silver cue. Freedom's Jasmine played well early on, and had many of the short runs, but Lighton's Twinkie I held her own for much of the time and struck back in the end with a three-ball run-out, doing enough for Twinkie I to earn the 1-0 series lead and a win. The Prestige's Twinkie I kept up her play in the early stages of game 2, but the Cascades' Jasmine had a big surprise in store. Jasmine cultivated a remarkable ten-ball run-out, the second longest of the Tournament, to get the win with remarkable execution and pace on her shots. The big comeback tied the series at 1. Game 3 was a very balanced battle between the players, as neither could get much of a run going. In the end, Jasmine had a three-ball run that just left the 15 near the top right, but Twinkie I had to take a kick to get a good angle, and she left it standing for Jasmine to make. Jasmine won the series 2-1, and took the bracket 9-3 as she heads off to the finals, with a direct line to the final round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Tigerette v. Midnight. The Tradewinds captain welcomes a former teammate in a blue cue Accuracy grudge match. Westside's Midnight kept pace with Commerce's Tigerette in a tense start to the game, but Midnight held her ground when the misses began, and Tigerette faltered, allowing Midnight to clamp down for a 1-3 win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw a similar failure from the Tradewinds' Tigerette late in the game, but the Rockers' Midnight also had a late miss, forcing overtime. Midnight then scratched on the break to lead off the overtime, and Tigerette ended with a 3-4 win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw another tight battle, but Midnight was able to force Tigerette into a tie while saving herself on the second-to-last ball. Tigerette's overtime break was lackluster, and Midnight tapped a shot in to win 2-3 and take the series 2-1. Midnight is 8-4 on the bracket as she heads to the final against Wario in Victoria's Sprint Hall, with the winner of that facing the Central Warriors' Twilight on the road.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Lionel v. Shannon. The other half of a venue doubleheader is in Rotation with the red cue. Commerce's Lionel excelled in game 1 from the break, but things got stagnant after he built up a lead. Southern's Shannon erased the lead with a five-ball run, and won two turns later 9-5 when she double-potted the 12 to the bottom left and 13 to the bottom right for a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Shannon had a lead early in game 2, and while the Tradewinds' Lionel stayed in close range early on, Shannon pulled away to an 8-4 win in the end, taking the series at 2-0 as well. Frustration peaked in game 3, as Shannon couldn't hold a lead and Lionel couldn't pull ahead when he caught up. Shannon eventually got the 8-7 win to make it a 3-0 series sweep. Shannon heads into the finals with a 10-2 record from the bracket, placing her in the final series already.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Max. The silver cue is back in action for this series of 8-ball between steady veterans. Queens' Max began with a three-ball run, answered quickly by Roxy's four-ball run for Freedom, but it was the end that brought fascination. Roxy thought she was doomed with a stick foul that turned into a scratch, but Max illegally potted the 8 to give Roxy the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Roxy had to try to come from behind in game 2, and while she put in a good effort, the Flames' Max held her off just long enough to make his final shots, winning the game to tie the series at 1 with a much cleaner finish this time. Max did everything in game 3, making a six-ball run from the break that ended in heartache when he illegally potted the 8 alongside the 9 after bumping the 2. Roxy never sank the 8 but won the series 2-1, and her record on the bracket is 10-2, a good mark to take to the finals.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sally v. Midnight. The red cue is up for three straight, beginning with 9-ball. Archtown's Sally didn't play her best in game 1, but Westside's Midnight was off a bit too. This led to a very choppy ending to the game, with Midnight rattling the 9 out of the bottom right, and Sally making it in the top left for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Midnight ended up on the right end of game 2, which was another difficult game for both her and the Arrows' Sally. In the end, Midnight made the final two shots in a row to get the win, tying the series at 1 as Sally's run never developed. Game 3 went surprisingly quick, as Midnight made a five-ball run from the break, but the 6 wouldn't fall for her. This worked out well for Sally, who finished the game in a four-ball run-out for the win and a 2-1 series win. Sally will be on the road against the Diamond Gems' Citrus in the preliminary round after going 8-4 on the bracket, and the winner faces the Central Warriors' Dustin.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Spot v. Bells. The red cue stays on for a series of 7-ball between a rookie and a veteran. Neither player could make a run develop in game 1, keeping things close throughout. It came down to a missed long-distance straight shot by Todavía's Bells that stayed lined up for Pronger's Spot to bury on his chance for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went a bit more smoothly, as the Tridents' Spot nearly made the 7 on the break but scratched as it stood at the top left. The Stills' Bells had a close call of her own, as her banked shot on the 3 went by the 7 but didn't connect, and she too scratched, setting Spot up to win with a four-ball run-out that ended with a glance off the 6 to legally pot the 7. Spot secured the series at 2-0 with this win. Bells came up big in game 3, refusing to allow Spot a sweep. Spot ended a three-ball run a bit too early, and Bells made the final two shots for the win, making it a 2-1 series for Spot. For the whole bracket, Spot was 8-4 to get to the finals.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stephanie Livilotti v. Niki. A hotshot rookie faces a tough sophomore in 12-ball with the red cue. Southridge's Stephanie had a good break, but it led to a four-ball run for Eastside's Niki. Stephanie shot back with a three-ball run before defense took hold, and it was here where Stephanie prevailed, maneuvering effectively around Niki to get the win and a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Sharks' Niki needed only three turns to pick up the win, helped a lot by favorable shooting positions and the Defenders' Stephanie showing none of her shot-making abilities. Niki's cruise to the win tied the series at 1. Niki gave away a wild-card ball on the break of game 3, which looked like it could work while she held her defense, but immediately became an anchor when she shot the defense down. Stephanie sent a three-ball run in right after that, and won on the next turn with good positioning for the 2-1 series win. Stephanie rides a 9-3 record from the bracket to the finals.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Klaus v. Violetta. Outcast club members meet in 7-ball with the silver cue. Atlantic's Klaus got right down to business in game 1, working a three-ball run from the break. Queens' Violetta seemed comfortable in the middle of the game, but it didn't amount to much, and Klaus won by making the last two balls for a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Violetta had only one turn in game 2, which was a miss on the 1, wasting her advantage after the Pirates' Klaus had scratched. Klaus made the 1 the second time around, and then buried the 7 to the bottom right after a deflection off the 2, giving him the 2-0 series lead with the win. Klaus was even faster in game 3, making the 4 to the top right and the 7 to the bottom side on the break to secure a 3-0 series sweep over Violetta. Klaus' sweep sends him to the finals with a 9-3 record from the bracket, good enough for him to go to the final round directly, awaiting the winner of Spot and Twinkie II.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Chris. Southwestern captains duel in 12-ball while using the blue cue. Capital City's Chris started game 1 very well, but he would need more time to get set up after Infinity's Smudge burst forward with a four-ball run. Smudge did not allow that, instead making her final shot for the win and a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw the players exchange three-ball runs in the middle of the game, but the Sharpshooters' Chris could only watch, powerless against the defensive might of the Torpedoes' Smudge, who would make her final two shots on her next turn to nab the win and secure the series at 2-0. Chris did enough to force a rare replay in game 3, as Smudge's struggles to make her final ball led to Chris imposing defense and eventually earning the drawn result. In the replay, Chris used strong defensive positioning to eventually turn the tide in his favor, giving him a win but Smudge took the series 2-1. Smudge advances to the finals on an 8-4 record after an odd series.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Lexi v. Bianca. The final series in the bracket stages is 8-ball with the red cue. Harrison's Lexi made a ball on the break, but couldn't develop a run, making it all the more frustrating for her to see Southridge's Bianca go off on an eight-ball run-out, making every single ball in one turn as the rookie leads the series 1-0 with the win. The Defenders' Bianca didn't come close to matching her game 1 effort in game 2, as her runs were much choppier and she let the Specters' Lexi back into the game. Lexi took advantage of favorable positions, working a three-ball run over the middle before nearly throwing the game. She would tap-in the 8 a turn later than expected, winning to tie the series at 1. Lexi needed only three turns in a dominant game 3, making a five-ball run on the middle turn and a three-ball run-out after Bianca couldn't get her offense going. Lexi won the series 2-1 and went 8-4 on the bracket as the last player to punch a ticket to the finals.
The B-level Finals will be conducted on Sunday, where 24 players will enter and only 8 will be holding gold in the end. Cricket will likely be played between now and then, and hopefully with a post to go with it.
Friday, March 31, 2017
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Tournament 2017: B-level Bracket Finals - Day 1
We're back for a brand new round, which should encompass everything for today and tomorrow. If all goes to plan, Saturday will be a day off from pool, and Sunday will be the B-level finale. We begin today with...
Intel Center, Diamond: Pedey v. Twilight. The first medal round participant will be in Accuracy, representing the silver cue. Central's Twilight was good enough early on in game 1 that a late-game fade didn't hurt her chances of winning. Diamond's Pedey was too far behind to capitalize, dropping the game 4-5 to Twilight, who leads the series 1-0. In game 2, the shooting remained poor, but it was the Warriors' Twilight collapsing again in the end, and the Gems' Pedey did well enough to hold a lead, winning the game 5-6 to tie the series at 1 in what has been a sloppy start to the round. Twilight played much better in game 3, hardly bending at all even as Pedey played well late in the game. Twilight managed to hold onto her early lead and make it a 1-3 win for the 2-1 series win, pushing her through to the finals. Twilight went 10-2 on the bracket, two games better than the minimum.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Potter v. Blizzard. The silver continues its early run with 12-ball in this series. Positioning was not an issue in game 1, as both players received favorable lies from the break. Everton's Blizzard did well early, but Pronger's Potter applied later pressure with a four-ball run. Blizzard defended Potter's final pocket well, and eventually got position to win the game and take a 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Blizzard did even better in game 2, with a three-ball run from the break already making things difficult for the Tridents' Potter. He put up a good effort, but Potter couldn't produce a late run against heavily defended left corner pockets, and Blizzard tapped in her final two shots for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Blizzard put up a four-ball run from the break in game 3, but it was the wild-card ball she gave away to Potter that hurt her, as he ran the rest of his suit in five straight shots for the win. Blizzard took the series 2-1 to go to the finals, and finished 9-3 on the bracket, a game better than necessary.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Brownie v. Princess. A pair of Hummingbirds teammates meet as the silver cue does Rotation this time. Things were tough at first in a contested start to the game, but Brownie flipped it around really quickly with a seven-ball run-out to get the 8-2 win, stunning Princess with force and accuracy of her shots as Brownie charged up to a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was even better for Brownie, as she established a lead with two balls on the break, and Princess never pulled even in the game. Brownie brought things to a quick end with a four-ball run-out, securing the series at 2-0 with her 8-1 win. Brownie had an early advantage in game 3, and she would double down after Princess caught her once, but Princess salvaged the game with a five-ball run-out to win 8-6 in a remarkable comeback effort. Brownie still took the series 2-1, heading to the finals with a 9-3 record so far.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Tigerette. Two very strong players meet in 9-ball, the last of the opening silver cue stretch of series. Central's Dustin started a bit slowly in game 1, but Commerce's Tigerette didn't put up much of a fight, allowing Dustin to charge forward later. He would make the last four balls on two turns, winning the game for a 1-0 series lead over Tigerette. Game 2 had a similar slow start, but the Tradewinds' Tigerette did not play as passive a game. Instead, Tigerette made the 1 to the bottom left and then used the 2 to direct the cue toward the 9, which sank in the top right for the win. Tigerette tied the series with the Warriors' Dustin at 1 with that two-shot stretch of play. Game 3 went much better from a pace of play standpoint, as both players made their early shots, leaving a race to the finish. Tigerette's miss on the 7 proved to be pivotal, as Dustin made a three-ball run-out after that to clinch the series at 2-1. Dustin heads off to the finals, with a 9-3 record on the bracket.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Sierra. The blue cue makes its debut in the round in Rotation. Atlantic's Delila appeared to control the early parts of the game, but a scratch turned things around. Todavía's Sierra cued up a five-ball run from ball-in-hand to be on the brink of a win, and Delila missed contact on the next shot, allowing Sierra a tap-in for the 8-3 win and 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Sierra had a bad break, but the Pirates' Delila couldn't do anything to make her pay for it. Sierra held a small lead at first, and then another scratch turned things in favor of Sierra, who took a three-ball run to grow her lead and then made her final shot on the next turn to win 8-2, clinching the series at 2-0. Delila had a very similar game 3, scratching just as she started to score, which allowed Sierra to pull off a five-ball run-out for the 8-1 win and 3-0 series sweep. Sierra is riding high after her big wins, taking a 9-3 record from the bracket to the finals.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Wario v. Stinky. Power-shooting players meet up in Accuracy with the red cue. Victoria's Wario took a hard-line approach at the start of game 1, watching as Freedom's Stinky botched his early shots. Stinky would never get back in the game, as Wario played well in a 1-4 win by the host, earning Wario a 1-0 series lead with the effort. In game 2, the Spurs' Wario thought he had made a savvy play by erring earlier and forcing the Cascades' Stinky into another error. Wario didn't account for missing again, which would force a lively overtime. Stinky made two balls on the break in overtime, but he couldn't bust a cluster cleanly, and scratched. Wario walked away with a 2-3 win to secure the series at 2-0 after making the certifying shot. Wario scratched on the break of game 3, a critical mistake that would haunt him all game as Stinky held him at arm's length in a 4-5 win for the visitor. Wario won the series 2-1, advancing to the finals with a 9-3 record from the bracket.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Rainmane. The two lowest seeds in 8-ball with the blue cue meet for a trip to the finals. Whitewater's Marsell didn't get the suit he wanted in game 1, and Midland's Rainmane showed very well why her suit was preferred in a four-ball run that could have been more. Marsell survived long enough to get a second chance on the 8 after Rainmane flubbed her shot, and Marsell buried it for the win and a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Predators' Rainmane seemed a bit slow out of the starting blocks. This allowed the Shores' Marsell to get near the end of the game, but he couldn't corral his shots very well, and Rainmane slowly chipped back, eventually earning the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 had a fun ending, as Marsell went on a five-ball run first, only to miss the 8, leaving Rainmane free to do her own five-ball run that ended with the same fate, a miss on the 8. Marsell buried the 8 on his second chance, earning the win and a 2-1 series win. Marsell advances to the finals with a 9-3 record on the bracket.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Caitlin v. Shadow. The last series of the afternoon is in 10-ball, and is also the silver cue's last of the day. Game 1 seemed to be a battle of near misses and broken runs, and errors for Web City's Shadow. Oceanside's Caitlin didn't maximize her return from ball-in-hand, but at the end, she got a three-ball run-out to take the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Caitlin was much better in game 2, dominating possession early on. The Spiders' Shadow made a bit of a challenge near the end, but his miss on the 7 led Caitlin to making it in the top right, and then executing a bank-combination, 9-10 to the bottom right, for the win and a 2-0 series lead. Caitlin had everything lined up late in game 3, but a scratch on the 8 hurt her game as it ended a four-ball run. Shadow didn't get the 10 on the first try, but he made it the second time to get the win. Caitlin still won the series 2-1, advancing to the finals on a bare-minimum 8-4 record from the bracket.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: A. Charlton v. Easter. After the break, the blue cue gets some time in 15-ball. Short runs ruled the day in game 1, with Todavía's Easter finding a bit more success early on than Golden's Charlton. Charlton nearly made a finishing run, but her shot left the 13 at the top side, and Easter made that and the 15 to win and take a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Charlton stunned the Stills' Easter in game 2, winning with an amazing 3-15 combination that turned into a double-pot after a bank. The 3 went to the top left, while the 15 rolled true into the top side for the winner, tying the series at 1 in a very quick fashion. In game 3, Easter had a five-ball run over the middle of the game, forcing Charlton to answer with a four-ball run. This left the 15 in play, but Easter couldn't make it, and Charlton buried it on the second try to get the win and a 2-1 series win. Charlton heads to the finals with a 9-3 record from the bracket.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Zach. Inexperienced players meet in 10-ball with the red cue. Southridge's Bianca started stronger than Pronger's Zach in game 1, but Bianca faded a bit later in the game. Zach worked on a three-ball run to get to the 10, but he missed it twice, and Bianca buried it for the win, giving her a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Zach had a wonderful game 2, making a four-ball run early on, and then a six-ball run-out after the Defenders' Bianca made no effort to contribute to the game. Zach's dominant win tied the series at 1. Game 3 saw a total reversal of fate for Zach, as he had little to no offensive control of the game. Bianca paced the attack with a pair of four-ball runs, but at the end of the last one, she left the 10 short at the top right, and Zach tapped it in for the win to steal the series 2-1. Zach's impressive survival play helped him advance to the finals, where he's in good shape with a 10-2 record on the bracket.
Intel Center, Diamond: Citrus v. Ice Cream. These club-mates battle it out in 9-ball with the blue cue. Diamond's Citrus had a hot start with a three-ball run from the break in game 1, but Commerce's Ice Cream played well at the end with a four-ball run on one turn and the 9 on the other for the win, giving the visitor a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Citrus was a bit more consistent in game 2, keeping the Tradewinds' Ice Cream away from the table at the start and the end of the game. Citrus closed with a strong four-ball run-out, cutting the 9 to the top right to earn the win and tie the series at 1 game apiece. Ice Cream went all in late in game 3, but her shot on the 5 ended a three-ball run as the cue curled straight to the top left corner for a scratch. This left Citrus with a ball-in-hand shot on the 9 for the win, which she converted, giving Citrus a 2-1 series win. Citrus went 8-4 on the bracket to punch her ticket to the finals.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Sprinkles v. Chicky Phil. A former Sharpshooter meets a current one in 10-ball with the blue cue to end the day. Game 1 saw quite a balanced effort, but Capital City's Sprinkles had the upper hand. Pacific's Chicky Phil deferred possession back to her after she illegally made the 4, allowing him to work on a three-ball run that ended in a scratch. Sprinkles then made a three-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Volcanoes' Chicky Phil was clearly outmatched by the Sharpshooters' Sprinkles, but he made a wise choice late in the game. Sprinkles had closed a four-ball run by illegally potting the 10, and Chicky Phil deferred to allow Sprinkles a second chance, which she scratched on. Chicky Phil then made the 10 from ball-in-hand, exploiting the rules to win the game and tie the series at 1. Sprinkles followed through a bit better in game 3, scoring a four-ball run-out after learning from a mistake shot earlier in the game that ended in a scratch. Sprinkles won the series 2-1 without much challenge from Chicky Phil. Sprinkles went 8-4 on the bracket to go to the finals, where she'll host the Oceanside Waves' Caitlin in the preliminary stage, while the Pronger Tridents' Zach awaits the winner of that.
The bracket finals will wrap up tomorrow if all goes well. Follow along live on Twitter@UnitedPCL.
Intel Center, Diamond: Pedey v. Twilight. The first medal round participant will be in Accuracy, representing the silver cue. Central's Twilight was good enough early on in game 1 that a late-game fade didn't hurt her chances of winning. Diamond's Pedey was too far behind to capitalize, dropping the game 4-5 to Twilight, who leads the series 1-0. In game 2, the shooting remained poor, but it was the Warriors' Twilight collapsing again in the end, and the Gems' Pedey did well enough to hold a lead, winning the game 5-6 to tie the series at 1 in what has been a sloppy start to the round. Twilight played much better in game 3, hardly bending at all even as Pedey played well late in the game. Twilight managed to hold onto her early lead and make it a 1-3 win for the 2-1 series win, pushing her through to the finals. Twilight went 10-2 on the bracket, two games better than the minimum.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Potter v. Blizzard. The silver continues its early run with 12-ball in this series. Positioning was not an issue in game 1, as both players received favorable lies from the break. Everton's Blizzard did well early, but Pronger's Potter applied later pressure with a four-ball run. Blizzard defended Potter's final pocket well, and eventually got position to win the game and take a 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Blizzard did even better in game 2, with a three-ball run from the break already making things difficult for the Tridents' Potter. He put up a good effort, but Potter couldn't produce a late run against heavily defended left corner pockets, and Blizzard tapped in her final two shots for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Blizzard put up a four-ball run from the break in game 3, but it was the wild-card ball she gave away to Potter that hurt her, as he ran the rest of his suit in five straight shots for the win. Blizzard took the series 2-1 to go to the finals, and finished 9-3 on the bracket, a game better than necessary.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Brownie v. Princess. A pair of Hummingbirds teammates meet as the silver cue does Rotation this time. Things were tough at first in a contested start to the game, but Brownie flipped it around really quickly with a seven-ball run-out to get the 8-2 win, stunning Princess with force and accuracy of her shots as Brownie charged up to a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was even better for Brownie, as she established a lead with two balls on the break, and Princess never pulled even in the game. Brownie brought things to a quick end with a four-ball run-out, securing the series at 2-0 with her 8-1 win. Brownie had an early advantage in game 3, and she would double down after Princess caught her once, but Princess salvaged the game with a five-ball run-out to win 8-6 in a remarkable comeback effort. Brownie still took the series 2-1, heading to the finals with a 9-3 record so far.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Tigerette. Two very strong players meet in 9-ball, the last of the opening silver cue stretch of series. Central's Dustin started a bit slowly in game 1, but Commerce's Tigerette didn't put up much of a fight, allowing Dustin to charge forward later. He would make the last four balls on two turns, winning the game for a 1-0 series lead over Tigerette. Game 2 had a similar slow start, but the Tradewinds' Tigerette did not play as passive a game. Instead, Tigerette made the 1 to the bottom left and then used the 2 to direct the cue toward the 9, which sank in the top right for the win. Tigerette tied the series with the Warriors' Dustin at 1 with that two-shot stretch of play. Game 3 went much better from a pace of play standpoint, as both players made their early shots, leaving a race to the finish. Tigerette's miss on the 7 proved to be pivotal, as Dustin made a three-ball run-out after that to clinch the series at 2-1. Dustin heads off to the finals, with a 9-3 record on the bracket.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Sierra. The blue cue makes its debut in the round in Rotation. Atlantic's Delila appeared to control the early parts of the game, but a scratch turned things around. Todavía's Sierra cued up a five-ball run from ball-in-hand to be on the brink of a win, and Delila missed contact on the next shot, allowing Sierra a tap-in for the 8-3 win and 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Sierra had a bad break, but the Pirates' Delila couldn't do anything to make her pay for it. Sierra held a small lead at first, and then another scratch turned things in favor of Sierra, who took a three-ball run to grow her lead and then made her final shot on the next turn to win 8-2, clinching the series at 2-0. Delila had a very similar game 3, scratching just as she started to score, which allowed Sierra to pull off a five-ball run-out for the 8-1 win and 3-0 series sweep. Sierra is riding high after her big wins, taking a 9-3 record from the bracket to the finals.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Wario v. Stinky. Power-shooting players meet up in Accuracy with the red cue. Victoria's Wario took a hard-line approach at the start of game 1, watching as Freedom's Stinky botched his early shots. Stinky would never get back in the game, as Wario played well in a 1-4 win by the host, earning Wario a 1-0 series lead with the effort. In game 2, the Spurs' Wario thought he had made a savvy play by erring earlier and forcing the Cascades' Stinky into another error. Wario didn't account for missing again, which would force a lively overtime. Stinky made two balls on the break in overtime, but he couldn't bust a cluster cleanly, and scratched. Wario walked away with a 2-3 win to secure the series at 2-0 after making the certifying shot. Wario scratched on the break of game 3, a critical mistake that would haunt him all game as Stinky held him at arm's length in a 4-5 win for the visitor. Wario won the series 2-1, advancing to the finals with a 9-3 record from the bracket.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Rainmane. The two lowest seeds in 8-ball with the blue cue meet for a trip to the finals. Whitewater's Marsell didn't get the suit he wanted in game 1, and Midland's Rainmane showed very well why her suit was preferred in a four-ball run that could have been more. Marsell survived long enough to get a second chance on the 8 after Rainmane flubbed her shot, and Marsell buried it for the win and a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Predators' Rainmane seemed a bit slow out of the starting blocks. This allowed the Shores' Marsell to get near the end of the game, but he couldn't corral his shots very well, and Rainmane slowly chipped back, eventually earning the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 had a fun ending, as Marsell went on a five-ball run first, only to miss the 8, leaving Rainmane free to do her own five-ball run that ended with the same fate, a miss on the 8. Marsell buried the 8 on his second chance, earning the win and a 2-1 series win. Marsell advances to the finals with a 9-3 record on the bracket.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Caitlin v. Shadow. The last series of the afternoon is in 10-ball, and is also the silver cue's last of the day. Game 1 seemed to be a battle of near misses and broken runs, and errors for Web City's Shadow. Oceanside's Caitlin didn't maximize her return from ball-in-hand, but at the end, she got a three-ball run-out to take the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Caitlin was much better in game 2, dominating possession early on. The Spiders' Shadow made a bit of a challenge near the end, but his miss on the 7 led Caitlin to making it in the top right, and then executing a bank-combination, 9-10 to the bottom right, for the win and a 2-0 series lead. Caitlin had everything lined up late in game 3, but a scratch on the 8 hurt her game as it ended a four-ball run. Shadow didn't get the 10 on the first try, but he made it the second time to get the win. Caitlin still won the series 2-1, advancing to the finals on a bare-minimum 8-4 record from the bracket.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: A. Charlton v. Easter. After the break, the blue cue gets some time in 15-ball. Short runs ruled the day in game 1, with Todavía's Easter finding a bit more success early on than Golden's Charlton. Charlton nearly made a finishing run, but her shot left the 13 at the top side, and Easter made that and the 15 to win and take a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Charlton stunned the Stills' Easter in game 2, winning with an amazing 3-15 combination that turned into a double-pot after a bank. The 3 went to the top left, while the 15 rolled true into the top side for the winner, tying the series at 1 in a very quick fashion. In game 3, Easter had a five-ball run over the middle of the game, forcing Charlton to answer with a four-ball run. This left the 15 in play, but Easter couldn't make it, and Charlton buried it on the second try to get the win and a 2-1 series win. Charlton heads to the finals with a 9-3 record from the bracket.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Zach. Inexperienced players meet in 10-ball with the red cue. Southridge's Bianca started stronger than Pronger's Zach in game 1, but Bianca faded a bit later in the game. Zach worked on a three-ball run to get to the 10, but he missed it twice, and Bianca buried it for the win, giving her a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Zach had a wonderful game 2, making a four-ball run early on, and then a six-ball run-out after the Defenders' Bianca made no effort to contribute to the game. Zach's dominant win tied the series at 1. Game 3 saw a total reversal of fate for Zach, as he had little to no offensive control of the game. Bianca paced the attack with a pair of four-ball runs, but at the end of the last one, she left the 10 short at the top right, and Zach tapped it in for the win to steal the series 2-1. Zach's impressive survival play helped him advance to the finals, where he's in good shape with a 10-2 record on the bracket.
Intel Center, Diamond: Citrus v. Ice Cream. These club-mates battle it out in 9-ball with the blue cue. Diamond's Citrus had a hot start with a three-ball run from the break in game 1, but Commerce's Ice Cream played well at the end with a four-ball run on one turn and the 9 on the other for the win, giving the visitor a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Citrus was a bit more consistent in game 2, keeping the Tradewinds' Ice Cream away from the table at the start and the end of the game. Citrus closed with a strong four-ball run-out, cutting the 9 to the top right to earn the win and tie the series at 1 game apiece. Ice Cream went all in late in game 3, but her shot on the 5 ended a three-ball run as the cue curled straight to the top left corner for a scratch. This left Citrus with a ball-in-hand shot on the 9 for the win, which she converted, giving Citrus a 2-1 series win. Citrus went 8-4 on the bracket to punch her ticket to the finals.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Sprinkles v. Chicky Phil. A former Sharpshooter meets a current one in 10-ball with the blue cue to end the day. Game 1 saw quite a balanced effort, but Capital City's Sprinkles had the upper hand. Pacific's Chicky Phil deferred possession back to her after she illegally made the 4, allowing him to work on a three-ball run that ended in a scratch. Sprinkles then made a three-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Volcanoes' Chicky Phil was clearly outmatched by the Sharpshooters' Sprinkles, but he made a wise choice late in the game. Sprinkles had closed a four-ball run by illegally potting the 10, and Chicky Phil deferred to allow Sprinkles a second chance, which she scratched on. Chicky Phil then made the 10 from ball-in-hand, exploiting the rules to win the game and tie the series at 1. Sprinkles followed through a bit better in game 3, scoring a four-ball run-out after learning from a mistake shot earlier in the game that ended in a scratch. Sprinkles won the series 2-1 without much challenge from Chicky Phil. Sprinkles went 8-4 on the bracket to go to the finals, where she'll host the Oceanside Waves' Caitlin in the preliminary stage, while the Pronger Tridents' Zach awaits the winner of that.
The bracket finals will wrap up tomorrow if all goes well. Follow along live on Twitter
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Tournament 2017: B-level Bracket Semifinals - Day 3
We'll try for 36 games in 12 series today, but no promises. I'm not feeling all that well. The round should be done by tomorrow night regardless. We begin with...
Google Hall, Modernistic: Strawberry v. Lexi. The red cue will be in line for 8-ball in today's first series. In game 1, Harrison's Lexi had control of the table, ending on a four-ball run-out after a good start. Modernistic's Strawberry had made it a close game, but Lexi answered back swiftly to get the 1-0 series lead with her win. In game 2, the Specters' Lexi nearly ran the table from the break, piecing together a seven-ball run with an extra ball potted for the Union's Strawberry. Strawberry opted to build a defense, which Lexi took out as collateral damage on her next turn. Strawberry made sure it was her last, as the host pulled off a six-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 was a tough battle, as Strawberry started well but Lexi refused to back off. In the end, Strawberry's missed bank on the 8 at the bottom right cost her, with Lexi making a three-ball run-out for the win and a 2-1 series win.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Twinkie II. Two very sturdy and determined players square off in 7-ball with the blue cue. Harrison's Twinkie II needed only two shots after an empty break for Lighton's Acorn in game 1. Twinkie II made the 1 on a firm shot, and then a kick-bank combination of the 2-7 went all the way back across the table, with the 7 glancing off the 2 into the top right for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II deserved better than a game 2 loss, as she made a four-ball run early on and made everything but the 7. The Prestige's Acorn had the honors for that shot, cutting it to the bottom left to steal the win and tie the series at 1. Twinkie II flipped the script in game 3, as Acorn was responsible for the majority of the offense, but Twinkie II had the last shot on the 7 and buried it well, winning the series 2-1. Twinkie II will head home to Mercedes-Benz Forum, hosting the Atlantic Pirates' Americus in the bracket final.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Ted v. Shannon. A rookie and outgoing veteran meet in Rotation with the red cue. Web City's Ted started with a three-ball run in game 1, but a scratch after that opened things up for Southern's Shannon to make a six-ball run. Ted never regained his form, and another scratch allowed Shannon to make two shots for the 8-3 win and a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Ted had another early burst for a lead, but the Monarchs' Shannon slowly replied to take the lead. Ted would get another three-ball run before things got tense, and they went back and forth to the end, with Shannon prevailing 8-7 by making the last two balls to secure the series at 2-0. Shannon made a late run in game 3, nearly beating Ted, but he tied it with a three-ball run, and then made the 15 on his next turn for the 8-7 win, saving face as Shannon only wins the series 2-1.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Starlight. The league's top performer of the round begins a home doubleheader against a superstar, playing 15-ball with the red cue in this series. The Volcanoes' Starlight capitalized late in game 1 after a slow start, answering a six-ball run by Freedom's Nikolai with the last two balls he didn't get a chance to make. Starlight's sneaky win gave her a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, Starlight seemed prepared to make a deep run, but a couple of scratches derailed the game for the Volcanoes' superstar. The second of those scratches gave the Cascades' Nikolai exactly what he wanted, a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series 1. Nikolai had a big run of five balls from the break, but his second turn ended abruptly with a stick infraction. Starlight took over from here, making a four-ball run before leaving the 15 in a bad spot. Nikolai missed contact while trying to make it, and Starlight took it from ball-in-hand, earning the win and a 2-1 series win. Starlight will travel to Boston's Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center to face the Swifts' Puff II in the bracket final.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Blizzard. A weaker opponent greets the host the in 12-ball with the silver cue for the second half of the doubleheader. Freedom's Nikolai had a chaotic break in game 1, making two of his own in the same pocket and a wild-card ball for Everton's Blizzard. Blizzard wasn't able to get aligned, and Nikolai took the game from ball-in-hand after Blizzard made illegal contact. Nikolai's win puts him ahead 1-0 in the series. The Cascades' Nikolai couldn't get away with giving the Eagles' Blizzard a wild-card ball to start game 2. Nikolai had a four-ball run early on, but went stagnant from there, and Blizzard made him pay by making all five remaining balls in two turns for the win, tying the series at 1. Scratches marred an otherwise wonderful game 3, ruining Nikolai's momentum before providing an additional challenge to Blizzard. In the end, Nikolai got set for his final shot but it never came, as Blizzard's risky shot paid off and she got the win for a 2-1 series win. Blizzard will be on the road in the bracket final.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Midnight. Two of the league's toughest players meet in 9-ball with the red cue. Westside's Midnight had the final say in game 1, countering a three-ball run from Midland's Rainmane that left both the 8 and 9 close to pockets with tap-ins to give Midnight the 1-0 series lead on a pair of easy shots. The Predators' Rainmane fired back in game 2, watching the Rockers' Midnight rip a five-ball run only to take a soft miss on the 8. Rainmane made the final two shots with authority to get the win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 went very quickly, as Rainmane made a ball on the break but missed on the 1, sparking a tremendous eight-ball run-out for Midnight. The farther it got, the crazier it was, as her shot on the 6 was from distance after a near-scratch, and her shot on the 9 accidentally became a bank shot to the bottom right for the win and a 2-1 series win. Midnight heads to Archtown's Starbucks Arena in the bracket final, facing the Arrows' Sally.
Intel Center, Diamond: Pedey v. Snowball. A sophomore sensation meets the B-level's best in Accuracy with the silver cue. Things did not start well in game 1 for Diamond's Pedey, and it appeared Swordpoint's Snowball was in control. Snowball went into a late tailspin, missing her last four shots as Pedey dominated late for a 3-4 win to give the host a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went perfectly until there were five balls left, when the Blades' Snowball had her first miss of the game. She put the Gems' Pedey into a tough position a couple of times, but he came out of the game without a miss, winning 0-2 after Snowball botched another late shot. Pedey clinched the series at 2-0 with his win. Game 3 went much more poorly for Pedey, who had a brief tie with Snowball after his first miss but he then collapsed, allowing Snowball to scoop up a 1-4 win. Pedey still took the series 2-1, and will face Twilight, the Central Warriors captain who knocked out Pedey's mentor, in the bracket final at this venue.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Wario v. Chris. We'll continue with Accuracy but this series is with the red cue. The Southwestern rivals got off to a lopsided start, as a bad break from Victoria's Wario actually benefited him greatly, causing many misses for Capital City's Chris, to the tune of a 1-5 win for Wario, with the non-threatening game earning the host a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Chris came out flat again in game 2, hardly making anything early on. He stabilized in the middle of the game, and even pressured the Spurs' Wario into a few later misses. Wario did what he could to leave an insurance option, and the second time worked, as Chris was forced to leave a tap-in for the last shot by Wario, which he made for a 3-4 win. Wario clinched the series at 2-0 after gritting his teeth through the end of the game. Wario had another poor break in game 3, and this one would prove costly, as Chris controlled most of the game and ended up winning 3-5 when Wario couldn't settle his shot at all. Wario still won the series 2-1, and will host the Freedom Cascades' Stinky at this venue in the bracket final.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Bianca. The red cue stays at the table to administer an 8-ball series between rookies. Southridge's Bianca answered a five-ball run from Modernistic's Daisy in game 1 with a five-ball run-out, as Bianca use precision shooting to take the win after briefly falling far behind. Bianca leads the series 1-0 with the strong comeback win. Game 2 saw the Defenders' Bianca produce a spectacular break and a four-ball run from it, but her offense melted from there. The Union's Daisy responded with a three-ball run immediately thereafter, and closed the game on a four-ball run-out after Bianca couldn't corral the 8. Daisy's win tied the series at 1 in what's been a competitive pair of games so far. Daisy had the run of play in game 3 after a poor decision for Bianca ended up in a scratch. Daisy thought she had the game won, but she was off the mark on the 8, which went illegally into an uncalled pocket and gave Bianca the win and the 2-1 series win. Bianca's lucky victory propels her to Harrison's Mercedes-Benz Forum, where she faces the Specters' Lexi in the bracket final.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Rainmane. Two of the league's best of this tier face off in 8-ball with the blue cue. Midland's Rainmane let her early four-ball run do the talking in game 1, as Freedom's Nikolai made some progress but couldn't catch up to Rainmane. She would end by making her last two shots on clean mid-range shots for a 1-0 series lead with the win. The Cascades' Nikolai replied with a game 2 shutout, an epic run of play with a six-ball run at the start after the Predators' Rainmane went empty on the break, followed by the final pair of shots with good positioning. Nikolai's win tied the series at 1. Nikolai started well with a three-ball run on the break, but Rainmane had the defensive positioning, and she milked a five-ball run before breaking free later in the game to get the win after Nikolai missed on the 5. Rainmane took the series 2-1, and will travel one more time to Samsung Arena in Whitewater for the bracket final against the Shores' Marsell.
House of 10 Windows, Del Sur: Hoppy v. Potter. The silver cue is up for a series of 12-ball here. Southern's Hoppy had a three-ball run from the break, but at the cost of a wild-card ball, which greatly helped Pronger's Potter make a four-ball run with an option shot left. Hoppy played defense for a bit, but this broke when she made her second-to-last ball, and Potter made his final shot to get the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Potter had a three-ball run from the break, and also gave away a wild-card ball to the Monarchs' Hoppy, who proceeded to do very little with it. Potter took advantage of the minimal resistance, winning the game two turns later after Hoppy's feeble defensive shot failed, and Potter clinched the series at 2-0. In game 3, Hoppy turned out with a five-ball run that was nearly a clean sweep after Potter's empty break. Potter shot back with a three-ball run and defense, but Hoppy got around the defense to win in two turns. Potter won the series 2-1, and will host the Everton Eagles' Blizzard back home at Ford Forum in Pronger in the bracket final.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Sleepy B. The Pirates captain takes on the Arrows veteran in Rotation with the blue cue. Atlantic's Delila got out to a big lead early on, but Archtown's Sleepy B. covered the deficit at one point in the game. Delila made sure she'd win with her second run, ending the game at 8-4 with a four-ball run-out to take a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went a bit differently, as the Pirates' Delila was unable to avoid erring early on, and this allowed the Arrows' Sleepy B. to build up a nice lead. Delila made progress to challenge Sleepy B. later in the game, but while she got close, Sleepy B. fired back until she had an 8-6 win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Delila had everything after the break, which saw Sleepy B. make a ball but nothing more. Delila answered with a six-ball run later, and then closed with a shot on the 8 to the bottom right to win the series 2-1 and the game 8-1. Delila will host the Todavía Stills' Sierra in the bracket final at this venue.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Caitlin v. Twilight. Two bigger names in the league clash in 10-ball with the silver cue. Oceanside's Caitlin didn't have the greatest game 1, but Central's Twilight was unable to challenge the defensive leaves Caitlin produced. This allowed Caitlin to be patient, and she was until she made her three-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Caitlin scratched on the break in game 2, and while the Warriors' Twilight started well, she quickly unsettled herself in the game. Twilight was unable to hold onto her advantage, and Caitlin chipped her way back into the game until she made the 8-10 combination to the bottom right for the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Game 3 was nightmarish for both sides, particularly around the middle of the game. Neither player made much of a move on the 4, and by the end, Twilight was just happy to get a clear look at the 10 to take the win. Caitlin won the series 2-1 and hosts the Web City Spiders' Shadow in the bracket final at this venue.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Tigerette v. Dominic. The blue cue is up for Accuracy in this series. Commerce's Tigerette came to regret her scratch on the break of game 1, particularly during a chaotic spate of misses in the middle of the game. Viewpoint Sound's Dominic came out ahead and held the lead to the end, winning 2-3 because of that initial scratch to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Tradewinds' Tigerette exercised a bit more control in game 2, and it was the Meteors' Dominic who fell behind early. Dominic tried to keep pace with Tigerette, but the 3-4 score only materialized because Tigerette missed on her last shot. Dominic didn't stand a chance, allowing Tigerette to tie the series at 1. Tigerette made the most of her chance in game 3, with a great break leading to a very fast-paced game. Eventually, Dominic fell off the pace, and he collapsed at the end, with Tigerette's only blemish a late miss to make it a 1-5 final. Tigerette took the series 2-1 to advance to the bracket final, which will be played here against the Westside Rockers' Midnight, a division rival.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. A. Charlton. The final series before the afternoon break is 15-ball with the blue cue, its last of the round. Game 1 was a tight battle between the players. Each opened with a four-ball run, and things got a little chippier at the end. Midland's Rainmane thought she would be closing the game out, but missed on the 14, and Golden's Charlton made the last two shots to take the win and a 1-0 series lead instead. The Pilots' Charlton turned dominant in game 2, making a four-ball run and then watching the Predators' Rainmane again cut a good run opportunity short. Charlton iced the game on a three-ball run-out after this, securing the series at 2-0. Rainmane finally got it right at the end of game 3, staving off a mid-game attack from Charlton before turning out with a five-ball run-out for the win. Charlton took the series 2-1, and will head home to Amazon Field Exhibition Hall in Golden to host the Todavía Stills' Easter in the bracket final.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Stealth. The games return with 10-ball and the red cue. Southridge's Bianca got lucky in game 1, as Swordpoint's Stealth had a scratch after making the 8 in a game he had enjoyed the better of possession in. Stealth's error allowed Bianca to make the 10 from ball-in-hand for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Bianca did it all in game 2, opening with a four-ball run, including two on the break, and then getting another four-ball run with a double-pot on the 4 and 6 to the right corners. The end took awhile, but the Blades' Stealth made very little in the way of a good shot, and Bianca would bank the 9 and 10 to opposite side pockets for the win and a 2-0 series lead. Stealth was much better in game 3, pacing his attack with a five-ball run. Bianca did get a chance at the 10, but rattled it out, and Stealth sank it for the win. Bianca won the series 2-1, and will host the bracket final at this venue, with her opponent to be determined soon.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Wario v. Zach. Two inexperienced players make up the other red cue series in 10-ball. Victoria's Wario had a better start to game 1, but Pronger's Zach was undeterred, rallying with a six-ball run-out in the end, using excellent positioning skills to pick up the win and the 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Zach didn't dominate in game 2, staying fairly even with the Spurs' Wario early on. Wario did better in the middle of the game, and seemed set for a deep run when he missed a shot. Zach answered with a three-ball run-out to get the win, clinching the series at 2-0 as well. In game 3, it appeared Wario was again very prepared, making a five-ball run over the middle of the game, but Zach once again thwarted the effort by making the last two shots for the win. Zach swept the series 3-0, earning a trip to GE Stadium Events Center in Southridge to face the Defenders' Bianca in the bracket final.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Brownie. A potential mismatch is up in Rotation with the silver cue. Central's Twilight asserted herself right from the break, making it clear that Tysini's Brownie would find very little happiness in game 1. Twilight took the lead and added short runs throughout that Brownie had no response for in an 8-0 game that gave Twilight the 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight got off to a similar start in game 2, but the Hummingbirds' Brownie changed things up quickly, making a four-ball run to tie the game and then another short run to take the lead. Twilight managed to retie the game near the end, but Brownie made the 15 to win 8-7 and tie the series at 1 game apiece. Twilight built up a near untouchable lead in game 3 after Brownie struck first, but Brownie did not back down, rallying to tie the game and then earn the 8-6 win for a 2-1 series win. Brownie will head home to Cisco Arena in Tysini, facing her teammate and captain Princess in the bracket final, with Brownie as the acting host.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Lionel v. Bright. The red cue gets a crack at Rotation now between these Brute Force club-mates. North Modernistic's Bright fell behind early to Commerce's Lionel, who was cruising until a scratch. Bright rallied back with a four-ball run to tie the game, and then chipped ahead for an 8-6 win and 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Tradewinds' Lionel again took the early lead, and while the Nighthawks' Bright did draw even around the middle of the game, he wouldn't be able to keep up with Lionel's second attack, which saw him make two pairs of balls two turns apart to get the 8-4 win to tie the series at 1. Lionel fell behind to Bright twice in game 3, but he wouldn't stay down either time, rallying in the end with a five-ball run-out to stun Bright as Lionel claimed the 8-5 win for a 2-1 series win. Lionel will host the Southern Monarchs' Shannon at this venue for the bracket final.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Violetta. The final series of the round and of today's 20-series effort is in 7-ball with the silver cue. Capital City's Chris played a decent game 1, but his late run was foiled by a long-distance miss on the 7, which left Queens' Violetta in perfect position to make the shot. She did so, earning a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was also competitive, but nothing from the early stages of the game mattered when each player missed on the 7 twice. It was the Sharpshooters' Chris who missed while leaving the cue nearby, allowing the Flames' Violetta to make it on her third try, which allowed her to clinch the series at 2-0 with the win. Chris pulled off a three-ball run-out in a much stronger game 3, earning him a win and sending Violetta to a 2-1 series win to advance with. Violetta will head to McDonald's Hall in Atlantic to face the Pirates' Klaus in a battle of rookies for this bracket final.
The current plan is to split the Bracket Finals into two days, take Saturday off, and then complete the B-level Finals on Sunday, both stages. Follow the league on Twitter @UnitedPCL for more updates, a standings update, and the new schedule, due by tomorrow at noon.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Strawberry v. Lexi. The red cue will be in line for 8-ball in today's first series. In game 1, Harrison's Lexi had control of the table, ending on a four-ball run-out after a good start. Modernistic's Strawberry had made it a close game, but Lexi answered back swiftly to get the 1-0 series lead with her win. In game 2, the Specters' Lexi nearly ran the table from the break, piecing together a seven-ball run with an extra ball potted for the Union's Strawberry. Strawberry opted to build a defense, which Lexi took out as collateral damage on her next turn. Strawberry made sure it was her last, as the host pulled off a six-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 was a tough battle, as Strawberry started well but Lexi refused to back off. In the end, Strawberry's missed bank on the 8 at the bottom right cost her, with Lexi making a three-ball run-out for the win and a 2-1 series win.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Twinkie II. Two very sturdy and determined players square off in 7-ball with the blue cue. Harrison's Twinkie II needed only two shots after an empty break for Lighton's Acorn in game 1. Twinkie II made the 1 on a firm shot, and then a kick-bank combination of the 2-7 went all the way back across the table, with the 7 glancing off the 2 into the top right for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II deserved better than a game 2 loss, as she made a four-ball run early on and made everything but the 7. The Prestige's Acorn had the honors for that shot, cutting it to the bottom left to steal the win and tie the series at 1. Twinkie II flipped the script in game 3, as Acorn was responsible for the majority of the offense, but Twinkie II had the last shot on the 7 and buried it well, winning the series 2-1. Twinkie II will head home to Mercedes-Benz Forum, hosting the Atlantic Pirates' Americus in the bracket final.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Ted v. Shannon. A rookie and outgoing veteran meet in Rotation with the red cue. Web City's Ted started with a three-ball run in game 1, but a scratch after that opened things up for Southern's Shannon to make a six-ball run. Ted never regained his form, and another scratch allowed Shannon to make two shots for the 8-3 win and a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Ted had another early burst for a lead, but the Monarchs' Shannon slowly replied to take the lead. Ted would get another three-ball run before things got tense, and they went back and forth to the end, with Shannon prevailing 8-7 by making the last two balls to secure the series at 2-0. Shannon made a late run in game 3, nearly beating Ted, but he tied it with a three-ball run, and then made the 15 on his next turn for the 8-7 win, saving face as Shannon only wins the series 2-1.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Starlight. The league's top performer of the round begins a home doubleheader against a superstar, playing 15-ball with the red cue in this series. The Volcanoes' Starlight capitalized late in game 1 after a slow start, answering a six-ball run by Freedom's Nikolai with the last two balls he didn't get a chance to make. Starlight's sneaky win gave her a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, Starlight seemed prepared to make a deep run, but a couple of scratches derailed the game for the Volcanoes' superstar. The second of those scratches gave the Cascades' Nikolai exactly what he wanted, a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series 1. Nikolai had a big run of five balls from the break, but his second turn ended abruptly with a stick infraction. Starlight took over from here, making a four-ball run before leaving the 15 in a bad spot. Nikolai missed contact while trying to make it, and Starlight took it from ball-in-hand, earning the win and a 2-1 series win. Starlight will travel to Boston's Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center to face the Swifts' Puff II in the bracket final.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Blizzard. A weaker opponent greets the host the in 12-ball with the silver cue for the second half of the doubleheader. Freedom's Nikolai had a chaotic break in game 1, making two of his own in the same pocket and a wild-card ball for Everton's Blizzard. Blizzard wasn't able to get aligned, and Nikolai took the game from ball-in-hand after Blizzard made illegal contact. Nikolai's win puts him ahead 1-0 in the series. The Cascades' Nikolai couldn't get away with giving the Eagles' Blizzard a wild-card ball to start game 2. Nikolai had a four-ball run early on, but went stagnant from there, and Blizzard made him pay by making all five remaining balls in two turns for the win, tying the series at 1. Scratches marred an otherwise wonderful game 3, ruining Nikolai's momentum before providing an additional challenge to Blizzard. In the end, Nikolai got set for his final shot but it never came, as Blizzard's risky shot paid off and she got the win for a 2-1 series win. Blizzard will be on the road in the bracket final.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Midnight. Two of the league's toughest players meet in 9-ball with the red cue. Westside's Midnight had the final say in game 1, countering a three-ball run from Midland's Rainmane that left both the 8 and 9 close to pockets with tap-ins to give Midnight the 1-0 series lead on a pair of easy shots. The Predators' Rainmane fired back in game 2, watching the Rockers' Midnight rip a five-ball run only to take a soft miss on the 8. Rainmane made the final two shots with authority to get the win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 went very quickly, as Rainmane made a ball on the break but missed on the 1, sparking a tremendous eight-ball run-out for Midnight. The farther it got, the crazier it was, as her shot on the 6 was from distance after a near-scratch, and her shot on the 9 accidentally became a bank shot to the bottom right for the win and a 2-1 series win. Midnight heads to Archtown's Starbucks Arena in the bracket final, facing the Arrows' Sally.
Intel Center, Diamond: Pedey v. Snowball. A sophomore sensation meets the B-level's best in Accuracy with the silver cue. Things did not start well in game 1 for Diamond's Pedey, and it appeared Swordpoint's Snowball was in control. Snowball went into a late tailspin, missing her last four shots as Pedey dominated late for a 3-4 win to give the host a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went perfectly until there were five balls left, when the Blades' Snowball had her first miss of the game. She put the Gems' Pedey into a tough position a couple of times, but he came out of the game without a miss, winning 0-2 after Snowball botched another late shot. Pedey clinched the series at 2-0 with his win. Game 3 went much more poorly for Pedey, who had a brief tie with Snowball after his first miss but he then collapsed, allowing Snowball to scoop up a 1-4 win. Pedey still took the series 2-1, and will face Twilight, the Central Warriors captain who knocked out Pedey's mentor, in the bracket final at this venue.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Wario v. Chris. We'll continue with Accuracy but this series is with the red cue. The Southwestern rivals got off to a lopsided start, as a bad break from Victoria's Wario actually benefited him greatly, causing many misses for Capital City's Chris, to the tune of a 1-5 win for Wario, with the non-threatening game earning the host a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Chris came out flat again in game 2, hardly making anything early on. He stabilized in the middle of the game, and even pressured the Spurs' Wario into a few later misses. Wario did what he could to leave an insurance option, and the second time worked, as Chris was forced to leave a tap-in for the last shot by Wario, which he made for a 3-4 win. Wario clinched the series at 2-0 after gritting his teeth through the end of the game. Wario had another poor break in game 3, and this one would prove costly, as Chris controlled most of the game and ended up winning 3-5 when Wario couldn't settle his shot at all. Wario still won the series 2-1, and will host the Freedom Cascades' Stinky at this venue in the bracket final.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Bianca. The red cue stays at the table to administer an 8-ball series between rookies. Southridge's Bianca answered a five-ball run from Modernistic's Daisy in game 1 with a five-ball run-out, as Bianca use precision shooting to take the win after briefly falling far behind. Bianca leads the series 1-0 with the strong comeback win. Game 2 saw the Defenders' Bianca produce a spectacular break and a four-ball run from it, but her offense melted from there. The Union's Daisy responded with a three-ball run immediately thereafter, and closed the game on a four-ball run-out after Bianca couldn't corral the 8. Daisy's win tied the series at 1 in what's been a competitive pair of games so far. Daisy had the run of play in game 3 after a poor decision for Bianca ended up in a scratch. Daisy thought she had the game won, but she was off the mark on the 8, which went illegally into an uncalled pocket and gave Bianca the win and the 2-1 series win. Bianca's lucky victory propels her to Harrison's Mercedes-Benz Forum, where she faces the Specters' Lexi in the bracket final.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Rainmane. Two of the league's best of this tier face off in 8-ball with the blue cue. Midland's Rainmane let her early four-ball run do the talking in game 1, as Freedom's Nikolai made some progress but couldn't catch up to Rainmane. She would end by making her last two shots on clean mid-range shots for a 1-0 series lead with the win. The Cascades' Nikolai replied with a game 2 shutout, an epic run of play with a six-ball run at the start after the Predators' Rainmane went empty on the break, followed by the final pair of shots with good positioning. Nikolai's win tied the series at 1. Nikolai started well with a three-ball run on the break, but Rainmane had the defensive positioning, and she milked a five-ball run before breaking free later in the game to get the win after Nikolai missed on the 5. Rainmane took the series 2-1, and will travel one more time to Samsung Arena in Whitewater for the bracket final against the Shores' Marsell.
House of 10 Windows, Del Sur: Hoppy v. Potter. The silver cue is up for a series of 12-ball here. Southern's Hoppy had a three-ball run from the break, but at the cost of a wild-card ball, which greatly helped Pronger's Potter make a four-ball run with an option shot left. Hoppy played defense for a bit, but this broke when she made her second-to-last ball, and Potter made his final shot to get the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Potter had a three-ball run from the break, and also gave away a wild-card ball to the Monarchs' Hoppy, who proceeded to do very little with it. Potter took advantage of the minimal resistance, winning the game two turns later after Hoppy's feeble defensive shot failed, and Potter clinched the series at 2-0. In game 3, Hoppy turned out with a five-ball run that was nearly a clean sweep after Potter's empty break. Potter shot back with a three-ball run and defense, but Hoppy got around the defense to win in two turns. Potter won the series 2-1, and will host the Everton Eagles' Blizzard back home at Ford Forum in Pronger in the bracket final.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Sleepy B. The Pirates captain takes on the Arrows veteran in Rotation with the blue cue. Atlantic's Delila got out to a big lead early on, but Archtown's Sleepy B. covered the deficit at one point in the game. Delila made sure she'd win with her second run, ending the game at 8-4 with a four-ball run-out to take a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went a bit differently, as the Pirates' Delila was unable to avoid erring early on, and this allowed the Arrows' Sleepy B. to build up a nice lead. Delila made progress to challenge Sleepy B. later in the game, but while she got close, Sleepy B. fired back until she had an 8-6 win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Delila had everything after the break, which saw Sleepy B. make a ball but nothing more. Delila answered with a six-ball run later, and then closed with a shot on the 8 to the bottom right to win the series 2-1 and the game 8-1. Delila will host the Todavía Stills' Sierra in the bracket final at this venue.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Caitlin v. Twilight. Two bigger names in the league clash in 10-ball with the silver cue. Oceanside's Caitlin didn't have the greatest game 1, but Central's Twilight was unable to challenge the defensive leaves Caitlin produced. This allowed Caitlin to be patient, and she was until she made her three-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Caitlin scratched on the break in game 2, and while the Warriors' Twilight started well, she quickly unsettled herself in the game. Twilight was unable to hold onto her advantage, and Caitlin chipped her way back into the game until she made the 8-10 combination to the bottom right for the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Game 3 was nightmarish for both sides, particularly around the middle of the game. Neither player made much of a move on the 4, and by the end, Twilight was just happy to get a clear look at the 10 to take the win. Caitlin won the series 2-1 and hosts the Web City Spiders' Shadow in the bracket final at this venue.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Tigerette v. Dominic. The blue cue is up for Accuracy in this series. Commerce's Tigerette came to regret her scratch on the break of game 1, particularly during a chaotic spate of misses in the middle of the game. Viewpoint Sound's Dominic came out ahead and held the lead to the end, winning 2-3 because of that initial scratch to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Tradewinds' Tigerette exercised a bit more control in game 2, and it was the Meteors' Dominic who fell behind early. Dominic tried to keep pace with Tigerette, but the 3-4 score only materialized because Tigerette missed on her last shot. Dominic didn't stand a chance, allowing Tigerette to tie the series at 1. Tigerette made the most of her chance in game 3, with a great break leading to a very fast-paced game. Eventually, Dominic fell off the pace, and he collapsed at the end, with Tigerette's only blemish a late miss to make it a 1-5 final. Tigerette took the series 2-1 to advance to the bracket final, which will be played here against the Westside Rockers' Midnight, a division rival.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. A. Charlton. The final series before the afternoon break is 15-ball with the blue cue, its last of the round. Game 1 was a tight battle between the players. Each opened with a four-ball run, and things got a little chippier at the end. Midland's Rainmane thought she would be closing the game out, but missed on the 14, and Golden's Charlton made the last two shots to take the win and a 1-0 series lead instead. The Pilots' Charlton turned dominant in game 2, making a four-ball run and then watching the Predators' Rainmane again cut a good run opportunity short. Charlton iced the game on a three-ball run-out after this, securing the series at 2-0. Rainmane finally got it right at the end of game 3, staving off a mid-game attack from Charlton before turning out with a five-ball run-out for the win. Charlton took the series 2-1, and will head home to Amazon Field Exhibition Hall in Golden to host the Todavía Stills' Easter in the bracket final.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Stealth. The games return with 10-ball and the red cue. Southridge's Bianca got lucky in game 1, as Swordpoint's Stealth had a scratch after making the 8 in a game he had enjoyed the better of possession in. Stealth's error allowed Bianca to make the 10 from ball-in-hand for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Bianca did it all in game 2, opening with a four-ball run, including two on the break, and then getting another four-ball run with a double-pot on the 4 and 6 to the right corners. The end took awhile, but the Blades' Stealth made very little in the way of a good shot, and Bianca would bank the 9 and 10 to opposite side pockets for the win and a 2-0 series lead. Stealth was much better in game 3, pacing his attack with a five-ball run. Bianca did get a chance at the 10, but rattled it out, and Stealth sank it for the win. Bianca won the series 2-1, and will host the bracket final at this venue, with her opponent to be determined soon.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Wario v. Zach. Two inexperienced players make up the other red cue series in 10-ball. Victoria's Wario had a better start to game 1, but Pronger's Zach was undeterred, rallying with a six-ball run-out in the end, using excellent positioning skills to pick up the win and the 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Zach didn't dominate in game 2, staying fairly even with the Spurs' Wario early on. Wario did better in the middle of the game, and seemed set for a deep run when he missed a shot. Zach answered with a three-ball run-out to get the win, clinching the series at 2-0 as well. In game 3, it appeared Wario was again very prepared, making a five-ball run over the middle of the game, but Zach once again thwarted the effort by making the last two shots for the win. Zach swept the series 3-0, earning a trip to GE Stadium Events Center in Southridge to face the Defenders' Bianca in the bracket final.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Brownie. A potential mismatch is up in Rotation with the silver cue. Central's Twilight asserted herself right from the break, making it clear that Tysini's Brownie would find very little happiness in game 1. Twilight took the lead and added short runs throughout that Brownie had no response for in an 8-0 game that gave Twilight the 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight got off to a similar start in game 2, but the Hummingbirds' Brownie changed things up quickly, making a four-ball run to tie the game and then another short run to take the lead. Twilight managed to retie the game near the end, but Brownie made the 15 to win 8-7 and tie the series at 1 game apiece. Twilight built up a near untouchable lead in game 3 after Brownie struck first, but Brownie did not back down, rallying to tie the game and then earn the 8-6 win for a 2-1 series win. Brownie will head home to Cisco Arena in Tysini, facing her teammate and captain Princess in the bracket final, with Brownie as the acting host.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Lionel v. Bright. The red cue gets a crack at Rotation now between these Brute Force club-mates. North Modernistic's Bright fell behind early to Commerce's Lionel, who was cruising until a scratch. Bright rallied back with a four-ball run to tie the game, and then chipped ahead for an 8-6 win and 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Tradewinds' Lionel again took the early lead, and while the Nighthawks' Bright did draw even around the middle of the game, he wouldn't be able to keep up with Lionel's second attack, which saw him make two pairs of balls two turns apart to get the 8-4 win to tie the series at 1. Lionel fell behind to Bright twice in game 3, but he wouldn't stay down either time, rallying in the end with a five-ball run-out to stun Bright as Lionel claimed the 8-5 win for a 2-1 series win. Lionel will host the Southern Monarchs' Shannon at this venue for the bracket final.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Violetta. The final series of the round and of today's 20-series effort is in 7-ball with the silver cue. Capital City's Chris played a decent game 1, but his late run was foiled by a long-distance miss on the 7, which left Queens' Violetta in perfect position to make the shot. She did so, earning a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was also competitive, but nothing from the early stages of the game mattered when each player missed on the 7 twice. It was the Sharpshooters' Chris who missed while leaving the cue nearby, allowing the Flames' Violetta to make it on her third try, which allowed her to clinch the series at 2-0 with the win. Chris pulled off a three-ball run-out in a much stronger game 3, earning him a win and sending Violetta to a 2-1 series win to advance with. Violetta will head to McDonald's Hall in Atlantic to face the Pirates' Klaus in a battle of rookies for this bracket final.
The current plan is to split the Bracket Finals into two days, take Saturday off, and then complete the B-level Finals on Sunday, both stages. Follow the league on Twitter @UnitedPCL for more updates, a standings update, and the new schedule, due by tomorrow at noon.
Monday, March 27, 2017
Tournament 2017: B-level Bracket Semifinals - Day 2
After an injury maintenance day yesterday, the games are back. We're looking to do 16 series today, and if we fall short, we will spread the round into a fourth post on Wednesday. We begin with...
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Mario v. Stephanie Livilotti. The first series of the day is in 12-ball with the red cue. Southridge's Stephanie showed a great resilience in game 1, not bending under the pressure of a four-ball run form Central's Mario. Instead, Stephanie rallied back to even the game, and defended against Mario until she got a clear shot to win, taking the 1-0 series lead as well. The Warriors' Mario played well again in game 2, aided greatly by the Defenders' Stephanie having to take more time to gain proper positioning on her shots. Mario was able to overcome Stephanie's defense at the top left and make his final shot for the win, tying the series at 1. Stephanie overcame a four-ball run by Mario early in game 3, nearly winning once before a scratch set her back, and then taking the game on the next turn to win the series 2-1. Stephanie will host the Eastside Sharks' Niki at GE Stadium Events Center in Southridge to contest the bracket final.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Jasmine v. Lexi. The last series before lunch is in 15-ball with the silver cue. Freedom's Jasmine had a slightly better time developing short runs in a very competitive game 1, which saw Harrison's Lexi in the fight until a pinched bank on the 15 left it short at the bottom right. Jasmine tapped it in and took the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Jasmine made game 2 a much quicker affair, potting the 15 after a deflected shot off the 15. It was considered a secondary option that proved successful, leaving the Specters' Lexi with no recourse in the loss that made it a 2-0 series for Jasmine. Game 3 was the most challenging for either player, as it was a choppy battle for both. Lexi had less of a grip on the game, and Jasmine was able to rally off a three-ball run-out once again for the win and 3-0 series sweep. Jasmine will host the Lighton Prestige's Twinkie I in the bracket final at this venue.
Intel Center, Diamond: Citrus v. Bianca. Getting the afternoon going, a pair of club-mates face off in 9-ball with the blue cue. Southridge's Bianca capitalized on sloppy play from Diamond's Citrus in game 1. Citrus was called for illegal use of the stick, and Bianca turned it into a four-ball run-out, ending with a deflected shot from the 5 that created and 8-9 combination to the bottom right for the win, and a 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Bianca was a bit more error-prone in game 2, and this would prove costly when she scratched while shooting the 5. The Gems' Citrus replied with a pair of shots, making the 5 and then a 6-9 combination to the top right to get the win, tying the series at 1. Citrus stepped up in a challenging game 3, taking control of the game late on a three-ball run-out that saw the last two shots on impressive cuts to get the win and a 2-1 series win over Bianca. Citrus will host another member of her club, the Commerce Tradewinds' Ice Cream, in the bracket final at this venue.
Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Blizzard. The blue cue remains in action, playing 15-ball between these two veterans. Todavía's Easter had an impressively quick end to game 1, albeit slightly unintentional. She made the 3 to the top left, and the ricochet took the cue to the 15, which sank in the bottom right, stunning Everton's Blizzard as Easter took a 1-0 series lead on the surprise win. The Stills' Easter had a bit more intent in her game 2 play, as she got the 2 and 15 close to each other and did everything in her power to keep the Eagles' Blizzard away from it. Blizzard couldn't break the defense, and Easter eventually took the 1 cleanly to the bottom side before converting a 2-15 combination to the bottom right to clinch the series at 2-0 in the win. Easter never even let Blizzard get to the table in game 3, taking a four-ball run-out from the break that ended in a kick-combination, 3-4-15, to the bottom right for the win. Easter swept the series 3-0 with quick wins to punch her ticket to a road series for the bracket final.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Chicky Phil v. Stinky. Two solid veterans are set to play in 10-ball, also with the blue cue. Freedom's Stinky made a late surge in game 1, working a four-ball run, but he twice missed the 10, allowing Pacific's Chicky Phil to make it on his second try for the win and a 1-0 series lead despite slacking in the course of play. The Cascades' Stinky again had the better of play in game 2, and he appeared to have adjusted to the style of the Volcanoes' Chicky Phil as well. Stinky went on a late three-ball run, but missed the 9, and Chicky Phil made that one but not the 10, leaving Stinky lined up to win at the top side. Stinky made the shot, tying the series at 1 with a firm shot. Game 3 saw only two turns at the table, as Stinky rallied with a six-ball run from the break but had no chance at the 7, which was the catalyst for Chicky Phil's four-ball run-out to get the win and a 2-1 series win on strong cut shots. Chicky Phil heads to Capital City SuperCenter to face the Sharpshooters' Sprinkles in the bracket final.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Chelsea v. Max. One of last year's best faces a solid player from every year in 8-ball with the silver cue. Queens' Max had a strong four-ball run on his first turn, and this proved enough to keep Eastside's Chelsea behind all game. Her last shot was a desperate scratch attempt that allowed Max to tap the 8 into the top right from the kitchen for a 1-0 series lead on his win. The Flames' Max made things very difficult for the Sharks' Chelsea in game 2, putting her under pressure with his five-ball run. Chelsea responded well in the end, making a five-ball run but over-cutting the 8 toward the top right. The soft shot left things lined up for Max, who made the 8 and clinched the series at 2-0 with his win. Max had some trouble in game 3, as Chelsea left one ball to defend many of Max's near the top right. Max eventually broke the stalemate, which freed Chelsea up for a four-ball run-out two turns later, giving her a win. Max still won the series 2-1, and will head to Toyota Arena in Freedom for the bracket final against the Cascades' Roxy.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Spot v. Kayla. The red cue is up for 7-ball between a rookie and a veteran in a new home. Royal's Kayla had ball-in-hand midway through game 1 after Pronger's Spot scratched, but Kayla missed the 5 two shots later. Spot took advantage, making a three-ball run-out to get the win and a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was a bit more sloppy, as the Crowns' Kayla gave away possession to the Tridents' Spot twice and received it back once. Kayla ended up taking an off-line shot at the 4-7 combination, and made it work well for her, taking the shot to the top left for the win, which tied the series at 1. Spot had the better of play in game 3, including a ridiculous highlight of a four-rail kick to make the 3 in the bottom right after missing his one-rail kick contact play. Kayla never recovered from that shot, and Spot cruised to the finish, winning the series 2-1. Spot will host the Todavía Stills' Bells in the bracket final at this venue.
Intel Center, Diamond: Smokey v. Twilight. A big match between captains is next as the silver cue administers a series of Accuracy. Diamond's Smokey came out very flat in game 1, and while he recovered from his pair of early misses, Central's Twilight got him to miss late in the game as well, securing a 2-4 win for herself as well as the 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight was even better in game 2, refusing to yield from her course toward perfection even as the Gems' Smokey flailed and scrambled to stay close. He missed twice early on again, and twice late, and Twilight wouldn't budge, taking the 0-4 win to claim the series at 2-0. Twilight had a much sloppier start to game 3, forcing her to pull out all the stops to hold on late. The plays worked, as Smokey missed his last three shots in regulation for force overtime, and then went empty on the overtime break, allowing Twilight to make a shot and win 5-6. Twilight's 3-0 series sweep carries her to another road series for the bracket final.
Apple Center, Todavía: Sierra v. Spirit. The mid-round series we've all waited for pits close sisters against each other in Rotation with the blue cue. Lighton's Spirit struck first, but she did not strike the hardest, as Todavía's Sierra answered with a six-ball run to put Spirit in a deep hole. On her next turn, Sierra made the last two balls she needed for an 8-1 win and 1-0 series lead to get things going. The Stills' Sierra had another good appearance in game 2, helped along by a scratch from the Prestige's Spirit at a pivotal point in the game. Sierra used the ball-in-hand to spark a four-ball run that put her on the brink of winning, and Spirit missed the next shot, allowing Sierra a tap-in to get the win at 8-1, and the 2-0 series lead. Spirit turned things around in game 3, winning 8-1 herself over Sierra. Spirit also had a couple of highlighted combinations, including the 6-9-14 to the top right and the 7-12 to the bottom left as she made the approach to winning. Sierra still took the series 2-1 and will play in the bracket final.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Lexi v. Princess. The Rotations undercard is next, with the silver cue this time as the last series before the daily break. Harrison's Lexi put in a good start to game 1, making things difficult for Tysini's Princess. Things changed when Princess got within a ball in one turn, and then made a five-ball run-out for the 8-4 win to take a stunning 1-0 series lead with the rapid turn of fortune. The Specters' Lexi again burst out to a lead in game 2, and again the Hummingbirds' Princess caught up with her. The middle of game was a bit tougher, but Lexi emerged with a four-ball run, and Princess could only provide a partial counterattack before Lexi sealed an 8-6 win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was a very tight battle that saw Princess take the early lead, only for a four-ball run by Lexi to flip everything around. Princess ended up with the 8-7 win, coming from behind to make the last two balls after Lexi scratched. Princess won the series 2-1, and it took quite a bit to earn it.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Puff II v. Sparkles. The special session this evening begins in 15-ball with the red cue, the first in a venue doubleheader. Boston's Puff II had a bit of an advantage in game 1, outplaying Todavía's Sparkles for much of the game. Puff II capped the game with a three-ball run-out, including an 11-15 combination to the bottom right for the winning shot and a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Puff II had a four-ball run as part of her dominant game 2, but when it came time to shoot the 15, she missed contact on a swipe attempt. This gave the Stills' Sparkles ball-in-hand for the final shot, which she made to tie the series at 1 in the gifted result. Game 3 was a drop in quality for both players, and it showed in the finish. Puff II looked doomed with a late scratch, but she ended up winning when Sparkles twice missed the 15. Puff II took the series 2-1, and will host the bracket final at this venue.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Patches v. Chris. The other half of the doubleheader is a 12-ball series with the blue cue between these two captains. Capital City's Chris saw Boston's Patches start with a three-ball run, knowing the task ahead in game 1 would be tough. Chris fired back, and while he had setbacks, he eventually won with a well-played four-ball run-out a turn after scratching, with the win putting him ahead 1-0 in the series. In game 2, the Sharpshooters' Chris worked from left to right across the table, helping him quite a bit to stake out the early lead. The Swifts' Patches reserved herself to defending the top side, but she took too long to position herself for the final burst, and missed a tough cut. Chris took his final shot at the cleared top side to win, clinching the series at 2-0. Game 3 took awhile for the players to untangle, but they eventually were each left with the bottom left corner. Patches asserted herself defensively there, but Chris pulled off a highlight-reel kick on the 4 to sneak past Patches' 10 in defense, and he made the shot to secure a 3-0 series sweep. Chris goes in style to the bracket final, which will be in nearby Infinity at Nissan Hall against the Torpedoes' Smudge.
We'll cut this one short and extend the round to Wednesday.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Mario v. Stephanie Livilotti. The first series of the day is in 12-ball with the red cue. Southridge's Stephanie showed a great resilience in game 1, not bending under the pressure of a four-ball run form Central's Mario. Instead, Stephanie rallied back to even the game, and defended against Mario until she got a clear shot to win, taking the 1-0 series lead as well. The Warriors' Mario played well again in game 2, aided greatly by the Defenders' Stephanie having to take more time to gain proper positioning on her shots. Mario was able to overcome Stephanie's defense at the top left and make his final shot for the win, tying the series at 1. Stephanie overcame a four-ball run by Mario early in game 3, nearly winning once before a scratch set her back, and then taking the game on the next turn to win the series 2-1. Stephanie will host the Eastside Sharks' Niki at GE Stadium Events Center in Southridge to contest the bracket final.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Jasmine v. Lexi. The last series before lunch is in 15-ball with the silver cue. Freedom's Jasmine had a slightly better time developing short runs in a very competitive game 1, which saw Harrison's Lexi in the fight until a pinched bank on the 15 left it short at the bottom right. Jasmine tapped it in and took the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Jasmine made game 2 a much quicker affair, potting the 15 after a deflected shot off the 15. It was considered a secondary option that proved successful, leaving the Specters' Lexi with no recourse in the loss that made it a 2-0 series for Jasmine. Game 3 was the most challenging for either player, as it was a choppy battle for both. Lexi had less of a grip on the game, and Jasmine was able to rally off a three-ball run-out once again for the win and 3-0 series sweep. Jasmine will host the Lighton Prestige's Twinkie I in the bracket final at this venue.
Intel Center, Diamond: Citrus v. Bianca. Getting the afternoon going, a pair of club-mates face off in 9-ball with the blue cue. Southridge's Bianca capitalized on sloppy play from Diamond's Citrus in game 1. Citrus was called for illegal use of the stick, and Bianca turned it into a four-ball run-out, ending with a deflected shot from the 5 that created and 8-9 combination to the bottom right for the win, and a 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Bianca was a bit more error-prone in game 2, and this would prove costly when she scratched while shooting the 5. The Gems' Citrus replied with a pair of shots, making the 5 and then a 6-9 combination to the top right to get the win, tying the series at 1. Citrus stepped up in a challenging game 3, taking control of the game late on a three-ball run-out that saw the last two shots on impressive cuts to get the win and a 2-1 series win over Bianca. Citrus will host another member of her club, the Commerce Tradewinds' Ice Cream, in the bracket final at this venue.
Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Blizzard. The blue cue remains in action, playing 15-ball between these two veterans. Todavía's Easter had an impressively quick end to game 1, albeit slightly unintentional. She made the 3 to the top left, and the ricochet took the cue to the 15, which sank in the bottom right, stunning Everton's Blizzard as Easter took a 1-0 series lead on the surprise win. The Stills' Easter had a bit more intent in her game 2 play, as she got the 2 and 15 close to each other and did everything in her power to keep the Eagles' Blizzard away from it. Blizzard couldn't break the defense, and Easter eventually took the 1 cleanly to the bottom side before converting a 2-15 combination to the bottom right to clinch the series at 2-0 in the win. Easter never even let Blizzard get to the table in game 3, taking a four-ball run-out from the break that ended in a kick-combination, 3-4-15, to the bottom right for the win. Easter swept the series 3-0 with quick wins to punch her ticket to a road series for the bracket final.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Chicky Phil v. Stinky. Two solid veterans are set to play in 10-ball, also with the blue cue. Freedom's Stinky made a late surge in game 1, working a four-ball run, but he twice missed the 10, allowing Pacific's Chicky Phil to make it on his second try for the win and a 1-0 series lead despite slacking in the course of play. The Cascades' Stinky again had the better of play in game 2, and he appeared to have adjusted to the style of the Volcanoes' Chicky Phil as well. Stinky went on a late three-ball run, but missed the 9, and Chicky Phil made that one but not the 10, leaving Stinky lined up to win at the top side. Stinky made the shot, tying the series at 1 with a firm shot. Game 3 saw only two turns at the table, as Stinky rallied with a six-ball run from the break but had no chance at the 7, which was the catalyst for Chicky Phil's four-ball run-out to get the win and a 2-1 series win on strong cut shots. Chicky Phil heads to Capital City SuperCenter to face the Sharpshooters' Sprinkles in the bracket final.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Chelsea v. Max. One of last year's best faces a solid player from every year in 8-ball with the silver cue. Queens' Max had a strong four-ball run on his first turn, and this proved enough to keep Eastside's Chelsea behind all game. Her last shot was a desperate scratch attempt that allowed Max to tap the 8 into the top right from the kitchen for a 1-0 series lead on his win. The Flames' Max made things very difficult for the Sharks' Chelsea in game 2, putting her under pressure with his five-ball run. Chelsea responded well in the end, making a five-ball run but over-cutting the 8 toward the top right. The soft shot left things lined up for Max, who made the 8 and clinched the series at 2-0 with his win. Max had some trouble in game 3, as Chelsea left one ball to defend many of Max's near the top right. Max eventually broke the stalemate, which freed Chelsea up for a four-ball run-out two turns later, giving her a win. Max still won the series 2-1, and will head to Toyota Arena in Freedom for the bracket final against the Cascades' Roxy.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Spot v. Kayla. The red cue is up for 7-ball between a rookie and a veteran in a new home. Royal's Kayla had ball-in-hand midway through game 1 after Pronger's Spot scratched, but Kayla missed the 5 two shots later. Spot took advantage, making a three-ball run-out to get the win and a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was a bit more sloppy, as the Crowns' Kayla gave away possession to the Tridents' Spot twice and received it back once. Kayla ended up taking an off-line shot at the 4-7 combination, and made it work well for her, taking the shot to the top left for the win, which tied the series at 1. Spot had the better of play in game 3, including a ridiculous highlight of a four-rail kick to make the 3 in the bottom right after missing his one-rail kick contact play. Kayla never recovered from that shot, and Spot cruised to the finish, winning the series 2-1. Spot will host the Todavía Stills' Bells in the bracket final at this venue.
Intel Center, Diamond: Smokey v. Twilight. A big match between captains is next as the silver cue administers a series of Accuracy. Diamond's Smokey came out very flat in game 1, and while he recovered from his pair of early misses, Central's Twilight got him to miss late in the game as well, securing a 2-4 win for herself as well as the 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight was even better in game 2, refusing to yield from her course toward perfection even as the Gems' Smokey flailed and scrambled to stay close. He missed twice early on again, and twice late, and Twilight wouldn't budge, taking the 0-4 win to claim the series at 2-0. Twilight had a much sloppier start to game 3, forcing her to pull out all the stops to hold on late. The plays worked, as Smokey missed his last three shots in regulation for force overtime, and then went empty on the overtime break, allowing Twilight to make a shot and win 5-6. Twilight's 3-0 series sweep carries her to another road series for the bracket final.
Apple Center, Todavía: Sierra v. Spirit. The mid-round series we've all waited for pits close sisters against each other in Rotation with the blue cue. Lighton's Spirit struck first, but she did not strike the hardest, as Todavía's Sierra answered with a six-ball run to put Spirit in a deep hole. On her next turn, Sierra made the last two balls she needed for an 8-1 win and 1-0 series lead to get things going. The Stills' Sierra had another good appearance in game 2, helped along by a scratch from the Prestige's Spirit at a pivotal point in the game. Sierra used the ball-in-hand to spark a four-ball run that put her on the brink of winning, and Spirit missed the next shot, allowing Sierra a tap-in to get the win at 8-1, and the 2-0 series lead. Spirit turned things around in game 3, winning 8-1 herself over Sierra. Spirit also had a couple of highlighted combinations, including the 6-9-14 to the top right and the 7-12 to the bottom left as she made the approach to winning. Sierra still took the series 2-1 and will play in the bracket final.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Lexi v. Princess. The Rotations undercard is next, with the silver cue this time as the last series before the daily break. Harrison's Lexi put in a good start to game 1, making things difficult for Tysini's Princess. Things changed when Princess got within a ball in one turn, and then made a five-ball run-out for the 8-4 win to take a stunning 1-0 series lead with the rapid turn of fortune. The Specters' Lexi again burst out to a lead in game 2, and again the Hummingbirds' Princess caught up with her. The middle of game was a bit tougher, but Lexi emerged with a four-ball run, and Princess could only provide a partial counterattack before Lexi sealed an 8-6 win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was a very tight battle that saw Princess take the early lead, only for a four-ball run by Lexi to flip everything around. Princess ended up with the 8-7 win, coming from behind to make the last two balls after Lexi scratched. Princess won the series 2-1, and it took quite a bit to earn it.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Puff II v. Sparkles. The special session this evening begins in 15-ball with the red cue, the first in a venue doubleheader. Boston's Puff II had a bit of an advantage in game 1, outplaying Todavía's Sparkles for much of the game. Puff II capped the game with a three-ball run-out, including an 11-15 combination to the bottom right for the winning shot and a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Puff II had a four-ball run as part of her dominant game 2, but when it came time to shoot the 15, she missed contact on a swipe attempt. This gave the Stills' Sparkles ball-in-hand for the final shot, which she made to tie the series at 1 in the gifted result. Game 3 was a drop in quality for both players, and it showed in the finish. Puff II looked doomed with a late scratch, but she ended up winning when Sparkles twice missed the 15. Puff II took the series 2-1, and will host the bracket final at this venue.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Patches v. Chris. The other half of the doubleheader is a 12-ball series with the blue cue between these two captains. Capital City's Chris saw Boston's Patches start with a three-ball run, knowing the task ahead in game 1 would be tough. Chris fired back, and while he had setbacks, he eventually won with a well-played four-ball run-out a turn after scratching, with the win putting him ahead 1-0 in the series. In game 2, the Sharpshooters' Chris worked from left to right across the table, helping him quite a bit to stake out the early lead. The Swifts' Patches reserved herself to defending the top side, but she took too long to position herself for the final burst, and missed a tough cut. Chris took his final shot at the cleared top side to win, clinching the series at 2-0. Game 3 took awhile for the players to untangle, but they eventually were each left with the bottom left corner. Patches asserted herself defensively there, but Chris pulled off a highlight-reel kick on the 4 to sneak past Patches' 10 in defense, and he made the shot to secure a 3-0 series sweep. Chris goes in style to the bracket final, which will be in nearby Infinity at Nissan Hall against the Torpedoes' Smudge.
We'll cut this one short and extend the round to Wednesday.
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Tournament 2017: B-level Bracket Semifinals - Day 1
We're onto the third round of the Tournament, with the bracket semifinals in effect. We begin with...
BMW RockDome, Westside: Slinks v. Niki. The first series of the day is in 12-ball with the red cue to lead off the round. Eastside's Niki received a wild-card ball from a good break by Westside's Slinks, who sputtered in the later parts of the game. Niki answered with a three-ball run-out, including a bank on the 6 that saw the cue glance the 6 to the top left for the win while running behind it, giving Niki an impressive highlight for her 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Slinks gave away another wild-card ball to the Sharks' Niki in game 2, but she was out of position this time, and she flubbed her set-up shot. Slinks answered by making her last two shots after a meticulous build-up to that point, earning the win to tie the series at 1. Slinks produced an interesting break that didn't work as well as planned throughout the game, as Niki kept pace well. Slinks' last shot was missed contact on a kick attempt, and Niki made her final two balls to win and take the series 2-1. Niki is through to the bracket finals, where she will once again play a road series.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Midnight v. Ms. Puppy. The blue cue opens its part of the round with Accuracy in the back-half of a venue doubleheader. Westside's Midnight barely missed at all in game 1, making a single mistake from Modernistic's Ms. Puppy quite costly. Midnight did miss late but the game was already decided, with a 1-2 final giving Midnight the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw the Union's Ms. Puppy blow a late lead twice, allowing the Rockers' Midnight to force overtime. Midnight did well with a soft break, buying herself a few more shots, but Ms. Puppy would convert on Midnight's next miss to win 4-5, tying the series at 1. Midnight flipped the script in game 3, blowing leads late but holding on in overtime as Ms. Puppy's long-range miss set Midnight up for the series clinching shot in her 4-5 win. Midnight won the series 2-1 to punch her ticket to the bracket finals.
Apple Center, Todavía: Sierra v. Shadow. A daughter versus father match is next in 10-ball with the silver cue. Todavía's Sierra showed a sense to let Web City's Shadow keep shooting illegal shots until she got something she liked. They exchanged evenly over the middle of game 1, but Sierra broke away with a four-ball run-out to win the first match, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Sierra looked primed to make another late run in game 2, dominating throughout this particular game. She had a four-ball run going when she missed her cut attempt on the 10, allowing the Spiders' Shadow ball-in-hand for the last shot when Sierra scratched. Shadow easily converted to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was an absolute mess for shooting, and it even featured a major brain cramp by Sierra, touching the cue after a legal hit by Shadow to restore possession to him after a miss. Shadow would end up winning later after Sierra couldn't make the 10, and Shadow won the series 2-1. Shadow has proven his quality on this bracket despite qualifying much better, and advances to the bracket finals for another road series.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Dreamy v. Stinky. The red cue is back for a series in Accuracy. Swordpoint's Dreamy was unflappable during game 1, missing not a single shot in a dominant performance. Freedom's Stinky couldn't say the same, holding close early before falling 0-4 to Dreamy, who leads the series 1-0 after a great opener. The Blades' Dreamy was barreling toward another perfect outing in game 2 until the Cascades' Stinky made the second-to-last ball, saving the game for himself. Dreamy would miss the final regulation ball and the first shot of overtime in a 1-2 loss to Stinky, whose win tied the series at 1 just in time. Stinky was even better in game 3, staying perfect and outlasting Dreamy, whose late miss sealed her fate in an 0-1 loss that gave Stinky the thrilling series by a 2-1 margin. Stinky advances to the bracket finals.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Ice Cream v. Taylor Swift. The blue cue returns to action in this 9-ball series. Eastside's Taylor had a good finish to game 1, making the final four balls over two turns to break an early deadlock with Commerce's Ice Cream. Taylor's finish helped her gain a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Ice Cream stayed in the game better in game 2, battling evenly with the Sharks' Taylor at first before making three of the last four balls to get the win. Ice Cream's late flurry earned her a tie in the series, evening the mark at 1 game apiece. Ice Cream won game 3 on a three-ball run-out, answering Taylor's mid-game three-ball run effectively to get the win and a 2-1 series win. Ice Cream will be facing a club-mate in the bracket finals, but it's yet to be determined who or where.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Charli XCX. The last series before today's break is in 8-ball with the silver cue. Tysini's Charli thought she was on to something with a five-ball run in game 1, but she peaked too early, unable to make her final ball under the watchful defensive eye of Freedom's Roxy, who would close out the game with a three-ball run-out after Charli scratched. Roxy leads the series 1-0. The two players started out fairly even in game 2, with the Cascades' Roxy making the first ball, only to see the Hummingbirds' Charli pull ahead. Charli held the lead for awhile, but Roxy took it back, and then Charli reclaimed it. Roxy would get the edge in the end, cutting the 8 in and narrowly avoiding a scratch to clinch the series at 2-0. Roxy pulled off a five-ball run at one point in game 3 to pull ahead of Charli, who answered back well, and then Roxy won a few turns later with a three-ball run-out after Charli chipped a shot on the 8. Roxy won the series 3-0, and she will host the bracket final for this event and cue.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Hoot. The blue cue gets the second session going with a bit of 12-ball. Infinity's Smudge had a good start to game 1, making a three-ball run from the break. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot offered a challenge later in the game, but his defense didn't stop Smudge on her final shot, giving her the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Smudge had a bad break in game 2, but she made the most of the turn, making a three-ball run to assert herself in the lead, and then when the Meteors' Hoot gave her enough space, Smudge unleashed a diagonal bank with texture to make the 4 at the top left, a deflected shot off the 7 to take the 6 in the bottom right, and the finishing shot on the 7 at the top right for the win and a 2-0 series lead. Hoot got his win in game 3, capitalizing on a few too many scratches by Smudge to get a four-ball run-out going, allowing Hoot to show off his skill a bit in the win. Smudge won the series 2-1, advancing to the bracket final.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Potter v. Marsell. Two diminutive bears battle it out in 8-ball with the blue cue for this series. Pronger's Potter fell behind to Whitewater's Marsell early in game 1, as the visitor had a defensive pressure quite firmly against Potter. This eventually broke, and Potter had a three-ball run and a five-ball run-out on consecutive turns to take the win and a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, a scratch from the Shores' Marsell nearly did him in, as the Tridents' Potter double-potted the 15 to the bottom right and 14 to the bottom left, then made the 12 in the bottom side and almost made the 8 at the bottom right. Instead, Marsell had time to put the 6 in defense on the 8, and when Potter sank it accidentally, Marsell's path to victory was a clear three-ball run-out, tying the series at 1 with the finishing run. Marsell had an excellent five-ball run from the break in game 3, putting pressure on Potter to make an impressive shot himself, and he failed, making the 8 illegally to gift Marsell a win and the 2-1 series win. Marsell takes the lucky bounce with him to the bracket final.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Americus. Another familial series goes with a daughter hosting her mother in 7-ball with the blue cue. Tysini's Leandra dominated possession in game 1, making all but one ball in the win for a 1-0 series lead. Atlantic's Americus had a chance to get the win, but slipped her shot, causing the loss. The Hummingbirds' Leandra lost her grip on game 2 when her shot on the 6 resulted in a scratch. The Pirates' Americus didn't immediately take advantage, but she would make the 7 two turns later to grab the win, as Leandra had a chance on the winning shot and misplayed the bank attempt. Americus' win ties the series at 1. Leandra did all of the work again in game 3, but she did not get rewarded for it this time, as her miss on the 7 allowed Americus to tap-in for the win, giving the visitor a 2-1 series win. Americus' good fortune carries her to one more road series in the bracket final.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Klaus v. Smudge. We're sticking with 7-ball, but the silver cue comes to the table this time. Infinity's Smudge felt robbed at the end of game 1, as her six-ball run was for naught. Her miss on the 7 left a good enough line for Atlantic's Klaus to bury it, swiping a win to take a 1-0 series lead despite his minimal input into the game. Game 2 saw the script flip, as the Pirates' Klaus made two balls on the break to lead off a six-ball run, only to see him chip his shot on the 7 at the bottom left. He left a good line for the Torpedoes' Smudge to make it, and she came through to get the win, tying the series at 1 with even possession so far. Smudge had the early offense in game 3, making a four-ball run but missing a 5-6 combination. Klaus did make that combination, and then backed it up with the 5 and the 7 for a three-ball run-out to snag the win and a 2-1 series win. The close series win gives Klaus the right to host the bracket final at this venue.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Paps v. Twinkie I. The silver cue stays in action for 15-ball in this series a bit farther south in the hills. Game 1 kept the shooting fairly competitive throughout, with Lighton's Twinkie I a bit better early on, then Eastside's Paps having a burst before the end. Paps had an errant 9-14-15 combination attempt, allowing Twinkie I to come in with a 9-15 combination to the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Twinkie I saw an opening in game 2 after a bit of the Sharks' Paps-controlled play, and Twinkie I took it with a deflection off the 9 to send the 15 to the bottom right around, good for a win and a 2-0 series lead. Paps had played well in the game, but couldn't defend against the tough trick play Twinkie I accomplished for the winner. Twinkie I completed the 3-0 series sweep with an impressive game 3, weathering a tough start and challenges from Paps early on to record a five-ball run-out in the end for the victory. Twinkie I advances to the bracket final in great form.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Snowball v. Sprinkles. The blue cue closes its opening day requirements in 10-ball, a Southwest Derby to boot. Swordpoint's Snowball made a ball on the break in game 1, but she wouldn't see much of the table after that. Capital City's Sprinkles nearly won with a six-ball run, leaving the 10 just short after a deflected shot off the 8. Snowball couldn't answer from there, and Sprinkles cut the 8 to the top left and the 9-10 combination to the bottom right to win and take a 1-0 series lead with amazing shooting. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles denied the Blades' Snowball of a medal in this event, as Snowball's chippy play in game 2 came back to hurt her. Sprinkles closed the game on a four-ball run-out, left in a neat order after a miss by Snowball put the 10 near the bottom left. Sprinkles clinched the series at 2-0 with the win, which nearly didn't happen as she left the cue close to a scratch. Snowball saved face in game 3, making a double-pot of the 8 and 10 to the bottom left and top right, respectively, to get a win after Sprinkles failed on her 8-10 combination attempt. Sprinkles still took the series 2-1, and will host the bracket final at Capital City SuperCenter.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Princess v. Tigerette. The silver cue gets a look in 9-ball now in a tough match between superstar captains. Tysini's Princess had the better of play in game 1, and while she did have a late scratch, Commerce's Tigerette couldn't get onto the 6. Princess would end the game with a three-ball run-out, including a double-pot of the 8 to the bottom left and 9 to the top side for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Tigerette had to dig deep to save her series in game 2, as the Hummingbirds' Princess charged with an early four-ball run. Tigerette replied with a well-cut four-ball run-out, answering shot for shot to get the win and tie the series at 1. Tigerette poached game 3 very well, as Princess was the first to settle into a shot. She had a five-ball run end in a light 7-9 combination that stayed lined up at the bottom right without falling. Tigerette converted it, winning for a 2-1 series win to advance to the bracket final on the road.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Bandit v. Bells. The red cue returns to action in this series of 7-ball that could get quite competitive. Swordpoint's Bandit nearly won on the break, as the 7 drifted close to the bottom right. Todavía's Bells wasted two turns scratching before a three-ball run, only to see Bandit strike the 4 to deflect the cue into the 7, finishing what he started for the win and a 1-0 series lead. Bells came out of nowhere to tie the series at 1 with a win in game 3. The Blades' Bandit had a strong break, but didn't pot a ball. Instead, the Stills' Bells ripped a shot at the 1, which came back off of two rails to pot the 7 at the bottom right as well as the 1 in the top left for the winning shot in stunning fashion. Bells really stepped up in game 3 with the series on the line, dominating possession and keeping Bandit away from the table in the late game with a five-ball run-out to get the win and a 2-1 series win. Bells heads to another road series for the bracket final after coming back to win this one.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Spice v. Sally. Two well-respected veterans take each other on in 9-ball with the red cue. Victoria's Spice had a pretty good game 1, but it could have gone much worse. Spice had a late scratch, opening the table up for Archtown's Sally, who converted two shots but left the 9 short at the top left, which Spice tapped in for a 1-0 series lead on the win. The Spurs' Spice took a mostly defensive stance in game 2, unable to truly find a breakthrough on offense. This was due to positioning from the Arrows' Sally, who survived a late scare when Spice nearly had a successful jump-bank on the 8. Sally made the final two shots to win, tying the series at 1 with her calm style. Sally kept up the pressure in game 3, and to great success, as she rallied with a seven-ball run on her second turn and forced Spice into illegal contact, allowing Sally to end the game with a pair of good shots starting with ball-in-hand on the 8. Sally took the series 2-1 after the rally, advancing to the bracket final.
House of 10 Windows, Del Sur: Hoppy v. Dustin. The silver cue is back for its other 9-ball series, the last of the day. Central's Dustin showed his quality in game 1, making a five-ball run in the middle of game 1 and a three-ball run-out on the next turn with some tougher-than-normal shots involved to defeat Southern's Hoppy and take a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 took a bit more time to get going, as neither player was sharp at the start. The Monarchs' Hoppy did well to defend against the Warriors' Dustin early on, and she eventually rattled off a three-ball run that could have been more had the 6 fallen in the bottom left. Dustin made the 6 and 7, but missed on the 9, and Hoppy tapped it in at the bottom side to earn the win and tie the series at 1. Dustin carried a majority of the play in game 3, and for good reason, as a four-ball run-out was what separated him from Hoppy, giving him a 2-1 series win. Dustin will host the Commerce Tradewinds captain Tigerette at Central's Nestle's Warriors Hall in the bracket final.
That's all for now, with more tomorrow and Monday in the bracket semifinals. Follow us on Twitter@UnitedPCL.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Slinks v. Niki. The first series of the day is in 12-ball with the red cue to lead off the round. Eastside's Niki received a wild-card ball from a good break by Westside's Slinks, who sputtered in the later parts of the game. Niki answered with a three-ball run-out, including a bank on the 6 that saw the cue glance the 6 to the top left for the win while running behind it, giving Niki an impressive highlight for her 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Slinks gave away another wild-card ball to the Sharks' Niki in game 2, but she was out of position this time, and she flubbed her set-up shot. Slinks answered by making her last two shots after a meticulous build-up to that point, earning the win to tie the series at 1. Slinks produced an interesting break that didn't work as well as planned throughout the game, as Niki kept pace well. Slinks' last shot was missed contact on a kick attempt, and Niki made her final two balls to win and take the series 2-1. Niki is through to the bracket finals, where she will once again play a road series.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Midnight v. Ms. Puppy. The blue cue opens its part of the round with Accuracy in the back-half of a venue doubleheader. Westside's Midnight barely missed at all in game 1, making a single mistake from Modernistic's Ms. Puppy quite costly. Midnight did miss late but the game was already decided, with a 1-2 final giving Midnight the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw the Union's Ms. Puppy blow a late lead twice, allowing the Rockers' Midnight to force overtime. Midnight did well with a soft break, buying herself a few more shots, but Ms. Puppy would convert on Midnight's next miss to win 4-5, tying the series at 1. Midnight flipped the script in game 3, blowing leads late but holding on in overtime as Ms. Puppy's long-range miss set Midnight up for the series clinching shot in her 4-5 win. Midnight won the series 2-1 to punch her ticket to the bracket finals.
Apple Center, Todavía: Sierra v. Shadow. A daughter versus father match is next in 10-ball with the silver cue. Todavía's Sierra showed a sense to let Web City's Shadow keep shooting illegal shots until she got something she liked. They exchanged evenly over the middle of game 1, but Sierra broke away with a four-ball run-out to win the first match, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Sierra looked primed to make another late run in game 2, dominating throughout this particular game. She had a four-ball run going when she missed her cut attempt on the 10, allowing the Spiders' Shadow ball-in-hand for the last shot when Sierra scratched. Shadow easily converted to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was an absolute mess for shooting, and it even featured a major brain cramp by Sierra, touching the cue after a legal hit by Shadow to restore possession to him after a miss. Shadow would end up winning later after Sierra couldn't make the 10, and Shadow won the series 2-1. Shadow has proven his quality on this bracket despite qualifying much better, and advances to the bracket finals for another road series.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Dreamy v. Stinky. The red cue is back for a series in Accuracy. Swordpoint's Dreamy was unflappable during game 1, missing not a single shot in a dominant performance. Freedom's Stinky couldn't say the same, holding close early before falling 0-4 to Dreamy, who leads the series 1-0 after a great opener. The Blades' Dreamy was barreling toward another perfect outing in game 2 until the Cascades' Stinky made the second-to-last ball, saving the game for himself. Dreamy would miss the final regulation ball and the first shot of overtime in a 1-2 loss to Stinky, whose win tied the series at 1 just in time. Stinky was even better in game 3, staying perfect and outlasting Dreamy, whose late miss sealed her fate in an 0-1 loss that gave Stinky the thrilling series by a 2-1 margin. Stinky advances to the bracket finals.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Ice Cream v. Taylor Swift. The blue cue returns to action in this 9-ball series. Eastside's Taylor had a good finish to game 1, making the final four balls over two turns to break an early deadlock with Commerce's Ice Cream. Taylor's finish helped her gain a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Ice Cream stayed in the game better in game 2, battling evenly with the Sharks' Taylor at first before making three of the last four balls to get the win. Ice Cream's late flurry earned her a tie in the series, evening the mark at 1 game apiece. Ice Cream won game 3 on a three-ball run-out, answering Taylor's mid-game three-ball run effectively to get the win and a 2-1 series win. Ice Cream will be facing a club-mate in the bracket finals, but it's yet to be determined who or where.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Charli XCX. The last series before today's break is in 8-ball with the silver cue. Tysini's Charli thought she was on to something with a five-ball run in game 1, but she peaked too early, unable to make her final ball under the watchful defensive eye of Freedom's Roxy, who would close out the game with a three-ball run-out after Charli scratched. Roxy leads the series 1-0. The two players started out fairly even in game 2, with the Cascades' Roxy making the first ball, only to see the Hummingbirds' Charli pull ahead. Charli held the lead for awhile, but Roxy took it back, and then Charli reclaimed it. Roxy would get the edge in the end, cutting the 8 in and narrowly avoiding a scratch to clinch the series at 2-0. Roxy pulled off a five-ball run at one point in game 3 to pull ahead of Charli, who answered back well, and then Roxy won a few turns later with a three-ball run-out after Charli chipped a shot on the 8. Roxy won the series 3-0, and she will host the bracket final for this event and cue.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Hoot. The blue cue gets the second session going with a bit of 12-ball. Infinity's Smudge had a good start to game 1, making a three-ball run from the break. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot offered a challenge later in the game, but his defense didn't stop Smudge on her final shot, giving her the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Smudge had a bad break in game 2, but she made the most of the turn, making a three-ball run to assert herself in the lead, and then when the Meteors' Hoot gave her enough space, Smudge unleashed a diagonal bank with texture to make the 4 at the top left, a deflected shot off the 7 to take the 6 in the bottom right, and the finishing shot on the 7 at the top right for the win and a 2-0 series lead. Hoot got his win in game 3, capitalizing on a few too many scratches by Smudge to get a four-ball run-out going, allowing Hoot to show off his skill a bit in the win. Smudge won the series 2-1, advancing to the bracket final.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Potter v. Marsell. Two diminutive bears battle it out in 8-ball with the blue cue for this series. Pronger's Potter fell behind to Whitewater's Marsell early in game 1, as the visitor had a defensive pressure quite firmly against Potter. This eventually broke, and Potter had a three-ball run and a five-ball run-out on consecutive turns to take the win and a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, a scratch from the Shores' Marsell nearly did him in, as the Tridents' Potter double-potted the 15 to the bottom right and 14 to the bottom left, then made the 12 in the bottom side and almost made the 8 at the bottom right. Instead, Marsell had time to put the 6 in defense on the 8, and when Potter sank it accidentally, Marsell's path to victory was a clear three-ball run-out, tying the series at 1 with the finishing run. Marsell had an excellent five-ball run from the break in game 3, putting pressure on Potter to make an impressive shot himself, and he failed, making the 8 illegally to gift Marsell a win and the 2-1 series win. Marsell takes the lucky bounce with him to the bracket final.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Americus. Another familial series goes with a daughter hosting her mother in 7-ball with the blue cue. Tysini's Leandra dominated possession in game 1, making all but one ball in the win for a 1-0 series lead. Atlantic's Americus had a chance to get the win, but slipped her shot, causing the loss. The Hummingbirds' Leandra lost her grip on game 2 when her shot on the 6 resulted in a scratch. The Pirates' Americus didn't immediately take advantage, but she would make the 7 two turns later to grab the win, as Leandra had a chance on the winning shot and misplayed the bank attempt. Americus' win ties the series at 1. Leandra did all of the work again in game 3, but she did not get rewarded for it this time, as her miss on the 7 allowed Americus to tap-in for the win, giving the visitor a 2-1 series win. Americus' good fortune carries her to one more road series in the bracket final.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Klaus v. Smudge. We're sticking with 7-ball, but the silver cue comes to the table this time. Infinity's Smudge felt robbed at the end of game 1, as her six-ball run was for naught. Her miss on the 7 left a good enough line for Atlantic's Klaus to bury it, swiping a win to take a 1-0 series lead despite his minimal input into the game. Game 2 saw the script flip, as the Pirates' Klaus made two balls on the break to lead off a six-ball run, only to see him chip his shot on the 7 at the bottom left. He left a good line for the Torpedoes' Smudge to make it, and she came through to get the win, tying the series at 1 with even possession so far. Smudge had the early offense in game 3, making a four-ball run but missing a 5-6 combination. Klaus did make that combination, and then backed it up with the 5 and the 7 for a three-ball run-out to snag the win and a 2-1 series win. The close series win gives Klaus the right to host the bracket final at this venue.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Paps v. Twinkie I. The silver cue stays in action for 15-ball in this series a bit farther south in the hills. Game 1 kept the shooting fairly competitive throughout, with Lighton's Twinkie I a bit better early on, then Eastside's Paps having a burst before the end. Paps had an errant 9-14-15 combination attempt, allowing Twinkie I to come in with a 9-15 combination to the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Twinkie I saw an opening in game 2 after a bit of the Sharks' Paps-controlled play, and Twinkie I took it with a deflection off the 9 to send the 15 to the bottom right around, good for a win and a 2-0 series lead. Paps had played well in the game, but couldn't defend against the tough trick play Twinkie I accomplished for the winner. Twinkie I completed the 3-0 series sweep with an impressive game 3, weathering a tough start and challenges from Paps early on to record a five-ball run-out in the end for the victory. Twinkie I advances to the bracket final in great form.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Snowball v. Sprinkles. The blue cue closes its opening day requirements in 10-ball, a Southwest Derby to boot. Swordpoint's Snowball made a ball on the break in game 1, but she wouldn't see much of the table after that. Capital City's Sprinkles nearly won with a six-ball run, leaving the 10 just short after a deflected shot off the 8. Snowball couldn't answer from there, and Sprinkles cut the 8 to the top left and the 9-10 combination to the bottom right to win and take a 1-0 series lead with amazing shooting. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles denied the Blades' Snowball of a medal in this event, as Snowball's chippy play in game 2 came back to hurt her. Sprinkles closed the game on a four-ball run-out, left in a neat order after a miss by Snowball put the 10 near the bottom left. Sprinkles clinched the series at 2-0 with the win, which nearly didn't happen as she left the cue close to a scratch. Snowball saved face in game 3, making a double-pot of the 8 and 10 to the bottom left and top right, respectively, to get a win after Sprinkles failed on her 8-10 combination attempt. Sprinkles still took the series 2-1, and will host the bracket final at Capital City SuperCenter.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Princess v. Tigerette. The silver cue gets a look in 9-ball now in a tough match between superstar captains. Tysini's Princess had the better of play in game 1, and while she did have a late scratch, Commerce's Tigerette couldn't get onto the 6. Princess would end the game with a three-ball run-out, including a double-pot of the 8 to the bottom left and 9 to the top side for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Tigerette had to dig deep to save her series in game 2, as the Hummingbirds' Princess charged with an early four-ball run. Tigerette replied with a well-cut four-ball run-out, answering shot for shot to get the win and tie the series at 1. Tigerette poached game 3 very well, as Princess was the first to settle into a shot. She had a five-ball run end in a light 7-9 combination that stayed lined up at the bottom right without falling. Tigerette converted it, winning for a 2-1 series win to advance to the bracket final on the road.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Bandit v. Bells. The red cue returns to action in this series of 7-ball that could get quite competitive. Swordpoint's Bandit nearly won on the break, as the 7 drifted close to the bottom right. Todavía's Bells wasted two turns scratching before a three-ball run, only to see Bandit strike the 4 to deflect the cue into the 7, finishing what he started for the win and a 1-0 series lead. Bells came out of nowhere to tie the series at 1 with a win in game 3. The Blades' Bandit had a strong break, but didn't pot a ball. Instead, the Stills' Bells ripped a shot at the 1, which came back off of two rails to pot the 7 at the bottom right as well as the 1 in the top left for the winning shot in stunning fashion. Bells really stepped up in game 3 with the series on the line, dominating possession and keeping Bandit away from the table in the late game with a five-ball run-out to get the win and a 2-1 series win. Bells heads to another road series for the bracket final after coming back to win this one.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Spice v. Sally. Two well-respected veterans take each other on in 9-ball with the red cue. Victoria's Spice had a pretty good game 1, but it could have gone much worse. Spice had a late scratch, opening the table up for Archtown's Sally, who converted two shots but left the 9 short at the top left, which Spice tapped in for a 1-0 series lead on the win. The Spurs' Spice took a mostly defensive stance in game 2, unable to truly find a breakthrough on offense. This was due to positioning from the Arrows' Sally, who survived a late scare when Spice nearly had a successful jump-bank on the 8. Sally made the final two shots to win, tying the series at 1 with her calm style. Sally kept up the pressure in game 3, and to great success, as she rallied with a seven-ball run on her second turn and forced Spice into illegal contact, allowing Sally to end the game with a pair of good shots starting with ball-in-hand on the 8. Sally took the series 2-1 after the rally, advancing to the bracket final.
House of 10 Windows, Del Sur: Hoppy v. Dustin. The silver cue is back for its other 9-ball series, the last of the day. Central's Dustin showed his quality in game 1, making a five-ball run in the middle of game 1 and a three-ball run-out on the next turn with some tougher-than-normal shots involved to defeat Southern's Hoppy and take a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 took a bit more time to get going, as neither player was sharp at the start. The Monarchs' Hoppy did well to defend against the Warriors' Dustin early on, and she eventually rattled off a three-ball run that could have been more had the 6 fallen in the bottom left. Dustin made the 6 and 7, but missed on the 9, and Hoppy tapped it in at the bottom side to earn the win and tie the series at 1. Dustin carried a majority of the play in game 3, and for good reason, as a four-ball run-out was what separated him from Hoppy, giving him a 2-1 series win. Dustin will host the Commerce Tradewinds captain Tigerette at Central's Nestle's Warriors Hall in the bracket final.
That's all for now, with more tomorrow and Monday in the bracket semifinals. Follow us on Twitter
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Tournament 2017: B-level Bracket Quarterfinals - Day 7
We're back with what should be the final day of games. Whether this gets divided over two calendar days is yet to be determined, but there's only 14 series left in the round. We begin with...
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Acorn. An energetic rookie takes on a wise veteran in 10-ball with the red cue to start the day. Southridge's Bianca had an acceptable game 1, including a late three-ball run, but her abrupt end to that run allowed Lighton's Acorn good position to make the final two balls for a close win and 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Bianca had a point-blank miss on the 6 in game 2, a nearly critical error save for the fact that the Prestige's Acorn was unable to convert the final four shots. Bianca got possession back with two shots to go, and made both of them without trouble to get the win, tying the series at 1 after a mid-game scare. Bianca dominated in game 3, making a five-ball run from the break, with two going down on the opening shot, and then closing with a four-ball run-out after Acorn's single turn didn't last long. Bianca took the series 2-1, and will host Stealth of the Swordpoint Blades at this venue in the bracket semifinals.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Sweetheart. Two experienced players meet in 7-ball with the silver cue. Capital City's Chris did a lot of the work with a five-ball run on his second turn, but his draw on the 5 to get position on the 6 failed, and he backed the cue right into the pocket on a scratch. Boston's Sweetheart made the final two balls to win and take a 1-0 series lead from ball-in-hand. Game 2 was a bit flipped around in the end, with the Swifts' Sweetheart making an early run of three balls, then losing possession to the Sharpshooters' Chris, who made a four-ball run-out two turns later after a bit of mutual flailing. Chris' strong finish tied the series at 1 despite his significant possession advantage so far. Game 3 had a bit of tension after Chris left the 7 near the top side on the break. Sweetheart even brushed at it later in the game, which made it easier for Chris to execute a four-ball run-out, ending on 5-7 bank combination at the top side for the win. Chris took the series 2-1, and will host the Queens Flames rookie Violetta in the bracket semifinals at this venue.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Americus v. Panda. Two players trying to stick with their respective teams meet in 7-ball with the blue cue. Atlantic's Americus thought her scratch after the 3 would be all Southern's Panda needed to win, but he missed on the 6, and Americus cleaned up the last two shots in a dominant game to win and take a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Americus did a little less work in game 2, but the Monarchs' Panda barely picked up any slack, and Americus got lucky to end the game early with a failed 5-7 combination to the top side that became successful two rails later at the bottom side, giving Americus the series at 2-0. Americus nearly won game 3 off of the break, but the 7 didn't spin right at the bottom side. It ended up not mattering, as Panda scratched after a three-ball run and Americus unleashed a four-ball run-out from ball-in-hand to get the series sweep at 3-0. Americus will head to Tysini in the bracket semifinals, where she'll face her own daughter, the Hummingbirds' Leandra, in Cisco Arena.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Ted v. Princess. The first series after the lunch break features the silver cue in 9-ball. Web City's Ted seemed to shoot slightly better in game 1 than did Tysini's Princess, but Ted couldn't close the game, losing as his three-ball run left the 9 in position for Princess to tap in for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Princess left no doubt as to who controlled game 2, making a three-ball run at the start and the end of the game. In the middle, Princess was also more effective, as the Spiders' Ted had very little in the way of good shots. Princess took the dominating win to earn a 2-0 series lead. Ted had a bit of redemption when Princess got called for illegal use of the stick in game 3 after watching her shot too long. Ted answered with a four-ball run-out to get the win, making it a 2-1 series. Princess will head home to Cisco Arena in Tysini, where she hosts the Commerce Tradewinds captain Tigerette in the bracket semifinals.
Intel Center, Diamond: Smokey v. Leandra. The silver cue stays in action as these two stars meet in Accuracy. Diamond's Smokey didn't let a scratch on the break ruin his game 1 experience, as he would only miss one more time. Tysini's Leandra did herself no favors with a triple-pot during a scratch, as she ran out of runway in the end, giving Smokey a 2-4 win and 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Smokey played even stronger in game 2, missing just once early on after a strong series of attacks with the Hummingbirds' Leandra, who couldn't hold the lead late in the game and slipped into a 1-2 deficit. Smokey made that stand for his win, clinching the series at 2-0. Smokey refused to miss a shot in game 3, another dominant effort that left Leandra high and dry as she could never catch up in the 0-3 game. Smokey won the series 3-0, and will hope for similar results when he hosts the Central Warriors captain Twilight in the bracket semifinals at this venue.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Puff II v. Debby Ryan. The red cue returns to action in this 15-ball series. Southridge's Debby had some good plays late in game 1 after a mixed start that saw her locked into battle with Boston's Puff II. Debby ended up with the win on an unorthodox bank shot to the top left, and while not intended, it gave her a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Puff II ended up with the game 2 win after a sloppy run-up to the finish. After shooting well initially, both players dropped off in quality, which hit its nadir as the Defenders' Debby scratched. Puff II adjusted her shooting style and made a three-ball run-out to win, tying the series at 1. Puff II had some struggles in game 3, as Debby had the better part of the early going, but Puff II closed things out with a three-ball run-out after finally getting favorable lines to down Debby. Puff II took the series 2-1, and will host the Todavía Stills' Sparkles in the bracket semifinals at this venue.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Shaggy v. Lexi. The league's top villain visits a journey-cat in 15-ball with the silver cue. Whitewater's Shaggy had a clear advantage in shooting in game 1, rallying with a seven-ball run to progress the game quite well. Harrison's Lexi had some distinct pressure late, by Shaggy smashed a long-range shot on the 15 to take the win and earn a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Shores' Shaggy suffered a bit more as she erred frequently. She paid for her last scratch dearly, as the Specters' Lexi made a three-ball run-out, using the ball-in-hand to set up the 9-15 combination at the top side, which she converted for the win, tying the series at 1. In game 3, Shaggy did everything she could to keep things interesting after Lexi produced an awful break. Shaggy was nearly at the win when she missed on the 14, allowing Lexi to make the final two shots for the win and a 2-1 series win. Lexi advances to the bracket semifinals, a series she will also play on the road.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Chicky Phil v. Crystal. A somewhat forgotten series is next, as these two sturdy veterans meet in 10-ball with the blue cue. Queens' Crystal had a three-ball run, including a non-called shot on the 5 that Pacific's Chicky Phil deferred possession on. Chicky Phil would take a three-ball run himself, but he missed on the 10, and Crystal tapped it in, winning in the end for a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Crystal seemed to get robbed in game 2, as her early and mid-game runs were not enough, the latter of those stretching for five shots. The Volcanoes' Chicky Phil came in at the end to clean up the scraps, making the last two balls to get the win and tie the series at 1. Chicky Phil took things over late in game 3, making a three-ball run before wedging the 8 and 9 together at the bottom right, which he double-potted as part of his three-ball run-out to win the game. Chicky Phil defeated Crystal 2-1 in the series, and will host the Freedom Cascades' Stinky at this venue in the bracket semifinals.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Puff II v. Marsell. The blue cue remains up in 8-ball for this series. Boston's Puff II couldn't develop a shot in game 1, causing her a lot of trouble as Whitewater's Marsell had slightly more success. It was still a gritty finish, with Marsell finally striking the 8 in for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Marsell grew into game 2 fairly quickly, making a seven-ball run from the break. The Swifts' Puff II had all the makings of a counterattack, but she couldn't convert a run of her own in two turns, and Marsell was able to send the 8 down legally for the win and 2-0 series lead to clinch advancement. Puff II saved face in game 3, capitalizing on indecision by Marsell at the start of the game to make an early run and support it enough for the win, making it a 2-1 series. Marsell will travel to Pronger's Ford Forum to face Tridents rookie Potter in the bracket semifinals.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Spot. The Cascades sophomore looks to bounce back from his last series, playing 7-ball with the red cue against a Tridents rookie. Pronger's Spot thought things were going well in game 1, but it all came crashing down when he missed on the 5, allowing Freedom's Nikolai to break through with a three-ball run-out to get the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Nikolai tried to make his run a bit too soon in game 2, and realized his mistake when he missed on the 6, which was left in position for the Tridents' Spot to make it and 7 for the win, tying the series at 1 and putting the visitor in a powerful position. Spot picked up a big win in game 3, answering a four-ball run from Nikolai with a three-ball run-out of his own to get the 2-1 series win. Spot will head home to Ford Forum in Pronger, set to host the Royal Crowns' Kayla in the bracket semifinals.
Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Lionel. Two highly respected players meet in 15-ball with the blue cue, that stick's last series of the round, after the mid-afternoon break. Todavía's Easter ended up winning a scratch-filled game 1 with a four-ball run-out that danced around scratch-prone shots to defeat Commerce's Lionel, whose own scratch set up the run. Easter leads the series 1-0. The Stills' Easter was under siege late in game 2, as the Tradewinds' Lionel made a three-ball run and then obliterated Easter's defensive play with a dead-on jump to take the 11 at the bottom right. Lionel couldn't corral the 14, and Easter took care of it and the 15 to escape the game with the series clinching win, going ahead 2-0. Game 3 was a back-and-forth battle between the players, coming to an end with Lionel making the last two balls after Easter failed to convert a combination shot. Easter still took the series 2-1 despite Lionel's late win, and Easter will play host to the Everton Eagles' Blizzard in the bracket semifinals at this venue.
House of 10 Windows, Del Sur: Hoppy v. Panda. A pair of Monarchs lead off the final three series, playing 12-ball with the silver cue. Panda made game 1 very quick with a critical error on his first shot, setting Hoppy up for a three-ball run and a tap-in left for her third and final turn after a successful break helped to pace her attack. Hoppy's dominant performance gave her a 1-0 series lead. Panda played a brilliant defensive game 2, stymieing Hoppy at the top corners to frustrate her until she removed her defense. Panda then made a three-ball run to get set up, and waited for a clear shot, winning with positional advantage to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was fairly similar to game 1, as Panda got nothing on the break and Hoppy asserted herself well. After a couple of turns of positioning, Panda made the mistake of leaving Hoppy lined up, and she squeezed out a four-ball run-out to win the game and the series 2-1. Hoppy will host Potter of the Pronger Tridents at this venue in the bracket semifinals.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stephanie Livilotti v. Spice. The red cue ends its round in 12-ball between a rookie and a respected captain. Southridge's Stephanie had control of game 1 from the get-go, making a four-ball run from the break to put Victoria's Spice on defense. Stephanie then made her fifth ball on the next turn, but had a little trouble getting the right position on the the last shot. Spice was unable to make anything while she collapsed to defend the top side, but Stephanie would eventually kick her final ball past one of Spice's blockers and into the pocket for the win, and a 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Stephanie didn't play as well in game 2, but a big block she tossed at the bottom side led to the Spurs' Spice giving her a wild-card ball at the end, and Stephanie made her next shot to win the game and clinch the series at 2-0. Stephanie needed a long build-up in game 3 to get in position, and Spice made it more difficult for her with a light amount of defense. Spice released the defense early, hoping to get lined up on her last shot, but Stephanie countered with a three-ball run and a good set-up on the last shot, which she made on the next turn to complete the 3-0 series sweep. Stephanie heads to Central's Nestle's Warriors Hall to face a fellow rookie, the Warriors' Mario, in the bracket semifinals.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Jasmine v. Daisy. The final series of the round is 15-ball with the silver cue. Freedom's Jasmine turned things around very well in game 1, going from a sloppy and scratch-plagued early half to a seven-ball run near the end. Modernistic's Daisy had a chance to poach the 15, but missed a long-range shot, and Jasmine buried it to win for a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Daisy saved her heroics for late, waiting until the Cascades' Jasmine missed one too many times late in the game. Daisy burst out of the shadows with a three-ball run-out, quickly making the easy series of shots after chipping in a little bit in a Jasmine-controlled game. The series is tied at 1. Game 3 went very slowly, as neither player wanted to make a mistake, and in their caution, erred far more frequently than in the earlier games. The end was tightly contested, but it would be Daisy rattling the 14 out and Jasmine making the last two shots for a 2-1 series win. Jasmine stays at home to host the Harrison Specters' Lexi in the bracket semifinals.
That's all for the Bracket Quarterfinals, done in a week's time. We will likely begin the Bracket Semifinals tomorrow, and they should last through Monday, with an outside chance to end on Sunday. Administrative work is on the way, with a standings update and a new schedule to be out within 90 minutes, all in preparation to be back at it tomorrow. For live updates, follow@UnitedPCL on Twitter.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Acorn. An energetic rookie takes on a wise veteran in 10-ball with the red cue to start the day. Southridge's Bianca had an acceptable game 1, including a late three-ball run, but her abrupt end to that run allowed Lighton's Acorn good position to make the final two balls for a close win and 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Bianca had a point-blank miss on the 6 in game 2, a nearly critical error save for the fact that the Prestige's Acorn was unable to convert the final four shots. Bianca got possession back with two shots to go, and made both of them without trouble to get the win, tying the series at 1 after a mid-game scare. Bianca dominated in game 3, making a five-ball run from the break, with two going down on the opening shot, and then closing with a four-ball run-out after Acorn's single turn didn't last long. Bianca took the series 2-1, and will host Stealth of the Swordpoint Blades at this venue in the bracket semifinals.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Sweetheart. Two experienced players meet in 7-ball with the silver cue. Capital City's Chris did a lot of the work with a five-ball run on his second turn, but his draw on the 5 to get position on the 6 failed, and he backed the cue right into the pocket on a scratch. Boston's Sweetheart made the final two balls to win and take a 1-0 series lead from ball-in-hand. Game 2 was a bit flipped around in the end, with the Swifts' Sweetheart making an early run of three balls, then losing possession to the Sharpshooters' Chris, who made a four-ball run-out two turns later after a bit of mutual flailing. Chris' strong finish tied the series at 1 despite his significant possession advantage so far. Game 3 had a bit of tension after Chris left the 7 near the top side on the break. Sweetheart even brushed at it later in the game, which made it easier for Chris to execute a four-ball run-out, ending on 5-7 bank combination at the top side for the win. Chris took the series 2-1, and will host the Queens Flames rookie Violetta in the bracket semifinals at this venue.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Americus v. Panda. Two players trying to stick with their respective teams meet in 7-ball with the blue cue. Atlantic's Americus thought her scratch after the 3 would be all Southern's Panda needed to win, but he missed on the 6, and Americus cleaned up the last two shots in a dominant game to win and take a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Americus did a little less work in game 2, but the Monarchs' Panda barely picked up any slack, and Americus got lucky to end the game early with a failed 5-7 combination to the top side that became successful two rails later at the bottom side, giving Americus the series at 2-0. Americus nearly won game 3 off of the break, but the 7 didn't spin right at the bottom side. It ended up not mattering, as Panda scratched after a three-ball run and Americus unleashed a four-ball run-out from ball-in-hand to get the series sweep at 3-0. Americus will head to Tysini in the bracket semifinals, where she'll face her own daughter, the Hummingbirds' Leandra, in Cisco Arena.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Ted v. Princess. The first series after the lunch break features the silver cue in 9-ball. Web City's Ted seemed to shoot slightly better in game 1 than did Tysini's Princess, but Ted couldn't close the game, losing as his three-ball run left the 9 in position for Princess to tap in for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Princess left no doubt as to who controlled game 2, making a three-ball run at the start and the end of the game. In the middle, Princess was also more effective, as the Spiders' Ted had very little in the way of good shots. Princess took the dominating win to earn a 2-0 series lead. Ted had a bit of redemption when Princess got called for illegal use of the stick in game 3 after watching her shot too long. Ted answered with a four-ball run-out to get the win, making it a 2-1 series. Princess will head home to Cisco Arena in Tysini, where she hosts the Commerce Tradewinds captain Tigerette in the bracket semifinals.
Intel Center, Diamond: Smokey v. Leandra. The silver cue stays in action as these two stars meet in Accuracy. Diamond's Smokey didn't let a scratch on the break ruin his game 1 experience, as he would only miss one more time. Tysini's Leandra did herself no favors with a triple-pot during a scratch, as she ran out of runway in the end, giving Smokey a 2-4 win and 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Smokey played even stronger in game 2, missing just once early on after a strong series of attacks with the Hummingbirds' Leandra, who couldn't hold the lead late in the game and slipped into a 1-2 deficit. Smokey made that stand for his win, clinching the series at 2-0. Smokey refused to miss a shot in game 3, another dominant effort that left Leandra high and dry as she could never catch up in the 0-3 game. Smokey won the series 3-0, and will hope for similar results when he hosts the Central Warriors captain Twilight in the bracket semifinals at this venue.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Puff II v. Debby Ryan. The red cue returns to action in this 15-ball series. Southridge's Debby had some good plays late in game 1 after a mixed start that saw her locked into battle with Boston's Puff II. Debby ended up with the win on an unorthodox bank shot to the top left, and while not intended, it gave her a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Puff II ended up with the game 2 win after a sloppy run-up to the finish. After shooting well initially, both players dropped off in quality, which hit its nadir as the Defenders' Debby scratched. Puff II adjusted her shooting style and made a three-ball run-out to win, tying the series at 1. Puff II had some struggles in game 3, as Debby had the better part of the early going, but Puff II closed things out with a three-ball run-out after finally getting favorable lines to down Debby. Puff II took the series 2-1, and will host the Todavía Stills' Sparkles in the bracket semifinals at this venue.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Shaggy v. Lexi. The league's top villain visits a journey-cat in 15-ball with the silver cue. Whitewater's Shaggy had a clear advantage in shooting in game 1, rallying with a seven-ball run to progress the game quite well. Harrison's Lexi had some distinct pressure late, by Shaggy smashed a long-range shot on the 15 to take the win and earn a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Shores' Shaggy suffered a bit more as she erred frequently. She paid for her last scratch dearly, as the Specters' Lexi made a three-ball run-out, using the ball-in-hand to set up the 9-15 combination at the top side, which she converted for the win, tying the series at 1. In game 3, Shaggy did everything she could to keep things interesting after Lexi produced an awful break. Shaggy was nearly at the win when she missed on the 14, allowing Lexi to make the final two shots for the win and a 2-1 series win. Lexi advances to the bracket semifinals, a series she will also play on the road.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Chicky Phil v. Crystal. A somewhat forgotten series is next, as these two sturdy veterans meet in 10-ball with the blue cue. Queens' Crystal had a three-ball run, including a non-called shot on the 5 that Pacific's Chicky Phil deferred possession on. Chicky Phil would take a three-ball run himself, but he missed on the 10, and Crystal tapped it in, winning in the end for a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Crystal seemed to get robbed in game 2, as her early and mid-game runs were not enough, the latter of those stretching for five shots. The Volcanoes' Chicky Phil came in at the end to clean up the scraps, making the last two balls to get the win and tie the series at 1. Chicky Phil took things over late in game 3, making a three-ball run before wedging the 8 and 9 together at the bottom right, which he double-potted as part of his three-ball run-out to win the game. Chicky Phil defeated Crystal 2-1 in the series, and will host the Freedom Cascades' Stinky at this venue in the bracket semifinals.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Puff II v. Marsell. The blue cue remains up in 8-ball for this series. Boston's Puff II couldn't develop a shot in game 1, causing her a lot of trouble as Whitewater's Marsell had slightly more success. It was still a gritty finish, with Marsell finally striking the 8 in for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Marsell grew into game 2 fairly quickly, making a seven-ball run from the break. The Swifts' Puff II had all the makings of a counterattack, but she couldn't convert a run of her own in two turns, and Marsell was able to send the 8 down legally for the win and 2-0 series lead to clinch advancement. Puff II saved face in game 3, capitalizing on indecision by Marsell at the start of the game to make an early run and support it enough for the win, making it a 2-1 series. Marsell will travel to Pronger's Ford Forum to face Tridents rookie Potter in the bracket semifinals.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Spot. The Cascades sophomore looks to bounce back from his last series, playing 7-ball with the red cue against a Tridents rookie. Pronger's Spot thought things were going well in game 1, but it all came crashing down when he missed on the 5, allowing Freedom's Nikolai to break through with a three-ball run-out to get the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Nikolai tried to make his run a bit too soon in game 2, and realized his mistake when he missed on the 6, which was left in position for the Tridents' Spot to make it and 7 for the win, tying the series at 1 and putting the visitor in a powerful position. Spot picked up a big win in game 3, answering a four-ball run from Nikolai with a three-ball run-out of his own to get the 2-1 series win. Spot will head home to Ford Forum in Pronger, set to host the Royal Crowns' Kayla in the bracket semifinals.
Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Lionel. Two highly respected players meet in 15-ball with the blue cue, that stick's last series of the round, after the mid-afternoon break. Todavía's Easter ended up winning a scratch-filled game 1 with a four-ball run-out that danced around scratch-prone shots to defeat Commerce's Lionel, whose own scratch set up the run. Easter leads the series 1-0. The Stills' Easter was under siege late in game 2, as the Tradewinds' Lionel made a three-ball run and then obliterated Easter's defensive play with a dead-on jump to take the 11 at the bottom right. Lionel couldn't corral the 14, and Easter took care of it and the 15 to escape the game with the series clinching win, going ahead 2-0. Game 3 was a back-and-forth battle between the players, coming to an end with Lionel making the last two balls after Easter failed to convert a combination shot. Easter still took the series 2-1 despite Lionel's late win, and Easter will play host to the Everton Eagles' Blizzard in the bracket semifinals at this venue.
House of 10 Windows, Del Sur: Hoppy v. Panda. A pair of Monarchs lead off the final three series, playing 12-ball with the silver cue. Panda made game 1 very quick with a critical error on his first shot, setting Hoppy up for a three-ball run and a tap-in left for her third and final turn after a successful break helped to pace her attack. Hoppy's dominant performance gave her a 1-0 series lead. Panda played a brilliant defensive game 2, stymieing Hoppy at the top corners to frustrate her until she removed her defense. Panda then made a three-ball run to get set up, and waited for a clear shot, winning with positional advantage to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was fairly similar to game 1, as Panda got nothing on the break and Hoppy asserted herself well. After a couple of turns of positioning, Panda made the mistake of leaving Hoppy lined up, and she squeezed out a four-ball run-out to win the game and the series 2-1. Hoppy will host Potter of the Pronger Tridents at this venue in the bracket semifinals.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stephanie Livilotti v. Spice. The red cue ends its round in 12-ball between a rookie and a respected captain. Southridge's Stephanie had control of game 1 from the get-go, making a four-ball run from the break to put Victoria's Spice on defense. Stephanie then made her fifth ball on the next turn, but had a little trouble getting the right position on the the last shot. Spice was unable to make anything while she collapsed to defend the top side, but Stephanie would eventually kick her final ball past one of Spice's blockers and into the pocket for the win, and a 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Stephanie didn't play as well in game 2, but a big block she tossed at the bottom side led to the Spurs' Spice giving her a wild-card ball at the end, and Stephanie made her next shot to win the game and clinch the series at 2-0. Stephanie needed a long build-up in game 3 to get in position, and Spice made it more difficult for her with a light amount of defense. Spice released the defense early, hoping to get lined up on her last shot, but Stephanie countered with a three-ball run and a good set-up on the last shot, which she made on the next turn to complete the 3-0 series sweep. Stephanie heads to Central's Nestle's Warriors Hall to face a fellow rookie, the Warriors' Mario, in the bracket semifinals.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Jasmine v. Daisy. The final series of the round is 15-ball with the silver cue. Freedom's Jasmine turned things around very well in game 1, going from a sloppy and scratch-plagued early half to a seven-ball run near the end. Modernistic's Daisy had a chance to poach the 15, but missed a long-range shot, and Jasmine buried it to win for a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Daisy saved her heroics for late, waiting until the Cascades' Jasmine missed one too many times late in the game. Daisy burst out of the shadows with a three-ball run-out, quickly making the easy series of shots after chipping in a little bit in a Jasmine-controlled game. The series is tied at 1. Game 3 went very slowly, as neither player wanted to make a mistake, and in their caution, erred far more frequently than in the earlier games. The end was tightly contested, but it would be Daisy rattling the 14 out and Jasmine making the last two shots for a 2-1 series win. Jasmine stays at home to host the Harrison Specters' Lexi in the bracket semifinals.
That's all for the Bracket Quarterfinals, done in a week's time. We will likely begin the Bracket Semifinals tomorrow, and they should last through Monday, with an outside chance to end on Sunday. Administrative work is on the way, with a standings update and a new schedule to be out within 90 minutes, all in preparation to be back at it tomorrow. For live updates, follow
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Tournament 2017: B-level Bracket Quarterfinals - Day 6
We're back, hopefully with better play and more patience than last night saw. We begin with...
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Sleepy B. The first series of the day pits the undefeated sophomore against a decent veteran in Rotation with the blue cue. Archtown's Sleepy B. fell behind to Freedom's Nikolai early in game 1, but Nikolai had a scratch that set off a five-ball run-out by Sleepy B., good enough for her to win 8-5 and take a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Arrows' Sleepy B. was strong from the start, beginning as she ended with three-ball runs on both ends of the game. The Cascades' Nikolai tried to stay competitive, but Sleepy B. was too far ahead and won 8-3 in the end, clinching the series at 2-0 to end Nikolai's undefeated run. Nikolai got on the board in game 3 with a highlight 1-9-15-13-11 combination, or as it is known, a lottery shot. This wouldn't be his only instance of good luck, as Sleepy B. rattled out the final ball late in a tied game, allowing Nikolai to get a game with an 8-7 win. Sleepy B. took the series 2-1, and will be on the road in the bracket semifinals.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Sprinkles v. Valencia. The blue cue stays in action for 10-ball between two of Youth Movement's finest. Golden's Valencia didn't set herself apart much until the end of game 1, when Capital City's Sprinkles scratched and Valencia used that for a four-ball run-out from ball-in-hand to earn the win and a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 got flipped around on the Pilots' Valencia, who inadvertently had an illegally potted ball, and the Sharpshooters' Sprinkles chose to retain possession. Four shots later, Sprinkles made the 7-10 combination to the top right after a stretch of brilliant positioning, and her win tied the series at 1. In game 3, Valencia seemed to have the better of the possession, using a four-ball run at one point to make things interesting. The ending slowed down, and this allowed Sprinkles back in, and she made the last two shots to take the win and the 2-1 series win in one fell swoop. Sprinkles is off to a road series in Swordpoint, facing the Blades captain Snowball at Gillette Center in the bracket semifinals.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Puff II. The Pirates captain looks to get multiple series wins in a year for the first time since 2014 when she hosts the Swifts star in Rotation with the blue cue, facing the winner of today's first series. Atlantic's Delila had a great start to game 1, but everything froze up on the 7, allowing Boston's Puff II to eventually rattle off a four-ball run to tie the game. Puff II could have won, but a lazy miss on the 13 allowed Delila to claim an 8-7 win with the last two shots to go ahead 1-0 in the series. In game 2, the Pirates' Delila showed no capability to get her game on track, fouling from bad positions frequently as Puff II marched to confident 8-1 win to tie the series at 1. Delila interchanged a stretch of sloppy play in game 3 with a five-ball run-out at the end, beating Puff II 8-2 for the 2-1 series win in a series that was not up to the visitor's standard of play. Delila will host Sleepy B. of the Archtown Arrows at this venue in the bracket semifinals.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Charli XCX V. Panda. The reigning Rookie of the Year meets a beleaguered captain in 8-ball with the silver cue. Southern's Panda had a great time picking apart a terrible break from Tysini's Charli, as Panda would pick his suit and end the game with a side-pocket heavy five-ball run-out to claim the win and a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went much better for both sides, as the Monarchs' Panda had a good break, but the Hummingbirds' Charli finished even better. Charli made a three-ball run-out with excellent positioning and execution to keep Panda away from a late game turn. Charli's win tied the series at 1, setting up a decisive game. Charli was dominant in game 2, helped a bit by Panda's frequent scratching preventing him from mounting a challenging run. Charli even sent Panda's defense to the wrong pocket, and then made the 8 at the bottom left to get the win and a 2-1 series win. Charli will head to Toyota Arena in Freedom to face Roxy of the Cascades in the bracket semifinals.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Klaus v. Blizzard. The silver cue plays its last series of the day, a set of 12-ball between the rookie and the veteran. Atlantic's Klaus got off to a fine start in game 1, but he couldn't hold up under the methodical shooting of Everton's Blizzard, who picked apart her shots well and won when Klaus couldn't pot the 7 at the top left. Blizzard took a 1-0 series lead with the win. The Eagles' Blizzard faced a stiffer challenge in game 2, with less friendly positioning and her surrender of a wild-card ball to the Pirates' Klaus. Just as Klaus seemed to be taking the upper-hand, he illegally potted a ball and gave Blizzard a clean line on her final shot, which she made to secure the series at 2-0. Klaus won game 3, as Blizzard struggled to gain position while Klaus made an early three-ball run and had no trouble getting on top of the other shots. Blizzard still won the series 2-1, and will head to Toyota Arena in Freedom to face the Cascades' Nikolai in the bracket semifinals.
Intel Center, Diamond: Citrus v. Smudge. Two players not known for getting along tangle in a 9-ball match, the first of five straight blue cue series. Game 1 was sloppy on both sides, and Infinity's Smudge never figured out how to fix it, dropping the result as Diamond's Citrus hung on by a hair to make a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the shooting was a little bit better on both sides, but this didn't benefit the Gems' Citrus, who crashed out with a string of missed shots late in the game, allowing the Torpedoes' Smudge to step in with a three-ball run-out, equalizing the series at 1 game apiece. Game 3 started off well enough, but both players were on the verge of rage at the end. Citrus closed the game with a hard, bouncing bank of the 9 from the top rail to the bottom side to make it a 2-1 series win for herself. Citrus will face Smudge's daughter, Bianca of the Southridge Defenders, in the bracket semifinals at this venue.
Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Chris. It's a battle of captains in this 12-ball series, with both having their strengths this Tournament so far. Capital City's Chris showed off decent skills in game 1, making a four-ball run after Todavía's Easter scratched on the break to pace his attack. Chris made each of his last two balls individually, while Easter didn't resist, and the win put Chris ahead 1-0 in the series. The Sharpshooters' Chris lived up to that team name, blasting a four-ball run from the break and then making the last two balls on his next turn, while the Stills' Easter could barely manage to make one shot on her only turn of a brutal loss. Chris clinched the series at 2-0 with another big win. Chris slipped up a bit in game 3, giving Easter a wild card ball without establishing his own position, and Easter rode this out to grab a win, saving some face in a series that did not go her way. Chris won the series 2-1, heading to Boston's Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center to meet the Swifts captain Patches in the bracket semifinals.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Leonette v. Rainmane. The middle series of the blue cue stretch is 8-ball, and will be the last before today's mid-afternoon break. Midland's Rainmane broke out for a nice five-ball run after Pacific's Leonette scratched on the break. Leonette answered with a four-ball run, but Rainmane made the last two shots to preserve the win and a 1-0 series lead for herself. All the Predators' Rainmane got in game 2 was the break, which was solid but didn't produce anything. The Volcanoes' Leonette responded in the best way possible, going on a remarkably executed eight-ball run-out, dodging traffic to get the equalizing win that tied the series at 1. Leonette got off to a four-ball run in game 3, putting pressure on Rainmane to respond. Rainmane did just that, and just in the nick of time, with a five-ball run-out to take the win and a 2-1 series win. Rainmane heads to Toyota Arena in Freedom to meet the Cascades' Nikolai in the bracket semifinals.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Chris. An underrated star and a similarly underrated captain get things going again in Rotation with the blue cue's fourth of five straight series. Lighton's Spirit needed only two turns in game 1, as she made a three-ball run from the break and a five-ball run-out, with Capital City's Chris scratching in the middle to help Spirit out along the way to her 8-0 win and 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Spirit didn't get off so easy in game 2, as the Sharpshooters' Chris actually held the early lead. He couldn't make it last, with too many errors midgame, and Spirit answered with a four-ball run-out for an 8-4 win to clinch the series at 2-0, ending on a tough cut of the 11 to the top right. Spirit completed the dominant 3-0 series sweep with an 8-1 win in game 3, as Chris never cared to make enough plays to get back into the game once Spirit asserted herself. The sweep carries Spirit to Todavía, where a headlining match with her sister, the Stills' Sierra, at Apple Center awaits.
Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Stinky: The blue cue ends its reign with 10-ball in this series between veterans. Freedom's Stinky played well in game 1, but Todavía's Easter did not slouch, making it a tight game. Near the end, deflection plays became popular, with Easter failing on hers, and Stinky winning as he bounced the cue off the 6 to pot the 10 at the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Stinky stayed very competitive with the Stills' Easter in a fast game 2, which saw Stinky's three-ball run answered by a three-ball run from Easter that ended in a scratch on the 10. Stinky made the play from ball-in-hand to nab the win and secure the series at 2-0. Stinky made every ball in game 3, with one on the break, a four-ball run highlighted by numerous talented kick shots, and a well-positioned five-ball run-out for the win to make it a 3-0 series sweep over Easter. Stinky will play on into the bracket semifinals.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Spice. The red cue makes its first appearance of the day in 9-ball. Pearl's Watermelon seemed unable to get comfortable in game 1, missing quite a few shots as she allowed Victoria's Spice much more latitude in shooting. Spice capitalized on this with a three-ball run-out, her second extended run of the game, which gave her a 1-0 series lead in the win. The Spurs' Spice had her turn to look uncomfortable at the start of game 2, watching the Surfers' Watermelon convert shots with ease. Spice put a stop to that with a five-ball run-out, the aggressive stretch of shots paying off to earn her another win that sealed the series at 2-0. Game 3 was the worst of the series in quality terms, especially for Spice, who flubbed shot after shot, allowing Watermelon to slowly pick through the game and eventually win on a tap-in after Spice's miss. Spice still took the series 2-1, and will head home to Sprint Hall in Victoria to host the Archtown Arrows' Sally in the bracket semifinals.
House of 10 Windows, Del Sur: Panda v. Dominic. The blue cue returns for a series of Accuracy between two struggling players. Things went well in game 1 until Viewpoint Sound's Dominic intentionally left Southern's Panda without an easy shot. Panda converted, but also scratched, and the collapse was on. Dominic would win 2-4, taking a 1-0 series lead thanks to one move. Game 2 was even tighter at the end, as both the Meteors' Dominic and the Monarchs' Panda failed to play defensive positioning, and when Panda did, Dominic converted a bank shot on the last ball to the bottom left to force overtime. Panda went empty on the overtime break, and Dominic made his shot to win the game 1-2, clinching the series at 2-0. Dominic had game 3 in the palm of his hand, and then he missed contact on the second-to-last ball. Panda punished the mistake, and Dominic would miss three in a row to lose 4-5 in overtime. Dominic will settle for 2-1 series win as he heads to Nike Field Events Center in Commerce to visit the Tradewinds' Tigerette in the bracket semifinals.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Strawberry v. Hoot. The new Meteor meets his other former teammate, while the Union newcomer is new to reunions in this 8-ball series with the red cue. Modernistic's Strawberry ran the table in game 1, performing a technical nine-ball run-out from the break as she made two solids and a stripe on the break. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot can only take solace in not getting shut out, but Strawberry's dominant display gave her a win and 1-0 series lead in only seven shots. The Union's Strawberry did all the work in game 2 as well, but this went far worse for her. Six balls fell, including two on the final shot, as she accidentally potted the 8 as well as the intended 4 on a deflection play, gifting the Meteors' Hoot with the equalizing win to tie the series at 1 despite the fact that he has taken zero shots in the series, a stat that will change with the next break. Hoot's poor break in game 3 ensured he would take multiple shots, and while he did, he wasn't effective. Strawberry helped him as much as he helped himself, and Strawberry finished with a three-ball run-out in a slower paced game, which gave her the win and 2-1 series win. Strawberry will stay here to host the Harrison Specters' Lexi in the bracket semifinals.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Fluffina v. Bright. The Lumberjacks captain has a doubleheader at home, first facing a Nighthawk in Rotation with the red cue. Game 1 was nothing but a battle, as North Modernistic's Bright tried to retain a lead but couldn't shake a relentless rally from Maplewood's Fluffina, who came back multiple times to win 8-7 and take a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Bright showed a bit more skill in holding a late lead in game 2, making a crazy bank on the 11 and then a glancing kick on the 12 to establish the lead. The Lumberjacks' Fluffina got one back, but couldn't sustain a rally, and Bright won 8-6 with the 14 falling in the bottom side, tying the series at 1 as well. Fluffina had some trouble breaking through in a tough game 3, but her lead once she did was short-lived, as Bright converted a double-pot of the 10 and 13 to the right corners as part of his five-ball run-out to win the game 8-5 for a 2-1 series win. Bright will head to Nike Field Events Center in Commerce to face the Tradewinds' Lionel in the bracket semifinals.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Fluffina v. Chris. Completing the doubleheader, the Lumberjacks captain welcomes her opposite from the Sharpshooters for Accuracy with the red cue. Maplewood's Fluffina thought she had game 1 under control, but a miss on the last ball of regulation and the first shot of overtime sent her to a 2-3 loss when Capital City's Chris converted after both misses to take the 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Chris fell behind early in game 2, and while her was briefly in a tie with the Lumberjacks' Fluffina, he missed a shot and couldn't force her into another miss. Fluffina confidently took the win 1-2 and tied the series at 1 in a strong outing that showed her finishing ability. Game 3 saw each player stressing significantly, filled with worry over each miss. Fluffina had the most to worry about, as she twice failed to corral the last ball, forcing the game into a tie after Chris made it. Fluffina elected for the soft draw-back break in overtime, but it left Chris with an open shot to win the game 3-4 and the series 2-1. Chris' overtime heroics pace him to Victoria's Sprint Hall, where the Spurs rookie Wario awaits in the bracket semifinals.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Goatee. The final series of the day has the blue cue up for 15-ball. Westside's Goatee seemed to gain the momentum early in game 1, making a lot more of the shots than Midland's Rainmane. Goatee peaked too soon with a four-ball run, and a few turns later, Rainmane countered on a three-ball run-out to win and take a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw a much stronger effort from the Predators' Rainmane, who rallied with a five-ball run early on, and then answered a late three-ball run from the Rockers' Goatee with a three-ball run-out, which carried Rainmane to another win and a 2-0 series lead. Goatee finally got her win in game 3, fighting an even battle with Rainmane to prevent a sweep. Rainmane won the series 2-1, and she will host A. Charlton of the Golden Pilots at this venue in the bracket semifinals, as the Southlands Derby comes to Tournament action.
That's all for tonight. The current plan would be to finish the round tomorrow and take care of all associated administrative tasks tomorrow night. Further updates will be in tomorrow's post and on@UnitedPCL on Twitter.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Sleepy B. The first series of the day pits the undefeated sophomore against a decent veteran in Rotation with the blue cue. Archtown's Sleepy B. fell behind to Freedom's Nikolai early in game 1, but Nikolai had a scratch that set off a five-ball run-out by Sleepy B., good enough for her to win 8-5 and take a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Arrows' Sleepy B. was strong from the start, beginning as she ended with three-ball runs on both ends of the game. The Cascades' Nikolai tried to stay competitive, but Sleepy B. was too far ahead and won 8-3 in the end, clinching the series at 2-0 to end Nikolai's undefeated run. Nikolai got on the board in game 3 with a highlight 1-9-15-13-11 combination, or as it is known, a lottery shot. This wouldn't be his only instance of good luck, as Sleepy B. rattled out the final ball late in a tied game, allowing Nikolai to get a game with an 8-7 win. Sleepy B. took the series 2-1, and will be on the road in the bracket semifinals.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Sprinkles v. Valencia. The blue cue stays in action for 10-ball between two of Youth Movement's finest. Golden's Valencia didn't set herself apart much until the end of game 1, when Capital City's Sprinkles scratched and Valencia used that for a four-ball run-out from ball-in-hand to earn the win and a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 got flipped around on the Pilots' Valencia, who inadvertently had an illegally potted ball, and the Sharpshooters' Sprinkles chose to retain possession. Four shots later, Sprinkles made the 7-10 combination to the top right after a stretch of brilliant positioning, and her win tied the series at 1. In game 3, Valencia seemed to have the better of the possession, using a four-ball run at one point to make things interesting. The ending slowed down, and this allowed Sprinkles back in, and she made the last two shots to take the win and the 2-1 series win in one fell swoop. Sprinkles is off to a road series in Swordpoint, facing the Blades captain Snowball at Gillette Center in the bracket semifinals.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Puff II. The Pirates captain looks to get multiple series wins in a year for the first time since 2014 when she hosts the Swifts star in Rotation with the blue cue, facing the winner of today's first series. Atlantic's Delila had a great start to game 1, but everything froze up on the 7, allowing Boston's Puff II to eventually rattle off a four-ball run to tie the game. Puff II could have won, but a lazy miss on the 13 allowed Delila to claim an 8-7 win with the last two shots to go ahead 1-0 in the series. In game 2, the Pirates' Delila showed no capability to get her game on track, fouling from bad positions frequently as Puff II marched to confident 8-1 win to tie the series at 1. Delila interchanged a stretch of sloppy play in game 3 with a five-ball run-out at the end, beating Puff II 8-2 for the 2-1 series win in a series that was not up to the visitor's standard of play. Delila will host Sleepy B. of the Archtown Arrows at this venue in the bracket semifinals.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Charli XCX V. Panda. The reigning Rookie of the Year meets a beleaguered captain in 8-ball with the silver cue. Southern's Panda had a great time picking apart a terrible break from Tysini's Charli, as Panda would pick his suit and end the game with a side-pocket heavy five-ball run-out to claim the win and a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went much better for both sides, as the Monarchs' Panda had a good break, but the Hummingbirds' Charli finished even better. Charli made a three-ball run-out with excellent positioning and execution to keep Panda away from a late game turn. Charli's win tied the series at 1, setting up a decisive game. Charli was dominant in game 2, helped a bit by Panda's frequent scratching preventing him from mounting a challenging run. Charli even sent Panda's defense to the wrong pocket, and then made the 8 at the bottom left to get the win and a 2-1 series win. Charli will head to Toyota Arena in Freedom to face Roxy of the Cascades in the bracket semifinals.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Klaus v. Blizzard. The silver cue plays its last series of the day, a set of 12-ball between the rookie and the veteran. Atlantic's Klaus got off to a fine start in game 1, but he couldn't hold up under the methodical shooting of Everton's Blizzard, who picked apart her shots well and won when Klaus couldn't pot the 7 at the top left. Blizzard took a 1-0 series lead with the win. The Eagles' Blizzard faced a stiffer challenge in game 2, with less friendly positioning and her surrender of a wild-card ball to the Pirates' Klaus. Just as Klaus seemed to be taking the upper-hand, he illegally potted a ball and gave Blizzard a clean line on her final shot, which she made to secure the series at 2-0. Klaus won game 3, as Blizzard struggled to gain position while Klaus made an early three-ball run and had no trouble getting on top of the other shots. Blizzard still won the series 2-1, and will head to Toyota Arena in Freedom to face the Cascades' Nikolai in the bracket semifinals.
Intel Center, Diamond: Citrus v. Smudge. Two players not known for getting along tangle in a 9-ball match, the first of five straight blue cue series. Game 1 was sloppy on both sides, and Infinity's Smudge never figured out how to fix it, dropping the result as Diamond's Citrus hung on by a hair to make a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the shooting was a little bit better on both sides, but this didn't benefit the Gems' Citrus, who crashed out with a string of missed shots late in the game, allowing the Torpedoes' Smudge to step in with a three-ball run-out, equalizing the series at 1 game apiece. Game 3 started off well enough, but both players were on the verge of rage at the end. Citrus closed the game with a hard, bouncing bank of the 9 from the top rail to the bottom side to make it a 2-1 series win for herself. Citrus will face Smudge's daughter, Bianca of the Southridge Defenders, in the bracket semifinals at this venue.
Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Chris. It's a battle of captains in this 12-ball series, with both having their strengths this Tournament so far. Capital City's Chris showed off decent skills in game 1, making a four-ball run after Todavía's Easter scratched on the break to pace his attack. Chris made each of his last two balls individually, while Easter didn't resist, and the win put Chris ahead 1-0 in the series. The Sharpshooters' Chris lived up to that team name, blasting a four-ball run from the break and then making the last two balls on his next turn, while the Stills' Easter could barely manage to make one shot on her only turn of a brutal loss. Chris clinched the series at 2-0 with another big win. Chris slipped up a bit in game 3, giving Easter a wild card ball without establishing his own position, and Easter rode this out to grab a win, saving some face in a series that did not go her way. Chris won the series 2-1, heading to Boston's Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center to meet the Swifts captain Patches in the bracket semifinals.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Leonette v. Rainmane. The middle series of the blue cue stretch is 8-ball, and will be the last before today's mid-afternoon break. Midland's Rainmane broke out for a nice five-ball run after Pacific's Leonette scratched on the break. Leonette answered with a four-ball run, but Rainmane made the last two shots to preserve the win and a 1-0 series lead for herself. All the Predators' Rainmane got in game 2 was the break, which was solid but didn't produce anything. The Volcanoes' Leonette responded in the best way possible, going on a remarkably executed eight-ball run-out, dodging traffic to get the equalizing win that tied the series at 1. Leonette got off to a four-ball run in game 3, putting pressure on Rainmane to respond. Rainmane did just that, and just in the nick of time, with a five-ball run-out to take the win and a 2-1 series win. Rainmane heads to Toyota Arena in Freedom to meet the Cascades' Nikolai in the bracket semifinals.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Chris. An underrated star and a similarly underrated captain get things going again in Rotation with the blue cue's fourth of five straight series. Lighton's Spirit needed only two turns in game 1, as she made a three-ball run from the break and a five-ball run-out, with Capital City's Chris scratching in the middle to help Spirit out along the way to her 8-0 win and 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Spirit didn't get off so easy in game 2, as the Sharpshooters' Chris actually held the early lead. He couldn't make it last, with too many errors midgame, and Spirit answered with a four-ball run-out for an 8-4 win to clinch the series at 2-0, ending on a tough cut of the 11 to the top right. Spirit completed the dominant 3-0 series sweep with an 8-1 win in game 3, as Chris never cared to make enough plays to get back into the game once Spirit asserted herself. The sweep carries Spirit to Todavía, where a headlining match with her sister, the Stills' Sierra, at Apple Center awaits.
Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Stinky: The blue cue ends its reign with 10-ball in this series between veterans. Freedom's Stinky played well in game 1, but Todavía's Easter did not slouch, making it a tight game. Near the end, deflection plays became popular, with Easter failing on hers, and Stinky winning as he bounced the cue off the 6 to pot the 10 at the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Stinky stayed very competitive with the Stills' Easter in a fast game 2, which saw Stinky's three-ball run answered by a three-ball run from Easter that ended in a scratch on the 10. Stinky made the play from ball-in-hand to nab the win and secure the series at 2-0. Stinky made every ball in game 3, with one on the break, a four-ball run highlighted by numerous talented kick shots, and a well-positioned five-ball run-out for the win to make it a 3-0 series sweep over Easter. Stinky will play on into the bracket semifinals.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Spice. The red cue makes its first appearance of the day in 9-ball. Pearl's Watermelon seemed unable to get comfortable in game 1, missing quite a few shots as she allowed Victoria's Spice much more latitude in shooting. Spice capitalized on this with a three-ball run-out, her second extended run of the game, which gave her a 1-0 series lead in the win. The Spurs' Spice had her turn to look uncomfortable at the start of game 2, watching the Surfers' Watermelon convert shots with ease. Spice put a stop to that with a five-ball run-out, the aggressive stretch of shots paying off to earn her another win that sealed the series at 2-0. Game 3 was the worst of the series in quality terms, especially for Spice, who flubbed shot after shot, allowing Watermelon to slowly pick through the game and eventually win on a tap-in after Spice's miss. Spice still took the series 2-1, and will head home to Sprint Hall in Victoria to host the Archtown Arrows' Sally in the bracket semifinals.
House of 10 Windows, Del Sur: Panda v. Dominic. The blue cue returns for a series of Accuracy between two struggling players. Things went well in game 1 until Viewpoint Sound's Dominic intentionally left Southern's Panda without an easy shot. Panda converted, but also scratched, and the collapse was on. Dominic would win 2-4, taking a 1-0 series lead thanks to one move. Game 2 was even tighter at the end, as both the Meteors' Dominic and the Monarchs' Panda failed to play defensive positioning, and when Panda did, Dominic converted a bank shot on the last ball to the bottom left to force overtime. Panda went empty on the overtime break, and Dominic made his shot to win the game 1-2, clinching the series at 2-0. Dominic had game 3 in the palm of his hand, and then he missed contact on the second-to-last ball. Panda punished the mistake, and Dominic would miss three in a row to lose 4-5 in overtime. Dominic will settle for 2-1 series win as he heads to Nike Field Events Center in Commerce to visit the Tradewinds' Tigerette in the bracket semifinals.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Strawberry v. Hoot. The new Meteor meets his other former teammate, while the Union newcomer is new to reunions in this 8-ball series with the red cue. Modernistic's Strawberry ran the table in game 1, performing a technical nine-ball run-out from the break as she made two solids and a stripe on the break. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot can only take solace in not getting shut out, but Strawberry's dominant display gave her a win and 1-0 series lead in only seven shots. The Union's Strawberry did all the work in game 2 as well, but this went far worse for her. Six balls fell, including two on the final shot, as she accidentally potted the 8 as well as the intended 4 on a deflection play, gifting the Meteors' Hoot with the equalizing win to tie the series at 1 despite the fact that he has taken zero shots in the series, a stat that will change with the next break. Hoot's poor break in game 3 ensured he would take multiple shots, and while he did, he wasn't effective. Strawberry helped him as much as he helped himself, and Strawberry finished with a three-ball run-out in a slower paced game, which gave her the win and 2-1 series win. Strawberry will stay here to host the Harrison Specters' Lexi in the bracket semifinals.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Fluffina v. Bright. The Lumberjacks captain has a doubleheader at home, first facing a Nighthawk in Rotation with the red cue. Game 1 was nothing but a battle, as North Modernistic's Bright tried to retain a lead but couldn't shake a relentless rally from Maplewood's Fluffina, who came back multiple times to win 8-7 and take a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Bright showed a bit more skill in holding a late lead in game 2, making a crazy bank on the 11 and then a glancing kick on the 12 to establish the lead. The Lumberjacks' Fluffina got one back, but couldn't sustain a rally, and Bright won 8-6 with the 14 falling in the bottom side, tying the series at 1 as well. Fluffina had some trouble breaking through in a tough game 3, but her lead once she did was short-lived, as Bright converted a double-pot of the 10 and 13 to the right corners as part of his five-ball run-out to win the game 8-5 for a 2-1 series win. Bright will head to Nike Field Events Center in Commerce to face the Tradewinds' Lionel in the bracket semifinals.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Fluffina v. Chris. Completing the doubleheader, the Lumberjacks captain welcomes her opposite from the Sharpshooters for Accuracy with the red cue. Maplewood's Fluffina thought she had game 1 under control, but a miss on the last ball of regulation and the first shot of overtime sent her to a 2-3 loss when Capital City's Chris converted after both misses to take the 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Chris fell behind early in game 2, and while her was briefly in a tie with the Lumberjacks' Fluffina, he missed a shot and couldn't force her into another miss. Fluffina confidently took the win 1-2 and tied the series at 1 in a strong outing that showed her finishing ability. Game 3 saw each player stressing significantly, filled with worry over each miss. Fluffina had the most to worry about, as she twice failed to corral the last ball, forcing the game into a tie after Chris made it. Fluffina elected for the soft draw-back break in overtime, but it left Chris with an open shot to win the game 3-4 and the series 2-1. Chris' overtime heroics pace him to Victoria's Sprint Hall, where the Spurs rookie Wario awaits in the bracket semifinals.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Goatee. The final series of the day has the blue cue up for 15-ball. Westside's Goatee seemed to gain the momentum early in game 1, making a lot more of the shots than Midland's Rainmane. Goatee peaked too soon with a four-ball run, and a few turns later, Rainmane countered on a three-ball run-out to win and take a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw a much stronger effort from the Predators' Rainmane, who rallied with a five-ball run early on, and then answered a late three-ball run from the Rockers' Goatee with a three-ball run-out, which carried Rainmane to another win and a 2-0 series lead. Goatee finally got her win in game 3, fighting an even battle with Rainmane to prevent a sweep. Rainmane won the series 2-1, and she will host A. Charlton of the Golden Pilots at this venue in the bracket semifinals, as the Southlands Derby comes to Tournament action.
That's all for tonight. The current plan would be to finish the round tomorrow and take care of all associated administrative tasks tomorrow night. Further updates will be in tomorrow's post and on
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