We continue along in Tournament play with a standard day today, beginning with...
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Starlight v. Pauline. A big-name captain meets a big-name rookie in 10-ball with the red cue to lead us off. Pacific's Starlight had a majority of the possession in game 1, including a four-ball run and a late pair of shots, but Capital City's Pauline banged the 10 to the top left on a bank for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Pauline was a little wild in game 2, twice illegally potting balls. The Volcanoes' Starlight deferred possession both times, and it worked out in the end, as Starlight took the win with a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Pauline had two mistakes in game 3, missing contact twice early on. Starlight burst forward with a six-ball run before Pauline had another shot, but Starlight would make the last two balls as well, taking the series 2-1. Starlight is through to the second round.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Boots v. Cleo. Two strong players meet in today's second series, using the blue cue for 8-ball. Pearl's Boots led off with a four-ball run from the break, which Everton's Cleo answered with a five-ball run on her second turn. Cleo again was a ball better soon after, winning on a three-ball run-out to take the 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Boots didn't stay down for long, finding a creative five-ball run on her second turn to put pressure on the Eagles' Cleo. Defense became Cleo's priority, but she couldn't stop Boots from banking the 8 to the bottom side for the win, which tied the series at 1. Boots and Cleo had a more difficult battle in game 2, battling closely until Boots broke through on a three-ball run-out. Boots took the series 2-1, and will host the Whitewater Shores' Marsell in the second round.
Nike Field, Commerce: Taylor Swift v. Sally. The red cue gets its turn in 8-ball now between these two veterans. Archtown's Sally had an early four-ball run in game 1, immediately putting Commerce's Taylor under pressure. Taylor almost got onto the 8, but a scratch halted her progress, and Sally used a double-kiss kick to the bottom left to win for a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Sally had much more difficulty in game 2, even as the Tradewinds' Taylor twice potted a ball for her. Taylor nearly didn't make the 8, needing a lot of time before an easy cut developed to give her the win, tying the series at 1. Taylor had a good run early on, and while Sally got some of it back, game 3 tipped Taylor's direction on her four-ball run-out. Taylor showed mental composure after going down early, winning the series 2-1 to make the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Zach v. Rosemary. A third-year player takes on a rookie as the blue cue returns for some 7-ball. Pronger's Zach did almost all the work in game 1, with a ball on the break, a four-ball run, and a bank on the 7 on his second try. Commerce's Rosemary had no answer for Zach, and the host took a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Rosemary would not go quietly in game 2, even as the Tridents' Zach opened on a three-ball run. Rosemary made the ending tough, and potted the final two balls to take the win, tying the series at 1 with her persistent play. Zach and Rosemary had a close battle in game 3, but Rosemary's strong start gave her confidence to make a couple of shots late for the win and a 2-1 series win. Rosemary will play on into the second round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Hughbert. Two less-talented players do battle with the silver cue in Accuracy. Southern's Dominic can't find many faults with how he played in game 1, perfect until the very end when Southridge's Hughbert left him with an awkward angle. Hughbert, on the other hand, missed frequently early, leading to Dominic's 1-4 win for a 1-0 series lead. The roles reversed in game 2, with the Monarchs' Dominic surprisingly falling apart in the middle of the game. The Defenders' Hughbert maintained perfection throughout the rack this time, winning 0-4 to tie the series at 1. Dominic fell behind by a shot twice in game 3, but he forced Hughbert to miss both times. Hughbert had to take the overtime break, and he couldn't produce anything, leaving Dominic to win 2-3 with a single shot. Dominic took the thrilling series 2-1.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Gal Gadot. A rising star sophomore takes on a big-name rookie in 8-ball as the red cue is back in action. Oceanside's Celestia had the first run in game 1, but she lacked a supporting effort, and North Modernistic's Gal unraveled Celestia's defense, taking the 8 in a few turns' time for a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia got another good start in game 2, but she again lacked the second burst of offense needed in this event. The Nighthawks' Gal nearly gave it to her, as she had a late scratch, but this just set Gal up for a four-ball run-out in the end, clinching the series at 2-0 with her win. Gal kept herself a little calmer for game 3, leading to a fantastic finish as she hit a three-ball run, Celestia countered with a pair, and Gal banked the 8 to the top left to win. Gal swept the series 3-0 as she moves on to the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Rainmane. An all-Predators series is up next with the blue cue in 9-ball. Game 1 started with a bit of promise for high-quality play, but after Rainmane's first error, the game turned choppy and slow-moving. Fuchsia eventually picked up the win, cleaning up the 9 after Rainmane missed it to take a 1-0 series lead. Rainmane still lacked her usual precision in game 2, but she kept a fairly even battle with Fuchsia, who had a chance to win late but couldn't convert on the 8. Instead, Rainmane made a late pair of shots, winning the game to tie the series at 1. Rainmane put the 9 perilously close to the top right while missing the 2 early in game 3, and Fuchsia made her pay for it with a 3-9 combination for the win. Fuchsia took the series 2-1, earning a spot in the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Quincy. Just after facing a teammate, the host completes a doubleheader against a club-mate in 12-ball with the blue cue. Midland's Fuchsia picked up a three-ball run on the break in game 1, which Terrace City's Quincy countered with a four-ball run soon after. It wasn't enough, as Fuchsia's better positioning helped her win, with Quincy gifting a ball to her and allowing her to tap in the final shot for a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Quincy got a bit more offense with an early run in game 2, and he had good positioning to weather a three-ball run from the Predators' Fuchsia. The fast moving game saw both players in good spots, but Quincy made his last pair of shots faster, tying the series at 1 with his win. Quincy cranked a four-ball run from the break in game 3, giving him a large lead, but Fuchsia stalled him before her own five-ball run, which was partially undone by an illegally potted ball. On even terms, Quincy fell flat, and Fuchsia made her last two shots in two turns for the win and 2-1 series win, earning the right to host the Todavía Stills superstar Sierra in the second round.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Sugar v. Dominic. Former teammates meet in Rotation with the silver cue. Southern's Dominic didn't control game 1 as much as he slowly assembled a series of productive turns to build his lead. Web City's Sugar made a three-ball run as a counterattack, but Dominic soon took the win 8-4 for a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Sugar played a bit closer in game 2, keeping in step with the Monarchs' Dominic for much of the game. Dominic still held the lead for almost all of the game, but he couldn't complete the effort, and Sugar made a three-ball run-out to win 8-7, tying the series at 1. Sugar had a more aggressive attack in game 3, and it worked out nicely for the veteran, as she surged forward and won the game 8-1 over a stunned Dominic. Sugar takes the series 2-1, and will host the Atlantic Pirates' Steven in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Cassie. The red cue is back in action, as a former MVP clashes with a rookie in 12-ball. Central's Dustin gave away a wild-card ball on the break in game 1, but it didn't impact much of the start of the game. Royal's Cassie would even give it back, but she had taken control at that point, and her better positioning and a three-ball run helped her get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Cassie started well in game 2, but it was a three-ball run in the middle that set the Warriors' Dustin apart, giving him both an advantage and good positioning as he would quickly dispatch his final ball to tie the series at 1. Dustin again gave Cassie a wild-card ball on the break of game 3, but while she held onto it this time, Dustin gained an edge with positioning even with a scratch, and he used that advantage to take the game and the 2-1 series as he heads to the second round.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Graham v. Snuggle. Two experienced and talented captains meet in 15-ball with the blue cue. Eastside's Graham had a five-ball run from the break and a late four-ball run in game 1, but despite all that positive play, his miss on the 15 allowed Oceanside's Snuggle to poach the win for a 1-0 series lead on a tap-in. The Waves' Snuggle carried a much larger share of the offense in game 2, and the players exchanged three-ball runs toward the end of the battle. Snuggle was working on another such run when he left the 11 too near to the 15, and the Sharks' Graham buried the combination at the bottom side to tie the series at 1 with his win. Graham did an amazing triple-pot in game 3, drawing the cue off the 2 to make the 11 at the top side, and then adding the 8 at the bottom side and the 2 at the top side thanks to some caroms. This was part of a four-ball run, and with two three-ball runs later on, Graham combined offense and success as he earned the win and the 2-1 series win. Graham will host the Atlantic Pirates' Klaus in the second round.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Shadow v. Lize. A 10-ball series with the silver cue punctuates the day, and it may get lopsided. Web City's Shadow controlled the pace in game 1, including a five-ball run, but he chipped his shot on the 10 wide, and Pronger's Lize poached the win for a 1-0 series lead at the bottom right. The Spiders' Shadow, feeling threatened, played a lot tougher in game 2, leaving the Tridents' Lize with many poor shooting angles. Lize missed or made illegal contact each time, and Shadow eventually got a chance at the 6-10 combination to the top right for the win, which tied the series at 1. Shadow had a strong break in game 3, and he added a four-ball run, but his defensive play and scratch allowed Lize to pot the last two balls for the win. Lize pulled off the upset 2-1 in the series, and will play in the second round with hopes of better health by then.
That's all for today. The rest of the week should also play out normally, with the exception of a break for all cricket competitions until United Cup play on Monday.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Premier Cricket 2018 - Week 14
Premier makes a delayed start to Week 14, nestling in on the 26th and 27th of February before a break ahead of the United Cup second round. We begin with...
Audi Knights Pitch, Terrace City: Week 14 opens with the Pilots on a doubleheader, resting Strut in the road game, while the host Knights sit Melissa this time out. Valencia kept her pace simple for Golden at the start, and she surged forward with 929 for a good initial lead. Kiwi shot back with 692 for Terrace City this time, keeping them fairly close in a hot start to the game. Dusty didn't break out for the Pilots at all, ending on a middling 268 as their lead weakens. Jennifer covered a lot of ground with 550 for the Knights, giving them a slight lead at the midway mark. Sparkles answered with 407 for Golden, keeping them competitive for now. Oreo didn't anticipate a deflected ball taking her wicket, leaving her with a poor 113 as Terrace City trails again. A. Charlton broke free with 656 for the Pilots, capping their offense at 2260. Quincy crashed out at 311 for the Knights, leaving them in a loss at 1666. Golden dominates the ends, moving up to 19-11, while Terrace City is down to 11-14.
Amazon Field, Golden: The Pilots now return home, sitting Sparkles in the second half of their doubleheader. Puff III is resting for the Eagles in this tough game. Goldy had a solid 359 for Everton to open the scoring for the visitors in decent form. Valencia answered with 522 for Golden, putting them ahead initially with a strong lead-off turn. Cleo answered with a nice 441 for the Eagles, covering the deficit with her good showing. Dusty pounded 856 in response for the Pilots, boosting their lead significantly at the midway point. Kirstin tried to keep her turn going on a backhand for Everton, but it went out of play to stall her at 358. Strut also went big with 909 for Golden, continuing their ascent on offense. Blizzard collapsed with a pathetic 36 for the Eagles, leaving them to lose with 1194. A. Charlton finished with 585, icing a big win for the Pilots at 2872. Golden rises to 20-11, while Everton falls back to 13-13.
Verizon Field, Pacific: The Volcanoes sit their captain Starlight as they hope to end a five-game home stand in style, while Shaggy is on the bench for the visiting Shores. Bear put up 424 for Whitewater on the opening turn, a good outing from the beleaguered captain. Ms. Kitty couldn't even get going for Pacific, falling with a measly 16 on an ugly first turn for the hosts. Twinkie III slugged 1437 for the Shores on their second attack, the massive performance solidifying their lead. Twinkie I pulled in 401 for the Volcanoes, but they remain far behind halfway through the game. Marsell covered that damage with 457 for Whitewater, maintaining their lead well. Leonette bounced back with 596 for Pacific, but they'll be hard-pressed to catch up. Katharine produced a good 408 to finish the Shores offense at 2726. Chicky Phil fell at 385 for the Volcanoes, leaving them short at 1398. Whitewater is up to 13-14, while Pacific drops to 10-17.
HP Field, Midland: The Predators begin a home tripleheader against their Southlands rivals, the Pilots, with Leonardo sitting for the hosts while Sparkles takes a second straight game off for the visitors. Valencia popped 655 for Golden to begin the game, staying in a good run of form. Shawn answered with only 280 for Midland, unable to raise his pace in any meaningful manner. Dusty got knocked back at 240 for the Pilots, a deflection causing the mediocre output. Rainmane fired back with 1126 for the Predators, the massive attack giving the hosts a lead at the halfway point. Strut undid that damage pretty well, clobbering 807 for Golden to regain the lead. Americus faltered with 159 for Midland, allowing the lead to go back to the visitors with a player each to go. A. Charlton failed to secure the effort with 246 for the Pilots, leaving them at a total of 1948. Fuchsia had 358 for the Predators, coming close but ultimately falling short at 1923 overall. Golden got a bit lucky to reach 21-11, while Midland slides to 12-14.
HP Field, Midland: The Predators' middle game of the tripleheader sees them sit Fuchsia, while the Stills rest their superstar Sierra after a recent pool appearance. Easter took a quick and pacey approach for Todavía, striking 640 in lead off for a nice first crack at the lead. Shawn couldn't muster much for Midland with 227, a weak start seeing them trailing from the first turn. Bells had a shaky 272 for the Stills, covering the damage done previously to their lead and not much more. Rainmane failed to corral a spinning ball, sending it behind her wicket and out of play to score only 84 points for the Predators. Prism had only 195 for Todavía as offense seems to have abandoned these teams for now. Leonardo flicked his fourth swing out of play at 64 for Midland, wasting another chance to help the hosts catch up. Anton tapped 311 to pad the Stills' offense to a final score of 1418. Americus fell with 238 for the Predators, leaving them at a terrible 613 in the loss. Todavía gets a critical win to rise to 14-17, rising past the 12-15 Midland squad.
HP Field, Midland: The Predators finish the tripleheader with Americus on the bench, while the Pilots sit Dusty this time, confident they won't need her help. Valencia couldn't stay on target for Golden, falling at 113 in her fourth appearance today. Shawn gained a small lead with 176 for Midland this time, still lacking in offense as well as beginning to feel fatigued. Strut broke the scoring slump with 599 for the Pilots on the second attack for a solid lead. Rainmane bounced back from a tough outing favorable, smashing 886 here to keep the Predators ahead. Sparkles countered with 513 for Golden, not allowing the visitors to get too far behind. Leonardo covered that damage with 584 for Midland this time, retaining their lead heading into the final players' turns. A. Charlton fell with only 51 for the Pilots, confirming their loss at 1276. Fuchsia tacked on 434 for the Predators, capping their win at 2080. Midland gets a little revenge to rise to 13-15, while Golden slips to 21-12 with the loss.
Blades Fusion ProGlide Park, Swordpoint: Play resumes with the Blades captain Snowball sitting this one out, while the visiting Knights have Melissa resting for a second straight game. Kiwi struggled at the start for Terrace City, failing to a clear a couple of balls before falling with only 99 points. Dreamy answered readily with 647 for Swordpoint on their opening turn, good for a big lead. Jennifer stumbled at 113 for the Knights, making little impact against the deficit facing the visitors. Bandit added plenty of support with 608 for the Blades, extending their lead quite nicely. Oreo faltered at 69 for Terrace City, again leaving the visitors wanting for offense. Stealth stayed consistent for Swordpoint, contributing another 655 to their offense this time. Quincy had a decent 367 for the Knights, but they suffered the loss at 648 total. Jason N. maintained a solid balance with 594 for the Blades, icing their big win at 2504. Swordpoint just has Terrace City's number so far, with the former rising to 17-15 while the latter drops to 11-15.
BMW RockDome, Westside: The Rockers need to get a jump, and they'll sit Goatee when they host the shorthanded Tridents, who believe Lize is likely three weeks away from returning. Precious got beat on a deflection at 153 for Pronger, putting them in a weak position immediately. Misty took her time to build up 740 for Westside, allowing a lower pace in exchange for a longer turn. Zach crumbled at 186 for the Tridents, unable to even get near the deficit on a weak second attack. Slinks answered with a nice 608 for the Rockers, boosting their lead greatly at the halfway mark. Spot had a good pace for Pronger, but he hit a ball too high and fell with 373, hardly denting the deficit. Midnight had only 312 for Westside, allowing their lead to shrink a tiny amount. Potter made a couple of fantastic plays on his backhand for the Tridents, finishing with 523 to give them a losing total of 1235 as their losing streak hits nine games. Cowzart had only 217 for the Rockers at the end, giving them 1877 in the win. Westside rises to 13-16, while Pronger is at 6-15.
Audi Knights Pitch, Terrace City: The Knights return home for a Suburban Derby game, resting Oreo as they start a four-game home stand, while the Shores sit Katharine in this road meeting. Bear didn't have much pace for most of his appearance, but he ended with a great 743 for Whitewater. Kiwi shot back with 927 for Terrace City, managing to haul them ahead on the initial turn. Twinkie III kept the challenge strong for the Shores, cranking 600 to put the pressure back on the hosts. Jennifer couldn't make it all the way back with 392 for the Knights, leaving them slightly behind. Marsell straggled for Whitewater, weakening their lead as he hits 285. Melissa fired back with 519 for Terrace City, her rest earlier doing a bit of good as the hosts hold a late lead. Shaggy levied 609 for the Shores at the end, putting them at 2237 to force a response from the hosts. Quincy tried to play patiently, but he lacked pace and fell with 296, leaving the Knights short at 2134. Whitewater wins the critical derby game, moving up to 14-14, while Terrace City is 11-16.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Midnight will be on the bench for the Rockers this time, as they try to save the star for United Cup play, while the Volcanoes bench Ms. Kitty for this game. Starlight lined 466 for Pacific on the opening turn, her pace cratering after a reaching save kept her going. Misty had three false starts before churning out a pacey 845 for Westside to give them a big lead. Twinkie I countered with 424 for the Volcanoes, managing to lightly cover the deficit. Goatee had a technical error that she decided to replay for, ending at 144 as the Rockers lead weakens midway through the game. Leonette covered the deficit again with 361 for Pacific, but they wanted a bit more than that. Slinks shot back with 448 for Westside this time, regaining the lead as the close game heads into the final players' turns. Chicky Phil tried to get fancy with the bat and fell with 199 for the Volcanoes, leaving them at 1450 as his former team will need only a small response to win. Cowzart provided plenty of offense with 615 for the Rockers, capping their win at 2052. Westside gets up to 14-16, while Pacific's eight-game losing streak sinks them down to 10-18.
Blades Fusion ProGlide Park, Swordpoint: The fast-rising Blades get a fairly easy matchup against the shorthanded Tridents. The hosts will sit Dreamy in the second of a six-game home stand. Precious had only 272 for Pronger at the start, the fatigue of the season and their current road trip wearing on the captain. Snowball pulled out of her first try for a false start, but hit only 176 for Swordpoint on the second attempt. Zach replied with 389 for the Tridents, giving their lead a nice boost in the process. Bandit slugged 1228 for the Blades in response, easily covering the deficit with the massive attack. Spot let a ball slip under his bat, causing his early exit at a measly 28 points for Pronger. Stealth chipped a nice 408 for Swordpoint, keeping their lead strong late in the game. Potter managed 337 for the Tridents, leaving them in a loss with a total of 1026 in a tenth-straight loss. Jason N. capped it with 568 for the Blades, their total resting at 2380. Swordpoint remains on a surge, rising up to 18-15, while Pronger is 6-16 with a busy second half of their season ahead.
Coca-Cola Field, Boston: The Generations Derby sees us into the United Cup break, with Wings sitting for the visiting Warriors while Puff II gets this one off for the hosting Swifts. Twilight got the rivalry match started right with 603 for Central on the opening turn, unafraid of the Goliath-like hosts. Patches shot back with a strong 566 for Boston, keeping things close initially. Dustin had a false start and a technical error before slotting 448 for the Warriors, weakening their lead a bit. Gradley went off, belting 1001 for the Swifts to put them ahead at the halfway mark. Mario had only 314 for Central, unable to make much of a response to the heavy attack. Sweetheart had a weak 78 for Boston, leaving them exposed heading into the final players' turns. Noelle couldn't make the run for the Warriors, falling with 101 as the team loses on a total of 1466. Ice Cream tapped 324 to give the Swifts a win at 1969. Boston climbs further to 25-3, while Central is 9-13 with the loss.
That's all for Week 14. United Cup action returns on Monday with the second round.
Audi Knights Pitch, Terrace City: Week 14 opens with the Pilots on a doubleheader, resting Strut in the road game, while the host Knights sit Melissa this time out. Valencia kept her pace simple for Golden at the start, and she surged forward with 929 for a good initial lead. Kiwi shot back with 692 for Terrace City this time, keeping them fairly close in a hot start to the game. Dusty didn't break out for the Pilots at all, ending on a middling 268 as their lead weakens. Jennifer covered a lot of ground with 550 for the Knights, giving them a slight lead at the midway mark. Sparkles answered with 407 for Golden, keeping them competitive for now. Oreo didn't anticipate a deflected ball taking her wicket, leaving her with a poor 113 as Terrace City trails again. A. Charlton broke free with 656 for the Pilots, capping their offense at 2260. Quincy crashed out at 311 for the Knights, leaving them in a loss at 1666. Golden dominates the ends, moving up to 19-11, while Terrace City is down to 11-14.
Amazon Field, Golden: The Pilots now return home, sitting Sparkles in the second half of their doubleheader. Puff III is resting for the Eagles in this tough game. Goldy had a solid 359 for Everton to open the scoring for the visitors in decent form. Valencia answered with 522 for Golden, putting them ahead initially with a strong lead-off turn. Cleo answered with a nice 441 for the Eagles, covering the deficit with her good showing. Dusty pounded 856 in response for the Pilots, boosting their lead significantly at the midway point. Kirstin tried to keep her turn going on a backhand for Everton, but it went out of play to stall her at 358. Strut also went big with 909 for Golden, continuing their ascent on offense. Blizzard collapsed with a pathetic 36 for the Eagles, leaving them to lose with 1194. A. Charlton finished with 585, icing a big win for the Pilots at 2872. Golden rises to 20-11, while Everton falls back to 13-13.
Verizon Field, Pacific: The Volcanoes sit their captain Starlight as they hope to end a five-game home stand in style, while Shaggy is on the bench for the visiting Shores. Bear put up 424 for Whitewater on the opening turn, a good outing from the beleaguered captain. Ms. Kitty couldn't even get going for Pacific, falling with a measly 16 on an ugly first turn for the hosts. Twinkie III slugged 1437 for the Shores on their second attack, the massive performance solidifying their lead. Twinkie I pulled in 401 for the Volcanoes, but they remain far behind halfway through the game. Marsell covered that damage with 457 for Whitewater, maintaining their lead well. Leonette bounced back with 596 for Pacific, but they'll be hard-pressed to catch up. Katharine produced a good 408 to finish the Shores offense at 2726. Chicky Phil fell at 385 for the Volcanoes, leaving them short at 1398. Whitewater is up to 13-14, while Pacific drops to 10-17.
HP Field, Midland: The Predators begin a home tripleheader against their Southlands rivals, the Pilots, with Leonardo sitting for the hosts while Sparkles takes a second straight game off for the visitors. Valencia popped 655 for Golden to begin the game, staying in a good run of form. Shawn answered with only 280 for Midland, unable to raise his pace in any meaningful manner. Dusty got knocked back at 240 for the Pilots, a deflection causing the mediocre output. Rainmane fired back with 1126 for the Predators, the massive attack giving the hosts a lead at the halfway point. Strut undid that damage pretty well, clobbering 807 for Golden to regain the lead. Americus faltered with 159 for Midland, allowing the lead to go back to the visitors with a player each to go. A. Charlton failed to secure the effort with 246 for the Pilots, leaving them at a total of 1948. Fuchsia had 358 for the Predators, coming close but ultimately falling short at 1923 overall. Golden got a bit lucky to reach 21-11, while Midland slides to 12-14.
HP Field, Midland: The Predators' middle game of the tripleheader sees them sit Fuchsia, while the Stills rest their superstar Sierra after a recent pool appearance. Easter took a quick and pacey approach for Todavía, striking 640 in lead off for a nice first crack at the lead. Shawn couldn't muster much for Midland with 227, a weak start seeing them trailing from the first turn. Bells had a shaky 272 for the Stills, covering the damage done previously to their lead and not much more. Rainmane failed to corral a spinning ball, sending it behind her wicket and out of play to score only 84 points for the Predators. Prism had only 195 for Todavía as offense seems to have abandoned these teams for now. Leonardo flicked his fourth swing out of play at 64 for Midland, wasting another chance to help the hosts catch up. Anton tapped 311 to pad the Stills' offense to a final score of 1418. Americus fell with 238 for the Predators, leaving them at a terrible 613 in the loss. Todavía gets a critical win to rise to 14-17, rising past the 12-15 Midland squad.
HP Field, Midland: The Predators finish the tripleheader with Americus on the bench, while the Pilots sit Dusty this time, confident they won't need her help. Valencia couldn't stay on target for Golden, falling at 113 in her fourth appearance today. Shawn gained a small lead with 176 for Midland this time, still lacking in offense as well as beginning to feel fatigued. Strut broke the scoring slump with 599 for the Pilots on the second attack for a solid lead. Rainmane bounced back from a tough outing favorable, smashing 886 here to keep the Predators ahead. Sparkles countered with 513 for Golden, not allowing the visitors to get too far behind. Leonardo covered that damage with 584 for Midland this time, retaining their lead heading into the final players' turns. A. Charlton fell with only 51 for the Pilots, confirming their loss at 1276. Fuchsia tacked on 434 for the Predators, capping their win at 2080. Midland gets a little revenge to rise to 13-15, while Golden slips to 21-12 with the loss.
Blades Fusion ProGlide Park, Swordpoint: Play resumes with the Blades captain Snowball sitting this one out, while the visiting Knights have Melissa resting for a second straight game. Kiwi struggled at the start for Terrace City, failing to a clear a couple of balls before falling with only 99 points. Dreamy answered readily with 647 for Swordpoint on their opening turn, good for a big lead. Jennifer stumbled at 113 for the Knights, making little impact against the deficit facing the visitors. Bandit added plenty of support with 608 for the Blades, extending their lead quite nicely. Oreo faltered at 69 for Terrace City, again leaving the visitors wanting for offense. Stealth stayed consistent for Swordpoint, contributing another 655 to their offense this time. Quincy had a decent 367 for the Knights, but they suffered the loss at 648 total. Jason N. maintained a solid balance with 594 for the Blades, icing their big win at 2504. Swordpoint just has Terrace City's number so far, with the former rising to 17-15 while the latter drops to 11-15.
BMW RockDome, Westside: The Rockers need to get a jump, and they'll sit Goatee when they host the shorthanded Tridents, who believe Lize is likely three weeks away from returning. Precious got beat on a deflection at 153 for Pronger, putting them in a weak position immediately. Misty took her time to build up 740 for Westside, allowing a lower pace in exchange for a longer turn. Zach crumbled at 186 for the Tridents, unable to even get near the deficit on a weak second attack. Slinks answered with a nice 608 for the Rockers, boosting their lead greatly at the halfway mark. Spot had a good pace for Pronger, but he hit a ball too high and fell with 373, hardly denting the deficit. Midnight had only 312 for Westside, allowing their lead to shrink a tiny amount. Potter made a couple of fantastic plays on his backhand for the Tridents, finishing with 523 to give them a losing total of 1235 as their losing streak hits nine games. Cowzart had only 217 for the Rockers at the end, giving them 1877 in the win. Westside rises to 13-16, while Pronger is at 6-15.
Audi Knights Pitch, Terrace City: The Knights return home for a Suburban Derby game, resting Oreo as they start a four-game home stand, while the Shores sit Katharine in this road meeting. Bear didn't have much pace for most of his appearance, but he ended with a great 743 for Whitewater. Kiwi shot back with 927 for Terrace City, managing to haul them ahead on the initial turn. Twinkie III kept the challenge strong for the Shores, cranking 600 to put the pressure back on the hosts. Jennifer couldn't make it all the way back with 392 for the Knights, leaving them slightly behind. Marsell straggled for Whitewater, weakening their lead as he hits 285. Melissa fired back with 519 for Terrace City, her rest earlier doing a bit of good as the hosts hold a late lead. Shaggy levied 609 for the Shores at the end, putting them at 2237 to force a response from the hosts. Quincy tried to play patiently, but he lacked pace and fell with 296, leaving the Knights short at 2134. Whitewater wins the critical derby game, moving up to 14-14, while Terrace City is 11-16.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Midnight will be on the bench for the Rockers this time, as they try to save the star for United Cup play, while the Volcanoes bench Ms. Kitty for this game. Starlight lined 466 for Pacific on the opening turn, her pace cratering after a reaching save kept her going. Misty had three false starts before churning out a pacey 845 for Westside to give them a big lead. Twinkie I countered with 424 for the Volcanoes, managing to lightly cover the deficit. Goatee had a technical error that she decided to replay for, ending at 144 as the Rockers lead weakens midway through the game. Leonette covered the deficit again with 361 for Pacific, but they wanted a bit more than that. Slinks shot back with 448 for Westside this time, regaining the lead as the close game heads into the final players' turns. Chicky Phil tried to get fancy with the bat and fell with 199 for the Volcanoes, leaving them at 1450 as his former team will need only a small response to win. Cowzart provided plenty of offense with 615 for the Rockers, capping their win at 2052. Westside gets up to 14-16, while Pacific's eight-game losing streak sinks them down to 10-18.
Blades Fusion ProGlide Park, Swordpoint: The fast-rising Blades get a fairly easy matchup against the shorthanded Tridents. The hosts will sit Dreamy in the second of a six-game home stand. Precious had only 272 for Pronger at the start, the fatigue of the season and their current road trip wearing on the captain. Snowball pulled out of her first try for a false start, but hit only 176 for Swordpoint on the second attempt. Zach replied with 389 for the Tridents, giving their lead a nice boost in the process. Bandit slugged 1228 for the Blades in response, easily covering the deficit with the massive attack. Spot let a ball slip under his bat, causing his early exit at a measly 28 points for Pronger. Stealth chipped a nice 408 for Swordpoint, keeping their lead strong late in the game. Potter managed 337 for the Tridents, leaving them in a loss with a total of 1026 in a tenth-straight loss. Jason N. capped it with 568 for the Blades, their total resting at 2380. Swordpoint remains on a surge, rising up to 18-15, while Pronger is 6-16 with a busy second half of their season ahead.
Coca-Cola Field, Boston: The Generations Derby sees us into the United Cup break, with Wings sitting for the visiting Warriors while Puff II gets this one off for the hosting Swifts. Twilight got the rivalry match started right with 603 for Central on the opening turn, unafraid of the Goliath-like hosts. Patches shot back with a strong 566 for Boston, keeping things close initially. Dustin had a false start and a technical error before slotting 448 for the Warriors, weakening their lead a bit. Gradley went off, belting 1001 for the Swifts to put them ahead at the halfway mark. Mario had only 314 for Central, unable to make much of a response to the heavy attack. Sweetheart had a weak 78 for Boston, leaving them exposed heading into the final players' turns. Noelle couldn't make the run for the Warriors, falling with 101 as the team loses on a total of 1466. Ice Cream tapped 324 to give the Swifts a win at 1969. Boston climbs further to 25-3, while Central is 9-13 with the loss.
That's all for Week 14. United Cup action returns on Monday with the second round.
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Tournament 2018 - Round 1 Day 29
We're ready to go with the second half of the first round, although today is likely the last day before a break. We begin with...
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sydney Sierota v. Strut. A rising star and a veteran meet in 15-ball with the blue cue. Game 1 was filled with ineptitude on both sides, as Harrison's Sydney tossed away a late chance to win, and Golden's Strut capped the difficult performance with a miscued shot that still made the 15 for his 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Strut was nearly dominant in game 2, making a pair of three-ball runs and three pairs of shots to stymie any offense for the Specters' Sydney. Strut did corral the last two balls for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Strut took a step back in game 3, and Sydney still couldn't fix her erring issues, but it was a mistake that cost her the game. She missed a 10-15 combination attempt, and Strut made it to the bottom right to earn the series sweep at 3-0. Strut will visit the Archtown Arrows' Dusky in the second round.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Chimpy v. Max. Two heady veterans meet as the blue cue stays on for Rotation. Atlantic's Max had the better start in game 1, but Modernistic's Chimpy kept it close throughout. Max took a three-ball run to gain his second lead, only to see Chimpy work a five-ball run-out from ball-in-hand to win 8-6 after Max's error. Chimpy leads the series 1-0. The Pirates' Max did not let himself get run over so easily in game 2, holding a tie and using ball-in-hand after a frustrated scratch by the Union's Chimpy to produce a four-ball run. Chimpy made a brief counterattack, but Max secured the 8-3 win to tie the series at 1. Chimpy still lacked his usual patience in game 3, going into an all-out war with Max in a difficult game. Chimpy gained the lead later than expected, and made it stand with a four-ball run-out for the 8-3 win to topple Max 2-1 for the series. Chimpy sends himself to the second round.
Apple Center, Todavía: Anton v. Chimpy. Two enigmatic players meet with the blue cue in hand for 7-ball. Modernistic's Chimpy couldn't seem to find his shot, a common theme with the blue cue today, although Todavía's Anton hardly had an issue. Anton made a three-ball run and owned a massive possession share in his win, good for a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Anton spared his home fans from another drawn-out battle, winning game 2 on the break as the 7 bounced to the bottom right. The stunner shot clinched the series 2-0 over the Union's Chimpy, who never had a chance to pull even. Anton remained the stronger player in game 3, going empty on the break but picking up a lot of offense after that. Chimpy couldn't handle the 6 on his one late chance, and Anton laced it to the bottom right before taking the 7 for a 3-0 series sweep. Anton heads to the second round.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Graham v. Melissa Benoist. A massive star-power series is ready to go in 9-ball with the red cue. Eastside's Graham had all of the offense early on in game 1, but a miscue after a run by Terrace City's Melissa cost him his one chance on the 9. Melissa cut it to the bottom right for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Graham still seemed to have more authority on his shots in game 2, but he tried a bank of the 8 and the cue got in the way at the top left. The Knights' Melissa, who did play better this game, made the last two balls for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Melissa made a pair of balls from the break in game 3, but a scratch on her second shot ignited a seven-ball run-out by Graham, who salvaged a win from the lost series. Melissa heads to the second round with a 2-1 series win.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Gabe v. Wild Thing. Returnees on new teams meet in 8-ball with the silver cue after the lunch break. Maplewood's Gabe started a bit slower than Archtown's Wild Thing in game 1, but Gabe double-potted stripes to the side and made a 14-6-9 bank combination to the top right as part of his winning four-ball run-out. Gabe also banked the 8 to the bottom side to earn that 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw the Lumberjacks' Gabe try to be tricky with his shots, which didn't work as planned most of the time. Instead, the reliable and simple performance by the Arrows' Wild Thing earned the win, as the visitor made a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Wild Thing tried to start confidently in game 3, but he couldn't overcome a strong defensive play late in the game by Gabe. The host Gabe made contact on a three-rail kick, sparing himself enough time to make the last two balls on his next turn for the win and 2-1 series win that sends him through to the second round.
Intel Center, Diamond: Smokey v. Salmo. The red cue draws in for this series of Rotation. Diamond's Smokey started off well, but briefly fell behind in game 1 against Eastside's Salmo. Smokey fought back, pulling even before finding a three-ball run-out to get the 8-5 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Smokey saw a three-ball run by the Sharks' Salmo early on, but immediately answered with a six-ball run of his own. The players exchanged pairs of shots at the end, with Smokey winning 8-5 to secure the series at 2-0 in his favor. Smokey started slow in game 3, keeping even with Salmo for much of the early part of the game. Salmo had a later scratch, and Smokey erupted on a five-ball run-out from here, winning 8-3 to earn the 3-0 series sweep that puts him in the second round.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Peach v. Valencia. A hotshot young captain meets a tenured captain in 12-ball with the red cue. North Modernistic's Peach turned in a three-ball run from the break, and this helped her, alongside good positioning, to hold off a fierce attack from Golden's Valencia late the in game. Peach kicked her last shot to the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Peach couldn't get herself set up in game 2, allowing the Pilots' Valencia to get most of the early offense. Peach slowed Valencia down, but couldn't stop the visitor from taking the win, which tied the series at 1. Peach had the first offense in game 3, but she couldn't get positioning after a mistake of illegally potting a ball. Valencia took over from here, giving away a wild-card ball before kicking in her last shot for the win and 2-1 series win. Valencia is set to play in the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Lexi Woode. A captain and a villain clash as the red cue gets a look in Accuracy. Atlantic's Delila never trailed in game 1, but Harrison's Lexi always stayed within a shot. Delila had four tries at the lead in regulation and overtime before making the fifth one stick, winning 4-5 on the second turn in overtime for her 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Delila played a much stronger game in game 2, missing only once throughout the rack. The Specters' Lexi matched her for awhile, but faded late, and Delila won 1-3 to take the series at 2-0. Delila couldn't settle into game 3, and she gave up trying after about the halfway mark, allowing Lexi to win the game in a runaway 3-8 result. Delila took the series 2-1, earning a spot in the second round.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Smudge. Every event gets love today, as the blue cue touches base in 10-ball this time. Modernistic's Daisy had an edge in possession from the start, and while Infinity's Smudge did try a late three-ball run, Daisy got the last two balls to counter that. Daisy took the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Daisy again controlled possession in game 2, but she called her kick on the 9 to the top right and it went in the top side. The Torpedoes' Smudge claimed the turn, and cut the 10 to the top right for the win, stealing the win to tie the series at 1 after the critical moment went against Daisy. Smudge had a three-ball run early in game 3, but Daisy regained control later on, winning with a three-ball run-out to take the series at 2-1. Daisy will host the Todavía Stills' Sierra in the second round.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Snowball v. Hoppy. The red cue gets back in play for Rotation between a legend and a sophomore. Southern's Hoppy built up a lead slowly in game 1, attacking patiently when she could. It didn't work out, as Swordpoint's Snowball went off for a five-ball run to take the lead, and then won 8-6 with a single shot on her next turn, good for a 1-0 series lead for the host. The roles reversed in game 2, with the Blades' Snowball taking the early lead before the Monarchs' Hoppy stormed back on a four-ball run to take the lead. Hoppy persisted from here, winning 8-4, tying the series at 1 in the process. Snowball and Hoppy battled closely for the first half of game 3, but eventually Hoppy found a three-ball run-out, winning 8-4 for the 2-1 series win after Snowball couldn't sustain a counterattack. Hoppy will visit the Diamond Gems captain Smokey in round two.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Dusky v. Cheddar. Cousins and club-mates clash in Rotation with the silver cue. Archtown's Dusky came out hot on a four-ball run that was cut short by a scratch, but she followed it up with another big run. North Modernistic's Cheddar tried to counter, but Dusky eventually made the 9-12 combination as part of her final pair of shots for an 8-3 win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Cheddar took the first lead in game 2, but watched as the Arrows' Dusky dismantled it. Cheddar fired back on a four-ball run to take a stranglehold on the game, and she made the 10 when Dusky couldn't to win 8-3 to tie the series at 1. Dusky and Cheddar battled evenly and messily at the start of game 3, but Cheddar eventually pulled away, easily winning 8-1 to take the series 2-1. Cheddar will visit the Terrace City Knights' Jennifer in the second round for an Urban Derby series.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Stephanie Livilotti. The silver cue closes the day in 7-ball. Lighton's Spirit didn't pot a ball on the break, but she defended very well. Southridge's Stephanie experienced this firsthand, her kick striking the 7 instead of the 1 and potting the deciding ball illegally to gift the win and 1-0 series lead to Spirit. The Defenders' Stephanie showed no fear of creativity in game 2, and it paid off quite well as she dominated the game over the Prestige's Spirit. Stephanie got the win on the last two shots, a 3-5-6 combination to the top right with the 3 double-potting in the bottom right, followed by a 5-7 cut combination to the bottom right to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw the most even performance between the players, but the result favored Spirit as she made the 7 on her second try. Spirit takes the series 2-1 to get to the second round.
That's all for now. I'll provide an official update during Premier action tonight on Twitter @UnitedPCL regarding tomorrow's playing status.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sydney Sierota v. Strut. A rising star and a veteran meet in 15-ball with the blue cue. Game 1 was filled with ineptitude on both sides, as Harrison's Sydney tossed away a late chance to win, and Golden's Strut capped the difficult performance with a miscued shot that still made the 15 for his 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Strut was nearly dominant in game 2, making a pair of three-ball runs and three pairs of shots to stymie any offense for the Specters' Sydney. Strut did corral the last two balls for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Strut took a step back in game 3, and Sydney still couldn't fix her erring issues, but it was a mistake that cost her the game. She missed a 10-15 combination attempt, and Strut made it to the bottom right to earn the series sweep at 3-0. Strut will visit the Archtown Arrows' Dusky in the second round.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Chimpy v. Max. Two heady veterans meet as the blue cue stays on for Rotation. Atlantic's Max had the better start in game 1, but Modernistic's Chimpy kept it close throughout. Max took a three-ball run to gain his second lead, only to see Chimpy work a five-ball run-out from ball-in-hand to win 8-6 after Max's error. Chimpy leads the series 1-0. The Pirates' Max did not let himself get run over so easily in game 2, holding a tie and using ball-in-hand after a frustrated scratch by the Union's Chimpy to produce a four-ball run. Chimpy made a brief counterattack, but Max secured the 8-3 win to tie the series at 1. Chimpy still lacked his usual patience in game 3, going into an all-out war with Max in a difficult game. Chimpy gained the lead later than expected, and made it stand with a four-ball run-out for the 8-3 win to topple Max 2-1 for the series. Chimpy sends himself to the second round.
Apple Center, Todavía: Anton v. Chimpy. Two enigmatic players meet with the blue cue in hand for 7-ball. Modernistic's Chimpy couldn't seem to find his shot, a common theme with the blue cue today, although Todavía's Anton hardly had an issue. Anton made a three-ball run and owned a massive possession share in his win, good for a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Anton spared his home fans from another drawn-out battle, winning game 2 on the break as the 7 bounced to the bottom right. The stunner shot clinched the series 2-0 over the Union's Chimpy, who never had a chance to pull even. Anton remained the stronger player in game 3, going empty on the break but picking up a lot of offense after that. Chimpy couldn't handle the 6 on his one late chance, and Anton laced it to the bottom right before taking the 7 for a 3-0 series sweep. Anton heads to the second round.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Graham v. Melissa Benoist. A massive star-power series is ready to go in 9-ball with the red cue. Eastside's Graham had all of the offense early on in game 1, but a miscue after a run by Terrace City's Melissa cost him his one chance on the 9. Melissa cut it to the bottom right for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Graham still seemed to have more authority on his shots in game 2, but he tried a bank of the 8 and the cue got in the way at the top left. The Knights' Melissa, who did play better this game, made the last two balls for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Melissa made a pair of balls from the break in game 3, but a scratch on her second shot ignited a seven-ball run-out by Graham, who salvaged a win from the lost series. Melissa heads to the second round with a 2-1 series win.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Gabe v. Wild Thing. Returnees on new teams meet in 8-ball with the silver cue after the lunch break. Maplewood's Gabe started a bit slower than Archtown's Wild Thing in game 1, but Gabe double-potted stripes to the side and made a 14-6-9 bank combination to the top right as part of his winning four-ball run-out. Gabe also banked the 8 to the bottom side to earn that 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw the Lumberjacks' Gabe try to be tricky with his shots, which didn't work as planned most of the time. Instead, the reliable and simple performance by the Arrows' Wild Thing earned the win, as the visitor made a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Wild Thing tried to start confidently in game 3, but he couldn't overcome a strong defensive play late in the game by Gabe. The host Gabe made contact on a three-rail kick, sparing himself enough time to make the last two balls on his next turn for the win and 2-1 series win that sends him through to the second round.
Intel Center, Diamond: Smokey v. Salmo. The red cue draws in for this series of Rotation. Diamond's Smokey started off well, but briefly fell behind in game 1 against Eastside's Salmo. Smokey fought back, pulling even before finding a three-ball run-out to get the 8-5 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Smokey saw a three-ball run by the Sharks' Salmo early on, but immediately answered with a six-ball run of his own. The players exchanged pairs of shots at the end, with Smokey winning 8-5 to secure the series at 2-0 in his favor. Smokey started slow in game 3, keeping even with Salmo for much of the early part of the game. Salmo had a later scratch, and Smokey erupted on a five-ball run-out from here, winning 8-3 to earn the 3-0 series sweep that puts him in the second round.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Peach v. Valencia. A hotshot young captain meets a tenured captain in 12-ball with the red cue. North Modernistic's Peach turned in a three-ball run from the break, and this helped her, alongside good positioning, to hold off a fierce attack from Golden's Valencia late the in game. Peach kicked her last shot to the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Peach couldn't get herself set up in game 2, allowing the Pilots' Valencia to get most of the early offense. Peach slowed Valencia down, but couldn't stop the visitor from taking the win, which tied the series at 1. Peach had the first offense in game 3, but she couldn't get positioning after a mistake of illegally potting a ball. Valencia took over from here, giving away a wild-card ball before kicking in her last shot for the win and 2-1 series win. Valencia is set to play in the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Lexi Woode. A captain and a villain clash as the red cue gets a look in Accuracy. Atlantic's Delila never trailed in game 1, but Harrison's Lexi always stayed within a shot. Delila had four tries at the lead in regulation and overtime before making the fifth one stick, winning 4-5 on the second turn in overtime for her 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Delila played a much stronger game in game 2, missing only once throughout the rack. The Specters' Lexi matched her for awhile, but faded late, and Delila won 1-3 to take the series at 2-0. Delila couldn't settle into game 3, and she gave up trying after about the halfway mark, allowing Lexi to win the game in a runaway 3-8 result. Delila took the series 2-1, earning a spot in the second round.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Smudge. Every event gets love today, as the blue cue touches base in 10-ball this time. Modernistic's Daisy had an edge in possession from the start, and while Infinity's Smudge did try a late three-ball run, Daisy got the last two balls to counter that. Daisy took the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Daisy again controlled possession in game 2, but she called her kick on the 9 to the top right and it went in the top side. The Torpedoes' Smudge claimed the turn, and cut the 10 to the top right for the win, stealing the win to tie the series at 1 after the critical moment went against Daisy. Smudge had a three-ball run early in game 3, but Daisy regained control later on, winning with a three-ball run-out to take the series at 2-1. Daisy will host the Todavía Stills' Sierra in the second round.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Snowball v. Hoppy. The red cue gets back in play for Rotation between a legend and a sophomore. Southern's Hoppy built up a lead slowly in game 1, attacking patiently when she could. It didn't work out, as Swordpoint's Snowball went off for a five-ball run to take the lead, and then won 8-6 with a single shot on her next turn, good for a 1-0 series lead for the host. The roles reversed in game 2, with the Blades' Snowball taking the early lead before the Monarchs' Hoppy stormed back on a four-ball run to take the lead. Hoppy persisted from here, winning 8-4, tying the series at 1 in the process. Snowball and Hoppy battled closely for the first half of game 3, but eventually Hoppy found a three-ball run-out, winning 8-4 for the 2-1 series win after Snowball couldn't sustain a counterattack. Hoppy will visit the Diamond Gems captain Smokey in round two.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Dusky v. Cheddar. Cousins and club-mates clash in Rotation with the silver cue. Archtown's Dusky came out hot on a four-ball run that was cut short by a scratch, but she followed it up with another big run. North Modernistic's Cheddar tried to counter, but Dusky eventually made the 9-12 combination as part of her final pair of shots for an 8-3 win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Cheddar took the first lead in game 2, but watched as the Arrows' Dusky dismantled it. Cheddar fired back on a four-ball run to take a stranglehold on the game, and she made the 10 when Dusky couldn't to win 8-3 to tie the series at 1. Dusky and Cheddar battled evenly and messily at the start of game 3, but Cheddar eventually pulled away, easily winning 8-1 to take the series 2-1. Cheddar will visit the Terrace City Knights' Jennifer in the second round for an Urban Derby series.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Stephanie Livilotti. The silver cue closes the day in 7-ball. Lighton's Spirit didn't pot a ball on the break, but she defended very well. Southridge's Stephanie experienced this firsthand, her kick striking the 7 instead of the 1 and potting the deciding ball illegally to gift the win and 1-0 series lead to Spirit. The Defenders' Stephanie showed no fear of creativity in game 2, and it paid off quite well as she dominated the game over the Prestige's Spirit. Stephanie got the win on the last two shots, a 3-5-6 combination to the top right with the 3 double-potting in the bottom right, followed by a 5-7 cut combination to the bottom right to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw the most even performance between the players, but the result favored Spirit as she made the 7 on her second try. Spirit takes the series 2-1 to get to the second round.
That's all for now. I'll provide an official update during Premier action tonight on Twitter @UnitedPCL regarding tomorrow's playing status.
Monday, February 26, 2018
Tournament 2018 - Round 1 Day 28
We'll reach the middle of the first round at the end of today's games. We start with...
Ebay Center, Queens: Kyle v. Wings. A returnee and a veteran clash in Accuracy with the blue cue in the first series of the day. Central's Wings fell behind early in game 1, but he stabilized his performance and induced some misses from Queens' Kyle, leading to Wings winning 2-5 for a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Kyle fell behind early in game 2, but he made an impressive effort to drag the Warriors' Wings down with him. It nearly worked, but a long-distance cut on the last ball secured a 2-3 win for Wings, who also clinched the series at 2-0. Kyle played a bit better in game 3, finally sustaining his lead to the end, where a medium-range cut gave him a 2-3 win over Wings. The series went 2-1 to Wings, who will play in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Cowzart. The red cue tags in for some 8-ball between two of Empyre's club members. Westside's Cowzart had a six-ball run to start game 1, but he wouldn't get anymore offense after that. Central's Dustin slowly rallied back, using defense to buy time before banking the 8 to the bottom right for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Cowzart had a slower start in game 2 but still managed to find a four-ball run to put the pressure on the Warriors' Dustin late in the game. Dustin replied with a double-pot of the 11 to the bottom right and the 14 to the top left, and he made the 8 a turn later to secure the series at 2-0. Cowzart again went on a big run, this time a scratch-stalled seven-ball surge that Dustin found himself unable to successfully counter even with a four-ball run. Cowzart took a pair of shots a couple turns later for the win, sending Dustin to the second round on a 2-1 series win instead of a sweep.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Max v. Dusky. The A-line Derby gets a 15-ball twist, as the blue cue steps in for this series. Alantic's Max was strongest in game 1 at the start and the end, including a four-ball run-out after Archtown's Dusky scratched while trying to make the 12. Max put a good effort in for the win, good for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 started a bit shakier, and the Arrows' Dusky made a bigger impact on offense this time. The Pirates' Max had a three-ball run to counter a five-ball run from Dusky near the end of the game, but Max couldn't sink the 15. Dusky tapped it in at the top left for the win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 saw a cagey battle with lots of errors resulting from defensive play. In the end, Dusky broke out with a three-ball run-out to finish Max, taking the series 2-1 as Dusky heads off to the second round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Niki v. Shadow. The blue cue remains in action for this series of 9-ball between highly-rated players. Commerce's Niki had a massive possession share in game 1, controlling play and winning on a four-ball run-out after Web City's Shadow missed on the 6. Niki made a rare cut on the 9 to the top right to take the 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shadow had a better performance in game 2, keeping the Tradewinds' Niki from producing any dominant runs. Shadow closed the door with a shot on the 9 after a brief chase, earning the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 kept an even balance between the players until a late scratch by Niki allowed Shadow to take the last two shots from ball-in-hand. He converted both, winning the game and the 2-1 series, which puts Shadow through to the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Spirit. The red cue is back in action, playing 10-ball between veterans. Freedom's Nikolai had a clear majority of possession in an abbreviated game 1, running circles around Lighton's Spirit before making the 5-10 combination to the bottom right as called. Nikolai holds a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Nikolai started a bit slower in game 2, allowing the Prestige's Spirit an errant kick try on the 1 before ripping his own ten-ball run-out to clear the table in a win that clinched the series for him at 2-0. Spirit had her best game of the series in game 3, but a late three-ball run ended in missed contact, and Nikolai poked the 10 in to pair with an earlier four-ball run. Nikolai swept the series 3-0 to get to the second round.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Wild Thing v. Jeremias. The red cue gets another series, this time in 9-ball. Archtown's Wild Thing led off with an aggressive four-ball run in game 1, but Royal's Jeremias never let possession go back, winning with a five-ball run-out for a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Jeremias had a decent chance to follow it up in game 2, but he hit the 1 too softly, and the Arrows' Wild Thing took over. The host Wild Thing smashed a five-ball run-out, ending with a double-pot that sent the 4 to the bottom left and the 9 deflected in the bottom right for the win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 started a lot slower than the other two, but it finished in a run, as Wild Thing made the last four balls to put Jeremias out. Wild Thing's 2-1 series win sends him to the second round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Vincent Sullivan v. Sparkles. The blue cue returns to play in this 12-ball series. Viewpoint Sound's Vincent gave away two wild-card balls in game 1 and still almost rallied late. Golden's Sparkles had trouble getting a clear shot until Vincent had an error, and then she potted her final ball for the win and a 1-0 lead in the series. The Pilots' Sparkles did surrender a wild-card ball in game 2, but it didn't seem to matter, as she had a better distribution. The Meteors' Vincent couldn't break through at any point, and Sparkles picked up the win to secure the series at 2-0. Game 3 took much longer than necessary for a throw-away game, but it did see Vincent use a two-rail kick on the 14 at the top side to rally from behind for the win. Sparkles took the series 2-1, and will visit Lighton Prestige captain Acorn for a second round series.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Kodiak v. Chimpy. An all-Union series pits rival clubs Outcast and Oriental United against each other in 8-ball with the blue cue. Kodiak nearly had the 8 on the break in game 1, but it ended him on his second turn, as he potted it illegally while on a three-ball run, gifting a 1-0 series lead to Chimpy. In game 2, Chimpy pulled off a four-ball run on the opening turn, but he couldn't sustain that offense late, and Kodiak rallied back. Kodiak needed some time to catch up, and then he took the win late after Chimpy stalled on the last stripe, which tied the series at 1. Kodiak rallied with a six-ball run from the break in game 3, including a pair on the break shot itself. Chimpy made a mild counterattack, but Kodiak easily took the win for a 2-1 series win, and he will host the Atlantic Pirates sophomore Isabella in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Bells. The silver cue makes its daily debut a bit late in 9-ball between veterans. Central's Noelle had some struggles with keeping her shots clean in game 1, but it worked out when Todavía's Bells missed her chance on the 9. Noelle got the tap-in for the win, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Warriors' Noelle still played a bit shaky in game 2, but the Stills' Bells couldn't pick up the slack. With a lack of big runs, it came down to possession, and Noelle had it at the right time to kick the 9 to the bottom right, clinching the series at 2-0 after another late failure by Bells. Noelle nearly made the 9 on the break in game 3, but she would pot the 2-9 combination to the bottom right on her second turn after Bells couldn't make it. Noelle swept the series 3-0 to earn a trip to the second round.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Cassie v. Isabella. A rookie and a sophomore meet as the silver cue stays in action for 15-ball. Royal's Cassie pulled in a good performance, starting with a pair of balls on the break. She shot authoritatively, while Atlantic's Isabella played a bit more cautiously. This caution failed Isabella, as Cassie took the last two balls for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Isabella improved her offense over most of game 2, but she couldn't convert the 11-15 combination at the top right, and the Crowns' Cassie surged forward on a four-ball run-out, clinching the series at 2-0. Game 3 could have been a bit faster, but it was decidedly in Cassie's favor even before a seven-ball run-out confirmed the result. Cassie swept Isabella 3-0 to advance to the second round.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Kirstin v. Katharine McPhee. The silver cue gets a taste in 8-ball now between a third-year and a rookie. Whitewater's Katharine had a productive five-ball run on her first turn, but Everton's Kirstin shot back with a four-ball run to make it close and a three-ball run-out to pick up the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Kirstin tried to trick the Shores' Katharine in game 2, but Katharine didn't claim a suit quickly, and Kirstin took the solids. This allowed Katharine to keep up pretty closely with stripes, and she won in the end, banking the 8 to the bottom side to tie the series at 1. Kirstin went off on a five-ball run early in game 3, pacing the offense. Katharine followed more slowly, and had a chance at a game-ending run, but she chipped her last shot, and Kirstin poked in the 8 for the win and a 2-1 series win. A competitive series sees Kirstin move to the second round.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Bryant. The final series of the first half of the first round is in 15-ball with the red cue. Terrace City's Kiwi applied ample pressure with a pair of four-ball runs in game 1. Feeling the heat, Maplewood's Bryant used an illegal contact error by Kiwi to pot the 10-15 combination to the bottom right, giving himself a needed 1-0 series lead. Game 2 featured less prominent runs and more chippy play between the opponents. The Lumberjacks' Bryant probably had a slight edge in possession, but he couldn't make the 15 on his one chance, and the Knights' Kiwi tapped it in for the win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 started quite contested, but Bryant went on a bender at the end, making nine of the last ten balls over two turns, with a seven-ball run setting up his late pair of shots. Bryant won the series 2-1, heading to the second round with the nice performance.
Tomorrow is likely the last standard day of the week for both sports. Premier will end week 14, and no cricket will take place until Monday, while Tournament play will take 1-4 days off.
Ebay Center, Queens: Kyle v. Wings. A returnee and a veteran clash in Accuracy with the blue cue in the first series of the day. Central's Wings fell behind early in game 1, but he stabilized his performance and induced some misses from Queens' Kyle, leading to Wings winning 2-5 for a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Kyle fell behind early in game 2, but he made an impressive effort to drag the Warriors' Wings down with him. It nearly worked, but a long-distance cut on the last ball secured a 2-3 win for Wings, who also clinched the series at 2-0. Kyle played a bit better in game 3, finally sustaining his lead to the end, where a medium-range cut gave him a 2-3 win over Wings. The series went 2-1 to Wings, who will play in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Cowzart. The red cue tags in for some 8-ball between two of Empyre's club members. Westside's Cowzart had a six-ball run to start game 1, but he wouldn't get anymore offense after that. Central's Dustin slowly rallied back, using defense to buy time before banking the 8 to the bottom right for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Cowzart had a slower start in game 2 but still managed to find a four-ball run to put the pressure on the Warriors' Dustin late in the game. Dustin replied with a double-pot of the 11 to the bottom right and the 14 to the top left, and he made the 8 a turn later to secure the series at 2-0. Cowzart again went on a big run, this time a scratch-stalled seven-ball surge that Dustin found himself unable to successfully counter even with a four-ball run. Cowzart took a pair of shots a couple turns later for the win, sending Dustin to the second round on a 2-1 series win instead of a sweep.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Max v. Dusky. The A-line Derby gets a 15-ball twist, as the blue cue steps in for this series. Alantic's Max was strongest in game 1 at the start and the end, including a four-ball run-out after Archtown's Dusky scratched while trying to make the 12. Max put a good effort in for the win, good for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 started a bit shakier, and the Arrows' Dusky made a bigger impact on offense this time. The Pirates' Max had a three-ball run to counter a five-ball run from Dusky near the end of the game, but Max couldn't sink the 15. Dusky tapped it in at the top left for the win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 saw a cagey battle with lots of errors resulting from defensive play. In the end, Dusky broke out with a three-ball run-out to finish Max, taking the series 2-1 as Dusky heads off to the second round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Niki v. Shadow. The blue cue remains in action for this series of 9-ball between highly-rated players. Commerce's Niki had a massive possession share in game 1, controlling play and winning on a four-ball run-out after Web City's Shadow missed on the 6. Niki made a rare cut on the 9 to the top right to take the 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shadow had a better performance in game 2, keeping the Tradewinds' Niki from producing any dominant runs. Shadow closed the door with a shot on the 9 after a brief chase, earning the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 kept an even balance between the players until a late scratch by Niki allowed Shadow to take the last two shots from ball-in-hand. He converted both, winning the game and the 2-1 series, which puts Shadow through to the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Spirit. The red cue is back in action, playing 10-ball between veterans. Freedom's Nikolai had a clear majority of possession in an abbreviated game 1, running circles around Lighton's Spirit before making the 5-10 combination to the bottom right as called. Nikolai holds a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Nikolai started a bit slower in game 2, allowing the Prestige's Spirit an errant kick try on the 1 before ripping his own ten-ball run-out to clear the table in a win that clinched the series for him at 2-0. Spirit had her best game of the series in game 3, but a late three-ball run ended in missed contact, and Nikolai poked the 10 in to pair with an earlier four-ball run. Nikolai swept the series 3-0 to get to the second round.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Wild Thing v. Jeremias. The red cue gets another series, this time in 9-ball. Archtown's Wild Thing led off with an aggressive four-ball run in game 1, but Royal's Jeremias never let possession go back, winning with a five-ball run-out for a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Jeremias had a decent chance to follow it up in game 2, but he hit the 1 too softly, and the Arrows' Wild Thing took over. The host Wild Thing smashed a five-ball run-out, ending with a double-pot that sent the 4 to the bottom left and the 9 deflected in the bottom right for the win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 started a lot slower than the other two, but it finished in a run, as Wild Thing made the last four balls to put Jeremias out. Wild Thing's 2-1 series win sends him to the second round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Vincent Sullivan v. Sparkles. The blue cue returns to play in this 12-ball series. Viewpoint Sound's Vincent gave away two wild-card balls in game 1 and still almost rallied late. Golden's Sparkles had trouble getting a clear shot until Vincent had an error, and then she potted her final ball for the win and a 1-0 lead in the series. The Pilots' Sparkles did surrender a wild-card ball in game 2, but it didn't seem to matter, as she had a better distribution. The Meteors' Vincent couldn't break through at any point, and Sparkles picked up the win to secure the series at 2-0. Game 3 took much longer than necessary for a throw-away game, but it did see Vincent use a two-rail kick on the 14 at the top side to rally from behind for the win. Sparkles took the series 2-1, and will visit Lighton Prestige captain Acorn for a second round series.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Kodiak v. Chimpy. An all-Union series pits rival clubs Outcast and Oriental United against each other in 8-ball with the blue cue. Kodiak nearly had the 8 on the break in game 1, but it ended him on his second turn, as he potted it illegally while on a three-ball run, gifting a 1-0 series lead to Chimpy. In game 2, Chimpy pulled off a four-ball run on the opening turn, but he couldn't sustain that offense late, and Kodiak rallied back. Kodiak needed some time to catch up, and then he took the win late after Chimpy stalled on the last stripe, which tied the series at 1. Kodiak rallied with a six-ball run from the break in game 3, including a pair on the break shot itself. Chimpy made a mild counterattack, but Kodiak easily took the win for a 2-1 series win, and he will host the Atlantic Pirates sophomore Isabella in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Bells. The silver cue makes its daily debut a bit late in 9-ball between veterans. Central's Noelle had some struggles with keeping her shots clean in game 1, but it worked out when Todavía's Bells missed her chance on the 9. Noelle got the tap-in for the win, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Warriors' Noelle still played a bit shaky in game 2, but the Stills' Bells couldn't pick up the slack. With a lack of big runs, it came down to possession, and Noelle had it at the right time to kick the 9 to the bottom right, clinching the series at 2-0 after another late failure by Bells. Noelle nearly made the 9 on the break in game 3, but she would pot the 2-9 combination to the bottom right on her second turn after Bells couldn't make it. Noelle swept the series 3-0 to earn a trip to the second round.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Cassie v. Isabella. A rookie and a sophomore meet as the silver cue stays in action for 15-ball. Royal's Cassie pulled in a good performance, starting with a pair of balls on the break. She shot authoritatively, while Atlantic's Isabella played a bit more cautiously. This caution failed Isabella, as Cassie took the last two balls for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Isabella improved her offense over most of game 2, but she couldn't convert the 11-15 combination at the top right, and the Crowns' Cassie surged forward on a four-ball run-out, clinching the series at 2-0. Game 3 could have been a bit faster, but it was decidedly in Cassie's favor even before a seven-ball run-out confirmed the result. Cassie swept Isabella 3-0 to advance to the second round.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Kirstin v. Katharine McPhee. The silver cue gets a taste in 8-ball now between a third-year and a rookie. Whitewater's Katharine had a productive five-ball run on her first turn, but Everton's Kirstin shot back with a four-ball run to make it close and a three-ball run-out to pick up the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Kirstin tried to trick the Shores' Katharine in game 2, but Katharine didn't claim a suit quickly, and Kirstin took the solids. This allowed Katharine to keep up pretty closely with stripes, and she won in the end, banking the 8 to the bottom side to tie the series at 1. Kirstin went off on a five-ball run early in game 3, pacing the offense. Katharine followed more slowly, and had a chance at a game-ending run, but she chipped her last shot, and Kirstin poked in the 8 for the win and a 2-1 series win. A competitive series sees Kirstin move to the second round.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Bryant. The final series of the first half of the first round is in 15-ball with the red cue. Terrace City's Kiwi applied ample pressure with a pair of four-ball runs in game 1. Feeling the heat, Maplewood's Bryant used an illegal contact error by Kiwi to pot the 10-15 combination to the bottom right, giving himself a needed 1-0 series lead. Game 2 featured less prominent runs and more chippy play between the opponents. The Lumberjacks' Bryant probably had a slight edge in possession, but he couldn't make the 15 on his one chance, and the Knights' Kiwi tapped it in for the win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 started quite contested, but Bryant went on a bender at the end, making nine of the last ten balls over two turns, with a seven-ball run setting up his late pair of shots. Bryant won the series 2-1, heading to the second round with the nice performance.
Tomorrow is likely the last standard day of the week for both sports. Premier will end week 14, and no cricket will take place until Monday, while Tournament play will take 1-4 days off.
Sunday, February 25, 2018
Tournament 2018 - Round 1 Day 27
We're approaching the halfway mark of the first round, which will be tomorrow. Today, the games begin with...
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Pauline v. Klaus. The blue cue gets the first series, playing 15-ball. Capital City's Pauline had some good play early in game 1, but she lost control of her shot later on, and Atlantic's Klaus made the last five balls over two turns for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Pauline had an even greater share of possession in game 2, making seven of the last eight balls after a great start, but the Pirates' Klaus got the 15 when Pauline cut it wide of the top right. Klaus' stolen win clinched the series at 2-0. Klaus earned his game 3 win, with a five-ball run and a four-ball run before he took the 15 from ball-in-hand after one of Pauline's errors. Klaus swept the series 3-0 to advance to the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Potter v. Debby Ryan. The same clubs send forth representative for 15-ball again, this time with the red cue. In game 1, Southridge's Debby had the best stretch of play with a six-ball run, and she added two later pairs, but Pronger's Potter struck another win with the last pair at the end, good for a 1-0 series lead as Outcast members continue to excel. The Tridents' Potter contributed a bit more offense in game 2, particularly on a late five-ball run. He just left the 15 standing, and the Defenders' Debby capped a decent game of her own with a long cut on it to the top left for the win, tying the series at 1. An exciting start in game 3 gave way to a cagey and mellow finish, with a late flourish as Debby poked the 10 toward the top left while converting the deflected shot on the 15 to the top side for the win. Debby took the series 2-1 away from Potter, sending her into the second round.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Peach v. Briana Livilotti. A sophomore hosts a rookie as the blue cue returns to action with 9-ball. North Modernistic's Peach seemed to stay a step ahead of Queens' Briana in game 1, getting the better offense and tapping in the 9 when Briana missed it. Peach leads the series 1-0 with her win. The Flames' Briana was a bit more obstructive in game 2, defending better against the attacks of the Nighthawks' Peach, but it didn't stop the host from making the 6 to the bottom right and the 9 to the top right on a game-ending double-pot. Peach secured the series at 2-0. Peach had her share of offense in game 3 as well, but a miss on the 6 set in motion a three-ball run-out that salvaged a win for Briana in the 2-1 series. Peach still advances to the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Summer. The silver cue pops up in this 10-ball series between a captain and a poised rookie. Atlantic's Delila struck first with a three-ball run in game 1, but a scratch as she made the 3 opened the door for Maplewood's Summer to launch a seven-ball run-out on the counterattack for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Delila had another decent start in game 2, getting a good run, and the Lumberjacks' Summer didn't get a chance to make a miracle run from ball-in-hand. It didn't stop Summer from a late three-ball run-out in the course of play, clinching the series in her favor at 2-0. Summer had her chances in a competitive game 3, but she missed on the 10 late, and Delila cut it to the bottom side, salvaging a win from the series. Summer takes the 2-1 series win with her to the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Prism. A superstar and a sophomore meet as the silver cue stays up for 12-ball. Lighton's Spirit didn't do herself any favors in game 1, scratching on the break and not getting great positioning, while Todavía's Prism had a relatively easy go of things, picking up the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Spirit did better with stripes in game 2, getting a three-ball run that unfortunately ended in a scratch. The Stills' Prism gave away a wild-card ball, but it opened things up for her three-ball run-out a turn later, which led to her winning again and securing the series at 2-0. Morale dropped in a difficult game 3, as both players scratched and came to a late impasse. Eventually, Prism gifted the win away to Spirit to end the series. Prism will advance on a 2-1 series win, despite the depressing finish.
Intel Center, Diamond: Cassandra v. Kiwi. A returning veteran faces a strong captain in 12-ball with the blue cue. Diamond's Cassandra chose solids after making one of each on the game 1 break, but she would give a second wild-card ball to Terrace City's Kiwi later, the catalyst for the visitor's four-ball run-out. Kiwi leads the series 1-0. The Knights' Kiwi got stuck with the inferior stripes suit in game 2, and while the Gems' Cassandra again gave her a wild-card ball, this one was too late. Cassandra struggled to fit the 3 in the top side, but she made it on her fourth direct try, getting the win to tie the series at 1. Kiwi and Cassandra battled closely in game 3, with Kiwi getting an edge in positioning that she would convert into a win as she banked the 9 to the top side at the end. Kiwi took the series 2-1, moving into the second round where she will visit the Swordpoint Blades' Bandit, while Cassandra will take a total of five bids to the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stripes v. Snuggle. The red cue is in for 9-ball in this series between veterans. Two errors doomed Freedom's Stripes in game 1, with a scratch ending her five-ball run and missed contact giving Oceanside's Snuggle ball-in-hand for the 9 after a long chase. Snuggle converted, and he takes a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Snuggle had a four-ball run to start game 2, and he battled onward with more offense, but the Cascades' Stripes picked up the 9 at the with a subdued cut to tie the series at 1 with her win. Stripes imposed herself in game 3 with a three-ball run, showing some aggression, but Snuggle would get the win with a lucky deflection off the 4 that sent the 9 to the bottom side on his second turn. Snuggle won the series 2-1, advancing to the second round.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Crystal. The silver cue returns to action in a star-power-filled Rotation series. Game 1 remained close, although displays of these players' abilities didn't come until later. With the game tied, Queens' Crystal burst out for a four-ball run-out, winning 8-4 over Infinity's Fluffina for the 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fluffina kept things close at times in game 2, but even as she pulled even, the Flames' Crystal found ways to pull away. Crystal got the last two shots to win 8-6, clinching the series at 2-0. Crystal didn't stay behind long in game 3, as Fluffina took leads early and late but couldn't hold on in the end. Short runs were key, and Crystal got a three-ball run-out to win 8-6 for the 3-0 series sweep that gets her through. Crystal will visit the Commerce Tradewinds' Lionel in the second round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Pounce v. Spot. A veteran welcomes a sophomore as the red cue gets another look in 9-ball. Southern's Pounce experienced a bit of frustration in a chippy game 1, and when Pronger's Spot left the 8 up, Pounce blasted it to the top left and then banked the 9 hard to the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Spot didn't hesitate in game 2 to make a 1-9 combination to the top right after the Monarchs' Pounce left the 9 close to the pocket from the break. Spot's heads-up play tied the series at 1. Spot dominated possession in game 3, getting a big run on his second turn and a three-ball run-out that included a double-pot of the 7 and 9 to the right corners on his third turn for the win. Spot took the series 2-1, moving to the second round.
Apple Center, Todavía: Sierra v. Zach. Two strong players clash in Accuracy with the silver cue before a break. Todavía's Sierra started well, but she faltered by the end of the game. Pronger's Zach had trouble potting the final ball, inflating his winning score to 2-4, which gives him a 1-0 series lead. Any residual shakiness that the Stills' Sierra may have had going into game 2 didn't last long, as she buried every single shot, while the Tridents' Zach failed to pull his share of the load and lost 0-6. Sierra's dominant effort tied the series at 1. Zach had no issues keeping pace with Sierra in game 3, and he used a double-pot to counter her ball on the break to reclaim last shot privileges. Sierra had a late miss very narrowly, and Zach won 1-2, good for a 2-1 series win to put him in the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Slinks. After a break, the game is still Accuracy but the blue cue will be playing between veterans. Game 1 saw the players exchange shots almost evenly, but Westside's Slinks did miss once in the middle of the game. Pronger's Precious made that be decisive, winning 0-1 for a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Precious had the first miss in game 2, coming later than in the previous game, but she closed things up well, getting the Rockers' Slinks to miss her last two shots. Precious capped the game at 1-2, clinching the series in fantastic form at 2-0. Slinks and Precious went back and forth in a much looser game 3 battle, and while Precious had the late lead, she watched things swing to Slinks 4-5 as she missed her last two shots. Precious wins the series 2-1 to get to the second round.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Waluigi. The silver cue oversees today's final series in 9-ball. Boston's Gradley had a seemingly large portion of possession in game 1, but he missed twice on the 9, the second a light miss, and Lighton's Waluigi knocked it for the win. Waluigi holds a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Waluigi almost got insanely lucky with his kick on the 2 pushing the 9 near the top right, but his dream shot turned into a nightmare. The Swifts' Gradley drew the cue enough off of the 2 to tap the 9 in for the win, tying the series at 1. Gradley had his chances in game 3, but he again came up short, as Waluigi pieced together a three-ball run-out, good for the win and a 2-1 series win. Waluigi punches his ticket to the second round.
That's all for today's action. We'll have more tomorrow, with Premier Week 14 starting and Day 28 of Tournament action right after that.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Pauline v. Klaus. The blue cue gets the first series, playing 15-ball. Capital City's Pauline had some good play early in game 1, but she lost control of her shot later on, and Atlantic's Klaus made the last five balls over two turns for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Pauline had an even greater share of possession in game 2, making seven of the last eight balls after a great start, but the Pirates' Klaus got the 15 when Pauline cut it wide of the top right. Klaus' stolen win clinched the series at 2-0. Klaus earned his game 3 win, with a five-ball run and a four-ball run before he took the 15 from ball-in-hand after one of Pauline's errors. Klaus swept the series 3-0 to advance to the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Potter v. Debby Ryan. The same clubs send forth representative for 15-ball again, this time with the red cue. In game 1, Southridge's Debby had the best stretch of play with a six-ball run, and she added two later pairs, but Pronger's Potter struck another win with the last pair at the end, good for a 1-0 series lead as Outcast members continue to excel. The Tridents' Potter contributed a bit more offense in game 2, particularly on a late five-ball run. He just left the 15 standing, and the Defenders' Debby capped a decent game of her own with a long cut on it to the top left for the win, tying the series at 1. An exciting start in game 3 gave way to a cagey and mellow finish, with a late flourish as Debby poked the 10 toward the top left while converting the deflected shot on the 15 to the top side for the win. Debby took the series 2-1 away from Potter, sending her into the second round.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Peach v. Briana Livilotti. A sophomore hosts a rookie as the blue cue returns to action with 9-ball. North Modernistic's Peach seemed to stay a step ahead of Queens' Briana in game 1, getting the better offense and tapping in the 9 when Briana missed it. Peach leads the series 1-0 with her win. The Flames' Briana was a bit more obstructive in game 2, defending better against the attacks of the Nighthawks' Peach, but it didn't stop the host from making the 6 to the bottom right and the 9 to the top right on a game-ending double-pot. Peach secured the series at 2-0. Peach had her share of offense in game 3 as well, but a miss on the 6 set in motion a three-ball run-out that salvaged a win for Briana in the 2-1 series. Peach still advances to the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Summer. The silver cue pops up in this 10-ball series between a captain and a poised rookie. Atlantic's Delila struck first with a three-ball run in game 1, but a scratch as she made the 3 opened the door for Maplewood's Summer to launch a seven-ball run-out on the counterattack for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Delila had another decent start in game 2, getting a good run, and the Lumberjacks' Summer didn't get a chance to make a miracle run from ball-in-hand. It didn't stop Summer from a late three-ball run-out in the course of play, clinching the series in her favor at 2-0. Summer had her chances in a competitive game 3, but she missed on the 10 late, and Delila cut it to the bottom side, salvaging a win from the series. Summer takes the 2-1 series win with her to the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Prism. A superstar and a sophomore meet as the silver cue stays up for 12-ball. Lighton's Spirit didn't do herself any favors in game 1, scratching on the break and not getting great positioning, while Todavía's Prism had a relatively easy go of things, picking up the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Spirit did better with stripes in game 2, getting a three-ball run that unfortunately ended in a scratch. The Stills' Prism gave away a wild-card ball, but it opened things up for her three-ball run-out a turn later, which led to her winning again and securing the series at 2-0. Morale dropped in a difficult game 3, as both players scratched and came to a late impasse. Eventually, Prism gifted the win away to Spirit to end the series. Prism will advance on a 2-1 series win, despite the depressing finish.
Intel Center, Diamond: Cassandra v. Kiwi. A returning veteran faces a strong captain in 12-ball with the blue cue. Diamond's Cassandra chose solids after making one of each on the game 1 break, but she would give a second wild-card ball to Terrace City's Kiwi later, the catalyst for the visitor's four-ball run-out. Kiwi leads the series 1-0. The Knights' Kiwi got stuck with the inferior stripes suit in game 2, and while the Gems' Cassandra again gave her a wild-card ball, this one was too late. Cassandra struggled to fit the 3 in the top side, but she made it on her fourth direct try, getting the win to tie the series at 1. Kiwi and Cassandra battled closely in game 3, with Kiwi getting an edge in positioning that she would convert into a win as she banked the 9 to the top side at the end. Kiwi took the series 2-1, moving into the second round where she will visit the Swordpoint Blades' Bandit, while Cassandra will take a total of five bids to the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stripes v. Snuggle. The red cue is in for 9-ball in this series between veterans. Two errors doomed Freedom's Stripes in game 1, with a scratch ending her five-ball run and missed contact giving Oceanside's Snuggle ball-in-hand for the 9 after a long chase. Snuggle converted, and he takes a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Snuggle had a four-ball run to start game 2, and he battled onward with more offense, but the Cascades' Stripes picked up the 9 at the with a subdued cut to tie the series at 1 with her win. Stripes imposed herself in game 3 with a three-ball run, showing some aggression, but Snuggle would get the win with a lucky deflection off the 4 that sent the 9 to the bottom side on his second turn. Snuggle won the series 2-1, advancing to the second round.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Crystal. The silver cue returns to action in a star-power-filled Rotation series. Game 1 remained close, although displays of these players' abilities didn't come until later. With the game tied, Queens' Crystal burst out for a four-ball run-out, winning 8-4 over Infinity's Fluffina for the 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fluffina kept things close at times in game 2, but even as she pulled even, the Flames' Crystal found ways to pull away. Crystal got the last two shots to win 8-6, clinching the series at 2-0. Crystal didn't stay behind long in game 3, as Fluffina took leads early and late but couldn't hold on in the end. Short runs were key, and Crystal got a three-ball run-out to win 8-6 for the 3-0 series sweep that gets her through. Crystal will visit the Commerce Tradewinds' Lionel in the second round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Pounce v. Spot. A veteran welcomes a sophomore as the red cue gets another look in 9-ball. Southern's Pounce experienced a bit of frustration in a chippy game 1, and when Pronger's Spot left the 8 up, Pounce blasted it to the top left and then banked the 9 hard to the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Spot didn't hesitate in game 2 to make a 1-9 combination to the top right after the Monarchs' Pounce left the 9 close to the pocket from the break. Spot's heads-up play tied the series at 1. Spot dominated possession in game 3, getting a big run on his second turn and a three-ball run-out that included a double-pot of the 7 and 9 to the right corners on his third turn for the win. Spot took the series 2-1, moving to the second round.
Apple Center, Todavía: Sierra v. Zach. Two strong players clash in Accuracy with the silver cue before a break. Todavía's Sierra started well, but she faltered by the end of the game. Pronger's Zach had trouble potting the final ball, inflating his winning score to 2-4, which gives him a 1-0 series lead. Any residual shakiness that the Stills' Sierra may have had going into game 2 didn't last long, as she buried every single shot, while the Tridents' Zach failed to pull his share of the load and lost 0-6. Sierra's dominant effort tied the series at 1. Zach had no issues keeping pace with Sierra in game 3, and he used a double-pot to counter her ball on the break to reclaim last shot privileges. Sierra had a late miss very narrowly, and Zach won 1-2, good for a 2-1 series win to put him in the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Slinks. After a break, the game is still Accuracy but the blue cue will be playing between veterans. Game 1 saw the players exchange shots almost evenly, but Westside's Slinks did miss once in the middle of the game. Pronger's Precious made that be decisive, winning 0-1 for a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Precious had the first miss in game 2, coming later than in the previous game, but she closed things up well, getting the Rockers' Slinks to miss her last two shots. Precious capped the game at 1-2, clinching the series in fantastic form at 2-0. Slinks and Precious went back and forth in a much looser game 3 battle, and while Precious had the late lead, she watched things swing to Slinks 4-5 as she missed her last two shots. Precious wins the series 2-1 to get to the second round.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Waluigi. The silver cue oversees today's final series in 9-ball. Boston's Gradley had a seemingly large portion of possession in game 1, but he missed twice on the 9, the second a light miss, and Lighton's Waluigi knocked it for the win. Waluigi holds a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Waluigi almost got insanely lucky with his kick on the 2 pushing the 9 near the top right, but his dream shot turned into a nightmare. The Swifts' Gradley drew the cue enough off of the 2 to tap the 9 in for the win, tying the series at 1. Gradley had his chances in game 3, but he again came up short, as Waluigi pieced together a three-ball run-out, good for the win and a 2-1 series win. Waluigi punches his ticket to the second round.
That's all for today's action. We'll have more tomorrow, with Premier Week 14 starting and Day 28 of Tournament action right after that.
Elite Cricket 2018 - Week 14
We're back for the new week in Elite action, beginning with...
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: The Surfers and Tradewinds start the week with a home-and-home, part of a larger quadrupleheader for the Surfers. Bright sits for the hosts while the visitors bench their captain Tigerette. Taylor couldn't get a grip on her turn, ending with a poor 133 for Commerce. Boots would not be denied a great performance for Pearl, smashing 1064 to establish a big lead. Lionel launched 520 for the Tradewinds, cutting into the deficit slightly. Watermelon had a sloppy turn for the Surfers with 248, but they retain an ample lead for now. Rosemary got Commerce back in the game, blasting 1094 to cover the deficit on her turn. Neopolitan shot back with 650 for Pearl, recovering a small lead with a player each to go. Niki covered the deficit with 368 for the Tradewinds, putting their final score at 2115. Beth fell with only 132 for the Surfers, giving the Surfers 2094 and the loss in a surprising finish. Commerce is now 11-13, edging ahead of the 12-15 Pearl team.
Nike Field, Commerce: The Tradewinds return home and sit Taylor for performance, while the Surfers bench Beth for this meeting. Boots fell with 164 this time for Pearl, not a great outing from the lead-off role. Tigerette answered with a firm 496 for Commerce, pulling the hosts ahead as they try to sweep this two-game set. Watermelon saw a deflection end her performance at 111 for the Surfers, far from covering the deficit. Another deflection brought down the Tradewinds' Lionel at 153, which kept the lead steady at the midway mark. Neopolitan hammered a massive 893 for Pearl this time, pulling the visitors ahead with the effort. Rosemary kept things close with a good 447 for Commerce, leading to another close finish between the teams. Bright poked a big 610 for the Surfers at the end, setting their final score at 1778. Niki couldn't make a response, ending at 290 as the Tradewinds take the loss on a total of 1386. The road team takes each game, with Pearl up to 13-15 while Commerce drops back to 11-14.
Cisco Tysini Field, Tysini: The Surfers will sit Boots in the third of four straight games, while the Hummingbirds are set to put their usual lead-off hitter Princess on the bench. Watermelon stepped up with 441 for Pearl this time, giving them a good start. Leandra battled a cluttered pitch that cratered her pace to record 583 for Tysini for the initial lead. Neopolitan took a bit of a downturn in production with 353 for the Surfers, enough to cover the deficit this time. Charli answered with 226 for the Hummingbirds, making it a very close game at the halfway mark. Bright lifted 360 for Pearl on his turn, with the game still lacking a breakout run. Brownie slipped up at 327 for Tysini, not quite covering the deficit but coming painfully close as the final players step up to bat. Beth popped 464 for the Surfers, ending their offense at a total of 1618. Paps couldn't do it for the Hummingbirds, his 258 leaving them in a loss at 1394. Pearl staves off another dangerous game to go to 14-15, while Tysini drops to 13-10.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: The Surfers complete their busy four-game stretch with this road game, sitting Neopolitan, while the Spiders put Shiny on the bench in this game. Boots misjudged the speed of an offering, which flew over her bat and downed her at 328 for Pearl at the start of the game. Shadow tried to counter for Web City, but he lacked pace in hitting 291 on his turn. Watermelon provided 424 for the Surfers this time, giving them an extra boost on the second attack. Ted countered with 620 for the Spiders this time, giving the hosts a lead at the midway mark. Bright stumbled at 171 for Pearl, fatigue showing obviously among the well-traveled team. Sugar kept Web City ahead with a modest 264, maintaining their advantage for the last stage of the game. The Surfers got a surprising 606 out of Beth at the end, the surge forcing a response from the hosts as the visitors close with 1529. Jack met the challenge with 970 for the Spiders, making a huge impact for the win at 2145. Web City gets a much-needed win to rise to 13-15, narrowly behind the 14-16 Pearl team that split their quadrupleheader.
Starbucks Cup, Archtown: The Flames will recall Briana and allow Hannah to sit in this first game of a road doubleheader, while Sleepy B. sits for the hosting Arrows. Crystal did alright in lead-off for Queens in this game, contributing 329 at the start. Sally answered with 554 for Archtown in a confident opening for the hosts. Violetta shot back with 405 for the Flames this time, covering the deficit lightly. Ruby countered quite effectively with 578 for the Arrows, pulling them even farther ahead as the game reaches half-completion. Briana made a triumphant return from her developmental loan, slugging 1106 to put Queens well ahead after her turn. Dusky fumbled her way to a meager 66 for Archtown, putting the hosts in a rough spot late in the game. Kyle tacked on 441 for the Flames, capping their offense at 2281. Wild Thing got beat at 304 for the Arrows, leaving them in a loss with 1502. Queens got what they wanted out of this one, going to 15-13, while Archtown drops to 8-19.
AT&T Oceanside Stadium, Oceanside: The Flames will give Crystal rest in this one, confident in their returned player, while the Waves bench Jason V. in this meeting in hopes of capitalizing. Violetta struggled in the lead-off position again, with a simple 329 for Queens here. Snuggle screwed up with only 25 for Oceanside on his turn, putting them quickly behind. Briana answered with 497 for the Flames in a strong outing, extending their lead on the second attack. Celestia hit a ball too high on her turn, ending with a poor 289 as the Waves slip farther behind. Kyle had a pretty awkward swing and miss at 287 for Queens, but their lead is not yet in danger. Josie fired 543 for Oceanside, making a noticeable dent in the deficit. Hannah didn't have the best performance with 209 for the Flames, leaving their total at 1322, which isn't safe by any means. Dewey failed to take advantage, falling at 252 for the Waves as they lose on a total of 1109. Queens is now up to 16-13, passing the 16-14 Oceanside squad.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: The Sharpshooters begin a Southwestern doubleheader at home against the Hummingbirds. Paps sits for the visitors, while the hosts cycle Chris out for rest in a busy week. Princess couldn't figure out her swing for Tysini, falling quickly at 36 on the first turn. Missy shot back immediately with 1027 for Capital City, giving them a significant lead early on. Leandra picked up 529 for the Hummingbirds, trying to mitigate the damage already done. Sprinkles had a measly 57 for the Sharpshooters, one of her few blemishes on the year. Charli covered the deficit with a big 791 for Tysini on her productive turn. Lorde fought back with 560 for Capital City, retaining their lead heading into the final turn after a fortunate block back into the back 4s kept her going. Brownie couldn't challenge the hosts again, falling with a poor 124 for a losing total of 1480 for the Hummingbirds. Pauline chipped 274 at the end to ice the Sharpshooters' win at 1918. Capital City is 20-4, while Tysini drops down to 13-11.
Nissan Infinity Stadium, Infinity: The gold-clad Sharpshooters come in with Sprinkles taking a game off, while the silver-laden Torpedoes sit Mr. Snowman for his allotted rest. Chris sprayed a good 425 for Capital City to lead off the scoring in fine form. Smudge shot back with 310, her more aggressive style backfiring when she clipped the boundary, giving Infinity a slight deficit early on. Missy flicked 256 for the Sharpshooters this time, their lead weakening on the middling second attack. Fluffina didn't take advantage of the opportunity with only 117 for the Torpedoes as the game takes a defensive tilt. Lorde picked up 353 for Capital City this time, keeping them on pace for the game. Solaris fell in line with his Infinity teammates, getting knocked out at 239 as they cede more ground heading into the final players' turns. Pauline put the Sharpshooters definitively ahead with 911 on her turn, capping their offense at 1945. Shelley had a solid 417 for the Torpedoes, but they took a hard loss at 1083. Capital City rises again to 21-4, while Infinity falls back to 19-7.
McDonald's Pitch at Pirates Park, Atlantic: The Pirates sit their sophomore Isabella for rest this time, while the Flames bench Kyle for rest after some uneven efforts recently. Crystal had a decent return from her rest with 341 for Queens, but she could have had more. Delila accepted 397 for Atlantic, forgoing a technical error replay as the hosts will settle for a small initial lead. Violetta churned out 774 for the Flames on the second attack, giving them a much better lead this time. Steven answered with 467 for the Pirates this time, unable to cover the deficit at the halfway mark. Briana fired back with 504 for Queens, continuing to show off her development as she boosts the lead. Klaus made a lot of progress with 1054 for Atlantic, restoring their lead with a player each to go. Hannah picked up 487 for the Flames at the end, giving them a total of 2106 to force the hosts to reply. Max had a shaky 272 for the Pirates, but they took the win at 2190. Atlantic is up to 15-13, while Queens is now 16-14.
IBM Nighthawks Nest, North Modernistic: The Nighthawks are without B. Chapman in this game, while her pool opponent from yesterday, the Spiders' Ted, also sits. Shadow slammed 848 for Web City on the opening turn, a fantastic effort from their captain. Peach kept things close with 817, avoiding danger despite a heavily cluttered pitch in front of her. Sugar answered with a pacey 476 for the Spiders on her turn, reclaiming some of their previous lead. Cheddar came in just under that mark for the Nighthawks, collecting 465 to keep the hosts in range. Jack faltered at 217 for Web City, putting their lead in significant danger. Gal answered with 569, giving North Modernistic their first lead of the game before the final players' turns. Shiny got beat on a deflection at 184 for the Spiders, leaving them in a loss at 1725. Luigi flipped 416 for the Nighthawks at the end, setting their winning mark at 2267. North Modernistic picks up the win to get to 9-20, while Web City is 13-16 on the year.
AT&T Oceanside Stadium, Oceanside: The Waves welcome the first-place Sharpshooters, with the visitors sitting Missy, while Celestia rests for the hosts as they end a five-game home stand. Chris set the tone with an impressive 617 for Capital City on their opening turn. Snuggle got beat with a deflection to end his turn at 101 for Oceanside, who don't seem to have the same offense. Sprinkles provided another 433 for the Sharpshooters on the second attack, padding their lead nicely. Josie bumped a ball off the handle of her bat, which went out of play to stall her at 160 for the Waves. Lorde tacked on another 476 for Capital City, as they are seemingly running away with the game now. Dewey made a rally with 769 for Oceanside, recovering some of the deficit with his good outing. Pauline had a decent 297 for the Sharpshooters, leaving their total at 1823. Jason V. couldn't get going, ending on 117 as the Waves lose with 1147. Capital City steamrolls their way to a 22-4 record, while Oceanside falls off at 16-15 after going 1-4 over their last big home stand.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: The Sharpshooters stay in gold at home, with Pauline taking her turn for rest, while Lionel sits for the visiting Tradewinds in the week finale. Tigerette pumped 394 for Commerce to lead off the scoring with a decent performance. Chris showed a bit of fatigue in hitting only 280 for Capital City this time. Taylor faltered with a mere 215 for the Tradewinds, weakening their lead on the second attack. Missy fired back with a measly 96 for the Sharpshooters, wasting a chance to catch up at the midway mark. Rosemary pulled Commerce far ahead with 758 this time, giving them a massive lead at a critical point in the game. Sprinkles picked up 378 for Capital City on her turn, but they remain deeply behind late in the game. Niki faltered at 96 for the Tradewinds, putting their final score at 1463. Lorde tried to counterattack, but her 288 left the Sharpshooters in a loss at 1042, exhausted after a busy end to the week. Commerce rises to 12-14, while Capital City drops back to 22-5.
That's all for the action from this week. Premier Week 14 begins tomorrow, while Day 27 of Tournament play begins in about one hour.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: The Surfers and Tradewinds start the week with a home-and-home, part of a larger quadrupleheader for the Surfers. Bright sits for the hosts while the visitors bench their captain Tigerette. Taylor couldn't get a grip on her turn, ending with a poor 133 for Commerce. Boots would not be denied a great performance for Pearl, smashing 1064 to establish a big lead. Lionel launched 520 for the Tradewinds, cutting into the deficit slightly. Watermelon had a sloppy turn for the Surfers with 248, but they retain an ample lead for now. Rosemary got Commerce back in the game, blasting 1094 to cover the deficit on her turn. Neopolitan shot back with 650 for Pearl, recovering a small lead with a player each to go. Niki covered the deficit with 368 for the Tradewinds, putting their final score at 2115. Beth fell with only 132 for the Surfers, giving the Surfers 2094 and the loss in a surprising finish. Commerce is now 11-13, edging ahead of the 12-15 Pearl team.
Nike Field, Commerce: The Tradewinds return home and sit Taylor for performance, while the Surfers bench Beth for this meeting. Boots fell with 164 this time for Pearl, not a great outing from the lead-off role. Tigerette answered with a firm 496 for Commerce, pulling the hosts ahead as they try to sweep this two-game set. Watermelon saw a deflection end her performance at 111 for the Surfers, far from covering the deficit. Another deflection brought down the Tradewinds' Lionel at 153, which kept the lead steady at the midway mark. Neopolitan hammered a massive 893 for Pearl this time, pulling the visitors ahead with the effort. Rosemary kept things close with a good 447 for Commerce, leading to another close finish between the teams. Bright poked a big 610 for the Surfers at the end, setting their final score at 1778. Niki couldn't make a response, ending at 290 as the Tradewinds take the loss on a total of 1386. The road team takes each game, with Pearl up to 13-15 while Commerce drops back to 11-14.
Cisco Tysini Field, Tysini: The Surfers will sit Boots in the third of four straight games, while the Hummingbirds are set to put their usual lead-off hitter Princess on the bench. Watermelon stepped up with 441 for Pearl this time, giving them a good start. Leandra battled a cluttered pitch that cratered her pace to record 583 for Tysini for the initial lead. Neopolitan took a bit of a downturn in production with 353 for the Surfers, enough to cover the deficit this time. Charli answered with 226 for the Hummingbirds, making it a very close game at the halfway mark. Bright lifted 360 for Pearl on his turn, with the game still lacking a breakout run. Brownie slipped up at 327 for Tysini, not quite covering the deficit but coming painfully close as the final players step up to bat. Beth popped 464 for the Surfers, ending their offense at a total of 1618. Paps couldn't do it for the Hummingbirds, his 258 leaving them in a loss at 1394. Pearl staves off another dangerous game to go to 14-15, while Tysini drops to 13-10.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: The Surfers complete their busy four-game stretch with this road game, sitting Neopolitan, while the Spiders put Shiny on the bench in this game. Boots misjudged the speed of an offering, which flew over her bat and downed her at 328 for Pearl at the start of the game. Shadow tried to counter for Web City, but he lacked pace in hitting 291 on his turn. Watermelon provided 424 for the Surfers this time, giving them an extra boost on the second attack. Ted countered with 620 for the Spiders this time, giving the hosts a lead at the midway mark. Bright stumbled at 171 for Pearl, fatigue showing obviously among the well-traveled team. Sugar kept Web City ahead with a modest 264, maintaining their advantage for the last stage of the game. The Surfers got a surprising 606 out of Beth at the end, the surge forcing a response from the hosts as the visitors close with 1529. Jack met the challenge with 970 for the Spiders, making a huge impact for the win at 2145. Web City gets a much-needed win to rise to 13-15, narrowly behind the 14-16 Pearl team that split their quadrupleheader.
Starbucks Cup, Archtown: The Flames will recall Briana and allow Hannah to sit in this first game of a road doubleheader, while Sleepy B. sits for the hosting Arrows. Crystal did alright in lead-off for Queens in this game, contributing 329 at the start. Sally answered with 554 for Archtown in a confident opening for the hosts. Violetta shot back with 405 for the Flames this time, covering the deficit lightly. Ruby countered quite effectively with 578 for the Arrows, pulling them even farther ahead as the game reaches half-completion. Briana made a triumphant return from her developmental loan, slugging 1106 to put Queens well ahead after her turn. Dusky fumbled her way to a meager 66 for Archtown, putting the hosts in a rough spot late in the game. Kyle tacked on 441 for the Flames, capping their offense at 2281. Wild Thing got beat at 304 for the Arrows, leaving them in a loss with 1502. Queens got what they wanted out of this one, going to 15-13, while Archtown drops to 8-19.
AT&T Oceanside Stadium, Oceanside: The Flames will give Crystal rest in this one, confident in their returned player, while the Waves bench Jason V. in this meeting in hopes of capitalizing. Violetta struggled in the lead-off position again, with a simple 329 for Queens here. Snuggle screwed up with only 25 for Oceanside on his turn, putting them quickly behind. Briana answered with 497 for the Flames in a strong outing, extending their lead on the second attack. Celestia hit a ball too high on her turn, ending with a poor 289 as the Waves slip farther behind. Kyle had a pretty awkward swing and miss at 287 for Queens, but their lead is not yet in danger. Josie fired 543 for Oceanside, making a noticeable dent in the deficit. Hannah didn't have the best performance with 209 for the Flames, leaving their total at 1322, which isn't safe by any means. Dewey failed to take advantage, falling at 252 for the Waves as they lose on a total of 1109. Queens is now up to 16-13, passing the 16-14 Oceanside squad.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: The Sharpshooters begin a Southwestern doubleheader at home against the Hummingbirds. Paps sits for the visitors, while the hosts cycle Chris out for rest in a busy week. Princess couldn't figure out her swing for Tysini, falling quickly at 36 on the first turn. Missy shot back immediately with 1027 for Capital City, giving them a significant lead early on. Leandra picked up 529 for the Hummingbirds, trying to mitigate the damage already done. Sprinkles had a measly 57 for the Sharpshooters, one of her few blemishes on the year. Charli covered the deficit with a big 791 for Tysini on her productive turn. Lorde fought back with 560 for Capital City, retaining their lead heading into the final turn after a fortunate block back into the back 4s kept her going. Brownie couldn't challenge the hosts again, falling with a poor 124 for a losing total of 1480 for the Hummingbirds. Pauline chipped 274 at the end to ice the Sharpshooters' win at 1918. Capital City is 20-4, while Tysini drops down to 13-11.
Nissan Infinity Stadium, Infinity: The gold-clad Sharpshooters come in with Sprinkles taking a game off, while the silver-laden Torpedoes sit Mr. Snowman for his allotted rest. Chris sprayed a good 425 for Capital City to lead off the scoring in fine form. Smudge shot back with 310, her more aggressive style backfiring when she clipped the boundary, giving Infinity a slight deficit early on. Missy flicked 256 for the Sharpshooters this time, their lead weakening on the middling second attack. Fluffina didn't take advantage of the opportunity with only 117 for the Torpedoes as the game takes a defensive tilt. Lorde picked up 353 for Capital City this time, keeping them on pace for the game. Solaris fell in line with his Infinity teammates, getting knocked out at 239 as they cede more ground heading into the final players' turns. Pauline put the Sharpshooters definitively ahead with 911 on her turn, capping their offense at 1945. Shelley had a solid 417 for the Torpedoes, but they took a hard loss at 1083. Capital City rises again to 21-4, while Infinity falls back to 19-7.
McDonald's Pitch at Pirates Park, Atlantic: The Pirates sit their sophomore Isabella for rest this time, while the Flames bench Kyle for rest after some uneven efforts recently. Crystal had a decent return from her rest with 341 for Queens, but she could have had more. Delila accepted 397 for Atlantic, forgoing a technical error replay as the hosts will settle for a small initial lead. Violetta churned out 774 for the Flames on the second attack, giving them a much better lead this time. Steven answered with 467 for the Pirates this time, unable to cover the deficit at the halfway mark. Briana fired back with 504 for Queens, continuing to show off her development as she boosts the lead. Klaus made a lot of progress with 1054 for Atlantic, restoring their lead with a player each to go. Hannah picked up 487 for the Flames at the end, giving them a total of 2106 to force the hosts to reply. Max had a shaky 272 for the Pirates, but they took the win at 2190. Atlantic is up to 15-13, while Queens is now 16-14.
IBM Nighthawks Nest, North Modernistic: The Nighthawks are without B. Chapman in this game, while her pool opponent from yesterday, the Spiders' Ted, also sits. Shadow slammed 848 for Web City on the opening turn, a fantastic effort from their captain. Peach kept things close with 817, avoiding danger despite a heavily cluttered pitch in front of her. Sugar answered with a pacey 476 for the Spiders on her turn, reclaiming some of their previous lead. Cheddar came in just under that mark for the Nighthawks, collecting 465 to keep the hosts in range. Jack faltered at 217 for Web City, putting their lead in significant danger. Gal answered with 569, giving North Modernistic their first lead of the game before the final players' turns. Shiny got beat on a deflection at 184 for the Spiders, leaving them in a loss at 1725. Luigi flipped 416 for the Nighthawks at the end, setting their winning mark at 2267. North Modernistic picks up the win to get to 9-20, while Web City is 13-16 on the year.
AT&T Oceanside Stadium, Oceanside: The Waves welcome the first-place Sharpshooters, with the visitors sitting Missy, while Celestia rests for the hosts as they end a five-game home stand. Chris set the tone with an impressive 617 for Capital City on their opening turn. Snuggle got beat with a deflection to end his turn at 101 for Oceanside, who don't seem to have the same offense. Sprinkles provided another 433 for the Sharpshooters on the second attack, padding their lead nicely. Josie bumped a ball off the handle of her bat, which went out of play to stall her at 160 for the Waves. Lorde tacked on another 476 for Capital City, as they are seemingly running away with the game now. Dewey made a rally with 769 for Oceanside, recovering some of the deficit with his good outing. Pauline had a decent 297 for the Sharpshooters, leaving their total at 1823. Jason V. couldn't get going, ending on 117 as the Waves lose with 1147. Capital City steamrolls their way to a 22-4 record, while Oceanside falls off at 16-15 after going 1-4 over their last big home stand.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: The Sharpshooters stay in gold at home, with Pauline taking her turn for rest, while Lionel sits for the visiting Tradewinds in the week finale. Tigerette pumped 394 for Commerce to lead off the scoring with a decent performance. Chris showed a bit of fatigue in hitting only 280 for Capital City this time. Taylor faltered with a mere 215 for the Tradewinds, weakening their lead on the second attack. Missy fired back with a measly 96 for the Sharpshooters, wasting a chance to catch up at the midway mark. Rosemary pulled Commerce far ahead with 758 this time, giving them a massive lead at a critical point in the game. Sprinkles picked up 378 for Capital City on her turn, but they remain deeply behind late in the game. Niki faltered at 96 for the Tradewinds, putting their final score at 1463. Lorde tried to counterattack, but her 288 left the Sharpshooters in a loss at 1042, exhausted after a busy end to the week. Commerce rises to 12-14, while Capital City drops back to 22-5.
That's all for the action from this week. Premier Week 14 begins tomorrow, while Day 27 of Tournament play begins in about one hour.
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