Tournament 2018 - Bracket Semifinals Day 3

We're rapidly approaching the middle of the round (tomorrow), so we'll do another seven series today. First up...

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Mr. Snowman. The silver cue stars today, beginning with this 7-ball series. Infinity's Mr. Snowman had a three-ball run in an otherwise slow game 1, taking it after Stonebridge's Hershey scratched. Mr. Snowman left the 7 at the bottom left, and Hershey made the tap-in, taking the win for a 1-0 series lead to the host. The Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman had a more aggressive game 2, making an early three-ball run and another pair after a slow middle section. Mr. Snowman butchered his one chance at the 7, which the Wolves' Hershey cut to the top side for the win to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Mr. Snowman missed a couple of cuts awkwardly in game 3, especially a shot from distance on the 5 toward the top left. Hershey mopped this late miss up and then tapped the 7 into the top side to extend his series lead to a fortunate 3-0 despite getting bossed in possession by Mr. Snowman. Hershey finally controlled the offense in game 4, battling with Mr. Snowman initially before converting a four-ball run-out of straight shots mostly unbothered since his spread break. Hershey's big finish clinched the series at 4-0. Hershey picked up where he left off with a four-ball run from the break in game 5, but Mr. Snowman fired back with a three-ball run-out on his only turn, taking the win to get on the board in the 4-1 series. Hershey took a five-ball run to really gain control of the offense in game 6, but Mr. Snowman made both the first and last balls to sandwich that run, taking another win to cut the series to 4-2. Hershey and Mr. Snowman exchanged pairs of shots early in game 7, but Hershey took over at the end with a three-ball run-out, getting the win for a 5-2 series win. Hershey will host the Oceanside Waves' Celestia in the bracket finals.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Jason V. v. Marsell. The silver cue stays in action as a rookie takes on a rising star in 15-ball. Whitewater's Marsell looked to have the better of possession in game 1, most notably through making five of the last seven balls over two turns, but he let Oceanside's Jason bank the 15 to the top left for the win, giving the host a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Jason looked strong in game 2, starting with a three-ball run and controlling the offense quite well early on. As the game progressed, the Shores' Marsell chipped away on offense before taking over at the end on a three-ball run-out to snag the win. The series is tied at 1. Marsell got a little too loose on offense in game 3, committing two scratches and a missed contact throughout the game. Jason played a more structured effort, ending with a four-ball run-out from ball-in-hand after the missed contact to earn the win. Jason regained the series lead at 2-1. Jason went big in game 3, making three balls on the break as part of a four-ball run before adding a three-ball run in the middle and a four-ball run-out on his next turn, a dominating win over Marsell to raise his series lead to 3-1. Jason went off again in the middle of game 5, taking a six-ball run. Marsell fired back with his own three-ball run, but Jason countered that with a three-ball run-out, just barely cutting the 14 to the top right to get a good look at the 15. Jason secured the series at 4-1. Jason continued to prove himself as the top seed on the bracket, battling in a tough game with Marsell this time. Marsell had three instances of missed contact, the latter two helping Jason to convert six of the last seven balls for the win and 5-1 advantage in the series. Game 7 looked like a typical burn-off game, with neither player taking real control. Jason ultimately picked up the win in a close battle, good enough to beat Marsell 6-1 in the series. Jason has hosting rights in the bracket finals.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Nicole. After the break, the silver cue takes a look at 9-ball. Lighton's Nicole popped a four-ball run in game 1, but missed a 5-9 combination toward the bottom right. Golden's Dusty jammed a shot off the 5, double-kissing the 9 into the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Dusty took a turn toward dominance in game 2, making a three-ball run from the break and another three-ball run on her next turn. The Prestige's Nicole skirmished with Dusty a bit at the end, but Dusty made the last two balls to win, going ahead 2-0 in the series. Dusty had a ball on the break in game 3, but could only watch as Nicole took over on offense. Nicole had a three-ball run on her first turn and a five-ball run-out to grab the win on the next one, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Dusty offered a firm challenge in game 4, making a four-ball run near the end of the game, but a bank on the 9 didn't go. Nicole put the 9 in the top right, taking her good fortune and using it to tie the series at 2. Nicole pulled ahead in the series with a win in game 5, battling with Dusty at first before making a four-ball run. Nicole missed on the 7, but Dusty left the 9 up and Nicole made that to take the series lead at 3-2. Game 6 saw a turn to the defensive, which Dusty wanted to take credit for. Once the offense returned. Nicole found her way, banking a 4-9 combination to the bottom right for the win to seal the series at 4-2. Dusty had a bounce-back game 7, looking strong throughout and making a three-ball run-out at the end to beat Nicole. In the end, Nicole took the series 4-3, and will be on the road in the bracket finals.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Ice Cream v. Daisy. The red cue takes its lone series today in 12-ball. Modernistic's Daisy had a better game 1 than Boston's Ice Cream, who made a late push to counter Daisy's four-ball run. Daisy held her off, potting her last ball at the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Ice Cream bounced back admirably, earning a wild-card ball from the break as the Union's Daisy made one of each. Ice Cream then potted her remaining five balls over two turns to take the win, tying the series at 1 rather easily. Ice Cream had a ball on the break and a three-ball run on her second turn, only to be one-upped by Daisy on both turns. Daisy started with a pair at the right corners, and then earned ball-in-hand from Ice Cream's missed contact that turned into Daisy's winning four-ball run-out to reclaim the series lead at 2-1. Both players started slowly before getting comfortable in game 4. Positioning proved key, as Daisy had a deep run to get onto her last ball, but Ice Cream used a strategic scratch to stay ahead. Daisy ended up twice missing her last ball after the scratch, and Ice Cream made her last two balls to walk away with the win, retying the series at 2. Daisy hammered a four-ball run after Ice Cream had an empty break to start game 5. Daisy then quickly struck at the top side on a later turn, and kicked the 13 to the bottom side a few turns later just as Ice Cream had gotten all of her shots into position. Daisy's proactive attack restored her series lead at 3-2. Daisy had two for herself and a wild-card ball lost on the break in game 6, but Ice Cream scratched to return the gift before potting one of Daisy's balls to reverse the advantage. Daisy couldn't get position at either open pocket for her last two shots, allowing Ice Cream to pick her way carefully to the win after a stormy four-ball run to start her game. The series is tied one more time, this time at 3 games apiece. Ice Cream made one of each suit on the game 7 break, giving Daisy a wild-card ball. Daisy put her final ball very close to the top left many times, but Ice Cream put in a Herculean defensive effort before kicking in her last ball to that pocket, good for the win. Ice Cream only led the series once, but it was 4-3 after the final game to put her into the bracket finals against the Web City Spiders captain Shadow.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I v. Fuchsia. The blue cue takes a turn in 12-ball as well with home field on the line in this series as well. Midland's Fuchsia exploded with a five-ball run rather quickly in game 1, but Pacific's Twinkie I had put in some offense already and countered with a three-ball run-out after Fuchsia couldn't corral her last ball at the bottom left. Twinkie I leads the series 1-0. Game 2 saw the Predators' Fuchsia start big on a four-ball run, worrying about positioning at the left corners later. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I took her time after that, eventually getting onto her last ball tangled with Fuchsia's at the bottom left. Fuchsia had the inside position, but Twinkie I had the shooting angle covered, drawing illegal contact by Fuchsia. Twinkie I gladly took the win to go up 2-0 in the series. Twinkie I started with a three-ball run from the break, and while Fuchsia briefly pulled ahead while Twinkie I's offense went quiet, Twinkie I would find a three-ball run-out soon enough to get the win. Twinkie I has a 3-0 series lead, just on the brink of advancing. Twinkie I burst out on a five-ball run quickly in game 4, but didn't account for an accelerating attack spurred by Fuchsia's good defense. Fuchsia ended with a three-ball run-out after successfully holding Twinkie I back from the bottom left, helping her to cut the series to 3-1. Twinkie I picked her spots carefully in game 5, even as Fuchsia looked very dangerous early on. Fuchsia didn't add a supporting run, and Twinkie I used Fuchsia's illegal contact to pot her own last two balls from ball-in-hand. Twinkie I secured the series at 4-1. Fuchsia never really faced any danger of losing game 6, as Twinkie I has taken the urgency out of her game now. Fuchsia still had to assemble a final turn, making a pair of shots from decent positions after previously giving up a wild-card ball. Twinkie I's series lead shrinks to 4-2. Fuchsia remained on attack in game 7, picking off the side pockets first before finally executing a four-ball run-out with three tap-ins to finish off the win. Twinkie I settled for a 4-3 series win, putting her top-seeded bid into a hosting position in the bracket finals.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Tigerette v. Rosemary. An all-Tradewinds series guarantees a bit of friendly fire as the captain meets her rookie teammate for 15-ball. Game 1 saw a stretch of play in close quarters between the 3 and the 7, making both players look bad. Tigerette busted out with a late four-ball run, but rattled the 14 out of the top right. Rosemary made the final two shots for the win and a 1-0 series lead. Tigerette had a better effort in game 2, battling and sparring with Rosemary for awhile before deflecting the cue off the 5 to bump the 15 into the top side for a quick win. Tigerette's heady play tied the series at 1. Game 3 saw Tigerette flounder a bit in the early going, a couple of errors holding her offense back. Rosemary played a clean but conservative game, although she sparked with excitement when the route to victory became clear. Tigerette had a three-ball run on this route, but missed the 15, and Rosemary put it in the bottom left to regain her series lead at 2-1. Both players put an emphasis on the 15 in game 4, with Tigerette throwing attacks at it multiple times to no avail. Rosemary split the 2 and 15, sending the latter to the bottom right while the 2-11 combination fell in the top right, a game-winning double-pot to extend Rosemary's series lead to 3-1. Tigerette fought off elimination for the first time in game 5, weathering short bursts from Rosemary in the middle of the game before creating her own four-ball run-out, completed by a double-pot of the 12 and 15 to the bottom side on a follow shot. Tigerette has cut Rosemary's series lead to 3-2. Tigerette continued to push back against Rosemary, taking a dominant portion of the game 6 offense. Tigerette's saving grace came by making a pair of shots before Rosemary missed, and then a five-ball run-out for the win to retie the series at 3. Tigerette finished off the series in style, playing a smothering defense and using a three-ball run before an awkward miss on the 4 left Rosemary in a tough spot. Rosemary missed, and Tigerette aligned and converted a 4-13-6-15 combination to the bottom right to claim the 4-3 series win. Tigerette's win meant Rosemary was the 114th eliminated player, but Tigerette now has her first kill of the year despite the friendly fire.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Shelley v. Patches. The final series today is in 8-ball, also using the silver cue. Boston's Patches had an early three-ball run and added some more later, but she took awhile on her last ball, allowing Infinity's Shelley to pull even. Eventually, Patches made a final pair of shots for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Patches showed a bit more confidence in game 2, making a five-ball run early on and holding the Torpedoes' Shelley back with good positioning. Patches cruised to the finish, taking a pair of late shots for the win and 2-0 series lead. Shelley began with a pair of three-ball runs in game 3, a big attack to put herself in a good position. Patches played a little defense before unleashing her five-ball run to even the game. From here, Patches managed to find her way a little faster, as Shelley missed twice on the 8 before Patches took it on her third try for the win. Patches now leads the series 3-0. Shelley started with a fine three-ball run in game 4, and she held Patches back for a turn, although Patches' two turns following that were dangerous. Shelley fired back with a four-ball run-out after this, managing to get a win to cut the series to 3-1. Patches popped up with more fire early in game 5, quickly working her way onto the 8 while Shelley still had half a suit left. Shelley played a cagey defensive style to buy herself time before erupting on a five-ball run-out to steal this win, inching closer while still trailing 3-2 in the series. Patches looked good again with a five-ball run on her first turn of game 6, but she never had a chance to support it, as Shelley weaved a brilliant eight-ball run-out to claim the win, tying the series at 3 to set up a thrilling finish. Patches refused to go down without a fight in game 7, again bursting out to a big lead. Shelley again had to stall later in the game, but Patches converted the 8 after Shelley missed her one chance at it. Patches took the dramatic 4-3 win to punch her ticket to the bracket finals, where she will again be a visitor. Patches has her third kill of the year, while Shelley is the 115th ousted player.

That'll be it for Halloween. The Tournament enters November tomorrow, crossing halfway on the fifth round.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Semifinals Day 2

We're back for another full day of fifth round action, beginning with...

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Americus v. Shadow. The visitor completes a doubleheader he began yesterday with a 12-ball series using the red cue. Web City's Shadow had a jump on his offense in game 1, and while Midland's Americus evened the game in the middle, Shadow pulled away with his last two turns for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shadow made a ball on the game 2 break and then took a three-ball run on his second turn against expectations. The Predators' Americus pulled some back, but ceded a wild-card ball, and Shadow banked the 13 to the top side on his next turn for the win to push his series lead to 2-0. Shadow settled for short bursts in a back-and-forth game 3 with Americus. Shadow did give Americus a late wild-card ball, but Americus had no positioning for her last shot, and Shadow tapped in his final ball to grab another win for the 3-0 series lead. Shadow had a less impressive game 4, spending most of it trying to catch up to Americus. The host had trouble with lining up her last two shots, giving Shadow enough time to miss on his final ball before converting it from a tougher spot a turn later. Shadow sealed the series at 4-0 with this win. Americus had her best effort so far in game 5, with Shadow challenging but ultimately unable to convert his final ball to the bottom right before Americus tapped one in at the top left for the win. Shadow's series lead shrinks to 4-1. Americus wouldn't be stopped in game 6 despite giving away a wild-card ball and illegally double-potting on the break. Shadow came close on positioning, but scratched to give the wild-card ball back, and Americus made her last two shots from here to get the win, cutting the series to 4-2. Americus continued to mitigate the damage with her win in game 7, making an unlikely three-ball run-out to stop Shadow from taking over the game at the end. Shadow will settle for a 4-3 series win that could have been more as he prepares for a road series in the bracket finals. Americus is the 110th eliminated player, and Shadow has sole possession of the kills lead at 5.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Shawn v. Bright. A venue doubleheader is completed with Accuracy and the blue cue. Midland's Shawn scratched on the break, and Pearl's Bright played hardball at first to punish the host. Shawn bounced back and ended up forcing Bright into many late misses, as Shawn surged to a 2-5 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Shawn made a ball on the break in game 2, but couldn't hold a lead against the Surfers' Bright in this one. The two exchanged misses here and there before Shawn fell apart at the end. Bright wasn't much better, but managed to take the 5-6 win to tie the series at 1. Bright made a pair on the break in game 3, but went a little too casual early on, allowing Shawn to gain the lead. This time, Shawn held on, and Bright had a late miss to put a comeback out of reach in Shawn's 2-4 win. Shawn retook the series lead at 2-1. Shawn again had a ball on the break, and then managed to punish Bright for more lazy shooting early in game 4. Shawn held a tight grip on the lead, and both players missed on the final ball to give Shawn a final score of 2-3 in this win to move up to 3-1 ahead in the series. Shawn refused to yield in game 5, striking on the break and keeping up a run of perfection while Bright struggled with misses scattered throughout the game. Shawn would win 0-3 to clinch the series at 4-1. Bright didn't offer much of a challenge to Shawn in game 6, holding on initially before completely fading away at the end. Shawn gladly took another win by a 1-5 score, extending his series lead to 5-1. Shawn finally eased up in game 7, showing a significant weakness as Bright bossed the game en route to a 2-3 win. Shawn claimed the series at 5-2, and will await the other series on the bracket for the location of his bracket finals appearance. Shawn took his first kill of the year, making Bright the 111th player ousted from competition.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Quincy v. Gal Gadot. These two teams clash again in Rotation with the silver cue between rookies. North Modernistic's Gal had a good start in game 1, but couldn't hold the lead against a pressuring attack from Terrace City's Quincy. After a late miss from Gal, Quincy made two shots to win 8-4, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Gal had a bigger lead in the middle of game 2, but the Knights' Quincy again kept pace, tangling the two players' attacks toward the end until Quincy finally emerged with the 8-7 win to move his series lead to 2-0. Gal had a four-ball run to build her lead in game 3, only to watch Quincy make a five-ball run to pull ahead. Gal regained the lead with a pair of shots, and then made the 14 when Quincy failed to, holding on for an 8-6 win. Gal has cut the deficit in the series to 2-1. Gal kept her offense on track, making a ball on the break and adding a quick run to build a lead. Quincy played defensively, but Gal made three balls over her last two turns to win 8-2, tying the series at 2. Quincy absolutely belted a seven-ball run on his first turn of game 5, forcing Gal into a response. Gal made only a four-ball run, and missed contact on the last shot, giving Quincy ball-in-hand to pot the 11 for the 8-4 win. Quincy regained the series lead at 3-2. Quincy pulled off a remarkable six-ball run to start game 6, including a ridiculous two-rail kick on the 2 at the top right. Gal couldn't match the offense, her comeback effort falling short in Quincy's 8-4 win to seal the series at 4-2. Gal gave it her all in the final game of her rookie campaign, dominating with short bursts of offense to get the 8-1 win. Quincy and Terrace City's dominance over the Nighthawks continued as the host moves on with a 4-3 series win to earn a hosting spot in the bracket finals. Gal is the 112th player to exit this Tournament, and Quincy's third kill.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Celestia. The silver cue stays in play for an underrated battle in 7-ball. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy had a pair from the break in game 1, but her miss on the 3 led to Oceanside's Celestia finding a five-ball run-out to claim the win. Celestia's dominant stretch put her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Waves' Celestia took game 2 on the break, a double-hit on the 7 bumping it to the bottom left while also sinking the 1 in the top side and the 4 in the top right. Celestia's fantastic break pushed her series lead over the Union's Ms. Puppy to 2-0. The frenetic pace of the series continued as Celestia made a pair on the break to ignite a three-ball run to start game 3, only to lose when Ms. Puppy buried a four-ball run-out on her first turn in response. Celestia remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Ms. Puppy had a slower but dominant attack on offense in game 4, making the bulk of the shots in the game until she scratched while potting the 6. Celestia took the 7 to the top side from ball-in-hand, giving herself the win and a 3-1 lead in the series. Ms. Puppy bounced back a bit in game 5 with a three-ball run, only to suffer another untimely scratch. Celestia countered from ball-in-hand with a three-ball run-out for the win, clinching the series at 4-1 in the process. Celestia had another three-ball run-out to close game 6 after a mixed bag between her and Ms. Puppy at the start. Celestia's strong finish gave her a 5-1 series lead. Ms. Puppy ended up getting the win in game 7 after a back-and-forth battle void of much of the offense that made the start of the series go by so fast. Celestia will take a 5-2 series win into her visiting position in the bracket finals.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Taylor Swift v. Dani. The red cue returns for the better of its 10-ball series. Game 1 started with stagnant offense on both sides before Commerce's Taylor took control with a five-ball run-out, earning a 1-0 series lead over Viewpoint Sound's Dani. The Tradewinds' Taylor lacked the relentless attack needed to stay strong in game 2, as the Meteors' Dani bounced back with a four-ball run over the middle before poaching the 10 at the bottom left when Taylor failed to convert. Dani's crafty win tied the series at 1. Dani claimed possession in game 3 after Taylor got caught illegally potting the 9 on a combination attempt. Dani made two shots but twice missed on the 10 before Taylor took the 10 at the bottom left for the win to restore her series lead at 2-1. Dani again held a respectable share of the offense in game 4, but ended up falling apart after a four-ball run that saw her miss a bank on the 10 toward the bottom left. Taylor made the remaining cut shot for the win, pushing her own series lead to 3-1. Dani stayed in the series with a timely 6-10 combination to the top right after Taylor had held the majority of the possession in this game. Dani's fortunate play helped her cut the series to 3-2. Dani didn't support herself well in a back-and-forth battle in game 6, which ended with her making the 7 and 8 before Taylor tapped in the 9 and put the 10 at the top left for the win to secure the series at 4-2. Taylor and Dani exchanged pairs of shots to begin game 7, and then Taylor exploded for a six-ball run-out for the win, finishing a 5-2 series win. Taylor will host her bracket finals series. Taylor took her second kill of the year to make Dani the 113th eliminated player despite a solid start to her season.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Shaggy. The host bites the scheduling bullet, beginning a doubleheader with 10-ball and the blue cue. Central's Noelle took a dominant approach in game 1, burying a seven-ball run-out after an even start with Whitewater's Shaggy. Noelle's big attack gave her a win and a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Noelle had a much more disjointed offense in game 2, barely able to string a pair of shots together. The Shores' Shaggy also struggled, leading to a slow and choppy game that Noelle barely won with a pair of shots at the end. Noelle leads the series 2-0. Shaggy bounced back with an early three-ball run in game 3, then added a pair of shots that Noelle answered in the latter half of the game. Shaggy would get the first look on the 10, and she put it in the bottom right easily for the win, cutting the series to 2-1. Shaggy continued her bounce back with a good break in game 4. Noelle had a little bit of offense in the early going, but Shaggy stormed to the win on a six-ball run-out, the dominant turn tying the series at 2 games apiece. Shaggy couldn't recapture her previous form in game 5, falling apart early on and scratching before getting to the 4. Noelle took over from here, evoking memories of game 1 with a seven-ball run-out to take the win and a 3-2 series lead. Shaggy had some shots in game 6, offering a close challenge to Noelle, but Shaggy ultimately came up short as Noelle took the last two balls for the win. Noelle clinched the series at 4-2 right here. Noelle and Shaggy again battled early in game 7, but Noelle persevered to find a five-ball run-out at the end for the win. Noelle made the most of the home half of her doubleheader, winning the series 5-2 to earn a visiting spot in the bracket finals.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Noelle. A pair of Empyre club-mates close the day in 7-ball with the red cue, marking the end of the visitor's doubleheader. Central's Noelle couldn't convert or position properly in game 1, as Royal's Jake made six balls over three turns for a fairly simple game 1 win. Jake leads the series 1-0. The Warriors' Noelle checked the same problematic boxes in game 2, scratching early and wasting a three-ball run with an awkward miss toward the end. The Crowns' Jake had struggled more this game, gladly taking the final two shots to walk away with the win and 2-0 series lead anyway. Jake had a scratch on the break in game 3, leading to a clumsy start on both sides. Jake would miss on the 3 later on, leading to Noelle's busting a five-ball run-out for the win, putting her on the board but trailing Jake 2-1 in the series. Noelle had a positive game 4 as well, making a pair on the break and burying a three-ball run-out after a sloppy middle-game performance from Jake. Noelle has rallied to tie the series at 2. Noelle was a little less certain of herself in game 5, leading to a back-and-forth battle that saw both players take chances at the 7. Noelle ended up making it in the end when Jake's final run fell short. Noelle pulls ahead to 3-2 in the series. Noelle showed too much sportsmanship in game 6 after Jake's scratch left the 2-7 combination aligned at the top left. Noelle instead made a three-ball run, but Jake had the final three balls over two turns for the win to retie the series at 3. Noelle had an early four-ball run in game 7, but once again lacked bite to end the game. A scratch ruined her chance to recover, as Jake made the final pair of shots for the win and 4-3 series win. Jake will take good fortune and charity to win the series 4-3, earning a hosting spot in the bracket finals.

That's all we've got today. Count on more of the same for the league tomorrow.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Semifinals Day 1

We transition to seven-game series as the fifth round is underway today. We begin with...

Ford Forum, Pronger: Lize v. Misty. The red cue oversees a series of Accuracy to begin the bracket semifinals. Westside's Misty had the lead from the first shot when Pronger's Lize scratched on the break. Misty never let her guard down, missing only on the last ball while claiming a 1-4 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Misty started well again with a pair on the break of game 2, while the Tridents' Lize scuffled early on. Lize would do a double-pot later, giving Misty the last shot advantage, but Misty had two scratches around a regular miss to sacrifice her whole lead. Lize ended up winning 2-3, tying the series at 1. Lize made a ball on the break in game 3, but spread a few misses throughout the rest of the game, while Misty returned to perfect form in taking the win 0-3. Misty restored her series lead at 2-1 with this fantastic effort. Lize continued to provide a challenge to Misty, as game 4 saw the players go back and forth with the lead. Misty held it for much of the early shooting, but she fell apart at the end with three straight misses, and Lize clamped down to take the 2-4 win. The series is tied again at 2. Misty continued to show excellence in games where Lize has the break, playing to another perfect score this time while Lize could only watch as a miss early and another late led to Misty's 0-2 win. Misty pulls ahead 3-2 in the series. Lize stood her ground again in game 6, recording her first flawless victory of the series after just a single early miss by Misty. Lize took the 0-1 win to even the series at 3 games each. In game 7, both players had a bad miss and an unfortunate miss to force overtime, where Misty made a ball on the extra break and Lize flubbed a combination attempt. Misty won 2-3 to take the series 4-3, earning her place as the host of her bracket finals series.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. B. Chapman. The first of two series today featuring members of these Urban rivals comes here in 7-ball with the blue cue. Terrace City's Kiwi struck on the break, and then weathered a pair of late shots from North Modernistic's Chapman to poach the 7 at the top left in the end. Kiwi's close call still resulted in her taking a 1-0 lead in the series. The Knights' Kiwi saw her offense go cold faster in game 2, a troubling issue for her but a blessing to the Nighthawks' Chapman, who picked up the slack on a three-ball run-out at the end. Chapman's late push tied the series at 1. The two players remained evenly matched in game 3, the only thing setting Kiwi ahead of Chapman being a scratch by the visitor after she made a pair of shots. Kiwi buried the last two shots from ball-in-hand to retake the series lead at 2-1. Chapman finally offered up the spark of offense missing from this series in game 4, taking Kiwi's miss on the 1 and ending with a six-ball run-out, a brilliant attack to secure the win while tying the series at 2. Chapman scratched on the break of game 5, leading to a three-ball run from ball-in-hand for Kiwi. Chapman couldn't provide a counterattack here, and Kiwi made another three-ball run-out at the end to take the win for a 3-2 series lead. Game 6 saw a reversion to poorer shooting quality. Chapman took a chance at the end, trying to bank the 6 but leaving it lined up for Kiwi at the bottom side. Kiwi buried it, clinching the series at 4-2. Kiwi faltered in game 7, allowing Chapman to use Kiwi's scratch as a catalyst for her own three-ball run-out. Chapman's win made it a 4-3 series win for Kiwi, who will host her bracket finals appearance. Chapman is the 106th eliminated player, while Kiwi took her second kill of the year.

Intel Center, Diamond: Cassandra v. Bryant. The first of two straight 15-ball series with the red cue goes here. Maplewood's Bryant absolutely dominated in game 1, pummeling an early five-ball run and then exploiting an error from Diamond's Cassandra to assemble his seven-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Cassandra offered much more resistance in game 2, but despite splitting the offense evenly, she had a late error. The Lumberjacks' Bryant gladly took over, making the 14 and banking the 15 to the top right to take the win and a 2-0 lead in the series. Cassandra had plenty of chances to surge ahead in game 3, even making a five-ball run at one point. Cassandra was doomed instead by a pair of scratches on her final two turns, allowing Bryant to take over and grab the win from ball-in-hand to push his series lead to 3-0. Bryant began with a three-ball run from the break in game 4, but Cassandra fired back on a six-ball run, and then won accidentally with a deflected kick off the 10 and 14 to send the 15 to the top side on her second turn. Cassandra's win cuts the series deficit to 3-1. Cassandra still held a large portion of the offense in game 5, but she reverted to erring on her later shots. This led to Bryant getting a free look at the 15, although he needed a second try to bury it for the win to seal the series at 4-1. Bryant got a little lucky to win game 6, as he had a mistake on his shot at the 2 that led to Cassandra enjoying a little possession before she missed a shot of her own. Bryant used the 3 as a wrecking ball to push the 15 into the top side for the win, moving his advantage to 5-1 in the series. Neither player had a good start in game 7, but Cassandra soon found a five-ball run with an amazing two-rail kick to put the 10 in the bottom right at the end of it. Bryant responded on his next turn with a well-made five-ball run-out for the win, finishing a 6-1 series win. Bryant opposes the winner of the next series in the bracket finals.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Luigi v. Yekaterina Vasilyeva. The visitor begins her personal doubleheader on the road in 15-ball with the red cue. North Modernistic's Luigi weathered runs of four and seven balls from Victoria's Yekaterina, only to give her the game by scratching after banking the 15 to the bottom side. Luigi's gift gave Yekaterina the 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Luigi had some questionable shooting choices in the middle of game 2, but they wouldn't be costly, as he got possession back late and made the 15 to beat the Spurs' Yekaterina despite a minority of the possession again. The series is tied at 1. Game 3 saw a slow start on both sides before Luigi adjusted his shooting style. This adjustment directly led to an eight-ball run-out to give the host the win, putting him ahead of Yekaterina 2-1 in the series. Luigi had his moments in game 4, but he struggled to string his shots together with any urgency. Yekaterina eventually struck early, making a three-ball run-out capped by a long 7-15 combination to the bottom right to snag the win. The series is tied again at 2. Luigi had a productive start in game 5 with a four-ball run, before leading the game into a slow period. Yekaterina had her moments, most notably a late five-ball run, but she left the 15 on the edge of the top left, and Luigi buried it on a tap-in to win. Luigi leads the series 3-2. Both players had four-ball runs early in game 6, and Luigi took the next pair of shots to answer Yekaterina's run. Luigi couldn't make the 9, a critical issue as Yekaterina stepped up to pot it and then cut a 10-15 combination to the top left from distance for the win. Yekaterina tied the series once more at 3. Yekaterina didn't have much luck early in game 7, but Luigi left the 15 near the 2. Yekaterina took a harder shot, deflecting the 2-15 combination off the 13 to put it in the top side for the quick win and 4-3 series win. Yekaterina's ability to end games early sends her through to the bracket finals, where she'll be Bryant's visitor. Luigi is the 107th player to exit the Tournament, while Yekaterina rejoins the kills lead at 4.

Sprint Hall, Victoria: Yekaterina Vasilyeva v. Fuchsia. The blue cue is back for 9-ball between the current top two players in the Tournament. Victoria's Yekaterina had a four-ball run off the break in game 1, but couldn't do much else, allowing Midland's Fuchsia to pot the final two balls for the win. Fuchsia holds a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Fuchsia had almost all of the offense in game 2, including a five-ball run-out after the Spurs' Yekaterina went for it and committed an error instead of making a contact play. Fuchsia's finish boosted her series lead to 2-0. Fuchsia continued to have command early in game 3, but her fortune flipped as Yekaterina took over at the end on a four-ball run-out. Yekaterina's return to positive form earned her a win to cut the series to 2-1. Yekaterina continued her resurgence into game 4, starting a little slowly as Fuchsia took some early offense before Yekaterina finished the win with a six-ball run-out to tie the series at 2 games apiece. Fuchsia returned to dominance in game 5, playing much like game 2 with a five-ball run early on and a four-ball run-out at the end as Yekaterina couldn't figure her shots out. Fuchsia restored her series lead at 3-2. Fuchsia secured the series in game 6, finding a four-ball run-out at the end again despite a little more resistance from Yekaterina. Fuchsia's series lead sits at 4-2 now. Yekaterina showed Fuchsia no mercy in game 7, slamming the 1-9 combination to the top right on her first shot after Fuchsia's break. Fuchsia would settle for the 4-3 series win to put her in position to host the bracket finals series.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Quincy v. Cheddar. The other Urban Derby of the day is in 9-ball with the red cue. North Modernistic's Cheddar readily asserted herself in game 1, her aggressive edge helping her to pin Terrace City's Quincy out of position before she found a three-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Quincy made some improvements in game 2, but he didn't do enough to slow down the Nighthawks' Cheddar, who made three balls over her last two turns to grab the win, extending her series lead to 2-0. Neither player displayed much control over the offense in game 3, especially as the game got toward its end. Quincy needed three chances before he slammed the 9 into the top left, partially out of frustration for other missed shots. Quincy cut Cheddar's advantage to 2-1. Game 4 had a little more attack from the players, with Cheddar taking her turn to miss a few shots she should have made. Quincy took advantage of this at the end with a three-ball run-out to get himself back in the series by tying the series at 2 with this win. Cheddar finally bounced back in game 5, battling with Quincy on the early turns before breaking out for a three-ball run-out at the end to take the win. Cheddar has regained the series lead at 3-2 after this big win. Cheddar scratched on the game 6 break, unraveling all of her positive play from the previous game at once. Quincy made the 1 from ball-in-hand, and then banked the 2-9 combination to the top left for the win, a tap-in as Cheddar had left the 9 at the pocket's edge. Quincy's win ties the series again at 3. Cheddar looked determined in game 7, but a rattled miss on the 9 and another missed contact squandered her chances for the upset. Quincy made the 9 to the top side on his second attempt, clinching a 4-3 series win and hosting privileges in the bracket finals. Quincy took his second kill of the year, while sending Cheddar out of the Tournament, the 108th eliminated player.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Shadow v. Smokey. A captains' battle in 8-ball with the red cue closes out today's action. Diamond's Smokey struggled initially in game 1, as Web City's Shadow controlled the early offense. Smokey made a four-ball run to challenge Shadow, and then Smokey took the win when Shadow missed on the 8 and Smokey converted. Smokey has a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shadow had simply too many mistakes in his efforts in game 2, leaving a lot of shots on the board. The Gems' Smokey played more ruthlessly, finding a quick path to victory to give himself a 2-0 series lead through strong offense. Smokey couldn't get his offense going in game 3, especially after Shadow ripped a six-ball run at the start. Smokey did pull back enough later to get onto the 8, but he made it an easy tap-in for Shadow to convert by missing at the top left. Shadow took the gift for the win, cutting the deficit to 2-1 in the series. Smokey had the first burst of offense in game 4, but then fell behind to Shadow's four-ball run. Smokey pushed again to get onto the 8, but Shadow pushed back to grab the win for himself, tying the series at 2 after an uncharacteristically poor start to the series. Shadow stalled out early in game 5, while Smokey did a large portion of his damage early on. Unfortunately for Smokey, he ran out of good shots as he got onto the 8, and Shadow stormed back to make five balls over two turns for the win to pull ahead 3-2 in the series. Shadow had a four-ball run to provide an attack in game 6, but still had to battle to the very end with Smokey as they fought for positioning on the 8. Shadow just managed to pot the 8, sealing the series at 4-2. Smokey had another burst of offense with a four-ball run in game 7, only to see Shadow bide his time before stealing the win with a late four-ball run-out after holding a defensive presence to stop Smokey. Shadow won the series 5-2, and will advance to the bracket finals. Smokey is the 109th player ousted from the Tournament this year, giving Shadow his fourth kill of the year to help him retake a piece of the league lead.

That's all for the first day of the round. We'll be back at it again tomorrow.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 10

We close out the bracket quarterfinals/fourth round of the Tournament today with eight series. First up...

Intel Center, Diamond: Cassandra v. Beth. The silver cue will close out 10-ball with today's opening series. Pearl's Beth had the better of the offense with a four-ball run to lead her attack in game 1, but she missed on the 10. Diamond's Cassandra had no problems cutting it to the top left to snag the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Cassandra looked much more in control in game 2 with a pair of side-corner double-pots to ignite her seven-ball run. She didn't support that attack at all, allowing the Surfers' Beth to make the last three balls over two shots for a win that tied the series at 1. Beth's game 3 break left the 10 too close to the bottom right. Cassandra needed only one shot to make Beth pay for it, cutting the 1 to the bottom side while deflecting the cue to tap the 10 in for the win on a double-pot. Cassandra's series lead is restored at 2-1. Cassandra had a strong start with a three-ball run that ended with a scratch while doing a 3-10 combination shot. Beth had a minor counterattack end with a failed jump-shot attempt, leading to Cassandra's five-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 3-1. Cassandra had some moments in game 5, but she couldn't break free from a strong finishing run by Beth, whose win here mitigates the damage in a 3-2 series loss to Cassandra. In the bracket semifinals, Cassandra is set to host the Whitewater Shores' Marsell. Cassandra has reclaimed the individual kills leads at 4, making Beth the 101st eliminated player.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Josie v. Vladimir Vasilyev. The blue cue comes on now for 8-ball between two rookies. After a slow start in game 1, Oceanside's Josie rocked a six-ball run, only for Stonebridge's Vladimir to answer with a five-ball run halted by a scratch. Josie got defensive at the end, causing Vladimir to pot the 8 illegally as Josie takes a 1-0 series lead with her gifted win. The Waves' Josie had a late ball on the break to ignite a four-ball run, which the Wolves' Vladimir answered on his first turn in game 2. Josie made sure he wouldn't get a chance to answer her second turn, winning with a four-ball run-out to go up 2-0 in the series. Josie had an empty break to start game 3, while Vladimir started on a five-ball run. The two players exchanged collateral damage shots, but Vladimir came out in better position and won the game two turns later to cut the series to 2-1. Josie had all the offense with a six-ball run early in game 4, putting her on the cusp of victory. Vladimir stalled Josie for a couple of turns, a critical defensive play that turned into his seven-ball run-out, a weaving attack for the win to tie the series at 2. Josie had the bulk of the early offense again in game 5, but fell apart at the end under pressure from Vladimir, who completed another comeback win with a six-ball run-out. Vladimir's crafty runs gave him a 3-2 series win, and will allow him to host another rookie, the Harrison Specters' Rudolph, in the bracket semifinals.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Paps. The blue cue stays in action for a 7-ball series, its last of the round. Terrace City's Kiwi didn't have a dominant game 1, but she didn't need it, as Tysini's Paps split the offense and left the 7 standing at the bottom right near the end of the game. Kiwi made the tap-in for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Paps bounced back quickly in game 2, making a five-ball run-out capped by a 5-7 combination to the top side after the Knights' Kiwi had an empty break. Paps' win tied the series at 1. Kiwi had a resurgent game 3 effort, making a three-ball run in the middle after Paps took two balls on the break. Paps had a chance to make the last two shots, but he left the 7 up, and Kiwi buried it for the win and a 2-1 series lead. Kiwi took a turn for dominance in game 4, making a four-ball run from the break and then a pair of shots after Paps missed on the 6 to earn her win. Kiwi clinched the series at 3-1 with this victory. Kiwi had some decent offense in game 5, but Paps took a majority of the shots and won with a late pair to cut the series to 3-2. Kiwi will take the series win at 3-2, setting her up to host an Urban rival in the North Modernistic Nighthawks' B. Chapman in the bracket semifinals.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Americus v. Leonette. The red cue closes out 12-ball for the round with this series. Midland's Americus went empty on the game 1 break, but then made a pair of stripes before aligning and converting a four-ball run-out on her third turn to shut out Pacific's Leonette. Americus holds a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Leonette showed more resilience in game 2, making a five-ball run on her first turn. The Predators' Americus had a five-ball run of her own to even the game, but she couldn't kick in her last shot. Leonette put her last ball in the bottom side for the win to tie the series at 1. Leonette didn't have as big of a run in game 3, but she still managed to take the early lead on her own. Americus made a decent counterattack, falling short due to Leonette having better positioning on her final ball. Leonette now leads the series 2-1. Leonette began with a four-ball run in game 4, establishing her offense pretty well. Americus refused to bow down, making a four-ball run of her own with great positioning on her last two shots. Leonette scratched on the next turn, and Americus converted her last two shots to win, retying the series at 2. Americus held on in game 5, finding a small burst of offense early on and following it up with three balls over her last two turns to hold off Leonette for the win. Americus took the series 3-2, earning the right to host Web City Spiders captain Shadow in the bracket semifinals. Leonette is the 102nd player out of the Tournament, while Americus earns her first kill this year.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Kyle. The silver cue is set to finish 9-ball for the round in this series. Queens' Kyle did his fair share of offense in game 1, going without reward as Golden's Dusty made the final pair of shots to pick up the win. Dusty leads the series 1-0 after a close initial battle. The Flames' Kyle broke out of a rut in game 2, working a four-ball run-out with an 8-9 combination to the bottom left at the end to get the win, tying the series at 1 while the Pilots' Dusty tried to figure out what went wrong with her shooting this time. Frustrations continued to simmer in game 3, with Dusty angry at Kyle's defensive positioning, while Kyle could only blame himself for missing on the 9 at the top right. Dusty buried the 9 with a tap-in on her second try, taking the win to restore her series lead at 2-1. Kyle again found a four-ball run in game 4, but he missed on the 9 on a tough cut toward the bottom left. Dusty struck it in from long range to poach the win, sealing the series at 3-1 in the process. Dusty struggled from the start of game 5, coasting through the rack while Kyle did most of the work. Kyle made five balls over his last two turns to claim the win, but Dusty will advance on a 3-2 series win that allows her to host the Lighton Prestige's Nicole in the bracket semifinals. Dusty earned her first kill of the year to make Kyle the 103rd player out of the Tournament.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Ruby v. Acorn. The blue cue gets another turn at the table for the last Rotation series of the round. Archtown's Ruby made a push after starting slow, finding a five-ball run to take a commanding lead. Lighton's Acorn got a pair back, but Ruby beat him 8-2 for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Acorn did better at the start of game 2, staking out an early lead. Acorn had an error that allowed the Arrows' Ruby to get close, and she didn't stop there, pulling ahead of Acorn and eventually winning 8-4 when Acorn provided no counterattack. Ruby's series lead is up to 2-0. Acorn again found the early lead in game 3, and he protected it better this time, although it was still a nervy ending for the visitor with Ruby pressuring him. Acorn put the 14 away at the top right to win 8-6, just holding off Ruby to cut her series lead to 2-1. Ruby bounced back in game 4, a six-ball run helping her cause right from the start before she coasted to win 8-1, clinching the series 3-1 along the way. Ruby had a good start in game 5, bursting out to a lead without much challenge from Acorn. Ruby had some unfortunate late scratches, eventually letting Acorn win 8-7 on a four-ball run-out. Ruby took the series 3-2, and will host the Royal Crowns rookie Cassie in the bracket semifinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Diddley. The silver cue gets one more series in the round, playing 7-ball between grizzled veterans. Maplewood's Diddley struck first on a three-ball run, including a crafty double-pot, but he missed on the 4, allowing Modernistic's Ms. Puppy to counter with a four-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Diddley had another three-ball run in game 2, getting himself onto the 7 only to miss the decisive ball twice. The Union's Ms. Puppy mopped it up on her second try, taking the win to move her series lead to 2-0. Ms. Puppy had her strongest appearance yet in the series, making a six-ball run to get onto the 7, but she missed it at the top side. Diddley converted the shot with ease, taking the win to cut the series to 2-1 despite a lack of involvement in much of game 3. Diddley didn't get the break he wanted for game 4, but Ms. Puppy really didn't have much offense going early on either. The two players scrabbled for possession until Diddley broke out with a four-ball run-out to take the win, tying the series at 2. Diddley again had a rough break to start game 5, but things only got worse for him this time, as Ms. Puppy would align and convert a five-ball run-out to take the win and 3-2 series win. Ms. Puppy will host the Oceanside Waves sophomore Celestia in the bracket semifinals. Diddley is the 104th eliminated player this year, with Ms. Puppy earning her first kill of the year.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Katelynn v. Strut. The final five-game series of the year is in 15-ball with the blue cue. Golden's Strut didn't get a particularly effective run at the table at any point in game 1, and he also failed to contact the 15 at the end, leaving it for a ball-in-hand shot by Lighton's Katelynn. The host converted easily, taking a sloppy win in game 1 for the 1-0 series lead. Both players made improvements on offense in game 2, most notably with the Prestige's Katelynn making a ball on the break and putting up a three-ball run later on. The ending was still choppy, as the Pilots' Strut exchanged shots with Katelynn twice before missing on the 15. Katelynn drove it to the top left from range, taking the win to go up 2-0 in the series. Katelynn found success with a five-ball run in game 3, and she made some other difficult and lucky shots during her turns, but Strut found a deflected shot off the 9 to pot the 15 at the top left to snag the win. Katelynn remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Strut had an early six-ball run in game 4, which Katelynn countered on a five-ball run of her own as the two players exchanged moments of brilliance. Katelynn couldn't back her run up at the end, while Strut made the last two balls for the win to tie the series at 2. Strut and Katelynn resumed with high-attack pool in game 5, with Strut taking an early five-ball run and Katelynn answering with a six-ball run. Katelynn scratched to end her run, and Strut buried the 13-15 combination from ball-in-hand to take the win and a 3-2 series win. Strut's full comeback gets him to visit the Freedom Cascades captain Jasmine in the bracket semifinals. Katelynn is the 105th eliminated player, and the third to exit to Strut.

That's all for the bracket quarterfinals. We are taking three days off for rest and maintenance of the equipment, and we will return with the Bracket Semifinals on Monday.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 9

We're back for likely a full day of games today, beginning with...

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Dani. A highly anticipated 12-ball series with the blue cue, its last of the round, leads off the day. Lighton's Acorn didn't have a big run in game 1, but he planned his shots much more efficiently than Viewpoint Sound's Dani. Acorn converted quickly at the end, his final pair to the left corners giving him the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Acorn gave away a wild-card ball on the game 2 break, and then scratched to end a three-ball run on his next turn, but still managed to complete the game before the Meteors' Dani could launch a successful counterattack. Acorn's win here pushes his series lead to 2-0. Acorn put in a bid for the best 12-ball game of all time, running the table from the game 3 break. This effort started with balls in both side pockets on the opening shot, followed by Acorn picking out the right corners before banking the 11 to the bottom left and kicking the 13 to the top left thanks to perfect execution. Acorn clinched the series at 3-0, and his fans are alight with joy at the most recent victory. Acorn had nothing on his game 4 break, allowing Dani to pick out stripes early. Acorn kept it close with a three-ball run in the middle, but didn't have enough time to make his last ball before Dani made her last three balls over two turns for the win. Acorn remains ahead 3-1 in the series. Dani was a little too generous in game 5, giving away a wild-card ball to Acorn. This was all he needed to slowly build his way to a win, giving him a 4-1 series win that sets him up to host the Southern Monarchs' Pounce in the bracket semifinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Nikolai. A battle of titans this year sees the silver cue conclude its 12-ball for the round at the start of this venue doubleheader. Freedom's Nikolai got off to a good start in game 1 before finding himself out of position on his last two shots. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy kept it close enough to rally with three balls over her last two turns for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Nikolai would not go quietly, leading off with a three-ball run in game 2. The Union's Ms. Puppy made a few shots but couldn't get in position for the remainder of her suit, as Nikolai smoothly advanced across the table and picked up the win to tie the series at 1. Nikolai had a three-ball run to start game 3, but he also gave away a wild-card ball. This was all Ms. Puppy needed, as she struck for a five-ball run-out thanks to fabulous positioning, her one-turn win restoring the series lead at 2-1 to the host. Nikolai refused to quit in game 4, getting very good positioning on his early shots. This bought him time to be patient for his last ball at the top side, while Ms. Puppy had to play strategically. Ms. Puppy had a scratch to stall Nikolai, but the visitor would get the win anyway, tying the series again at 2. Ms. Puppy held her ground in game 5, breaking out with a nice three-ball run and then picking through the rack while Nikolai straggled. Ms. Puppy took the win again, sealing the series at 3-2 to put her into a series against the Whitewater Shores' Shaggy in the bracket semifinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Kodiak v. Hannah. The blue cue returns to action for some 15-ball after the lunch break. Modernistic's Kodiak had a decent start in game 1, but he struggled in the middle, and his run at the end saw him rattle the 15 out of the bottom right. Queens' Hannah had played well enough to win and made sure to convert the 15 for the 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Hannah looked much more confident in game 2, working with short bursts of offense. Her last two turns were three-ball runs, and the Union's Kodiak found himself unable to stop Hannah from taking the win and a 2-0 series lead. Offense proved difficult to come by in the early parts of game 3. After breaking through the slow start, Hannah continued to outpace Kodiak, eventually beating him with a three-ball run-out to clinch the series at 3-0. Kodiak had at least a supermajority of the offense in game 4, including a late four-ball run to get onto the 15. Kodiak missed the 15, and Hannah cut it lightly to the bottom right to steal this win as her series lead moves to 4-0. Hannah pushed around offense quite a bit in game 5, but Kodiak was willing to battle at the end, making a three-ball run-out to avoid the sweep. Hannah settles for a 4-1 series win, and will return to this venue to meet Kodiak's Union teammate Puff I in the bracket semifinals. Hannah took her second kill of the year to make Kodiak the 95th eliminated player.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I v. Lize. Two players new to their teams meet in 10-ball with the silver cue. Pronger's Lize tried to find a 1-10 combination on her first turn in game 1, but she missed. Pacific's Twinkie I deflected the cue off the 1 to drive the 10 to the top right for the win, giving the host a 1-0 series lead. Honest offense was tough to come by in game 2, with the Volcanoes' Twinkie I getting most of her shots off from errors by the Tridents' Lize. One of these errors allowed Twinkie I to make the 7 and 8, but Lize banked the 9 to the bottom right and put the 10 in the bottom side for the win to tie the series at 1. Lize dominated the offense in game 3, using a seven-ball run on her second turn and a three-ball run-out on her third turn to easily defeat Twinkie I, who couldn't make her shots connect this time. Lize pulled ahead 2-1 in the series. Twinkie I got back on track in game 4, making five balls over her last two turns but leaving the 10 up at the top right. Lize converted on her first try, grabbing the win to seal the series at 3-1. Twinkie I charged again with a three-ball run in game 5, but Lize held her off at the end, executing a smart five-ball run-out for the win. Lize took the series 4-1, and will visit the Midland Predators star Rainmane in the bracket semifinals.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Snowball v. Marsell. Club-mates meet but it will be anything but friendly in another 10-ball series with the silver cue. Whitewater's Marsell had a decent start in game 1, but he had no chance to reply to Swordpoint's Snowball firing back on a five-ball run-out. Snowball owns a 1-0 series lead with the sharp attack. The Blades' Snowball didn't get as many clean looks in game 2, although she passed on taking a cheap-shot at the 5-10 combination after the Shores' Marsell scratched. Marsell gladly took over in the back half of the game, doing plenty to earn the win with chippy offense, all of which helped him tie the series at 1. Marsell had a commanding presence on offense in game 3, making pairs of shots throughout the game while Snowball struggled to keep her shots legal. Marsell's only mistake was missing a bank on the 9 at the bottom right, which allowed Snowball to pot the last two balls for the win. Snowball returns to a series lead at 2-1. Snowball had a chance to lock up the series in a back-and-forth game 4, but twice missed on the 10 at the bottom left. Marsell only missed the final ball once, burying it on a tap-in the second time to take the win that tied the series at 2. Snowball seemed to have the better of the offense in game 5, but difficulties on the 8 led Marsell to strike it to the bottom right on his second try before taking the 10 at the bottom side for the win. Marsell claimed a 3-2 series win, and is through to a visiting role in the bracket semifinals. Snowball is the 96th player eliminated from the Tournament, while Marsell takes his second kill this year.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Jasmine v. Gal Gadot. The silver cue remains in play, beginning a pair of Rotation series to finish off that bracket. North Modernistic's Gal struck first in game 1, but quickly succumbed to a four-ball run from Freedom's Jasmine, who would win 8-3 on a three-ball run-out after Gal scratched. Jasmine has a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Gal still had some errors in game 2, but these didn't hold her back. The Cascades' Jasmine never found a convenient run, allowing Gal to pummel a six-ball run-out to win by an 8-4 score. The series is tied at 1. Gal lacked the same big run in game 3, but maintained a steady stream of offense aided by a few errors from Jasmine. Gal ended up with an 8-3 win in the end this time, pulling ahead 2-1 in the series as she finds her shooting rhythm. Gal had a four-ball run followed by a three-ball run to establish her offense in game 4. Jasmine fired back with a four-ball run to get close, but she missed on the 13, and Gal put it away for an 8-5 win to clinch the series at 3-1. Gal fell behind quickly against Jasmine in game 5, although Jasmine faltered on offense toward the end of the game. Gal was able to tie the game before Jasmine pushed the 15 to the top left for the 8-7 win. Gal took the series 3-2, and will learn where her bracket semifinals series will be played at the end of the next series.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Quincy v. Kirstin. The second half of the silver cue's Rotation doubleheader is here. Everton's Kirstin started off well, taking the early lead, but Terrace City's Quincy had a three-ball run by shooting into clusters to take the lead. A couple of turns later, Quincy completed his 8-3 win with a four-ball run-out capped by double-potting the 8 to the bottom right and the 12 to the top right. Quincy leads the series 1-0. The Eagles' Kirstin began with a three-ball run early in game 2, only to see the Knights' Quincy counter on a six-ball run. Quincy struggled a bit from here until Kirstin scratched while potting the 11, giving Quincy the opening he needed to make a pair of shots for an 8-5 win. Quincy moves to a 2-0 series lead. Kirstin finally backed up her good starts with actual offense in game 3, using a pair of three-ball runs to take a commanding lead over Quincy. Kirstin had to be patient at the end before making her final shot to take the 8-1 win, cutting the series deficit to 2-1. Quincy fired back with a six-ball run to take a massive lead quickly in game 4. Kirstin answered on a four-ball run to tie the game with three balls left, but Quincy ultimately won 8-7 after a chase on the 15. Quincy secured the series at 3-1 with this win. Kirstin went off early in game 5, and then coasted to an 8-5 win despite a little pressure for Quincy as the game progressed. Quincy settled for a 3-2 series win, which lines him up to host an Urban rival and fellow rookie in the North Modernistic Nighthawks' Gal in the bracket semifinals. Kirstin is the 97th player to exit the Tournament, giving Quincy his first career kill.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Vladimir Vasilyev v. Spot. Eastern Hills youngster battle it out in the red cue's last 9-ball series of the round. Stonebridge's Vladimir looked good with a four-ball run early on, including a double-kiss to deflect the 4 to the bottom side. It wasn't enough to prevent Pronger's Spot from winning on a three-ball run-out, however. Spot took a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Spot took game 2 with a triple-pot on the break, burying the 7 in the top side, the 8 in the bottom right, and most importantly the 9 in the top right for the victory. The Wolves' Vladimir could only watch as Spot made it a 2-0 deficit against the host. Vladimir, desperate to keep himself in the series, used Spot's scratch on the game 3 break as the catalyst for his 1-9 combination to the top right from ball-in-hand. Vladimir converted the shot for a quick win, cutting the series to 2-1. Spot didn't have much on offense in game 4, allowing Vladimir to pace things with an early four-ball run. Vladimir slowed as the game went on, but still made the last two balls for the win, tying the series at 2 games apiece. Vladimir went stone cold for Stonebridge in game 5, biding his time against Spot before striking on a five-ball run-out to take the win and a 3-2 series win. Vladimir's ethically porous decision in game 3 proved vital as he is now set to host the Queens Flames' Violetta in a tough bracket semifinals match. Vladimir joins the league lead in kills at 3 while Spot is the 98th player out of the Tournament.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Cubby v. Cobalt. More Eastern Hills action features the red cue's last 10-ball series of the round. Eastside's Cubby had a problem with under-hitting his shots in game 1, allowing Stonebridge's Cobalt to boss possession. Cobalt sealed the win with a four-ball run-out at the end, his command impeccable as he took a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Cubby made improvements in game 2, but a miss on the 7 at the top right negated his benefit from better offense. The Wolves' Cobalt converted a three-ball run-out here, taking the win for a 2-0 series lead despite his drop in quality. Cubby took a turn toward dominance in game 3, using suffocating defense to stymie Cobalt early on before breaking out on a six-ball run-out for the win. Cubby's big win here cut the series deficit to 2-1. Cubby dropped the defense in game 4, a risky move used to generate more offense. Cobalt had a three-ball run and nearly deflected a shot on the 7 to push the 10 to the bottom left, but it stayed out. Cubby made the 7-10 combination as a tap-in that became a double-pot when the 7 dropped in the top side as Cubby won to tie the series at 2. Cubby challenged Cobalt all around the table, leading to a mixed bag on offense for both players. Cobalt knew he needed to strike at the end and did so on a three-ball run-out, cutting the 10 to the bottom left for the win. Cobalt knocked Cubby off 3-2 to earn a hosting role against the Viewpoint Sound Meteors' Vincent in the bracket semifinals. Cobalt took his first kill of the year to make Cubby's return campaign the 99th one to finish this year.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. A. Charlton. It's do or die time for both players in today's finale, which is the last Accuracy series of the round. Neither player looked particularly confident in game 1, with a mess of misses early on. Terrace City's Oreo slipped into a late tie, but Golden's Charlton fell behind again late and Oreo held on to win 4-5 for the 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Charlton had a much calmer game 2 performance, and she kept it close enough for a late miss by the Knights' Oreo to be decisive for the game. Charlton would tap in what Oreo missed to take a 1-2 win, tying the series at 1. Charlton had a good break in game 3, but two misses in a row caused her offense to fall apart, giving Oreo a lead that she wouldn't let go of. Oreo finished with a 1-2 win, regaining the series lead at 2-1. Charlton couldn't get herself back into the series in game 4, making an absolute mess with a handful of misses in the middle of the game. Oreo added to Charlton's misery with a number of positioning plays, leading to Oreo taking the 2-5 win to clinch the series at 3-1. Game 5 saw Oreo jump out to a decent lead, but let it fall apart by the end of regulation. Charlton managed to force overtime, but missed on the overtime break, and Oreo converted a shot to win 3-4. Oreo took the series 4-1, and will visit the Freedom Cascades' Nikolai in the bracket semifinals. Charlton is the 100th player to be eliminated, giving Oreo her first kill this year.

That's all for today's games. We end the bracket quarterfinals tomorrow, then take a three-day weekend for maintenance to prepare for the critical final rounds of the Tournament.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 8

We've got a reduced load of games today, playing only eight series. First up...

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I v. Noelle. The blue cue gets the first look today in 12-ball. Pacific's Twinkie I scratched on the game 1 break, but Central's Noelle couldn't get started from the kitchen. Twinkie I claimed solids, and then went on a positioning spree before her three-ball run. Noelle couldn't counter it, and Twinkie I won on her next turn for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went much slower, with the Warriors' Noelle getting down to her last two balls quickly before a tough battle for positioning. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I had a chance to win at the top left, but she rattled the shot out, and Noelle made her final pair on the next turn for the win to tie the series at 1. Noelle made a ball on the break in game 3, giving her a slight edge, and she used defense at the top left to keep Twinkie I at bay. Twinkie I did get onto her last ball but couldn't break Noelle's defense, and Noelle made a pair of shots again for the win, taking a 2-1 series lead. Noelle again struck on the break in game 4, but she didn't taking a commanding lead this time. Twinkie I lingered around just behind Noelle before risking her positioning on a three-ball run-out, which ended with her banking the 10 to the bottom side for the win. Twinkie I has retied the series at 2 with the impressive effort. Twinkie I gave away a wild-card ball early in game 5, but ended up having a better game than Noelle, as the visitor scuffled under pressure and allowed Twinkie I a clear path to victory at the end. Twinkie I took the series 3-2, and will host the Midland Predators' Fuchsia in the bracket semifinals.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Vincent Sullivan v. Crystal. The silver cue is up next to play Rotation. Queens' Crystal had the better of play in a tight game 1, as she and Viewpoint Sound's Vincent dueled for awhile before Crystal's three-ball run-out gave her an 8-5 win. Crystal leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Vincent fought back for himself in game 2, taking an early lead. Vincent struggled with some errors, but the Flames' Crystal didn't do much from ball-in-hand, and Vincent eventually found a four-ball run-out for the 8-3 win. Vincent's victory tied the series at 1. Vincent played cat-and-mouse with Crystal for much of game 3, often holding a good lead just dangling in front of Crystal. This ended when Crystal broke out on a four-ball run-out to steal the 8-7 win away, retaking the series lead at 2-1 in the process. Crystal took the early lead in a tense start to game 4, but it didn't matter much after Vincent took a five-ball run from ball-in-hand. Crystal didn't have an answer for that, and Vincent tapped in the 10 to make it an 8-4 win, tying the series again at 2. Vincent had a good start in game 5, with a pair of three-ball runs. Crystal answered the first of them with her own three-ball run, and then took the game on her next turn with a five-ball run-out for the 8-6 win. Crystal's 3-2 series win puts her in line to host the Oceanside Waves rookie Josie to renew those two teams' budding rivalry.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Shelley. The red cue comes on next for some 7-ball, the last series for it in that event. Royal's Jake looked quite good in game 1, making a pair on the break to ignite his seven-ball table-running effort. Infinity's Shelley could only watch Jake make every shot to earn himself a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Jake brought a quicker winning strategy in game 2, making the 1 to the bottom side while the 7 got bumped to the top side on the break, extending his series lead to 2-0 before the Torpedoes' Shelley has had a shot. Jake didn't dominate game 3 like he had in the previous two, actually allowing Shelley to take some shots this time. Shelley had a scratch while going for the 5, leading to Jake's three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand at the end. Jake secured the series at 3-0 with this win. Jake eased up a little more in game 4, allowing Shelley to try to solve a knot of shots this time. In the end, Jake banked the 7 to the bottom side for the win, pushing his lead in the series to 4-0. Jake and Shelley battled evenly again in game 5, but Shelley couldn't do anything to avoid the sweep when Jake buried the 5-7 combination to the top side to win the series 5-0. Jake will host the Central Warriors' Noelle in the bracket semifinals.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Jason N. v. Rudolph. A pair of rookies are set to battle in 8-ball with the blue cue. Swordpoint's Jason started off a bit slowly in game 1, but a three-ball run and a subsequent four-ball run-out combined with a lack of offense from Harrison's Rudolph meant that Jason easily took the win and 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Jason did reasonably well with a pair of three-ball runs in game 2, while the Specters' Rudolph elected to get the bulk of his offense on a five-ball run. Jason's late play was suspect, as he missed on his last ball and the 8 multiple times, while Rudolph quickly potted the 8 after finishing the solids. Rudolph's win tied the series at 1. Jason had a five-ball run early in game 3, and he quickly made another pair after that to get onto the 8, which he left near the bottom left. Rudolph, under pressure, rallied to make eight straight shots with excellent positioning, taking the win and a 2-1 series lead. Jason and Rudolph were not at their best for game 4, each one missing multiple shots they would normally make. Jason was first onto the 8, and he cut it to the top right, but a deflection off of Rudolph's last ball sent the cue to the top side for a scratch, gifting Rudolph the win and the series at 3-1. Jason looked drained to start game 5, giving away collateral damage quickly. Rudolph made a five-ball run, and then got the win after Jason had a scratch to officially end his offense. Rudolph took the series 4-1, and will be a visitor again in the bracket semifinals. Jason N. is the 92nd eliminated player this year, giving Rudolph his first career kill.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Quincy. After meeting yesterday, these players clash again in 8-ball with the blue cue. Central's Twilight came out with a seven-ball run off of a furious break, her hopes for vengeance high. Terrace City's Quincy made a three-ball run, but Twilight tapped the 8 to the bottom right to win, going up 1-0 in the series on her second turn. The Warriors' Twilight had a much weaker attack in game 2, while the Knights' Quincy kept the pace about the same. Both players had an unusually high amount of scratches, which worked to Quincy's favor when he finally made a four-ball run-out at the end for the win. Quincy has tied the series at 1. Twilight bounced back with a firm six-ball run in game 3, establishing quite a lead for herself. Quincy had a more fragmented attack, but Twilight was slow on her final ball and had to turn defensive to stop Quincy. The play worked, and Twilight made a pair of shots for the win, earning a 2-1 series lead. Quincy had the better start in game 4 with a short run, but he failed to back it up with anything. Twilight kept pace initially, and then used a four-ball run-out to take the win, clinching the series at 3-1 as well. Twilight had an empty break in game 5, allowing a seven-ball run from Quincy to materialize. Twilight had a five-ball run in response, but Quincy put the 8 in the top side for the win. Twilight won the series 3-2, getting her revenge and setting herself up to host the Lighton Prestige's Nicole in the bracket semifinals.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Shadow. The blue cue remains in play for a 9-ball series now. Midland's Fuchsia and Web City's Shadow didn't have much to separate each other in game 1, but they both rattled out late shots. Shadow's happened to be on the 9, which Fuchsia tapped in for a win and 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shadow had a bit better of the offense in game 2, but a scratch after his four-ball run put all that hard work to waste. The Predators' Fuchsia scooped up the last two shots, banking the 9 to the bottom side for the win to push her series lead to 2-0. Shadow pushed the offense again in game 3, finding a late three-ball run but missing his cut on the 9 at the bottom right. Fuchsia hasn't played poorly, but she's certainly gotten the bounces to go her way, and she tapped the 9 in here for the win to clinch the series at 3-0. Shadow didn't have good luck in game 4 either, making shots on every turn but still watching as Fuchsia buried the 9 he couldn't corral at the end. Fuchsia is up 4-0 in the series now after another fortunate win. Fuchsia still couldn't get much offense in game 5, as Shadow had a three-ball run late and then made the 8-9 combination to the bottom right on his next shot for the win. Fuchsia still won the series 4-1, and will visit the Victoria Spurs' Yekaterina in the bracket semifinals.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Lexi Woode v. Shaggy. A top seed welcomes a crafty veteran in 12-ball with the silver cue. Harrison's Lexi made a ball on the break, but had less favorable positioning later in game 1. Whitewater's Shaggy worked quickly through her shots, and put the 7 in the bottom right at the end for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Shaggy did well to get down to her last ball before the Specters' Lexi could make a shot in game 2. Shaggy didn't have much of a plan to address the bottom side, which Lexi defended well enough to pick up the win on a comeback, tying the series at 1. Lexi made two of her own and one for Shaggy as a wild-card ball on the game 3 break, and also scratched. Lexi had to play from behind, narrowly getting off the hook when Shaggy's five-ball run ended in a scratch that forced her to return the wild-card ball. Lexi just didn't have enough time to beat Shaggy, as the visitor took the 7 to the bottom left for the win and a 2-1 series lead. Shaggy gave Lexi a couple of wild-card balls in game 4, but made sure it didn't matter, making five balls over her first two turns with great positioning for her last shot. Lexi had a three-ball run to make it close, but Shaggy buried her last ball for the win to seal the series at 3-1. Shaggy popped out to a big lead again in game 5, and while she struggled to find a shot for the top side, Lexi found herself out of position on her final ball and committed illegal contact. Shaggy took the win at the top side, claiming a 4-1 series win to put herself in the bracket semifinals on the road. Lexi is the 93rd player ousted from the Tournament, giving Shaggy her second kill this year.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Paps v. Smudge. Southwestern rivals clash in today's finale series, using the red cue in its last Rotation series of the round. Tysini's Paps started game 1 with a pair of balls from the break, but Infinity's Smudge soon equaled it. Paps then went on a five-ball run that Smudge couldn't counter before kicking the 8 to the top right for the 8-3 win. Paps holds a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Paps again had to fight off an early challenge from the Torpedoes' Smudge. Tempers flared with missed shots and hard contacts as game 2 progressed, but Paps held his lead well enough to win 8-6, extending his lead in the series to 2-0. Paps jumped to the lead again in game 3, and he nearly had the win fairly early, but he scratched while potting the 11. Smudge churned her way back into a tie, but scratched on the 15 to sacrifice the result. Paps buried the 15 from ball-in-hand for the 8-7 win, securing the series at 3-0. Smudge refused to go empty in this series, blasting a six-ball run on her second turn of game 4 to take a commanding lead. After some jittery shots, Smudge found a clear one on the 9 to win 8-1, cutting the series deficit to 3-1. Smudge maintained her attack in game 5, battling with Paps initially before taking over at the end for an 8-4 win. Paps won the series 3-2, and will visit the Royal Crowns captain Nightfur in the bracket semifinals. Smudge is the 94th player to be eliminated this year, giving Paps his first kill of the year.

We're done for today, with plans to return to a full schedule tomorrow.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 7

We're back for what's shaping up to be a full day of games again as the Bracket Quarterfinals reach their final week. First up...

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Vincent Sullivan. The red cue gets the first look today, playing 10-ball. Freedom's Nikolai made a pair of balls on the break, but game 1 went slowly after that. Neither player started out comfortable, and it took awhile before Viewpoint Sound's Vincent rattled off a four-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 arguably played out even worse, as the lack of runs persisted. Neither player took control of the game, and frustrations began to show at the end before the Cascades' Nikolai made a long cut on the 10 for the win to tie the series at 1 despite his otherwise poor shooting. The Meteors' Vincent looked sharper in game 3 with a four-ball run and a pair of shots after that, but he scratched while making the 6. Nikolai took over with ball-in-hand on the 10, taking the win after potting three balls on the break. Nikolai is up 2-1 in the series. Vincent refused to go down without a fight, making the first five balls in game 4, and then pushing Nikolai around in the latter half of the game. Nikolai ended up botching his shot on the 10, and Vincent buried it for the win, retying the series at 2. Nikolai had to play for contact for much of game 5, and this didn't work so well for his style. Vincent cherished the moment, converting a 4-10 combination to the bottom side for the win, which gave him a 3-2 series win. Vincent will advance in a visiting role to the bracket semifinals.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Steven v. Patches. The silver cue is set to finish its 8-ball for the round with this series. Atlantic's Steven had a decent break in game 1, but it didn't work out for him later. Boston's Patches got onto the 8 with a six-ball run before settling for a contact play. Steven countered on a four-ball run, but Patches took the 8 on her next turn, earning a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Patches didn't have a good break in game 2, leading to a choppy battle with the Pirates' Steven. Late in the game, Steven had a pair of scratches, but Patches was unable to capitalize on them, giving up possession with missed contact. Steven then pushed forward on a four-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1. Steven played with a reckless aggression late in game 3, making a four-ball run with two instances of collateral damage to get onto the 8. Patches took full advantage of the freebies, working a three-ball run-out on her next turn for the win to retake the series lead at 2-1. Steven had a good offense in game 4, countering a four-ball run from Patches with his own three-ball run, but he twice missed on the 8, and Patches eventually rallied back to win with a three-ball run-out, clinching the series at 3-1 in the process. Patches had a tougher time making her shots in game 5, while Steven moved efficiently through clusters, holding a lead the whole game and making it count when he put down the 8. Patches won the series 3-2, and will visit the Infinity Torpedoes' Shelley in the bracket semifinals. Steven is the 88th eliminated player, giving Patches her second kill this year. This is also the end of the Atlantic Pirates Tournament season as a team.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Quincy v. Twilight. After the break, the red cue returns to play a 9-ball series. Central's Twilight came to play in game 1, finding a four-ball run in the middle and then beating Terrace City's Quincy with a pair of shots at the end. Twilight owns a 1-0 series lead early on. The Warriors' Twilight scuffled a bit to start game 2, giving a little confidence to the Knights' Quincy as he made a three-ball run. After another slow patch in the middle of the game, Twilight went off for a four-ball run-out, the big finish helping her push her series lead to 2-0. Twilight got a bit more aggressive in game 3, pushing her shots harder as she tried to pin Quincy in. This didn't work out, as Quincy escaped with a three-ball run-out at the end, kicking the 9 to the bottom side for the win, which cuts Twilight's series lead to 2-1. Quincy refused to back down in game 4, beginning with a three-ball run and then taking half of the remaining shots to pick up the win when Twilight couldn't find the 9 on a tough cut. Quincy's persistent attack tied the series at 2 with this win. Quincy struck again with a slower game 5, capitalizing when Twilight double-potted the 6 and 7 but also scratched. Quincy tapped in the 8 and cut the 9 from the ensuing ball-in-hand, easily taking the win for a 3-2 series win. Quincy will host the North Modernistic Nighthawks' Cheddar in the bracket semifinals as an Urban Derby.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Brownie v. Bianca. The blue cue plays its only series today to complete its 10-ball obligations for the round. Tysini's Brownie had the better of offense in game 1, but after a long fight on the 6, it took awhile to appear. Brownie beat Southridge's Bianca with a four-ball run-out, good for a 1-0 series lead after the win. The Hummingbirds' Brownie again got to pace the offense in game 2, while the Defenders' Bianca stumbled over some of her shots. Bianca had two instances of light contact, and one double-tapped shooting foul, all eventually leading to Brownie taking the last two shots for the win and a 2-0 series lead. Bianca finally showed some urgency in game 3, attacking with pace and blowing right by Brownie on a late six-ball run-out. Bianca's burst of offense earned her a win to cut the series to 2-1. Bianca didn't have much offense in game 4, watching as Brownie made a six-ball run to start this time. Bianca battled back at the end, taking the win after all with a pair of shots after Brownie couldn't add a supporting run. Bianca's win ties the series at 2. Bianca pulled off the full comeback despite not having much of the offense in game 5, answering runs of four and three balls by Brownie with a cut on the 10. Bianca took the series 3-2 with this win, and will face her Defenders teammate Stephanie in the bracket semifinals. Bianca is joining the league leaders for kills at 3, with Brownie now the 89th player eliminated.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Patches. The red cue is set to finish its Accuracy for the round when these two captains clash. Westside's Misty got the better of a difficult game 1, staying even at first before locking down with the lead. Boston's Patches spiraled a bit in the middle, but looked sharp at the end of Misty's 2-5 win, which gives the host a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Misty played to perfection for most of game 2, but fell apart toward the end. Lucky for Misty, the Swifts' Patches wasn't able to capitalize on these late mistakes, and Misty managed to take a 3-4 win this time, extending her lead in the series to 2-0. Misty kept herself and her team in the Tournament in game 3, winning a back-and-forth battle with Patches by a 3-4 score again to clinch the series at 3-0. Misty didn't have her best, but when Patches missed twice in a row late, Misty was able to take the definitive win. Patches avoided the sweep with a cleaner performance in game 4, outlasting a shaky comeback attempt from Misty to grab the 2-3 win. Misty remains ahead by a 3-1 lead in the series. Patches and Misty combined for a sloppy game 5 with the series already decided. Patches eventually scratched on a difficult last ball, allowing Misty to win 5-6, which pushes her series lead to 4-1. Misty will visit the Pronger Tridents rookie Lize in the bracket semifinals.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Ice Cream v. Juno. The red cue stays in action as the other remaining Swift hosts a 12-ball series. Boston's Ice Cream scratched on the game 1 break, giving Stonebridge's Juno an easy start. Juno took a moderate pace but still blew by Ice Cream for the win and 1-0 series lead with a confident offense. The Wolves' Juno made illegal contact on her first shot after the break after getting the suits confused, leading to the Swifts' Ice Cream making a four-ball run. Juno pulled back with a three-ball run to even things up, but Ice Cream beat her to the finish with a pair of shots at the left corners for the win. The series is tied at 1. Ice Cream had a rough start in game 3, allowing Juno to pick apart her suit pretty quickly with a four-ball run. Juno had trouble on her last ball at the bottom side, but an awkward hard miss from Ice Cream from ball-in-hand after getting down to her last ball defensively led to Juno potting her final ball for the win. Juno regained the series lead at 2-1 thanks to Ice Cream's mistake. Juno couldn't quite ignite the offense in the same way for game 4, while Ice Cream collected a four-ball run to pull ahead before sinking the last two balls soon after as Juno still sought positioning. Ice Cream's win retied the series at 2. Ice Cream came out on a mission in game 5, ripping a three-ball run from the break with a scratch, and then adding a four-ball run-out while surrendering a wild-card ball that Juno never got to put to use. Ice Cream won the series 3-2, and will host the Modernistic Union's Daisy in the bracket semifinals. Half the field is out, with Juno the 90th eliminated, giving Ice Cream her first kill of the year.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Chelsea v. Luigi. The silver cue is back in this series, ready to go for 9-ball. Eastside's Chelsea kept things pretty even with North Modernistic's Luigi before striking a 5-9 bank combination perfectly to the bottom right. Chelsea's surprising shot was the winner, giving her a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Chelsea couldn't get much beyond the break in game 2, as the Nighthawks' Luigi dominated the offense with a quick three-ball run and then intermittent bursts after that. Luigi managed to make the last pair of balls himself, taking the win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Luigi backed off on offense in game 3, while Chelsea didn't do much to fill the void, leading to a slow-moving game. Chelsea picked things up at the end, striking for a three-ball run-out to take the lead which restores her series lead at 2-1. Chelsea took care of business in game 4, controlling the pace of play while Luigi had errors on nearly every one of his turns. Chelsea took advantage of a late scratch by Luigi, making a three-ball run-out from the following ball-in-hand to secure the series at 3-1. Game 5 returned to a slow pace on both sides until Luigi found a three-ball run. Chelsea answered with a pair but left the 9 up at the top right for Luigi to tap in for the win. Chelsea advances on a 3-2 series win, and she'll host the Maplewood Lumberjacks' Whiskers in the bracket semifinals.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Marsell. The silver cue's last series of the day is also its last in 15-ball for the round. Web City's Jack did pull off a chaotic quad-pot in game 1, using the 2 to blast a cluster that sent four balls into the right corners. Jack did very little after that, with Whitewater's Marsell chipping his own path to a win and 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Jack continued to cede possession with many errors in a difficult game 2. The Shores' Marsell lost a bit of sharpness as well, but he gladly took as many free shots as Jack gave him. Marsell would benefit at the end, making the last pair of shots to take the win for a 2-0 series lead. Jack finally had a shining moment in game 3, making a nine-ball run to take the majority share of the offense, but he faltered on the 13. Marsell made the last three shots over two turns for the win, clinching the series at 3-0. Jack continued to have a better impression on offense in game 4, but after a three-ball run he missed three times and scratched while trying to make the 15. Marsell cleaned up the scraps, moving to a 4-0 series lead in the process. Marsell had a decent break in game 5, but Jack supplied a fantastic highlight, hitting the 2-15 combination to the top left off a 7-10 bumper, with the 2 also falling in the top side for the double-pot. Marsell still took the series 4-1, but it wasn't a flawless performance by any means. Jack is the 91st player ousted so far, with Marsell finally taking his first kill.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Zach v. Dani. The red cue returns to action as two highly-ranked players meet in 10-ball. Pronger's Zach had a good start in game 1, making some tricky shots to avoid a stagnant start. Viewpoint Sound's Dani did better at growing into the game, striking on her last two turns to pick up the win for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Meteors' Dani set the tone with an early seven-ball run in game 2, but she couldn't make contact for a cut on the 7. The Tridents' Zach finished the game from here with a three-ball run-out, his win going on to tie the series at 1. Zach looked uncomfortable in game 3, again holding only a minority of the possession. Zach's poor play here gave Dani another opening to attack, and she did so at the end with a three-ball run-out to pick up the win, reclaiming the series lead at 2-1 for herself. Dani tried to time her run better in game 4, making a three-ball run over the middle before an awkward miss on the 7. Zach fired back with a three-ball run of his own, just leaving the 10 outside the bottom left, where Dani had a tap-in to secure the game and the series at 3-1. Dani couldn't quite find her offense with as much success in game 5, but Zach didn't take the game quickly either. Instead, it was a choppy finish with Zach making the 10 after Dani couldn't play off the 9 that made it a 3-2 series win for Dani, who will visit the Commerce Tradewinds' Taylor in the bracket semifinals.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Shadow. Captains in the midst of good seasons collide in 12-ball with the red cue to end the day. Pearl's Watermelon looked in total control of game 1 after opening with a three-ball run, but she couldn't line up her last shot very well. Web City's Shadow came out of nowhere on a five-ball run-out, completing a comeback win for a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shadow had an empty break, but still managed to get onto his last ball faster than the Surfers' Watermelon. This didn't matter much, as defense was the core of Watermelon's game 2 effort, and when she removed it, she was faster to pot her last ball for the win, tying the series at 1. Watermelon blasted in a pair on the break in game 3, making it a three-ball run on her next shot. Shadow fired back with a decent run, but gave away a wild-card ball to Watermelon, who then positioned and knocked in her last two shots over three turns while Shadow struggled with positioning on his remaining shots. Watermelon is ahead 2-1 in the series. Watermelon opened with a four-ball run in game 4, putting a lot of pressure on Shadow, who replied with a crafty three-ball run along the bottom rail. A later scratch by Watermelon tilted the game favorably for Shadow, who made his last three shots over two turns to get the win, retying the series at 2. Shadow had a good break in game 5, pushing himself forward on offense. Watermelon offered plenty of pressure with her four-ball run, but Shadow answered on a three-ball run-out for the win and 3-2 series win. Shadow will be on the road in the bracket semifinals.

That's all for today's games. We'll play a reduced schedule tomorrow as we glide toward the finish of the round.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 6

We're playing a full day on a weekend here, beginning with...

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sydney Sierota v. Nicole. The silver cue gets the first look today in a series of 9-ball. Harrison's Sydney had a positive start in game 1, while Lighton's Nicole couldn't quite figure her offense out. Sydney managed to find a four-ball run-out at the end, cutting her way to a win and 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Nicole bounced back on offense in game 2, controlling the pace of the game and finding a late four-ball run to get onto the 9. Nicole missed, leaving an easy straight shot that the Specters' Sydney converted for the win to push her series lead to 2-0. Neither player really had a grasp on game 3, struggling in even measures especially as the game progressed. Sydney missed on the 9 twice, giving Nicole her successful third try to get the win, which cuts Sydney's series lead to 2-1. Sydney had a smoother performance in game 4, making a four-ball run over the middle to help keep the game moving. It wasn't enough, as she missed an 8-9 kick combination attempt, and Nicole made the last two balls on separate shots for the win, tying the series at 2. Game 5 reverted to a stingy attack on both sides. Sydney made one critical mistake, scratching on her attempt at the 7, which opened Nicole up for a three-ball run-out for the win and 3-2 comeback series win. Nicole will be on the road yet again in the bracket semifinals with this Cinderella bid. Nicole took her second kill of the year to make Sydney the 82nd eliminated player.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Kirstin v. Cassandra. Next up is some 15-ball with the red cue between confident opponents. Everton's Kirstin had some good looks in game 1, but she let it fade as the game progressed, and Diamond's Cassandra picked up the slack with five of the last six balls potted. Cassandra's late surge gave her the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Cassandra had a productive four-ball run to start game 2 despite a weak break, and then backed it up at the end with a four-ball run-out, topping the Eagles' Kirstin's three-ball run in the middle of the game. Cassandra's big runs give her a 2-0 series lead. Cassandra delivered another poor break in game 3, and this time it slowed down the early offense. Cassandra broke the funk with a four-ball run, and then added the 10 and 11-15 combination to the bottom right after Kirstin couldn't get more than a pair in response. Cassandra's combo shot secured the series for her at 3-0. Cassandra scratched early in game 4, allowing Kirstin to take a bit of offense. Cassandra had a five-ball run and a three-ball run a couple of turns later, but Kirstin took the three-ball run-out at the end to get the win, cutting the series to 3-1. Kirstin went full-powered in game 5, attacking with a seven-ball run early on and then countering Cassandra's limited possession with a three-ball run-out at the end. Cassandra still won the series 3-2, and will host her bracket semifinals series against the Maplewood Lumberjacks' Bryant.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Jasmine v. Violetta. Two of this year's best clash in 9-ball with the red cue in an epic series. Freedom's Jasmine had a pair of balls from the break in game 1, but missed contact with the 3 on a kick attempt. From ball-in-hand, Queens' Violetta did a seven-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead, executing her shots to her usual high standard. The Flames' Violetta made three balls on the break of game 2, but her offense went cold from there, allowing the Cascades' Jasmine a pair on her first turn and a three-ball run-out to close the game with a win. Jasmine has tied the series at 1 game apiece. Jasmine opened game 3 with a four-ball run before the offense slowed on both sides. Violetta's first turn was weak, but she made the final pair of shots after Jasmine couldn't assemble a second run. Violetta restored her series lead at 2-1 with this win. Violetta couldn't get a grip on her offense for game 4, and while Jasmine wasn't particularly sharp this time either, she made the shots she needed to for the win. Jasmine has retied the series at 2, setting up the desired final game to decide the series. Violetta waited patiently for a big moment in game 5, finding it at the end as she made a four-ball run-out to defeat Jasmine in the game and the 3-2 series. Violetta will play on the road again in the bracket semifinals.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Whiskers. A pair of club-mates battle in 9-ball as well, but with the silver cue. Southern's Dominic had a good break in game 1, but he benefited more from Maplewood's Whiskers having some shaky shots at the end. Dominic was able to win with the last two balls, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers had an impressive finish in game 2 after an uneventful duel with the Monarchs' Dominic early on. Whiskers used the 5 to split the 6 and 9, unintentionally making the 8 at the top left. Whiskers then cut the 5-9 combination to the bottom side for the win, tying the series at 1. Whiskers absolutely dominated in game 3, working a six-ball run from the break, and then burying a three-ball run-out when Dominic flubbed his shot on the 6. Whiskers pulled ahead 2-1 in the series with this win. Whiskers lacked a similar run in game 4, but a consistent presence on offense served her well. Dominic felt the pressure and missed on the 8 late in the game, allowing Whiskers to pot a pair for the win, clinching the series for her at 3-1. Whiskers had a four-ball run over the middle of game 5, but she got reckless and allowed Dominic to make a 7-9 combination to the top left for his second win. Whiskers settled for a 3-2 series win, advancing to the bracket semifinals. Dominic is the 83rd eliminated player this year, and the first kill for Whiskers.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Hannah. The red cue ends its 8-ball obligations for the round with this series. Atlantic's Delila made a ball on the break but couldn't sustain a run on either of her two turns. Queens' Hannah dominated with a five-ball run first and a crisp three-ball run-out to take the win for a 1-0 series lead after game 1. The Flames' Hannah had a slower start in game 2, allowing a bit of a battle with the Pirates' Delila early on. Hannah added a scratch to set her back, making her five-ball run-out at the end all the more impressive, the surge sending her to another win and a 2-0 series lead. Hannah found another five-ball run on her second turn in game 3, and then she used the 8 defensively at the end to stall Delila. The plan worked, as Delila couldn't pot her last stripe before Hannah tapped the 8 into the top right for the win to seal the series at 3-0. Hannah couldn't break out onto a run in game 4, as Delila finally did enough on defense to slow the visitor. Delila began with a four-ball run and then cruised to a win at the end, cutting the series to 3-1. Delila controlled the offense for the most part in game 5 as well, but she took a bad shot on the 8 at the end, illegally potting it to gift the win away to Hannah, who took the series 4-1. Hannah will visit the Todavía Stills' Prism in the bracket semifinals. Delila is the 84th player out of the Tournament, and Hannah recorded her first kill in the big series win.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Jennifer Livilotti v. Josie. Two determined foes clash in Rotation with the silver cue. Game 1 started out pretty even until Oceanside's Josie seized control of the offense. Josie then struggled with misses and a scratch, allowing Terrace City's Jennifer the full comeback topped by a four-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the 8-7 win and 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Jennifer couldn't get anything on a good break in game 2, but the Waves' Josie squandered a chance at a good run. Jennifer proceeded to use short bursts of offense effectively, building her lead and then closing out the win at 8-3 to move her series lead to 2-0. A poor break and a lack of clear shots ruined Jennifer's offense in game 3, allowing Josie to take a lot of her points from favorable shooting positions or ball-in-hand. Josie didn't use speed as her preference, instead chipping her way to an 8-5 win to cut the series to 2-1. Josie made a pair of balls on the break in game 4, and never really looked back, as Jennifer never pressured in this game. Josie used pairs to build her offense to an 8-1 win, tying the series at 2 with the dominant game. Josie trailed for most of game 5, as Jennifer slowly built her way to a lead, only to see it crash down when Josie found a five-ball run-out for the 8-6 win. Josie took the series 3-2, earning a visiting position in the bracket semifinals. Josie joins the league lead with her third kill, while Jennifer is the 85th ousted player this year.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sally v. Yekaterina Vasilyeva. The red cue finishes off another page for the round, this one being 15-ball. Victoria's Yekaterina gave away game 1, her deflection attempt off the 5 illegally touching the 15 and banking it to the top left. While she fumed at the official for the ruling, Archtown's Sally picked up a 1-0 series lead as a gift from the visitor. The two players combined for a boring start to game 2, but picked things up when the Arrows' Sally had a three-ball run. The Spurs' Yekaterina answered on a four-ball run, but she left the 15 at the bottom right, and Sally took the tap-in to win, moving ahead 2-0 in the series. Yekaterina made a 5-8-11-6-9 kick combination to the top left as a highlight shot in game 3. There wasn't much else positive for Yekaterina until the end of the game, as Sally missed on the 14. Yekaterina made it and then buried the 15 to the bottom left for the win, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Sally made a disaster of her offense in game 4, stagnant throughout until sending the cue off the table in response to Yekaterina's late five-ball run. Yekaterina used ball-in-hand to collect the last two shots for the win, tying the series at 2 after a less-than impressive start to the game. Game 5 saw Sally do alright early on, but gradually cede possession to Yekaterina. Sally was running out of steam near the end, and could only watch as Yekaterina lasered the 12-15 combination to the bottom left for the win. Yekaterina took the series 3-2, and will visit the North Modernistic Nighthawks' Luigi in the bracket semifinals. Yekaterina is now also on the league lead with three kills, making Sally the 86th eliminated player this year.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Bells. The host tries to correct his team's recent slide in this Accuracy series with the silver cue. Freedom's Nikolai played perfectly in game 1, leaving Todavía's Bells no path to make up for her early miss. Nikolai's brilliant shooting resulted in a 0-2 win and 1-0 series lead for himself. The Cascades' Nikolai had a scratch while potting two balls on the break of game 2, putting himself behind immediately. The Stills' Bells played an even game from that point, enough to pull out a 2-3 win to tie the series at 1 after a close battle. Nikolai returned to perfect form in game 3, while Bells floundered so much early on that the result was revealed rather quickly. A double-pot secured last-shot advantage for Nikolai, not that he needed it in a 0-4 win that restored his series lead at 2-1. Nikolai came out of the gate pretty slowly in game 4, making a mess of his early shots. This put him behind, and another miss in the middle of the game assured that Bells would hold on to win 2-3 despite a late miss of her own. Bells has retied the series again at 2. Nikolai and Bells did not bring their best in game 5, instead playing to a sloppy performance that favored Nikolai 4-5 in the end. Nikolai won the series 3-2 to earn a hosting position in the bracket semifinals. Nikolai took his first kill of the year, with Bells as the 87th player eliminated from the Tournament.

Ebay Center, Queens: Violetta v. B. Chapman. The blue cue's only appearance today is in 7-ball in this series. North Modernistic's Chapman gave a realistic challenge to Queens' Violetta in game 1, making a three-ball run late but leaving the 7 at the top right. Violetta had an easy tap-in for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Violetta pounded in a five-ball run in game 2, a powerful attack stymied by a missed contact on the 6. The Nighthawks' Chapman took over with ball-in-hand, making the last two shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw both players take a drastic step backward in quality of play, as they scuffled along for quite some time before Chapman buried a three-ball run-out to take a 2-1 series lead over Violetta. Chapman secured the series with a quick strike win in game 4, putting the 5 in the bottom right, the 6 in the top right, and the 7 in the bottom side off the break to earn a 3-1 series lead. Violetta salvaged game 5 with a three-ball run over the middle and the final pair of shots on her next turn after Chapman had a bad miss on the 6. Chapman still won the series 3-2, and will advance to the bracket semifinals.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Tigerette v. Peach. Urban captains go at it in 15-ball to close out today's games. Commerce's Tigerette showed better offense early in game 1, but had enough left over at the end to beat North Modernistic's Peach. Tigerette knocked in three of the last four balls for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Tigerette brought a more balanced offense to game 2, saving up some energy for the late game this time. The Nighthawks' Peach didn't come close to even in possession, and could only watch as Tigerette unleashed a five-ball run-out in the end to take another win for a 2-0 series lead. Tigerette came out blazing with a six-ball run fairly early in game 3. Peach did what she could to obstruct as the game progressed, but her lack of offense proved costly as Tigerette would make the last two balls for the win to seal the series at 3-0. A couple of cluster-busting shots in game 4 freed up the 15 and put it very near the bottom left. Tigerette took an errant swipe at it to put it on the edge, but it was Peach with a 3-15 kick combination for the win at the end, cutting the series to 3-1. Peach did a little better for herself in game 5, keeping pace with Tigerette on the offense and striking at the end to make the last two shots. Tigerette accepted a 3-2 series win, and she will play host to her Tradewinds teammate Rosemary in the bracket semifinals.

That's all for today. We are officially taking Sunday off, with action resuming on Monday with a full session.