Today is the start of the last week of the first round. We begin with...
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sydney S. v. Bear. The red cue starts the day with 9-ball. Everton's Bear found success with a five-ball run-out after Harrison's Sydney S. started game 1 well but couldn't get a secondary attack going. Bear leads the series 1-0 early on. The Eagles' Bear struggled initially in game 2, but the Specters' Sydney S. didn't pick up the slack. Bear eventually took the win on a three-ball run-out after a previous four-ball run gave him a ton of possession. Bear sealed the series at 2-0 with the victory. Sydney S. avoided the sweep with a three-ball run-out after a closer battle in game 3, which saw Bear lose his touch at the end. Bear won the series 2-1 and will visit the Atlantic Pirates' Jason N. in the second round. Bear takes five bids while Sydney S. has seven bids moving into the next round.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Chelsea v. Nightfur. A longtime veteran takes on a captain in Accuracy with the red cue. There was nothing pretty about game 1 for either player, but Royal's Nightfur hung on a little better to get the 5-6 win over Eastside's Chelsea. The Crowns' Nightfur took three balls on the break, but she had a horrendous game after that, falling away badly at the end as the Sharks' Chelsea held steady. Chelsea won the game 2-6 and tied the series at 1 in the process. Chelsea made a pair on the break in game 3, but she was the first to falter in the game. Nightfur slipped a bit near the end but held on for the 3-4 win to take the series 2-1. Nightfur will go on to face Steven of the Atlantic Pirates in the second round. Chelsea has just two bids going into the next round.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Rudolph v. Leonette. The blue cue is up for its last 13-ball series of the round. Pacific's Leonette led for much of game 1 after an early four-ball run, but a later scratch cost her valuable time. Harrison's Rudolph pulled back and attacked the sides before putting the 8 in the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Rudolph had a lack of positioning at the sides in game 2, while the Volcanoes' Leonette was more efficient with her set-up work. Leonette would take the win this time, tying the series at 1. Leonette had a wild start to game 3, making three for herself and two for Rudolph on the first turn. Rudolph came close to a finishing run near the end, but he allowed Leonette to make a three-ball run-out instead as she won the game and 2-1 series. Leonette will travel to Pronger, facing the Tridents' captain Precious in the second round. In the next round, Leonette will play seven times while Rudolph takes five bids.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Hughbert v. Yekaterina. A mismatch will resume the day's play with 13-ball and the red cue after the break. Victoria's Yekaterina struck first and looked solid in game 1, but Infinity's Hughbert made a dangerous run and pulled ahead before taking the win on a late pair of shots. Hughbert holds a 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Yekaterina managed to get down to her last ball quickly in game 2, but it still didn't matter. The Torpedoes' Hughbert made four balls over his last two turns to claim the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Hughbert then rallied with a quick five-ball run in game 3 to pull far ahead. Yekaterina got down to two balls left but Hughbert shut the door for the win and 3-0 series sweep. Hughbert will host Everton Eagles captain Goldy in the second round.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sally v. Mitchell. The blue cue returns to action in 8-ball. Victoria's Mitchell already had a good chunk of offense in game 1 on a four-ball run before Archtown's Sally gave the result away by illegally potting the 8 early at the bottom left. Mitchell took the gifted win for a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Sally started and ended with a three-ball run in game 2, controlling the pace of play this time while the Spurs' Mitchell took a step back. Sally's assertive win tied the series at 1. Sally had a good start to game 3, keeping pace in a tough rack, but her finishing at the end turned suspect. Mitchell held on and picked up the win with a three-ball run-out, earning the 2-1 series win as well. Mitchell is set to visit Roxy of the Freedom Cascades in round two. Mitchell has eight bids going forward.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Sparkles v. Shaggy. Right back to 13-ball with the red cue we go with this series. Whitewater's Shaggy had the early edge in game 1 and came close to winning before Golden's Sparkles surged at the end of game 1 for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Shaggy had to hold off the Pilots' Sparkles in a messy start to game 2. Eventually, Sparkles started slipping backwards with consecutive scratches, and Shaggy was able to get the win to tie the series at 1. Shaggy had a better start in game 3, getting down to the 8 first despite a late scratch. Sparkles did just enough to steal the win away on a three-ball run-out, claiming the series at 2-1 as well. Sparkles is off to round two versus Paps of the Tysini Hummingbirds. Shaggy's Tournament continues with four bids in the next round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Princess v. Sweetheart. The red cue stays on for this Rotation set. Viewpoint Sound's Princess succeeded when the table was crowded in game 1, but her lack of finish allowed Boston's Sweetheart to make five balls over two turns to tie the game. Princess then closed up an 8-7 win by putting the hard-fought 13 in the top left for the 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Princess had to put in a little more work in game 2, as the Swifts' Sweetheart made a few challenges to keep it close. Princess closed up with a three-ball run-out for the 8-4 win to secure the series at 2-0. Sweetheart briefly held the lead in game 3, but Princess rallied on a four-ball run to get ahead. Princess closed out an 8-3 win this time, sweeping the series 3-0 and moving into a second-round series versus Easter of the Todavía Stills. Both players will carry five bids going forward.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Jason V. v. Fluffina. The blue cue gets another turn in 8-ball with this series. Infinity's Fluffina had control in game 1, but a scratch as she potted the 8 gave the game and 1-0 series lead away to Oceanside's Jason V., who had done little up to that point to earn it. The Waves' Jason V. had a more involved role in game 2, pacing the play fairly well. The Torpedoes' Fluffina pushed back at times, but Jason V. had enough time to pick up the win, sealing the series at 2-0. In game 3, the play was even between the opponents. Fluffina had some shots that worked, but her sticking the cue with the 13 at the top right edge allowed her to get ball-in-hand for her final three-ball run-out. Jason V. still won the series 2-1, and it's he who will oppose Boston Swifts veteran Puff II in the second round. Both players advanced five bids to the next round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Nicole v. Potter. The red cue returns to close out its first round 12-ball obligations. Both players scratched on their first turns in game 1, keeping things even initially. Pronger's Potter did better at recovering from the early stumble, and he cruised to the win and 1-0 series lead ahead of Lighton's Nicole. The Tridents' Potter didn't slow down in game 2, making one of each on the break and choosing solids on a three-ball run. Nicole got two back, but Potter charged with a three-ball run-out for a two-turn win to clinch the series at 2-0. Potter had a rough go in game 3, watching Nicole basically copy his game 2 strategy to get her own win this time in a quick battle. Potter will settle for a 2-1 series win to get to the second round, where he visits the Pacific Volcanoes' Leonette. Nicole will have five bids going forward.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Potter v. Stealth. The red cue stays on to complete the host's personal doubleheader. Pronger's Potter led for much of game 1, but he slipped up with three late misses, giving Swordpoint's Stealth just enough to work with in his 3-4 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Potter never really had a chance in game 2, slipping up early and playing into the hands of the Blades' Stealth for the rest of it. Stealth played perfectly for the 0-3 win to seal the series at 2-0 in dominant fashion. Stealth was again never in danger in game 3, missing just once on a late scratch. He cruised to the 1-3 win over Potter for the 3-0 series sweep. Stealth will visit club-mate Chicky Phil of the Web City Spiders in the second round. Potter will still advance six bids into the next round.
Sony Center, Queens: Mario v. Snuggle. The red cue completes its 7-ball obligations now with a United Derby series. Queens' Mario needed just the break in game 1, getting the 3 to cycle back to the rack to bump the 7 to the bottom side for the quick win and 1-0 series lead over Oceanside's Snuggle. The Flames' Mario had a much less clinical effort in game 2, although the Waves' Snuggle started with a pair of errors and didn't play all that well either. Mario eventually won by banking the 7 to the bottom right, clinching the series at 2-0. Mario and Snuggle each started game 3 with a three-ball run. Mario was first to sweep up the scraps, potting the 7 to the bottom right for the win to sweep the series 3-0. Mario is set to face another captain in round two, hosting the Pronger Tridents' Precious. Snuggle produced five advancing bids.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Dominic. It's another look for the red cue, returning to 9-ball this time. Southern's Dominic had some sloppy play in game 1, allowing Commerce's Rosemary to go rather unchallenged. Rosemary sealed up the win with a four-ball run-out, earning her 1-0 lead in the series. The Monarchs' Dominic did a little better in game 2, but still had poorly timed errors to contribute to his loss. The Tradewinds' Rosemary capitalized on Dominic's late scratch with a three-ball run-out for the win to take the series at 2-0. Dominic improved again in game 3, but to no avail, as his miss on the 9 left it lined up at the bottom left for Rosemary to convert for the win. Rosemary swept the series 3-0 and will host Charli of the Tysini Hummingbirds in the second round. Both players have five advancing bids.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Zach v. Bryant. The silver cue finally makes its daily debut in 12-ball between club-mates. Pronger's Zach appeared to have game 1 under control, but Maplewood's Bryant saw his chance and took it, converting a brilliant six-ball run-out for the comeback win. Bryant's stunner gave him the 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Bryant also made quick work of game 2, striking once on the break and then for a four-ball run to put the Tridents' Zach into a defensive shell. Zach broke the defense early, and Bryant picked off his last shot with ease to seal the series at 2-0. Zach finally got his win in game 3, receiving a wild-card ball from Bryant's break and attacking with a quick three-ball run. Bryant did get down to his last ball, but never positioned it as Zach got the win. Bryant's 2-1 series win allows him to visit Stinky of the Freedom Cascades in the second round. Zach kept six bids alive to take into the next round.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Quincy v. Easter. The silver cue will wrap up its first-round 12-ball series and the day all at once here. Terrace City's Quincy was a little faster to get good positioning in game 1, holding off Todavía's Easter for the win and 1-0 series lead in a close battle. The Stills' Easter had slightly better positioning and a lot more luck in game 2, banking the 4 wildly to the top right to close out her win over the Knights' Quincy, who just couldn't align his last two shots. Easter's win tied the series at 1. Faced with a potential game-winning run in game 3, Easter chose to take the harder shot first. She failed, and Quincy potted his last ball for the win to take the series 2-1. Quincy will host Bandit of the Swordpoint Blades in the second round.
We're still working on some administrative work with Cricket, delaying the start of the playoffs. Realistically, they may run throughout the better part of the rest of the calendar year.
Monday, September 30, 2019
Friday, September 27, 2019
Tournament 2019 - Round 1 Day 49
The end of another week is here. Today's games lead off with...
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Pauline v. Stealth. The red cue gets the first set today, playing 10-ball. Game 1 was a mess on both sides, as neither player had a great shooting rate. Capital City's Pauline struggled for a bit longer, allowing Swordpoint's Stealth to take the win for a 1-0 series lead with his final pair of shots. Game 2 saw improvements for both players, but a late scratch by the Sharpshooters' Pauline allowed the Blades' Stealth to take the 10 from ball-in-hand for the win. Stealth sealed the series at 2-0. Stealth saw a chance for a big play in game 3, and he executed with a three-ball run-out, glancing the winning shot off the 5 to notch the 10 at the bottom right. Stealth swept Pauline 3-0 and will visit Jennifer of the Terrace City Knights in the second round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Cleo. A couple of talented players clash in 8-ball with the silver cue. Commerce's Rosemary made a statement in game 1 with a six-ball run from the break. Everton's Cleo only had a small response, and Rosemary quickly made the final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Cleo posted a big four-ball run in game 2, but she slacked after that, making only a single ball. The Tradewinds' Rosemary pursued, gained the lead, and then put the 8 down at the bottom right for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Rosemary again started on a four-ball run in game 3, an aggressive attack that Cleo never really recovered from. Rosemary walked away with the win for a 3-0 series sweep, and she'll host the Golden Pilots' Dusty in the second round.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sydney S. v. Katelynn. The red cue is back for a 7-ball series. Harrison's Sydney S. ran the table in game 1, needing just seven shots to hold Diamond's Katelynn without a shot in the win. Sydney S. leads the series 1-0. The Gems' Katelynn got a few chances to shoot in a close game 2, but her shooting wasn't particularly sharp. The Specters' Sydney S. held more of the offense and made a pair at the end for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Game 3 was a mix of the two before, as Sydney S. looked in control but needed a few extra turns to corral the last two balls. Sydney S. swept Katelynn 3-0, and the host will reprise that role versus Lionel of the North Modernistic Nighthawks in round two.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Summer v. Cowzart. The red cue goes again in 13-ball this time. The players had a good pace in game 1, but Maplewood's Summer was just a little quicker with positioning. Pacific's Cowzart made a last-ditch effort to defend the top side, but Summer potted her final pair for the win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Lumberjacks' Summer had a little bit of offense in game 2 but had to weather the early attack from the Volcanoes' Cowzart. Summer then got onto the 8 with a three-ball run while Cowzart aimed for positioning on his last ball. Summer eventually took the win, securing the series at 2-0. Summer completed the sweep with a grind of a game 3, battling with Cowzart at every pocket before unleashing her three-ball run-out capped by a bank of the 8 to the top side. Summer's 3-0 series win allows her to host a Northeastern rival, the Central Warriors' Dustin, in the second round.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Cowzart v. Chimpy. The red cue keeps going after the break with an Accuracy series. Pacific's Cowzart just didn't have it in game 1, missing a handful of shots while Westside's Chimpy was perfect until the last ball. Chimpy won 1-3 and owns a 1-0 series lead to start. The Volcanoes' Cowzart got extremely lucky in a close game 2, making an unintended two-rail bank on the final ball to win 1-2 after the Rockers' Chimpy skidded at the start. Cowzart's fortunate win ties the series at 1. Cowzart trailed for much of game 3, but Chimpy missed on his last four shots, and Cowzart just nabbed the 3-4 win to take the series 2-1. Cowzart will host a Coastal rival in the Todavía Stills captain Easter in the second round. Chimpy will have three bids in the next round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Potter v. Ms. Puppy. A third-year meets a captain as the blue cue debuts for the day in 8-ball. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy enjoyed most of the early offense, but Pronger's Potter roared back on an eight-ball run-out, doing it all in one turn to get the win for his 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Potter made another ball on the break in game 2. The Union's Ms. Puppy came charging back on a three-ball run near the end, but she missed on the 8. Potter made his last ball and the 8 to the left corners for the win, securing the series at 2-0. Potter struggled a little more in game 3 at first, allowing Ms. Puppy some room to work. Potter figured it out with seven balls over his last three turns to stymie Ms. Puppy's late three-ball run. Potter swept the series 3-0 and will host Pauline of the Capital City Sharpshooters in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Andrew v. Kodiak. The blue cue stays on for a 12-ball set. Central's Andrew had a pair of solids from the break but also gave Modernistic's Kodiak a wild-card ball. Kodiak eventually broke through, making his remaining five balls over two turns for the win to put him ahead 1-0 in the series. The Warriors' Andrew picked up a four-ball run early in game 2 after the Union's Kodiak scratched on the break. Kodiak would make it close at the end, but Andrew converted the 10 to the top left for the win, tying the series at 1 game apiece. Andrew came close to getting the win in game 3, but he couldn't strike down his final two balls in a single turn. This gave Kodiak the time to rally and pick up his last shot at the top left for the win and 2-1 series win. Kodiak will face a club-mate, the Pronger Tridents' Spot, in the second round. Andrew had only one bid going forward.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Leonette. The venue doubleheader concludes with the red cue in Accuracy. Central's Noelle had a thunderous break in game 1, but meekly fell behind quickly after that. Pacific's Leonette controlled the rest of the game in a 1-4 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Noelle led for much of game 2 thanks to a rough start from the Volcanoes' Leonette. Noelle then collapsed, missing a string of shots to fall behind, ultimately losing 4-5 as Leonette sealed the series at 2-0 with the win. Leonette came very close to a sweep in game 3, but she missed the last ball in regulation to force overtime. Noelle was relentless in the extra rack, eventually besting Leonette 3-4. Leonette still took the series at 2-1 to earn a trip to Atlantic to face the Pirates' Klaus in round two. Noelle advanced four other bids to the next round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Zach v. Cheddar. The blue cue is back now for 13-ball between serious competitors. Pronger's Zach potted a pair on the game 1 break but also scratched. The error didn't hold him back in a tight game 1, as he just edged out North Modernistic's Cheddar for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Cheddar got a gift in game 2 when the Tridents' Zach made one of her balls on the break. Cheddar continued to battle, staying ahead and banking the 8 to the bottom side at the end for her win. This tied the series at 1. Cheddar made one of each suit on the game 3 break, and it hurt her in the end as she struggled for positioning. Zach didn't have the best positioning either, but a bank on the 4 in the middle of his three-ball run-out made him the clear winner. Zach took the series 2-1 and is set to host Southern Monarchs veteran Dominic in the second round.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Peach v. Ms. Kitty. The silver cue draws in for 15-ball. Pacific's Ms. Kitty enjoyed a great portion of the offense in game 1, including making five of the last six balls over her final three turns. She beat North Modernistic's Peach with that surge for the 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty sucked the drama right out of the series with a massive break in game 2, which saw the 15 bumped down into the top right on the break for an instant win to clinch the series at 2-0 over the Nighthawks' Peach. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty got much less movement on the break of game 3, but she still took a couple of swipes toward the 15 later. Peach made the 15 with a light deflection off the 4 to send it to the top right for her lone win. Ms. Kitty will take a 2-1 series win into the second round, one of her four advancing bids.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Frosty v. Strawberry. The red cue cycles in for this 9-ball series. Viewpoint Sound's Frosty had a majority of the early offense before both players hit the skids. Victoria's Strawberry never really found a groove, and eventually Frosty got back on track for the win to earn a 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Frosty had an early three-ball run in game 2, but it didn't stack up against a five-ball run-out from the Spurs' Strawberry. The big finish for Strawberry tied the series at 1. Strawberry seemed to hold the edge on offense in game 3, but it didn't matter as her late three-ball run ended with 9 hanging on the edge of the top right. Frosty tapped it in for the cheap win to take the series 2-1. Frosty will host her Meteors teammate Dani in the second round. Strawberry will carry four bids forward.
Sony Center, Queens: Hannah v. Solaris. A battle between strong players occurs in Accuracy with the red cue. A close battle in game 1 saw Queens' Hannah fall behind in the mid-game only to redeem herself with defense that forced Commerce's Solaris to fall behind at the end. Hannah closed it up as a 1-2 win for the 1-0 lead in the series. Game 2 took the same pattern, but at a higher-scoring level. The Flames' Hannah fell far behind but dragged the Tradewinds' Solaris down to force overtime. On the extra rack, Solaris missed on the break, and Hannah converted for the 4-5 win to seal the series at 2-0. Hannah and Solaris had nothing to really play for in game 3, and it showed in their performance. Solaris took an ugly 5-7 win to avoid the sweep. Hannah's 2-1 series win sets her up to host Pronger Tridents captain Precious in the second round, one of her five advancing bids.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Pauline v. Taylor S. Celebrity club-mates clash in 15-ball with the blue cue. Capital City's Pauline made game 1 special, making a pair on the break and then using ball-in-hand after Commerce's Taylor S. fouled to get the win. Pauline double-potted the 1 and 8 to the right corners, then banked the 2-15 combination to the top side for a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. again had only one turn in game 2, missing a bank on the 1 to the top side. This was after the Sharpshooters' Pauline narrowly missed the 15 to the bottom right on the break. Pauline made amends, kicking off the top rail to hit the 1-4 combination to the top right with the 15 going down on the deflection for the win that clinched the series at 2-0. Pauline eased up a bit in game 3 with a slower start. Taylor S. eventually grew into the game, but scratched to end a four-ball run. Pauline took a five-ball run-out from the ball-in-hand, earning a 3-0 series sweep. Pauline's dominant effort will let her host the Eastside Sharks' Gizmo in round two.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Puff I. The blue cue wraps up the day in 13-ball. Game 1 started slow on both sides until Modernistic's Puff I got onto the 8. Freedom's Roxy then poked a three-ball run but missed the 8, and Puff I made it to take the win for a 1-0 series lead in a jolting finish. The Union's Puff I made one of each suit to start game 2, which was a fast-paced and even battle between the players. The Cascades' Roxy just couldn't break Puff I's defense at the bottom side, and Puff I finished with a pair of shots for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Game 3 was an unqualified mess of poor shots and worse positioning. In the end, Puff I unraveled the mess first and got the win, sweeping Roxy 3-0 in the series. Puff I will visit Katharine of the Whitewater Shores for a second-round Urban Derby. Puff I will take seven bids to the next round.
That'll be all for this week in Tournament play. If I can complete administrative duties, the Hutton Cup playoffs may start tomorrow.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Pauline v. Stealth. The red cue gets the first set today, playing 10-ball. Game 1 was a mess on both sides, as neither player had a great shooting rate. Capital City's Pauline struggled for a bit longer, allowing Swordpoint's Stealth to take the win for a 1-0 series lead with his final pair of shots. Game 2 saw improvements for both players, but a late scratch by the Sharpshooters' Pauline allowed the Blades' Stealth to take the 10 from ball-in-hand for the win. Stealth sealed the series at 2-0. Stealth saw a chance for a big play in game 3, and he executed with a three-ball run-out, glancing the winning shot off the 5 to notch the 10 at the bottom right. Stealth swept Pauline 3-0 and will visit Jennifer of the Terrace City Knights in the second round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Cleo. A couple of talented players clash in 8-ball with the silver cue. Commerce's Rosemary made a statement in game 1 with a six-ball run from the break. Everton's Cleo only had a small response, and Rosemary quickly made the final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Cleo posted a big four-ball run in game 2, but she slacked after that, making only a single ball. The Tradewinds' Rosemary pursued, gained the lead, and then put the 8 down at the bottom right for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Rosemary again started on a four-ball run in game 3, an aggressive attack that Cleo never really recovered from. Rosemary walked away with the win for a 3-0 series sweep, and she'll host the Golden Pilots' Dusty in the second round.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sydney S. v. Katelynn. The red cue is back for a 7-ball series. Harrison's Sydney S. ran the table in game 1, needing just seven shots to hold Diamond's Katelynn without a shot in the win. Sydney S. leads the series 1-0. The Gems' Katelynn got a few chances to shoot in a close game 2, but her shooting wasn't particularly sharp. The Specters' Sydney S. held more of the offense and made a pair at the end for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Game 3 was a mix of the two before, as Sydney S. looked in control but needed a few extra turns to corral the last two balls. Sydney S. swept Katelynn 3-0, and the host will reprise that role versus Lionel of the North Modernistic Nighthawks in round two.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Summer v. Cowzart. The red cue goes again in 13-ball this time. The players had a good pace in game 1, but Maplewood's Summer was just a little quicker with positioning. Pacific's Cowzart made a last-ditch effort to defend the top side, but Summer potted her final pair for the win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Lumberjacks' Summer had a little bit of offense in game 2 but had to weather the early attack from the Volcanoes' Cowzart. Summer then got onto the 8 with a three-ball run while Cowzart aimed for positioning on his last ball. Summer eventually took the win, securing the series at 2-0. Summer completed the sweep with a grind of a game 3, battling with Cowzart at every pocket before unleashing her three-ball run-out capped by a bank of the 8 to the top side. Summer's 3-0 series win allows her to host a Northeastern rival, the Central Warriors' Dustin, in the second round.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Cowzart v. Chimpy. The red cue keeps going after the break with an Accuracy series. Pacific's Cowzart just didn't have it in game 1, missing a handful of shots while Westside's Chimpy was perfect until the last ball. Chimpy won 1-3 and owns a 1-0 series lead to start. The Volcanoes' Cowzart got extremely lucky in a close game 2, making an unintended two-rail bank on the final ball to win 1-2 after the Rockers' Chimpy skidded at the start. Cowzart's fortunate win ties the series at 1. Cowzart trailed for much of game 3, but Chimpy missed on his last four shots, and Cowzart just nabbed the 3-4 win to take the series 2-1. Cowzart will host a Coastal rival in the Todavía Stills captain Easter in the second round. Chimpy will have three bids in the next round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Potter v. Ms. Puppy. A third-year meets a captain as the blue cue debuts for the day in 8-ball. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy enjoyed most of the early offense, but Pronger's Potter roared back on an eight-ball run-out, doing it all in one turn to get the win for his 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Potter made another ball on the break in game 2. The Union's Ms. Puppy came charging back on a three-ball run near the end, but she missed on the 8. Potter made his last ball and the 8 to the left corners for the win, securing the series at 2-0. Potter struggled a little more in game 3 at first, allowing Ms. Puppy some room to work. Potter figured it out with seven balls over his last three turns to stymie Ms. Puppy's late three-ball run. Potter swept the series 3-0 and will host Pauline of the Capital City Sharpshooters in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Andrew v. Kodiak. The blue cue stays on for a 12-ball set. Central's Andrew had a pair of solids from the break but also gave Modernistic's Kodiak a wild-card ball. Kodiak eventually broke through, making his remaining five balls over two turns for the win to put him ahead 1-0 in the series. The Warriors' Andrew picked up a four-ball run early in game 2 after the Union's Kodiak scratched on the break. Kodiak would make it close at the end, but Andrew converted the 10 to the top left for the win, tying the series at 1 game apiece. Andrew came close to getting the win in game 3, but he couldn't strike down his final two balls in a single turn. This gave Kodiak the time to rally and pick up his last shot at the top left for the win and 2-1 series win. Kodiak will face a club-mate, the Pronger Tridents' Spot, in the second round. Andrew had only one bid going forward.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Leonette. The venue doubleheader concludes with the red cue in Accuracy. Central's Noelle had a thunderous break in game 1, but meekly fell behind quickly after that. Pacific's Leonette controlled the rest of the game in a 1-4 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Noelle led for much of game 2 thanks to a rough start from the Volcanoes' Leonette. Noelle then collapsed, missing a string of shots to fall behind, ultimately losing 4-5 as Leonette sealed the series at 2-0 with the win. Leonette came very close to a sweep in game 3, but she missed the last ball in regulation to force overtime. Noelle was relentless in the extra rack, eventually besting Leonette 3-4. Leonette still took the series at 2-1 to earn a trip to Atlantic to face the Pirates' Klaus in round two. Noelle advanced four other bids to the next round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Zach v. Cheddar. The blue cue is back now for 13-ball between serious competitors. Pronger's Zach potted a pair on the game 1 break but also scratched. The error didn't hold him back in a tight game 1, as he just edged out North Modernistic's Cheddar for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Cheddar got a gift in game 2 when the Tridents' Zach made one of her balls on the break. Cheddar continued to battle, staying ahead and banking the 8 to the bottom side at the end for her win. This tied the series at 1. Cheddar made one of each suit on the game 3 break, and it hurt her in the end as she struggled for positioning. Zach didn't have the best positioning either, but a bank on the 4 in the middle of his three-ball run-out made him the clear winner. Zach took the series 2-1 and is set to host Southern Monarchs veteran Dominic in the second round.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Peach v. Ms. Kitty. The silver cue draws in for 15-ball. Pacific's Ms. Kitty enjoyed a great portion of the offense in game 1, including making five of the last six balls over her final three turns. She beat North Modernistic's Peach with that surge for the 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty sucked the drama right out of the series with a massive break in game 2, which saw the 15 bumped down into the top right on the break for an instant win to clinch the series at 2-0 over the Nighthawks' Peach. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty got much less movement on the break of game 3, but she still took a couple of swipes toward the 15 later. Peach made the 15 with a light deflection off the 4 to send it to the top right for her lone win. Ms. Kitty will take a 2-1 series win into the second round, one of her four advancing bids.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Frosty v. Strawberry. The red cue cycles in for this 9-ball series. Viewpoint Sound's Frosty had a majority of the early offense before both players hit the skids. Victoria's Strawberry never really found a groove, and eventually Frosty got back on track for the win to earn a 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Frosty had an early three-ball run in game 2, but it didn't stack up against a five-ball run-out from the Spurs' Strawberry. The big finish for Strawberry tied the series at 1. Strawberry seemed to hold the edge on offense in game 3, but it didn't matter as her late three-ball run ended with 9 hanging on the edge of the top right. Frosty tapped it in for the cheap win to take the series 2-1. Frosty will host her Meteors teammate Dani in the second round. Strawberry will carry four bids forward.
Sony Center, Queens: Hannah v. Solaris. A battle between strong players occurs in Accuracy with the red cue. A close battle in game 1 saw Queens' Hannah fall behind in the mid-game only to redeem herself with defense that forced Commerce's Solaris to fall behind at the end. Hannah closed it up as a 1-2 win for the 1-0 lead in the series. Game 2 took the same pattern, but at a higher-scoring level. The Flames' Hannah fell far behind but dragged the Tradewinds' Solaris down to force overtime. On the extra rack, Solaris missed on the break, and Hannah converted for the 4-5 win to seal the series at 2-0. Hannah and Solaris had nothing to really play for in game 3, and it showed in their performance. Solaris took an ugly 5-7 win to avoid the sweep. Hannah's 2-1 series win sets her up to host Pronger Tridents captain Precious in the second round, one of her five advancing bids.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Pauline v. Taylor S. Celebrity club-mates clash in 15-ball with the blue cue. Capital City's Pauline made game 1 special, making a pair on the break and then using ball-in-hand after Commerce's Taylor S. fouled to get the win. Pauline double-potted the 1 and 8 to the right corners, then banked the 2-15 combination to the top side for a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. again had only one turn in game 2, missing a bank on the 1 to the top side. This was after the Sharpshooters' Pauline narrowly missed the 15 to the bottom right on the break. Pauline made amends, kicking off the top rail to hit the 1-4 combination to the top right with the 15 going down on the deflection for the win that clinched the series at 2-0. Pauline eased up a bit in game 3 with a slower start. Taylor S. eventually grew into the game, but scratched to end a four-ball run. Pauline took a five-ball run-out from the ball-in-hand, earning a 3-0 series sweep. Pauline's dominant effort will let her host the Eastside Sharks' Gizmo in round two.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Puff I. The blue cue wraps up the day in 13-ball. Game 1 started slow on both sides until Modernistic's Puff I got onto the 8. Freedom's Roxy then poked a three-ball run but missed the 8, and Puff I made it to take the win for a 1-0 series lead in a jolting finish. The Union's Puff I made one of each suit to start game 2, which was a fast-paced and even battle between the players. The Cascades' Roxy just couldn't break Puff I's defense at the bottom side, and Puff I finished with a pair of shots for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Game 3 was an unqualified mess of poor shots and worse positioning. In the end, Puff I unraveled the mess first and got the win, sweeping Roxy 3-0 in the series. Puff I will visit Katharine of the Whitewater Shores for a second-round Urban Derby. Puff I will take seven bids to the next round.
That'll be all for this week in Tournament play. If I can complete administrative duties, the Hutton Cup playoffs may start tomorrow.
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Tournament 2019 - Round 1 Day 48
Another day of games is here, beginning with...
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Leonette v. Rudolph. The blue cue takes a twirl at the top today, playing Rotation. Pacific's Leonette made six balls over her first two turns in an electric start. Harrison's Rudolph got a pair back later, but Leonette easily won 8-3 for the 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Rudolph took the early lead in game 2, but he coasted to the finish, narrowly beating the hard-charging attack of the Volcanoes' Leonette. Rudolph's 8-7 win tied the series at 1 game apiece. Leonette had an early four-ball run in game 3 and a whole ton of defense. Many errors were made, especially by Rudolph. Leonette won 8-2, taking the series 2-1 as she moves on to host Katharine of the Whitewater Shores in the second round.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Mr. Snowman v. Daisy. The silver cue gets the next series in 13-ball. Modernistic's Daisy actually helped Infinity's Mr. Snowman, potting two of his balls in game 1. Mr. Snowman was able to complete the effort later, getting the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Daisy played far from a clean game in game 2, with errors all over the table, but the Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman wasn't sharp enough on his shots to capitalize. Daisy just scraped by for the win to tie the series at 1. Mr. Snowman did better in game 3, making an early run and adding a three-ball run-out to sandwich Daisy's three-ball run in the definitive battle. Mr. Snowman's win gave him a 2-1 series win and a second-round set with the Pronger Tridents' Lize. Mr. Snowman has four total advancing bids.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Lionel v. Shadow. Two players on new teams clash in Accuracy with the red cue. Game 1 was about as close as it gets, with a single miss from Diamond's Shadow enough to give North Modernistic's Lionel a perfect 0-1 win. Lionel leads the series 1-0. The Gems' Shadow had his chance to win a much-less-perfect game 2 battle, but he scratched on the final ball. After some exchanges in overtime, the Nighthawks' Lionel emerged with a 3-4 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Shadow finally got his win in game 3, coming from behind as Lionel again struggled late in the game. Shadow's 2-3 win made it a 2-1 series win for Lionel, who will host the Boston Swifts' Gradley in round two. Lionel has five bids going forward, while Shadow will play seven in the next round.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Goldy v. Snuggle. A captains' battle in 15-ball with the blue cue will lead us into the break. A fairly standard game 1 got interesting when a 6-12 combination nearly sent the 15 to the top right from Oceanside's Snuggle. He made another pair, but Everton's Goldy would have a three-ball run-out end by deflecting off the 9 to take the 15 at the top right for the win. Goldy leads the series 1-0. The Eagles' Goldy lost ground in game 2, as the Waves' Snuggle enjoyed more possession. Snuggle didn't get a major run in the game, but he did mop up the 15 to the bottom left for the win to tie the series at 1. Snuggle faltered hard in game 3, as Goldy had an early five-ball run and a late six-ball run. Snuggle had his chance on the 15 but sent it wide of the top right, where Goldy cleaned it up for the win. Goldy's 2-1 series win pits her against Sweetheart of the Boston Swifts in the second round, one of her five advancing bids.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Solaris v. Strawberry. Energetic players meet in 8-ball with the silver cue. Both players made four-ball runs in game 1, with Victoria's Strawberry doing hers first. Commerce's Solaris very nearly won the game, but Strawberry made a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Strawberry very simply outpaced the Tradewinds' Solaris in game 2. Strawberry played a solid game and got the win again, sealing the series at 2-0. Strawberry had a little more trouble in game 3, as Solaris put on a nice run near the end. Strawberry then saw a four-ball run-out fueled by good fortune to get the win for a 3-0 series sweep. Strawberry will visit Hoppy of the Archtown Arrows in the second round.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Beth v. Dewey. A Coastal derby is next in 12-ball with the red cue. Oceanside's Dewey had a rough performance in game 1, scratching and giving away a wild-card ball on the same play. Pearl's Beth already had a lead, and while Dewey made a four-ball run, Beth got the final pair in time to win for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Waves' Dewey eliminated errors from his effort in game 2, and his defense at the top left hung around just long enough to defeat the Surfers' Beth on a three-ball run-out. Dewey's close call win tied the series at 1. Beth took stripes on her first turn in game 3 due to better positioning, and it paid off. Dewey had one deep run but lost his momentum soon after, and Beth eventually earned the win for a 2-1 series win. Beth is off to host Luigi of the North Modernistic Nighthawks in round two.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Shaggy v. Chicky Phil. A couple of well-traveled foes clash in 12-ball with the blue cue. Whitewater's Shaggy had a positive start in game 1, but it took her awhile to finish it off as Web City's Chicky Phil played for defensive positioning. Shaggy got through it anyway, taking a shaky 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Shaggy stayed on top of things in game 2, but the Spiders' Chicky Phil took a much larger role on offense. It became a race to the top left, which Shaggy getting the inside lane and taking the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Shaggy had a hot start in game 3, enough to weather a three-ball run from Chicky Phil shortly after. Shaggy took her time on her last ball to get the win for a 3-0 series sweep. Shaggy will host Dusty of the Golden Pilots in round two. Chicky Phil will still have six bids to play in the next round.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Cobalt. The silver cue cycles into action for a 15-ball series. Web City's Jack seemed to have an edge in possession early in game 1, but Stonebridge's Cobalt kept it close and struck the last two balls in for the win. Cobalt holds a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 kept things close again between the two players. The Wolves' Cobalt managed a late three-ball run before scratching while shooting the 15. The Spiders' Jack tapped it into the top right for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw both players let loose. Jack had a pair of four-ball runs while Cobalt made a four-ball run of his own. It got tense at the end, but Jack made two of the last three balls and got the win for a 2-1 series win that seconds him to the second round on one of his five remaining bids.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Boots. Longtime veterans duel in 13-ball with the silver cue. Pacific's Ms. Kitty got off to a great start in game 1, but she never had good positioning for her last ball. Pearl's Boots pulled ahead with a three-ball run and deposited the 8 to the bottom right later for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Boots started with an early pair in game 2, followed by the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty making a three-ball run. In the ensuing battle for positioning, Boots struck first, delicately navigating her aligned five-ball run-out for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Ms. Kitty had a surge in the middle of game 3 to get onto her final ball, but once again Boots countered effectively. Boots picked up the win after Ms. Kitty scratched, sweeping the series 3-0 and earning a visiting role versus Wild Thing of the Stonebridge Wolves in the second round. Boots has only three bids advancing.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Cobalt v. Graham. The blue cue draws in this time for Eastern Hills derby Rotation. A back-and-forth start to game 1 eventually saw Stonebridge's Cobalt draw ahead. Eastside's Graham had a three-ball run to get close again, but Cobalt's final pair of shots gave him an 8-5 win for the 1-0 series lead. The back-and-forth theme continued into game 2, with the Wolves' Cobalt holding a lead somewhat early on before the Sharks' Graham took over mid-game. Graham chipped his way to the 8-5 win, tying the series at 1. Graham didn't mess around in game 3, going empty on the break but responding with an eight-ball run-out on his second turn for the 8-0 win. Graham's quick annihilation of Cobalt gave the visitor a 2-1 series win and a trip to Del Sur to face Southern Monarchs veteran Pounce in the second round. Graham advances five bids while Cobalt takes three to the next round.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Melissa v. Sarah. A sophomore takes on a rookie in a T-Line Derby edition of Rotation with the blue cue. Terrace City's Melissa started slowly in game 1 while Tysini's Sarah surged, but they switched roles by the end, with Melissa making a four-ball run-out to earn the 8-5 win. Melissa went ahead 1-0 in the series. The Hummingbirds' Sarah made a similar comeback in game 2, pulling off a five-ball run-out to win 8-5 after trailing to the Knights' Melissa for much of the game. Sarah's win evened the series at 1. Game 3 was no easier than the previous two, and it looked like Sarah had a good chance until Melissa roared back. Melissa grabbed a few shots to get close, a few more to pull ahead, and a three-ball run for the 8-6 win to clinch the series at 2-1. Melissa will host the Pronger Tridents' Zach in the second round with one of her five advancing bids.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Ice Cream. The red cue takes a turn in a third consecutive Rotation series. Commerce's Rosemary had virtually no luck in game 1 at all, while Boston's Ice Cream could be considered fortunate on a couple of occasions. Regardless, Ice Cream won 8-0 to take a confident but unstable 1-0 series lead. Fortunes reversed in game 2, with the Tradewinds' Rosemary sprinkling in shots here and there before a three-ball run put her firmly ahead. The Swifts' Ice Cream tried a late run by missed the 8, which Rosemary made for an 8-2 win to tie the series at 1. Ice Cream wrangled the lead away from Rosemary early in game 3, and then put the game away on a four-ball run-out for the 8-3 win. Ice Cream's 2-1 series win takes her to a second round series in Stonebridge against the Wolves' Wild Thing with one of her four advancing bids.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Yekaterina v. Twilight. The blue cue is back in yet another Rotation series, the marquee match of the day. A close start saw both players firing hard shots that occasionally led to errors. Victoria's Yekaterina fell behind but caught up, only for Central's Twilight to rattle off a four-ball run-out for the 8-4 win, earning a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight came out of a sloppy start to game 2 ahead of the Spurs' Yekaterina and never looked back. Twilight used a little defense and decent offense for the 8-3 win, sealing the series at 2-0. Yekaterina avoided disaster in game 3, biding her time before ripping a six-ball run to take the lead from Twilight. Yekaterina sealed up the 8-4 win later, but Twilight still won the series 2-1. Twilight is set to visit Lighton Prestige star Spirit in the second round. Twilight will advance with six bids.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Dusky. The silver cue wraps up the day with 8-ball. Whitewater's Katharine got the jump with a three-ball run in game 1, pulling ahead of Archtown's Dusky and staying there. Katharine slowly chipped away at her shots to get the win for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Shores' Katharine struggled with a couple of scratches in game 2, allowing the Arrows' Dusky to build a lead for a bit. Katharine charged back with consecutive four-balls runs (with a scratch at the end of the first), earning the win to secure the series at 2-0. Katharine couldn't get going fast enough in game 3, as Dusky came out swinging and easily corralled her lone win. Katharine's 2-1 series win allows her to host the Boston Swifts' Ice Cream in the second round. Dusky will only have two advancing bids.
Tomorrow, we'll wrap up the penultimate week of first round play. We'll be taking both Saturday and Sunday off before resuming on Monday.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Leonette v. Rudolph. The blue cue takes a twirl at the top today, playing Rotation. Pacific's Leonette made six balls over her first two turns in an electric start. Harrison's Rudolph got a pair back later, but Leonette easily won 8-3 for the 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Rudolph took the early lead in game 2, but he coasted to the finish, narrowly beating the hard-charging attack of the Volcanoes' Leonette. Rudolph's 8-7 win tied the series at 1 game apiece. Leonette had an early four-ball run in game 3 and a whole ton of defense. Many errors were made, especially by Rudolph. Leonette won 8-2, taking the series 2-1 as she moves on to host Katharine of the Whitewater Shores in the second round.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Mr. Snowman v. Daisy. The silver cue gets the next series in 13-ball. Modernistic's Daisy actually helped Infinity's Mr. Snowman, potting two of his balls in game 1. Mr. Snowman was able to complete the effort later, getting the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Daisy played far from a clean game in game 2, with errors all over the table, but the Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman wasn't sharp enough on his shots to capitalize. Daisy just scraped by for the win to tie the series at 1. Mr. Snowman did better in game 3, making an early run and adding a three-ball run-out to sandwich Daisy's three-ball run in the definitive battle. Mr. Snowman's win gave him a 2-1 series win and a second-round set with the Pronger Tridents' Lize. Mr. Snowman has four total advancing bids.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Lionel v. Shadow. Two players on new teams clash in Accuracy with the red cue. Game 1 was about as close as it gets, with a single miss from Diamond's Shadow enough to give North Modernistic's Lionel a perfect 0-1 win. Lionel leads the series 1-0. The Gems' Shadow had his chance to win a much-less-perfect game 2 battle, but he scratched on the final ball. After some exchanges in overtime, the Nighthawks' Lionel emerged with a 3-4 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Shadow finally got his win in game 3, coming from behind as Lionel again struggled late in the game. Shadow's 2-3 win made it a 2-1 series win for Lionel, who will host the Boston Swifts' Gradley in round two. Lionel has five bids going forward, while Shadow will play seven in the next round.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Goldy v. Snuggle. A captains' battle in 15-ball with the blue cue will lead us into the break. A fairly standard game 1 got interesting when a 6-12 combination nearly sent the 15 to the top right from Oceanside's Snuggle. He made another pair, but Everton's Goldy would have a three-ball run-out end by deflecting off the 9 to take the 15 at the top right for the win. Goldy leads the series 1-0. The Eagles' Goldy lost ground in game 2, as the Waves' Snuggle enjoyed more possession. Snuggle didn't get a major run in the game, but he did mop up the 15 to the bottom left for the win to tie the series at 1. Snuggle faltered hard in game 3, as Goldy had an early five-ball run and a late six-ball run. Snuggle had his chance on the 15 but sent it wide of the top right, where Goldy cleaned it up for the win. Goldy's 2-1 series win pits her against Sweetheart of the Boston Swifts in the second round, one of her five advancing bids.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Solaris v. Strawberry. Energetic players meet in 8-ball with the silver cue. Both players made four-ball runs in game 1, with Victoria's Strawberry doing hers first. Commerce's Solaris very nearly won the game, but Strawberry made a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Strawberry very simply outpaced the Tradewinds' Solaris in game 2. Strawberry played a solid game and got the win again, sealing the series at 2-0. Strawberry had a little more trouble in game 3, as Solaris put on a nice run near the end. Strawberry then saw a four-ball run-out fueled by good fortune to get the win for a 3-0 series sweep. Strawberry will visit Hoppy of the Archtown Arrows in the second round.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Beth v. Dewey. A Coastal derby is next in 12-ball with the red cue. Oceanside's Dewey had a rough performance in game 1, scratching and giving away a wild-card ball on the same play. Pearl's Beth already had a lead, and while Dewey made a four-ball run, Beth got the final pair in time to win for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Waves' Dewey eliminated errors from his effort in game 2, and his defense at the top left hung around just long enough to defeat the Surfers' Beth on a three-ball run-out. Dewey's close call win tied the series at 1. Beth took stripes on her first turn in game 3 due to better positioning, and it paid off. Dewey had one deep run but lost his momentum soon after, and Beth eventually earned the win for a 2-1 series win. Beth is off to host Luigi of the North Modernistic Nighthawks in round two.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Shaggy v. Chicky Phil. A couple of well-traveled foes clash in 12-ball with the blue cue. Whitewater's Shaggy had a positive start in game 1, but it took her awhile to finish it off as Web City's Chicky Phil played for defensive positioning. Shaggy got through it anyway, taking a shaky 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Shaggy stayed on top of things in game 2, but the Spiders' Chicky Phil took a much larger role on offense. It became a race to the top left, which Shaggy getting the inside lane and taking the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Shaggy had a hot start in game 3, enough to weather a three-ball run from Chicky Phil shortly after. Shaggy took her time on her last ball to get the win for a 3-0 series sweep. Shaggy will host Dusty of the Golden Pilots in round two. Chicky Phil will still have six bids to play in the next round.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Cobalt. The silver cue cycles into action for a 15-ball series. Web City's Jack seemed to have an edge in possession early in game 1, but Stonebridge's Cobalt kept it close and struck the last two balls in for the win. Cobalt holds a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 kept things close again between the two players. The Wolves' Cobalt managed a late three-ball run before scratching while shooting the 15. The Spiders' Jack tapped it into the top right for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw both players let loose. Jack had a pair of four-ball runs while Cobalt made a four-ball run of his own. It got tense at the end, but Jack made two of the last three balls and got the win for a 2-1 series win that seconds him to the second round on one of his five remaining bids.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Boots. Longtime veterans duel in 13-ball with the silver cue. Pacific's Ms. Kitty got off to a great start in game 1, but she never had good positioning for her last ball. Pearl's Boots pulled ahead with a three-ball run and deposited the 8 to the bottom right later for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Boots started with an early pair in game 2, followed by the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty making a three-ball run. In the ensuing battle for positioning, Boots struck first, delicately navigating her aligned five-ball run-out for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Ms. Kitty had a surge in the middle of game 3 to get onto her final ball, but once again Boots countered effectively. Boots picked up the win after Ms. Kitty scratched, sweeping the series 3-0 and earning a visiting role versus Wild Thing of the Stonebridge Wolves in the second round. Boots has only three bids advancing.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Cobalt v. Graham. The blue cue draws in this time for Eastern Hills derby Rotation. A back-and-forth start to game 1 eventually saw Stonebridge's Cobalt draw ahead. Eastside's Graham had a three-ball run to get close again, but Cobalt's final pair of shots gave him an 8-5 win for the 1-0 series lead. The back-and-forth theme continued into game 2, with the Wolves' Cobalt holding a lead somewhat early on before the Sharks' Graham took over mid-game. Graham chipped his way to the 8-5 win, tying the series at 1. Graham didn't mess around in game 3, going empty on the break but responding with an eight-ball run-out on his second turn for the 8-0 win. Graham's quick annihilation of Cobalt gave the visitor a 2-1 series win and a trip to Del Sur to face Southern Monarchs veteran Pounce in the second round. Graham advances five bids while Cobalt takes three to the next round.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Melissa v. Sarah. A sophomore takes on a rookie in a T-Line Derby edition of Rotation with the blue cue. Terrace City's Melissa started slowly in game 1 while Tysini's Sarah surged, but they switched roles by the end, with Melissa making a four-ball run-out to earn the 8-5 win. Melissa went ahead 1-0 in the series. The Hummingbirds' Sarah made a similar comeback in game 2, pulling off a five-ball run-out to win 8-5 after trailing to the Knights' Melissa for much of the game. Sarah's win evened the series at 1. Game 3 was no easier than the previous two, and it looked like Sarah had a good chance until Melissa roared back. Melissa grabbed a few shots to get close, a few more to pull ahead, and a three-ball run for the 8-6 win to clinch the series at 2-1. Melissa will host the Pronger Tridents' Zach in the second round with one of her five advancing bids.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Ice Cream. The red cue takes a turn in a third consecutive Rotation series. Commerce's Rosemary had virtually no luck in game 1 at all, while Boston's Ice Cream could be considered fortunate on a couple of occasions. Regardless, Ice Cream won 8-0 to take a confident but unstable 1-0 series lead. Fortunes reversed in game 2, with the Tradewinds' Rosemary sprinkling in shots here and there before a three-ball run put her firmly ahead. The Swifts' Ice Cream tried a late run by missed the 8, which Rosemary made for an 8-2 win to tie the series at 1. Ice Cream wrangled the lead away from Rosemary early in game 3, and then put the game away on a four-ball run-out for the 8-3 win. Ice Cream's 2-1 series win takes her to a second round series in Stonebridge against the Wolves' Wild Thing with one of her four advancing bids.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Yekaterina v. Twilight. The blue cue is back in yet another Rotation series, the marquee match of the day. A close start saw both players firing hard shots that occasionally led to errors. Victoria's Yekaterina fell behind but caught up, only for Central's Twilight to rattle off a four-ball run-out for the 8-4 win, earning a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight came out of a sloppy start to game 2 ahead of the Spurs' Yekaterina and never looked back. Twilight used a little defense and decent offense for the 8-3 win, sealing the series at 2-0. Yekaterina avoided disaster in game 3, biding her time before ripping a six-ball run to take the lead from Twilight. Yekaterina sealed up the 8-4 win later, but Twilight still won the series 2-1. Twilight is set to visit Lighton Prestige star Spirit in the second round. Twilight will advance with six bids.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Dusky. The silver cue wraps up the day with 8-ball. Whitewater's Katharine got the jump with a three-ball run in game 1, pulling ahead of Archtown's Dusky and staying there. Katharine slowly chipped away at her shots to get the win for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Shores' Katharine struggled with a couple of scratches in game 2, allowing the Arrows' Dusky to build a lead for a bit. Katharine charged back with consecutive four-balls runs (with a scratch at the end of the first), earning the win to secure the series at 2-0. Katharine couldn't get going fast enough in game 3, as Dusky came out swinging and easily corralled her lone win. Katharine's 2-1 series win allows her to host the Boston Swifts' Ice Cream in the second round. Dusky will only have two advancing bids.
Tomorrow, we'll wrap up the penultimate week of first round play. We'll be taking both Saturday and Sunday off before resuming on Monday.
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Tournament 2019 - Round 1 Day 47
Today's action will be slightly compressed, leading off with...
Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Celestia. A captain meets a rising start in 12-ball with the blue cue. Oceanside's Celestia had a four-ball run in game 1 to get really close to a win, but she flubbed her final shot. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy responded by making her last ball to the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia had a four-ball run again in game 2, but she made this one count. The Union's Ms. Puppy twice double-potted in the same pocket, setting her back and allowing Celestia to get a nice pair of shots at the end for the win to tie the series at 1. Celestia wasn't confident with her shots in game 3, leading to her missing a cut at the top side late in the game. Ms. Puppy took the ball-in-hand to make her last ball for the win and 2-1 series win. Ms. Puppy is set to host the Boston Swifts' Sweetheart in the second round.
Sony Center, Queens: Hannah v. Sugar. The blue cue stays in action with this 8-ball series. Swordpoint's Sugar had a positive start in game 1, but Queens' Hannah did well to keep pace. At the end, Sugar's defense didn't stop Hannah from getting the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Sugar posted a four-ball run early in game 2, and then saw the Flames' Hannah rally herself ahead over two turns. Sugar didn't let Hannah get off easy, managing a four-ball run-out at the end for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was at a slower pace until the very end, when Hannah left things lined up for Sugar's four-ball run-out. Sugar converted, winning a 2-1 series to earn a road trip to Todavía in the second round, where she'll face Stills captain Easter with one of her five remaining bids.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Princess. Surprisingly aggressive players clash in 15-ball, the red cue's last series in the event. Harrison's Twinkie II maintained a majority of the offense in game 1. Viewpoint Sound's Princess challenged at times, but Twinkie II deflected a bank off the 14 to send the 15 to the bottom right for the win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Specters' Twinkie II wasn't able to finish off her last attempt at a run in a balanced game 2 battle, allowing the Meteors' Princess to pot a pair for the win. Princess' win tied the series at 1. Twinkie II notched a quick win in game 3, taking the first shot after the break for a 1-4-8-15 combination to the top right at an odd angle. Princess was likewise stunned as Twinkie II succeeded for the 2-1 series win to get to the second round versus another Meteor in Hoot. Twinkie II has four advancing bids.
Intel Center, Diamond: Smokey v. Slinks. Brute Force club-mates battle in Accuracy with the blue cue. Westside's Slinks struggled initially in game 1, but hung around closely to draw a tie, forcing overtime, where Diamond's Smokey scratched on his second shot. Slinks would win 2-3, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Smokey never had a chance to win game 2, as he missed first in a close game and the Rockers' Slinks didn't miss a beat. Slinks was perfect in the clinching win, taking a 0-2 victory for the 2-0 lead. Slinks kept up the good work in a close game 3, getting Smokey to fall behind late as she secured the 3-0 sweep with a 2-4 win. Slinks is set to visit Archtown Arrows newcomer Hoppy in the second round. Smokey will only take two bids to the next round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Pounce v. Celestia. The visitor gets her second series today in the red cue's 8-ball finale for the round. Southern's Pounce produced an early five-ball run in game 1, only to be answered by a six-ball run from Oceanside's Celestia. Pounce made his last two balls quickly after that to preserve the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia started better in game 2, but it didn't pay off at all, as the Monarchs' Pounce erased the deficit on a seven-ball run-out for the win. Pounce clinched the series at 2-0 with the big run. Pounce tried another deep comeback in game 3, but a scratch fractured his five-ball run, and Celestia had enough time at the end to counterattack with a three-ball run-out for the win. Pounce settled with a 2-1 series win to put him into round two against Quincy of the Terrace City Knights. Pounce takes six bids forward while Celestia will play four in the next round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Midnight v. Tigerette. The red cue stays in action for this Rotation series. Westside's Midnight failed on a jump attempt in game 1, squandering her lead as Commerce's Tigerette rallied on a four-ball run-out for the 8-6 win. Tigerette moved ahead 1-0 in the series. The Rockers' Midnight took the early lead in game 2 but nearly let the Tradewinds' Tigerette come all the way back before cutting her off for the 8-5 win. Midnight's victory tied the series at 1. Tigerette worked a fortunate four-ball run early in game 1, and then made a late pair after a scratch by Midnight. Tigerette won 8-3, taking the 2-1 series win to set up a visit to Capital City Sharpshooters mainstay Missy in the second round.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Blizzard v. Puff III. A former Eagle welcomes a current one for 13-ball with the silver cue. Harrison's Blizzard made four balls on the break (two legally, one overfill, one for Everton's Puff III), followed by Puff III making a three-ball run. Blizzard then had a three-ball run and eventually got the 8 for the win and 1-0 series lead in a speedy game. The Specters' Blizzard was her own worst enemy in game 2, fouling and scratching multiple times. The Eagles' Puff III took her time before depositing a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 came down to the wire, as Blizzard kept up with Puff III quite well. In the end, Blizzard made a pair of shots at the end for the win, claiming the series at 2-1. Blizzard goes on to host Shelley of the Infinity Torpedoes in round two with one of her four remaining bids.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Spice. Longtime veterans of their teams collide in 12-ball with the blue cue. Golden's Strut had a scratch and a missed contact in game 1, leading to Victoria's Spice rallying to a five-ball run-out very early on. Spice leads the series confidently at 1-0. The Spurs' Spice had a lovely break in game 2, taking both side pockets immediately. The Pilots' Strut came right back with a four-ball run, and he played cautious at the end, making it a closer win than it actually was. Strut tied the series at 1 with this win. Game 3 took a bit more time to complete, with Strut striking first but having to navigate a defensive posture from Spice. Strut succeeded for the win, taking the series 2-1 and earning the chance to host Terrace City Knights captain Kiwi in the second round. Strut advanced five bids to the next round, while Spice has six going forward.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Noelle. The blue cue will stay up for a 15-ball series. Neither player grabbed game 1 immediately, just playing for contact at first. Central's Noelle then cranked the 3 to the top left and took the 4-15 combination deflected off the 14 to the top right for the win. Noelle leads Whitewater's Marsell 1-0 in the series. The Warriors' Noelle laid in wait for most of game 2, again going for contact plays with the Shores' Marsell doing the same. Noelle took full advantage of her chance, striking an eight-ball run-out from nowhere to get the win again, sealing the series at 2-0. Marsell actually had a chance in game 3, working a late four-ball run, but he fell apart on the 14. Noelle made the last two balls, taking the sweep 3-0 and earning a spot against Freedom Cascades captain Jasmine in the second round. Marsell ends the round with only two advancing bids.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Puff II v. Diddley. The red cue cycles back in for this 10-ball series. Boston's Puff II scratched on the game 1 break, and Maplewood's Diddley tried and failed to do a 1-10 combination to the bottom right. The remainder of the game was sloppy until Diddley won on a three-ball run-out to go up 1-0 in the series. The Lumberjacks' Diddley had a four-ball run early in game 2, but the Swifts' Puff II couldn't make a later 7-10 combination to the top right. Diddley then finished on a four-ball run-out, capping the dominant effort in a win to clinch the series at 2-0. Diddley continued to dominate on offense in game 3, but he let slip at the end, and Puff II fired back on a three-ball run-out to avoid the sweep. Diddley won the series 2-1, and will travel to Whitewater to face the Shores' Rosalina in the second round, one of his six advancing bids.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Pauline v. Vladimir. A couple of inexperienced players meet in 9-ball with the red cue. Stonebridge's Vladimir made a four-ball run at one point and added more near the end of game 1 before a scratch. His error allowed Capital City's Pauline to take the 9 from ball-in-hand for the 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Pauline dominated in game 2, making seven of the eight potted balls over three turns. Pauline easily took the win as the Wolves' Vladimir couldn't string any offense together. Pauline secured the series at 2-0. Pauline didn't have the same offensive urgency in game 3, allowing Vladimir to hang around and ultimately mop up the win in the end. Pauline's 2-1 series win gives her hosting privileges versus Diamond Gems newcomer Leonardo in the second round. Vladimir advanced five bids to the next round.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Bright. The red cue goes again with a 12-ball series. Midland's Fuchsia didn't find much positioning in game 1, while Pearl's Bright did better with that and kept a steady flow of offense to get the win. Bright leads the series 1-0. The Predators' Fuchsia got the better of the Surfers' Bright in a back-and-forth game 2, with Bright's lucky bounces not enough to save him. Fuchsia's win tied the series at 1. Things looked grim for Fuchsia after she gave away a wild-card ball to Bright in game 3. Bright made a three-ball run but left his last ball standing after missed contact. Fuchsia took two shots from ball-in-hand for the win, also winning the series 2-1. Fuchsia' fortunate escape gets her to round two versus Maplewood Lumberjacks captain Diddley. Both players have six bids going forward.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Stealth v. Taylor M. More 12-ball is on the way, but with the blue cue now. Eastside's Taylor M. had just enough time to make her last two balls in game 1 thanks to Swordpoint's Stealth scratching multiple times while trying to assemble a run. The Blades' Stealth did better in game 2, and while a late scratch slowed him down, the Sharks' Taylor M. was vastly out of position. Stealth fired off a nice shot from ball-in-hand when Taylor M. committed illegal contact, giving Stealth the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Taylor M. had a decent start but no positioning at the end, again allowing Stealth to pull away with the win and 2-1 series win this time. Stealth will host Stonebridge Wolves third-year Cobalt in the second round. Taylor M. will take four bids into the next round.
Sony Center, Queens: Mario v. Patches. The silver cue wraps up the day with a 12-ball series. Boston's Patches was recklessly effective in game 1, but her work to disrupt Queens' Mario's defense at the bottom left was wondrous. Patches eventually did take the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Patches took a much simpler approach in game 2, making a ball on the break, adding a mid-game three-ball run and taking a pair at the end to wrap it up as the Flames' Mario floundered for positioning. Patches' win clinched the series in her favor at 2-0. Patches continued to attack well in game 3, but it was a close battle as Mario nearly got the win. Patches ultimately swept the series 3-0, and she'll visit Maplewood Lumberjacks star Whiskers in the second round with one of her five advancing bids.
We're back again tomorrow for more games.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Celestia. A captain meets a rising start in 12-ball with the blue cue. Oceanside's Celestia had a four-ball run in game 1 to get really close to a win, but she flubbed her final shot. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy responded by making her last ball to the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia had a four-ball run again in game 2, but she made this one count. The Union's Ms. Puppy twice double-potted in the same pocket, setting her back and allowing Celestia to get a nice pair of shots at the end for the win to tie the series at 1. Celestia wasn't confident with her shots in game 3, leading to her missing a cut at the top side late in the game. Ms. Puppy took the ball-in-hand to make her last ball for the win and 2-1 series win. Ms. Puppy is set to host the Boston Swifts' Sweetheart in the second round.
Sony Center, Queens: Hannah v. Sugar. The blue cue stays in action with this 8-ball series. Swordpoint's Sugar had a positive start in game 1, but Queens' Hannah did well to keep pace. At the end, Sugar's defense didn't stop Hannah from getting the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Sugar posted a four-ball run early in game 2, and then saw the Flames' Hannah rally herself ahead over two turns. Sugar didn't let Hannah get off easy, managing a four-ball run-out at the end for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was at a slower pace until the very end, when Hannah left things lined up for Sugar's four-ball run-out. Sugar converted, winning a 2-1 series to earn a road trip to Todavía in the second round, where she'll face Stills captain Easter with one of her five remaining bids.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Princess. Surprisingly aggressive players clash in 15-ball, the red cue's last series in the event. Harrison's Twinkie II maintained a majority of the offense in game 1. Viewpoint Sound's Princess challenged at times, but Twinkie II deflected a bank off the 14 to send the 15 to the bottom right for the win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Specters' Twinkie II wasn't able to finish off her last attempt at a run in a balanced game 2 battle, allowing the Meteors' Princess to pot a pair for the win. Princess' win tied the series at 1. Twinkie II notched a quick win in game 3, taking the first shot after the break for a 1-4-8-15 combination to the top right at an odd angle. Princess was likewise stunned as Twinkie II succeeded for the 2-1 series win to get to the second round versus another Meteor in Hoot. Twinkie II has four advancing bids.
Intel Center, Diamond: Smokey v. Slinks. Brute Force club-mates battle in Accuracy with the blue cue. Westside's Slinks struggled initially in game 1, but hung around closely to draw a tie, forcing overtime, where Diamond's Smokey scratched on his second shot. Slinks would win 2-3, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Smokey never had a chance to win game 2, as he missed first in a close game and the Rockers' Slinks didn't miss a beat. Slinks was perfect in the clinching win, taking a 0-2 victory for the 2-0 lead. Slinks kept up the good work in a close game 3, getting Smokey to fall behind late as she secured the 3-0 sweep with a 2-4 win. Slinks is set to visit Archtown Arrows newcomer Hoppy in the second round. Smokey will only take two bids to the next round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Pounce v. Celestia. The visitor gets her second series today in the red cue's 8-ball finale for the round. Southern's Pounce produced an early five-ball run in game 1, only to be answered by a six-ball run from Oceanside's Celestia. Pounce made his last two balls quickly after that to preserve the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia started better in game 2, but it didn't pay off at all, as the Monarchs' Pounce erased the deficit on a seven-ball run-out for the win. Pounce clinched the series at 2-0 with the big run. Pounce tried another deep comeback in game 3, but a scratch fractured his five-ball run, and Celestia had enough time at the end to counterattack with a three-ball run-out for the win. Pounce settled with a 2-1 series win to put him into round two against Quincy of the Terrace City Knights. Pounce takes six bids forward while Celestia will play four in the next round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Midnight v. Tigerette. The red cue stays in action for this Rotation series. Westside's Midnight failed on a jump attempt in game 1, squandering her lead as Commerce's Tigerette rallied on a four-ball run-out for the 8-6 win. Tigerette moved ahead 1-0 in the series. The Rockers' Midnight took the early lead in game 2 but nearly let the Tradewinds' Tigerette come all the way back before cutting her off for the 8-5 win. Midnight's victory tied the series at 1. Tigerette worked a fortunate four-ball run early in game 1, and then made a late pair after a scratch by Midnight. Tigerette won 8-3, taking the 2-1 series win to set up a visit to Capital City Sharpshooters mainstay Missy in the second round.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Blizzard v. Puff III. A former Eagle welcomes a current one for 13-ball with the silver cue. Harrison's Blizzard made four balls on the break (two legally, one overfill, one for Everton's Puff III), followed by Puff III making a three-ball run. Blizzard then had a three-ball run and eventually got the 8 for the win and 1-0 series lead in a speedy game. The Specters' Blizzard was her own worst enemy in game 2, fouling and scratching multiple times. The Eagles' Puff III took her time before depositing a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 came down to the wire, as Blizzard kept up with Puff III quite well. In the end, Blizzard made a pair of shots at the end for the win, claiming the series at 2-1. Blizzard goes on to host Shelley of the Infinity Torpedoes in round two with one of her four remaining bids.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Spice. Longtime veterans of their teams collide in 12-ball with the blue cue. Golden's Strut had a scratch and a missed contact in game 1, leading to Victoria's Spice rallying to a five-ball run-out very early on. Spice leads the series confidently at 1-0. The Spurs' Spice had a lovely break in game 2, taking both side pockets immediately. The Pilots' Strut came right back with a four-ball run, and he played cautious at the end, making it a closer win than it actually was. Strut tied the series at 1 with this win. Game 3 took a bit more time to complete, with Strut striking first but having to navigate a defensive posture from Spice. Strut succeeded for the win, taking the series 2-1 and earning the chance to host Terrace City Knights captain Kiwi in the second round. Strut advanced five bids to the next round, while Spice has six going forward.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Noelle. The blue cue will stay up for a 15-ball series. Neither player grabbed game 1 immediately, just playing for contact at first. Central's Noelle then cranked the 3 to the top left and took the 4-15 combination deflected off the 14 to the top right for the win. Noelle leads Whitewater's Marsell 1-0 in the series. The Warriors' Noelle laid in wait for most of game 2, again going for contact plays with the Shores' Marsell doing the same. Noelle took full advantage of her chance, striking an eight-ball run-out from nowhere to get the win again, sealing the series at 2-0. Marsell actually had a chance in game 3, working a late four-ball run, but he fell apart on the 14. Noelle made the last two balls, taking the sweep 3-0 and earning a spot against Freedom Cascades captain Jasmine in the second round. Marsell ends the round with only two advancing bids.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Puff II v. Diddley. The red cue cycles back in for this 10-ball series. Boston's Puff II scratched on the game 1 break, and Maplewood's Diddley tried and failed to do a 1-10 combination to the bottom right. The remainder of the game was sloppy until Diddley won on a three-ball run-out to go up 1-0 in the series. The Lumberjacks' Diddley had a four-ball run early in game 2, but the Swifts' Puff II couldn't make a later 7-10 combination to the top right. Diddley then finished on a four-ball run-out, capping the dominant effort in a win to clinch the series at 2-0. Diddley continued to dominate on offense in game 3, but he let slip at the end, and Puff II fired back on a three-ball run-out to avoid the sweep. Diddley won the series 2-1, and will travel to Whitewater to face the Shores' Rosalina in the second round, one of his six advancing bids.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Pauline v. Vladimir. A couple of inexperienced players meet in 9-ball with the red cue. Stonebridge's Vladimir made a four-ball run at one point and added more near the end of game 1 before a scratch. His error allowed Capital City's Pauline to take the 9 from ball-in-hand for the 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Pauline dominated in game 2, making seven of the eight potted balls over three turns. Pauline easily took the win as the Wolves' Vladimir couldn't string any offense together. Pauline secured the series at 2-0. Pauline didn't have the same offensive urgency in game 3, allowing Vladimir to hang around and ultimately mop up the win in the end. Pauline's 2-1 series win gives her hosting privileges versus Diamond Gems newcomer Leonardo in the second round. Vladimir advanced five bids to the next round.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Bright. The red cue goes again with a 12-ball series. Midland's Fuchsia didn't find much positioning in game 1, while Pearl's Bright did better with that and kept a steady flow of offense to get the win. Bright leads the series 1-0. The Predators' Fuchsia got the better of the Surfers' Bright in a back-and-forth game 2, with Bright's lucky bounces not enough to save him. Fuchsia's win tied the series at 1. Things looked grim for Fuchsia after she gave away a wild-card ball to Bright in game 3. Bright made a three-ball run but left his last ball standing after missed contact. Fuchsia took two shots from ball-in-hand for the win, also winning the series 2-1. Fuchsia' fortunate escape gets her to round two versus Maplewood Lumberjacks captain Diddley. Both players have six bids going forward.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Stealth v. Taylor M. More 12-ball is on the way, but with the blue cue now. Eastside's Taylor M. had just enough time to make her last two balls in game 1 thanks to Swordpoint's Stealth scratching multiple times while trying to assemble a run. The Blades' Stealth did better in game 2, and while a late scratch slowed him down, the Sharks' Taylor M. was vastly out of position. Stealth fired off a nice shot from ball-in-hand when Taylor M. committed illegal contact, giving Stealth the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Taylor M. had a decent start but no positioning at the end, again allowing Stealth to pull away with the win and 2-1 series win this time. Stealth will host Stonebridge Wolves third-year Cobalt in the second round. Taylor M. will take four bids into the next round.
Sony Center, Queens: Mario v. Patches. The silver cue wraps up the day with a 12-ball series. Boston's Patches was recklessly effective in game 1, but her work to disrupt Queens' Mario's defense at the bottom left was wondrous. Patches eventually did take the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Patches took a much simpler approach in game 2, making a ball on the break, adding a mid-game three-ball run and taking a pair at the end to wrap it up as the Flames' Mario floundered for positioning. Patches' win clinched the series in her favor at 2-0. Patches continued to attack well in game 3, but it was a close battle as Mario nearly got the win. Patches ultimately swept the series 3-0, and she'll visit Maplewood Lumberjacks star Whiskers in the second round with one of her five advancing bids.
We're back again tomorrow for more games.
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Tournament 2019 - Round 1 Day 46
We're ready to go with another day of pool, beginning with...
Kraft Forum, Royal: Cassie v. Blizzard. The red cue leads us off today in Accuracy. Royal's Cassie struggled at first in game 1, but Harrison's Blizzard collapsed in the mid-game, and while Cassie faded toward the end, she had enough for a 3-4 win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Cassie got the same result in game 2, a 3-4 win, but it was a back-and-forth battle after she scratched on the break. She briefly got the lead in the middle of the game, but the Specters' Blizzard played defense, only to miss on a late shot anyway. Cassie secured the series at 2-0 with the win. Cassie again held a lead in game 3, but this one wouldn't stand, as Blizzard pushed her around late to take the 3-5 win. Cassie settled for a 2-1 series win that sets her up to host Niki of the Commerce Tradewinds in the second round.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Graham v. Twinkie III. Long-time members of their respective teams clash in 12-ball with the silver cue. Eastside's Graham started with a four-ball run from the break in game 1, but Whitewater's Twinkie III fired back with a three-ball run. Two turns later, Twinkie III won at the bottom right after Graham couldn't make his final pair. Twinkie III leads the series 1-0. The Shores' Twinkie III had a three-ball run from the break in game 2, but the Sharks' Graham countered on a four-ball run again. Graham had better finishing this time, getting the win to tie the series at 1. Graham began with a three-ball run in game 3, and he took advantage of Twinkie III not being able to make anything on her turns. Graham cruised to the win this time, taking the series 2-1 and earning the right to host Salmo of the Southern Monarchs in the second round. Twinkie III has three advancing bids.
Apple Center, Todavía: Sierra v. Leonardo. The blue cue gets its turn today in 15-ball. Todavía's Sierra had some offense early in a tense start to game 1. The players loosened up later, with Diamond's Leonardo charging on a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Sierra had an overwhelming majority of the possession in game 2, but her four-ball run at the end stalled when she left the 15 at the bottom right. The Gems' Leonardo poached the win on a tap-in, sealing the series at 2-0. Leonardo didn't have as much success in game 3, struggling for consistent shots in the later parts. Sierra cleaned up the win with a pair at the end, making it a 2-1 series win for Leonardo, who will travel to Capital City to face the Sharpshooters' Missy in round two. Leonardo has three advancing bids, while Sierra takes four to the next round.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Jason V. v. Spirit. The silver cue is back after the break for some 13-ball. Oceanside's Jason V. had some scratches in game 1, but his positioning remained better than that of Lighton's Spirit. Jason V. eventually won on a three-ball run-out, giving him a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Jason V. had a lack of good positioning in game 2, and a couple of scratches kept him pinned back. The Prestige's Spirit eventually worked her way to a cautious win, tying the series at 1. Both players made nice runs in game 3, the most competitive part of the series. Spirit eventually picked up a pair of shots as Jason V. missed on his last solid despite making a positional play. Spirit won the series 2-1 and will visit Hoot of the Viewpoint Sound Meteors in the second round with one of her six advancing bids.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Shadow. The red cue is back now, playing Rotation. Modernistic's Daisy had a hot start and kept it going on a later three-ball run. Diamond's Shadow had two fouls that suppressed his offense, and Daisy took the ball-in-hand to win game 1 by an 8-3 score, going up 1-0 in the series. The Union's Daisy had a rocky start in game 2, eventually giving up possession on an error. The Gems' Shadow took over with a seven-ball run-out for the 8-2 win, a spree that came out of nowhere. Shadow's burst of offense tied the series at 1. Shadow kept it going with a thunderous five-ball run from the break in game 3. Daisy couldn't recover at all, and Shadow won 8-0 on a 4-9 combination to the bottom side. Shadow took the series 2-1 and will visit Gabe of the Maplewood Lumberjacks in the second round.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Hershey. The silver cue draws in for 13-ball again. Both players kept an even keel and played well in game 1, but Stonebridge's Hershey tried and missed a kick on the 8 toward the top side. Golden's Strut mopped it up at the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead, punishing his foe for showmanship. The Pilots' Strut pushed a four-ball run late in game 2 to pull ahead of the Wolves' Hershey, and then successfully hit a contact play. Hershey failed on his contact attempt, and Strut put the 8 in the bottom right for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Strut made good in game 3, taking an early pair and adding a four-ball run after that. Hershey tried to keep up, but Strut cut the 8 to the top right after Hershey's scratch to get the win. Strut swept the series 3-0 and will host Twinkie I of the Pacific Volcanoes in the second round.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Max v. Americus. The venue doubleheader finishes with 12-ball and the red cue. Midland's Americus posted a three-ball run early in game 1, and Golden's Max attacked the sides. In the end, Max had enough time to push a four-ball run-out to beat Americus in a stunning turn of events that gave Max a 1-0 lead in the series. The Pilots' Max didn't have the same fortune in game 2, as the Predators' Americus notched a four-ball run early and never looked back. Max had a chance to counter at the end, but missed the 13 at the bottom side as Americus took the 5 to the top left, winning the game and tying the series at 1. Max had a strong start with a three-ball run in game 3, and while Americus pushed back with her own three-ball run, Max had better positioning to close out the win. Max took the series 2-1, setting himself up to host Jason V. of the Oceanside Waves in round two.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Leonette. Sisters do battle in 8-ball with the blue cue. Pacific's Leonette made a three-ball run first, but Westside's Misty answered on a five-ball run. Leonette then deposited another pair before Misty's three-ball run-out gave the host a win and 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Leonette erupted for a seven-ball run in game 2, only slowed by a scratch. It didn't hold her back for long despite the Rockers' Misty being productive on the ensuing turn. Leonette eventually made a pair to take the win, tying the series at 1. Misty had her share of the offense in game 3, but a late stutter allowed Leonette to pick up a three-ball run-out, putting the 8 away at the top right for the win. Leonette won the series 2-1, and she'll visit Victoria Spurs sophomore Sage in the second round. Misty only has one bid to play in the next round.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Tigerette. A couple of tough players clash in Accuracy with the red cue. Both players were perfect deep into game 1, but a pair of misses from Stonebridge's Hershey ended his chances to win. Commerce's Tigerette had a late scratch but won 1-2, taking the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was a much sloppier battle between the two players, with the Tradewinds' Tigerette squandering a chance to win it late in regulation. The Wolves' Hershey put up a good fight before a miss in overtime, and Tigerette finally sealed it at 5-6, clinching the series at 2-0 in the process. Tigerette couldn't make her lead hold in regulation in game 3, but Hershey flubbed a shot two turns into overtime, giving Tigerette a 3-4 win this time. Tigerette won the series 3-0, and will next travel to Royal to take on the Crowns' Jake in round two. Hershey runs four bids into the next round.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Lionel v. Dewey. The blue cue is back for another 8-ball series here. North Modernistic's Lionel popped a ball in on the break, but skidded from there, only rallying late in game 1. It was too late, as Oceanside's Dewey added to a four-ball run with strong late play to earn the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Lionel struck first again in game 2, but the Waves' Dewey assembled a five-ball run this time, leaving Lionel to play defense. It almost worked, but Dewey squeezed his third attempt on the 8 behind Lionel's defense at the bottom left for the win. Dewey sealed the series at 2-0. Lionel finally put the whole puzzle together with a six-ball run in game 3. He would scratch later, but Dewey didn't make anything of it. Lionel then took a pair of shots for the win to leave Dewey with the 2-1 series win. Dewey is set to visit Southridge Defenders captain Debby in the second round.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Mitchell v. Nicole. A Southwestern battle in Rotation comes with the red cue in hand. Victoria's Mitchell had a strong game 1 performance initially, making a ball on the break and holding a lead, but Lighton's Nicole rallied right back at the end and took a big 8-4 win. Nicole leads the series 1-0. The Prestige's Nicole tangled with the Spurs' Mitchell throughout the early parts of a close game 2. Mitchell finally pulled away at the end, a four-ball run-out giving him the 8-5 win to tie the series at 1. Nicole had a pivotal miss on the 10 in game 3, killing her comeback effort. Mitchell took a three-ball run-out from there, capitalizing on early success in an 8-4 win to take the series 2-1. Mitchell will host the man he replaced on the Spurs, the Southridge Defenders' Wario, in the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Jasmine v. Brownie. A captain takes on a well-traveled visitor in 12-ball with the red cue. Royal's Brownie had a quick four-ball run in game 1, but her ability on her last ball was horrendous. Freedom's Jasmine escaped the dangerous situation with a pair of three-ball runs separated by three turns, with the win giving her a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Jasmine didn't need a comeback in game 2, as she controlled from start to finish while the Crowns' Brownie tried and failed to keep up. Jasmine's win this time secured the series for her at 2-0. Brownie thought a four-ball run would be enough to maintain her lead in game 3, but Jasmine had a three-ball run and got better positioning for her last two balls. Jasmine converted her shots for the win and 3-0 series sweep that sends her to a second-round series versus Bianca of the Southridge Defenders, one of four bids to advance for the host.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Lorde v. Cassie. The red cue goes once again, this time in 15-ball. Capital City's Lorde was much stronger on offense in game 1, taking a five-ball run late and making fewer errors than Royal's Cassie. Lorde left the 15 up, and Cassie just cut it to the top side, a risky but successful shot for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Lorde saw her play turn sour in game 2, with a number of errors marring a lackluster performance. The Crowns' Cassie did enough to win again, making the final pair after one of Lorde's scratches. Cassie sealed the series at 2-0 with this win. Cassie made it a sweep against the run of play in game 3, as Lorde made eight of the last ten balls, but left the 15 at the bottom right. Cassie tapped it in for a 3-0 series win that sends her to Midland to oppose the Predators captain Shawn in round two with one of her six advancing bids.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Goatee v. Sage. The silver cue closes the day with this 12-ball set. Westside's Goatee scratched on the break and illegally potted a ball in game 1 and nearly had enough time to win anyway, but Victoria's Sage got good positioning on her last turn. Sage made a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Sage also won in game 2, but it came down to the wire. Once again, the Rockers' Goatee was a step behind, as Sage's win clinched the series in her favor at 2-0. Goatee put in a valiant comeback effort in game 3 after Sage's hot start, but Goatee came up a ball short. Sage finished off the win at the bottom right and took the series in a 3-0 sweep. Sage will be back home as the visitor versus Spurs teammate Mitchell in the second round.
That's all for today's games. We'll be back on a condensed schedule tomorrow, hopefully.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Cassie v. Blizzard. The red cue leads us off today in Accuracy. Royal's Cassie struggled at first in game 1, but Harrison's Blizzard collapsed in the mid-game, and while Cassie faded toward the end, she had enough for a 3-4 win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Cassie got the same result in game 2, a 3-4 win, but it was a back-and-forth battle after she scratched on the break. She briefly got the lead in the middle of the game, but the Specters' Blizzard played defense, only to miss on a late shot anyway. Cassie secured the series at 2-0 with the win. Cassie again held a lead in game 3, but this one wouldn't stand, as Blizzard pushed her around late to take the 3-5 win. Cassie settled for a 2-1 series win that sets her up to host Niki of the Commerce Tradewinds in the second round.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Graham v. Twinkie III. Long-time members of their respective teams clash in 12-ball with the silver cue. Eastside's Graham started with a four-ball run from the break in game 1, but Whitewater's Twinkie III fired back with a three-ball run. Two turns later, Twinkie III won at the bottom right after Graham couldn't make his final pair. Twinkie III leads the series 1-0. The Shores' Twinkie III had a three-ball run from the break in game 2, but the Sharks' Graham countered on a four-ball run again. Graham had better finishing this time, getting the win to tie the series at 1. Graham began with a three-ball run in game 3, and he took advantage of Twinkie III not being able to make anything on her turns. Graham cruised to the win this time, taking the series 2-1 and earning the right to host Salmo of the Southern Monarchs in the second round. Twinkie III has three advancing bids.
Apple Center, Todavía: Sierra v. Leonardo. The blue cue gets its turn today in 15-ball. Todavía's Sierra had some offense early in a tense start to game 1. The players loosened up later, with Diamond's Leonardo charging on a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Sierra had an overwhelming majority of the possession in game 2, but her four-ball run at the end stalled when she left the 15 at the bottom right. The Gems' Leonardo poached the win on a tap-in, sealing the series at 2-0. Leonardo didn't have as much success in game 3, struggling for consistent shots in the later parts. Sierra cleaned up the win with a pair at the end, making it a 2-1 series win for Leonardo, who will travel to Capital City to face the Sharpshooters' Missy in round two. Leonardo has three advancing bids, while Sierra takes four to the next round.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Jason V. v. Spirit. The silver cue is back after the break for some 13-ball. Oceanside's Jason V. had some scratches in game 1, but his positioning remained better than that of Lighton's Spirit. Jason V. eventually won on a three-ball run-out, giving him a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Jason V. had a lack of good positioning in game 2, and a couple of scratches kept him pinned back. The Prestige's Spirit eventually worked her way to a cautious win, tying the series at 1. Both players made nice runs in game 3, the most competitive part of the series. Spirit eventually picked up a pair of shots as Jason V. missed on his last solid despite making a positional play. Spirit won the series 2-1 and will visit Hoot of the Viewpoint Sound Meteors in the second round with one of her six advancing bids.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Shadow. The red cue is back now, playing Rotation. Modernistic's Daisy had a hot start and kept it going on a later three-ball run. Diamond's Shadow had two fouls that suppressed his offense, and Daisy took the ball-in-hand to win game 1 by an 8-3 score, going up 1-0 in the series. The Union's Daisy had a rocky start in game 2, eventually giving up possession on an error. The Gems' Shadow took over with a seven-ball run-out for the 8-2 win, a spree that came out of nowhere. Shadow's burst of offense tied the series at 1. Shadow kept it going with a thunderous five-ball run from the break in game 3. Daisy couldn't recover at all, and Shadow won 8-0 on a 4-9 combination to the bottom side. Shadow took the series 2-1 and will visit Gabe of the Maplewood Lumberjacks in the second round.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Hershey. The silver cue draws in for 13-ball again. Both players kept an even keel and played well in game 1, but Stonebridge's Hershey tried and missed a kick on the 8 toward the top side. Golden's Strut mopped it up at the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead, punishing his foe for showmanship. The Pilots' Strut pushed a four-ball run late in game 2 to pull ahead of the Wolves' Hershey, and then successfully hit a contact play. Hershey failed on his contact attempt, and Strut put the 8 in the bottom right for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Strut made good in game 3, taking an early pair and adding a four-ball run after that. Hershey tried to keep up, but Strut cut the 8 to the top right after Hershey's scratch to get the win. Strut swept the series 3-0 and will host Twinkie I of the Pacific Volcanoes in the second round.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Max v. Americus. The venue doubleheader finishes with 12-ball and the red cue. Midland's Americus posted a three-ball run early in game 1, and Golden's Max attacked the sides. In the end, Max had enough time to push a four-ball run-out to beat Americus in a stunning turn of events that gave Max a 1-0 lead in the series. The Pilots' Max didn't have the same fortune in game 2, as the Predators' Americus notched a four-ball run early and never looked back. Max had a chance to counter at the end, but missed the 13 at the bottom side as Americus took the 5 to the top left, winning the game and tying the series at 1. Max had a strong start with a three-ball run in game 3, and while Americus pushed back with her own three-ball run, Max had better positioning to close out the win. Max took the series 2-1, setting himself up to host Jason V. of the Oceanside Waves in round two.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Leonette. Sisters do battle in 8-ball with the blue cue. Pacific's Leonette made a three-ball run first, but Westside's Misty answered on a five-ball run. Leonette then deposited another pair before Misty's three-ball run-out gave the host a win and 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Leonette erupted for a seven-ball run in game 2, only slowed by a scratch. It didn't hold her back for long despite the Rockers' Misty being productive on the ensuing turn. Leonette eventually made a pair to take the win, tying the series at 1. Misty had her share of the offense in game 3, but a late stutter allowed Leonette to pick up a three-ball run-out, putting the 8 away at the top right for the win. Leonette won the series 2-1, and she'll visit Victoria Spurs sophomore Sage in the second round. Misty only has one bid to play in the next round.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Tigerette. A couple of tough players clash in Accuracy with the red cue. Both players were perfect deep into game 1, but a pair of misses from Stonebridge's Hershey ended his chances to win. Commerce's Tigerette had a late scratch but won 1-2, taking the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was a much sloppier battle between the two players, with the Tradewinds' Tigerette squandering a chance to win it late in regulation. The Wolves' Hershey put up a good fight before a miss in overtime, and Tigerette finally sealed it at 5-6, clinching the series at 2-0 in the process. Tigerette couldn't make her lead hold in regulation in game 3, but Hershey flubbed a shot two turns into overtime, giving Tigerette a 3-4 win this time. Tigerette won the series 3-0, and will next travel to Royal to take on the Crowns' Jake in round two. Hershey runs four bids into the next round.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Lionel v. Dewey. The blue cue is back for another 8-ball series here. North Modernistic's Lionel popped a ball in on the break, but skidded from there, only rallying late in game 1. It was too late, as Oceanside's Dewey added to a four-ball run with strong late play to earn the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Lionel struck first again in game 2, but the Waves' Dewey assembled a five-ball run this time, leaving Lionel to play defense. It almost worked, but Dewey squeezed his third attempt on the 8 behind Lionel's defense at the bottom left for the win. Dewey sealed the series at 2-0. Lionel finally put the whole puzzle together with a six-ball run in game 3. He would scratch later, but Dewey didn't make anything of it. Lionel then took a pair of shots for the win to leave Dewey with the 2-1 series win. Dewey is set to visit Southridge Defenders captain Debby in the second round.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Mitchell v. Nicole. A Southwestern battle in Rotation comes with the red cue in hand. Victoria's Mitchell had a strong game 1 performance initially, making a ball on the break and holding a lead, but Lighton's Nicole rallied right back at the end and took a big 8-4 win. Nicole leads the series 1-0. The Prestige's Nicole tangled with the Spurs' Mitchell throughout the early parts of a close game 2. Mitchell finally pulled away at the end, a four-ball run-out giving him the 8-5 win to tie the series at 1. Nicole had a pivotal miss on the 10 in game 3, killing her comeback effort. Mitchell took a three-ball run-out from there, capitalizing on early success in an 8-4 win to take the series 2-1. Mitchell will host the man he replaced on the Spurs, the Southridge Defenders' Wario, in the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Jasmine v. Brownie. A captain takes on a well-traveled visitor in 12-ball with the red cue. Royal's Brownie had a quick four-ball run in game 1, but her ability on her last ball was horrendous. Freedom's Jasmine escaped the dangerous situation with a pair of three-ball runs separated by three turns, with the win giving her a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Jasmine didn't need a comeback in game 2, as she controlled from start to finish while the Crowns' Brownie tried and failed to keep up. Jasmine's win this time secured the series for her at 2-0. Brownie thought a four-ball run would be enough to maintain her lead in game 3, but Jasmine had a three-ball run and got better positioning for her last two balls. Jasmine converted her shots for the win and 3-0 series sweep that sends her to a second-round series versus Bianca of the Southridge Defenders, one of four bids to advance for the host.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Lorde v. Cassie. The red cue goes once again, this time in 15-ball. Capital City's Lorde was much stronger on offense in game 1, taking a five-ball run late and making fewer errors than Royal's Cassie. Lorde left the 15 up, and Cassie just cut it to the top side, a risky but successful shot for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Lorde saw her play turn sour in game 2, with a number of errors marring a lackluster performance. The Crowns' Cassie did enough to win again, making the final pair after one of Lorde's scratches. Cassie sealed the series at 2-0 with this win. Cassie made it a sweep against the run of play in game 3, as Lorde made eight of the last ten balls, but left the 15 at the bottom right. Cassie tapped it in for a 3-0 series win that sends her to Midland to oppose the Predators captain Shawn in round two with one of her six advancing bids.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Goatee v. Sage. The silver cue closes the day with this 12-ball set. Westside's Goatee scratched on the break and illegally potted a ball in game 1 and nearly had enough time to win anyway, but Victoria's Sage got good positioning on her last turn. Sage made a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Sage also won in game 2, but it came down to the wire. Once again, the Rockers' Goatee was a step behind, as Sage's win clinched the series in her favor at 2-0. Goatee put in a valiant comeback effort in game 3 after Sage's hot start, but Goatee came up a ball short. Sage finished off the win at the bottom right and took the series in a 3-0 sweep. Sage will be back home as the visitor versus Spurs teammate Mitchell in the second round.
That's all for today's games. We'll be back on a condensed schedule tomorrow, hopefully.
Monday, September 23, 2019
Tournament 2019 - Round 1 Day 45
A new day of pool is ready to begin. First up...
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Snowball v. Dewey. The blue cue takes a turn in 9-ball to begin the day. Swordpoint's Snowball had a three-ball run from the break, but she left the 6-9 combination aligned for Oceanside's Dewey to pot at the top right for the win. Dewey leads the series 1-0. There were no runs to be found in a choppy game 2, which ultimately saw the Waves' Dewey put the 9 in the bottom side after the Blades' Snowball missed it on a long attempt toward the bottom left. Dewey clinched the series at 2-0 with the shaky win. Both players had three-ball runs in game 3. Dewey scratched late after making the 6, but Snowball failed on the 9 and Dewey tapped it in to the top left for the win and 3-0 series sweep. Dewey will visit Missy of the Capital City Sharpshooters in the second round.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Kodiak v. Gizmo. The silver cue gets its daily debut in 7-ball today. Modernistic's Kodiak sandwiched two pairs of shots in game 1 around a three-ball run by Eastside's Gizmo that ended in a scratch. Kodiak's quick win gave him a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Kodiak had a three-ball run in game 2 that ended in a miss on the 7, but he was fortunate that the Sharks' Gizmo couldn't corral it either. Kodiak took it to the bottom right on his next turn for the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Kodiak had another good chunk of offense in game 3, but he missed on the 5, and Gizmo took the last two shots to earn a win. Kodiak settled for a 2-1 series win that allows him to host the Harrison Specters' Lexi in round two.
Apple Center, Todavía: Ruby v. Jack. It's the red cue's turn now, in a series of Rotation. Todavía's Ruby sparred well with Web City's Jack early in game 1 before pulling herself far ahead. Ruby took her time with the finish, but Jack couldn't muster a counterattack as Ruby won 8-3 for the 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Jack kept himself in the series with a strong start to game 2, burying the Stills' Ruby before her offense could get off the ground. Jack eventually won 8-2 on a 9-13 combination to the bottom side, which tied the series at 1. Ruby had an early pair of three-ball runs in game 1, but Jack tied it on a four-ball run and then made two of the last three balls for the 8-7 win. Jack took the series 2-1 and will travel to Whitewater for a series against the Shores' captain Shaggy in the second round.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Cubby v. Whiskers. The silver cue is back for this 13-ball series. Maplewood's Whiskers played very well with a three-ball run in game 1, but her cautious finish fell apart as Eastside's Cubby steadily charged until he took the 8 at the bottom left for the win. Cubby owns a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers showed a little more resolve at the end of game 2, capitalizing on a bold four-ball run by taking the 8 to the top right. The Sharks' Cubby had decent positioning but no catalyst for a run as Whiskers tied the series at 1 game apiece. Whiskers had an awful break in game 3, allowing Cubby to lead most of the game until his late scratch. Whiskers eventually had a three-ball run-out to get a win for the 2-1 series win. Whiskers will visit Modernistic Union rookie Sydney C. in the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Lorde. The silver cue goes again with this Rotation series. Both players matched each other shot for shot throughout most of game 1 until Lighton's Acorn posted a three-ball run-out at the end for an 8-5 win and 1-0 series lead over Capital City's Lorde. Game 2 was a little more trying on both sides, but the Prestige's Acorn kept it close before a three-ball run put him on the verge of victory. The Sharpshooters' Lorde could have stolen it away, but she missed on the 13, and Acorn would win 8-6 in the end to secure the series at 2-0. Acorn began with a three-ball run in game 3 after a pair dropped on the break, but Lorde's four-ball run-out for the 8-5 win assured she wouldn't be swept. Acorn won the series 2-1 and will host a fellow Southwestern captain, the Infinity Torpedoes' Smudge, in the second round.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Caitlin v. Niki. The red cue will resume the play after the break in 12-ball. Commerce's Niki held the lead for much of game 1, but she couldn't solve defense at the bottom left, which bought Southridge's Caitlin enough time to position herself for the winning pair of shots. Caitlin leads the series 1-0. The Defenders' Caitlin made a ball on the break in game 2, but she gave a wild-card ball later in the game, and the Tradewinds' Niki would only need a pair of shots to pick up the win from there. Niki's win tied the series at 1. Niki doubled down in game 3, taking solids early on and making it work with a nice run later in the game. Caitlin tried to defend it, but Niki made her final ball cleanly for the win and 2-1 series win. Niki will visit Strawberry of the Victoria Spurs in round two. Niki has six advancing bids, while Caitlin takes three into the next round.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Patches. Club-mates and captains do battle in 13-ball with the silver cue. A frenetic start to game 1 gave way to a cautious finish that saw Boston's Patches miss on the 8, only for Victoria's Spice to deposit it at the top left for the win. Spice narrowly took the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was again competitive, with the Swifts' Patches getting onto the 8 first, but the Spurs' Spice rallying back to get the win, clinching the series at 2-0. In game 3, Patches again had good offense and solid set-up play, but she couldn't hold Spice back defensively, and Spice pushed again for the win and 3-0 series sweep. Spice will host Capital City Sharpshooters sophomore Pauline in the second round.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Juno v. Sleepy B. More 13-ball with the silver cue is next up. Stonebridge's Juno struggled at first in game 1, then made a four-ball run to get onto her last ball. Archtown's Sleepy B. waited longer before a five-ball run, but her miss on the 8 allowed Juno to make a pair of shots for the win and 1-0 series lead. In game 2, a few more bounces went favorably for the Arrows' Sleepy B., who ended up with the win after blocking the Wolves' Juno with the 8. Sleepy B.'s victory tied the series at 1. Juno had a haphazard late-game attack in game 3, scratching and fouling as she tried to throw off Sleepy B. It didn't work, actually making it easier for Sleepy B. to win for the 2-1 series win. Sleepy B. is off to meet the Golden Pilots' Max in the second round, one of her eight advancing efforts.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Ted v. Sierra. A strong player meets a crafty one as the silver cue stays on for Rotation. Web City's Ted enjoyed early offense and added a three-ball run to get close to victory. Todavía's Sierra put up a strong fight with a four-ball run in response, but Ted won 8-5 and took the initial 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Sierra was excellent in game 2, carrying her previous momentum to a big lead. The Spiders' Ted made a small counterattack, but Sierra shut it down with a four-ball run-out or the 8-1 win. Sierra's burst of offense tied the series at 1. Sierra again started hot in game 3, but Ted stormed back, doing an 11-12 bank combination double-pot at the top right to tie the game. He made illegal contact on the next shot, and Sierra potted a pair for the 8-6 win to take the series 2-1. Sierra will visit Atlantic Pirates captain Delila in round two.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Paps v. Delila. The blue cue cycles back in as 12-ball is on the slate. Tysini's Paps combined set-up play and execution in a brilliant manner in game 1, while Atlantic's Delila tried to prepare for one big run she never had a chance to convert. Paps' quick play earned him the 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Delila made a huge gamble by giving the Hummingbirds' Paps a pair of wild-card balls, but Paps wasn't able to convert on his last ball in time, and Delila took her last two for the win. A potentially reckless play helped Delila tie the series at 1. Delila played smarter in game 3, and Paps wasn't giving anything away either. In the end, Delila double-potted the 5 to the top right and the 4 on a deflection that removed the defense at the top side, then put the 7 in the bottom side to finish the win. Delila won the series 2-1 and will face her daughter, the Infinity Torpedoes' Fluffina, in the second round with one of her six advancing bids.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Wild Thing v. Dewey. The blue cue gets another series, this one in 15-ball. Oceanside's Dewey played a perfect poacher's game 1, allowing Stonebridge's Wild Thing to boss possession easily. Dewey then picked up the last two balls after Wild Thing lost confidence late, which gave Dewey the 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Dewey did a lot more on offense in game 2, but he scratched on the 6. The Wolves' Wild Thing put away the 7 and then added an 8-15 combination to the bottom right for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 started a little tense, but Dewey opened it up with a seven-ball run that ended in a scratch. Wild Thing locked it down with a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand, taking the win and 2-1 series win all at once. Wild Thing will host Potter of the Pronger Tridents in the second round.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Juno v. Rudolph. The venue doubleheader ends with club-mates using the blue cue in its last first-round 9-ball series. Stonebridge's Juno picked up a solid amount of the offense in game 1, but Harrison's Rudolph found his pinpoint shots just in time, making the last two balls for the 1-0 series lead. Both players opted for power over precision in game 2, leading to a sloppy battle. In the end, it took a couple of tries, but the Specters' Rudolph sent the 9 to the bottom left to defeat the Wolves' Juno, securing the series at 2-0 in the process. Juno controlled the offense early on, then Rudolph posted a four-ball run before missing on the 9 late in game 3. Juno cut it to the top left for the win, avoiding the sweep in the 2-1 series. Rudolph will head to the second round, facing another club-mate in the Viewpoint Sound Meteors' Princess.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Bright. The blue cue keeps going with this series of Rotation. Pronger's Precious held the lead for much of game 1, but she slipped up after Pearl's Bright put on a three-ball run. Bright kept pressing and pulled ahead just in time for the 8-7 win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 looked like a rerun of game 1, with the Tridents' Precious holding the lead for quite awhile, but the Surfers' Bright making a charge at the end. Bright pushed four balls down over his last two turns to take the 8-6 win, sealing the series at 2-0. Precious made a big rally with a five-ball run in game 3 after Bright's hot start. Bright couldn't get anything else going, and Precious went on to win 8-3. Bright still won the series 2-1 and will visit Midland Predators third-year Fuchsia in the second round. Precious will have five bids remaining in the second round.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Sprinkles v. Cheddar. The silver cue closes the day with its last 7-ball series of the round. Capital City's Sprinkles opened with a three-ball run in game 1, but North Modernistic's Cheddar was better with a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Cheddar went empty on the game 2 break, but left the 7 near the top right. After the Sharpshooters' Sprinkles had a weak attempt on the 1, Cheddar converted a 1-7 combination for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Cheddar put up a four-ball run early in game 3 as well, but she missed on the 6. Sprinkles avoided the sweep with a pair of shots for the win. Cheddar won the series 2-1 and will visit Rosemary of the Commerce Tradewinds in an Urban Derby match in the second round.
That'll be all for today, but there will be another set of games tomorrow.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Snowball v. Dewey. The blue cue takes a turn in 9-ball to begin the day. Swordpoint's Snowball had a three-ball run from the break, but she left the 6-9 combination aligned for Oceanside's Dewey to pot at the top right for the win. Dewey leads the series 1-0. There were no runs to be found in a choppy game 2, which ultimately saw the Waves' Dewey put the 9 in the bottom side after the Blades' Snowball missed it on a long attempt toward the bottom left. Dewey clinched the series at 2-0 with the shaky win. Both players had three-ball runs in game 3. Dewey scratched late after making the 6, but Snowball failed on the 9 and Dewey tapped it in to the top left for the win and 3-0 series sweep. Dewey will visit Missy of the Capital City Sharpshooters in the second round.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Kodiak v. Gizmo. The silver cue gets its daily debut in 7-ball today. Modernistic's Kodiak sandwiched two pairs of shots in game 1 around a three-ball run by Eastside's Gizmo that ended in a scratch. Kodiak's quick win gave him a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Kodiak had a three-ball run in game 2 that ended in a miss on the 7, but he was fortunate that the Sharks' Gizmo couldn't corral it either. Kodiak took it to the bottom right on his next turn for the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Kodiak had another good chunk of offense in game 3, but he missed on the 5, and Gizmo took the last two shots to earn a win. Kodiak settled for a 2-1 series win that allows him to host the Harrison Specters' Lexi in round two.
Apple Center, Todavía: Ruby v. Jack. It's the red cue's turn now, in a series of Rotation. Todavía's Ruby sparred well with Web City's Jack early in game 1 before pulling herself far ahead. Ruby took her time with the finish, but Jack couldn't muster a counterattack as Ruby won 8-3 for the 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Jack kept himself in the series with a strong start to game 2, burying the Stills' Ruby before her offense could get off the ground. Jack eventually won 8-2 on a 9-13 combination to the bottom side, which tied the series at 1. Ruby had an early pair of three-ball runs in game 1, but Jack tied it on a four-ball run and then made two of the last three balls for the 8-7 win. Jack took the series 2-1 and will travel to Whitewater for a series against the Shores' captain Shaggy in the second round.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Cubby v. Whiskers. The silver cue is back for this 13-ball series. Maplewood's Whiskers played very well with a three-ball run in game 1, but her cautious finish fell apart as Eastside's Cubby steadily charged until he took the 8 at the bottom left for the win. Cubby owns a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers showed a little more resolve at the end of game 2, capitalizing on a bold four-ball run by taking the 8 to the top right. The Sharks' Cubby had decent positioning but no catalyst for a run as Whiskers tied the series at 1 game apiece. Whiskers had an awful break in game 3, allowing Cubby to lead most of the game until his late scratch. Whiskers eventually had a three-ball run-out to get a win for the 2-1 series win. Whiskers will visit Modernistic Union rookie Sydney C. in the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Lorde. The silver cue goes again with this Rotation series. Both players matched each other shot for shot throughout most of game 1 until Lighton's Acorn posted a three-ball run-out at the end for an 8-5 win and 1-0 series lead over Capital City's Lorde. Game 2 was a little more trying on both sides, but the Prestige's Acorn kept it close before a three-ball run put him on the verge of victory. The Sharpshooters' Lorde could have stolen it away, but she missed on the 13, and Acorn would win 8-6 in the end to secure the series at 2-0. Acorn began with a three-ball run in game 3 after a pair dropped on the break, but Lorde's four-ball run-out for the 8-5 win assured she wouldn't be swept. Acorn won the series 2-1 and will host a fellow Southwestern captain, the Infinity Torpedoes' Smudge, in the second round.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Caitlin v. Niki. The red cue will resume the play after the break in 12-ball. Commerce's Niki held the lead for much of game 1, but she couldn't solve defense at the bottom left, which bought Southridge's Caitlin enough time to position herself for the winning pair of shots. Caitlin leads the series 1-0. The Defenders' Caitlin made a ball on the break in game 2, but she gave a wild-card ball later in the game, and the Tradewinds' Niki would only need a pair of shots to pick up the win from there. Niki's win tied the series at 1. Niki doubled down in game 3, taking solids early on and making it work with a nice run later in the game. Caitlin tried to defend it, but Niki made her final ball cleanly for the win and 2-1 series win. Niki will visit Strawberry of the Victoria Spurs in round two. Niki has six advancing bids, while Caitlin takes three into the next round.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Patches. Club-mates and captains do battle in 13-ball with the silver cue. A frenetic start to game 1 gave way to a cautious finish that saw Boston's Patches miss on the 8, only for Victoria's Spice to deposit it at the top left for the win. Spice narrowly took the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was again competitive, with the Swifts' Patches getting onto the 8 first, but the Spurs' Spice rallying back to get the win, clinching the series at 2-0. In game 3, Patches again had good offense and solid set-up play, but she couldn't hold Spice back defensively, and Spice pushed again for the win and 3-0 series sweep. Spice will host Capital City Sharpshooters sophomore Pauline in the second round.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Juno v. Sleepy B. More 13-ball with the silver cue is next up. Stonebridge's Juno struggled at first in game 1, then made a four-ball run to get onto her last ball. Archtown's Sleepy B. waited longer before a five-ball run, but her miss on the 8 allowed Juno to make a pair of shots for the win and 1-0 series lead. In game 2, a few more bounces went favorably for the Arrows' Sleepy B., who ended up with the win after blocking the Wolves' Juno with the 8. Sleepy B.'s victory tied the series at 1. Juno had a haphazard late-game attack in game 3, scratching and fouling as she tried to throw off Sleepy B. It didn't work, actually making it easier for Sleepy B. to win for the 2-1 series win. Sleepy B. is off to meet the Golden Pilots' Max in the second round, one of her eight advancing efforts.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Ted v. Sierra. A strong player meets a crafty one as the silver cue stays on for Rotation. Web City's Ted enjoyed early offense and added a three-ball run to get close to victory. Todavía's Sierra put up a strong fight with a four-ball run in response, but Ted won 8-5 and took the initial 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Sierra was excellent in game 2, carrying her previous momentum to a big lead. The Spiders' Ted made a small counterattack, but Sierra shut it down with a four-ball run-out or the 8-1 win. Sierra's burst of offense tied the series at 1. Sierra again started hot in game 3, but Ted stormed back, doing an 11-12 bank combination double-pot at the top right to tie the game. He made illegal contact on the next shot, and Sierra potted a pair for the 8-6 win to take the series 2-1. Sierra will visit Atlantic Pirates captain Delila in round two.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Paps v. Delila. The blue cue cycles back in as 12-ball is on the slate. Tysini's Paps combined set-up play and execution in a brilliant manner in game 1, while Atlantic's Delila tried to prepare for one big run she never had a chance to convert. Paps' quick play earned him the 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Delila made a huge gamble by giving the Hummingbirds' Paps a pair of wild-card balls, but Paps wasn't able to convert on his last ball in time, and Delila took her last two for the win. A potentially reckless play helped Delila tie the series at 1. Delila played smarter in game 3, and Paps wasn't giving anything away either. In the end, Delila double-potted the 5 to the top right and the 4 on a deflection that removed the defense at the top side, then put the 7 in the bottom side to finish the win. Delila won the series 2-1 and will face her daughter, the Infinity Torpedoes' Fluffina, in the second round with one of her six advancing bids.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Wild Thing v. Dewey. The blue cue gets another series, this one in 15-ball. Oceanside's Dewey played a perfect poacher's game 1, allowing Stonebridge's Wild Thing to boss possession easily. Dewey then picked up the last two balls after Wild Thing lost confidence late, which gave Dewey the 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Dewey did a lot more on offense in game 2, but he scratched on the 6. The Wolves' Wild Thing put away the 7 and then added an 8-15 combination to the bottom right for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 started a little tense, but Dewey opened it up with a seven-ball run that ended in a scratch. Wild Thing locked it down with a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand, taking the win and 2-1 series win all at once. Wild Thing will host Potter of the Pronger Tridents in the second round.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Juno v. Rudolph. The venue doubleheader ends with club-mates using the blue cue in its last first-round 9-ball series. Stonebridge's Juno picked up a solid amount of the offense in game 1, but Harrison's Rudolph found his pinpoint shots just in time, making the last two balls for the 1-0 series lead. Both players opted for power over precision in game 2, leading to a sloppy battle. In the end, it took a couple of tries, but the Specters' Rudolph sent the 9 to the bottom left to defeat the Wolves' Juno, securing the series at 2-0 in the process. Juno controlled the offense early on, then Rudolph posted a four-ball run before missing on the 9 late in game 3. Juno cut it to the top left for the win, avoiding the sweep in the 2-1 series. Rudolph will head to the second round, facing another club-mate in the Viewpoint Sound Meteors' Princess.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Bright. The blue cue keeps going with this series of Rotation. Pronger's Precious held the lead for much of game 1, but she slipped up after Pearl's Bright put on a three-ball run. Bright kept pressing and pulled ahead just in time for the 8-7 win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 looked like a rerun of game 1, with the Tridents' Precious holding the lead for quite awhile, but the Surfers' Bright making a charge at the end. Bright pushed four balls down over his last two turns to take the 8-6 win, sealing the series at 2-0. Precious made a big rally with a five-ball run in game 3 after Bright's hot start. Bright couldn't get anything else going, and Precious went on to win 8-3. Bright still won the series 2-1 and will visit Midland Predators third-year Fuchsia in the second round. Precious will have five bids remaining in the second round.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Sprinkles v. Cheddar. The silver cue closes the day with its last 7-ball series of the round. Capital City's Sprinkles opened with a three-ball run in game 1, but North Modernistic's Cheddar was better with a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Cheddar went empty on the game 2 break, but left the 7 near the top right. After the Sharpshooters' Sprinkles had a weak attempt on the 1, Cheddar converted a 1-7 combination for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Cheddar put up a four-ball run early in game 3 as well, but she missed on the 6. Sprinkles avoided the sweep with a pair of shots for the win. Cheddar won the series 2-1 and will visit Rosemary of the Commerce Tradewinds in an Urban Derby match in the second round.
That'll be all for today, but there will be another set of games tomorrow.
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Tournament 2019 - Round 1 Day 44
Tournament play resumes after a day off, beginning with...
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Strawberry v. Niki. The red cue opens the day with a series in 7-ball. Victoria's Strawberry had a three-ball run to begin game 1, but she couldn't get another multi-ball attack. Commerce's Niki stepped up at the end to take the 7 in the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Strawberry provided a more stable attack late in game 2, making four balls over her last two turns to get the win against a lesser effort from the Tradewinds' Niki. This tied the series at 1. Game 3 saw a slow start on both sides before Niki did a four-ball run-out, double-potting the 5 to the bottom side and the 7 to the bottom right for the win. Niki took the series 2-1 and will visit Waluigi of the Web City Spiders in the second round.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Sugar v. Prism. The blue cue is next up, playing Accuracy. Swordpoint's Sugar made a ball on the game 1 break, but faded early. She forced overtime against Todavía's Prism, but she couldn't hold on. Sugar missed twice in the extra rack, with Prism taking a 1-0 series lead on a 4-5 win. The Blades' Sugar was perfect until the final ball in regulation of game 2, taking a miss. Both players missed in overtime, but the Stills' Prism missed again later in the extra rack, allowing Sugar to take the 2-3 win to tie the series at 1. Sugar took care of business in a sharp game 3, missing just once to hold on for a 1-2 win over Prism this time. Sugar took the series 2-1 and will host Southern Monarchs veteran Pounce in the second round. Prism advances six bids to the next round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Sugar. The visitor makes it a personal doubleheader, traveling for Rotation with the red cue. Swordpoint's Sugar had the first offense in a slow game 1, but Southern's Dominic steadily rallied ahead in the late-game, winning 8-5 for the 1-0 lead in the series. The Blades' Sugar capitalized on a number of near-misses from the Monarchs' Dominic in game 2. Sugar built her lead up slowly and steadily, and then countered Dominic's three-ball run with her finishing attack. Sugar won 8-3 to tie the series at 1. Sugar had a stunning seven-ball run from the break to lead off game 3. Dominic got a pair back, but Sugar made the 6 to the top left for the 8-2 win to seal the series in her favor at 2-1. Sugar is set to visit the Diamond Gems' Pedey in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Taylor S. The red cue will go again for this 9-ball series. Central's Twilight had a good break in game 1, but it paled in comparison to a five-ball run-out from Commerce's Taylor S. In the end, Taylor S. deflected a shot off the 6 to tap the 9 to the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went the distance, with the Tradewinds' Taylor S. unable to replicate her previous attack. The Warriors' Twilight did a good impression, winning on a four-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Taylor S. put up another big run late in game 3, making four straight, but she missed the 9 twice. Twilight tapped it into the bottom right for the win and 2-1 series win. Twilight will head to round two, facing club-mate and Freedom Cascades veteran Stinky.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Dustin. Dangerous veterans collide in 12-ball with the blue cue. Pacific's Ms. Kitty made a pair on the break before giving Central's Dustin a wild-card ball after he answered with a pair. Dustin was just too slow on his last ball, allowing Ms. Kitty to come back with a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was a virtual reverse of the first, with the Warriors' Dustin giving away a wild-card ball, but the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty lacked a killer instinct at the end. Dustin made a pair of each of his final two turns for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was as tense as it gets, with Dustin first looking for offense but being forced to defense as Ms. Kitty quickly got down to her last ball. Dustin's positioning never came together, and Ms. Kitty got the win, taking the series 2-1 as well. Ms. Kitty will play host to the Westside Rockers' Midnight in the second round. Dustin has five advancing bids for himself.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Stealth. The red cue will be back after the break with 15-ball. Modernistic's Daisy had her hands all over game 1, making a five-ball run and eight of the last nine balls to defeat Swordpoint's Stealth. Daisy leads the series at 1-0 after the strong first showing. The Union's Daisy came close to potting the 15 on the break after a late contact with the remaining cluster. Daisy hounded the 15 for much of the game, chipping in short runs. The Blades' Stealth had a chance for a late run, but he missed on the 13, and Daisy finished it off for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Daisy kept her offense strong in game 3, but her 6-15 combination to the top right ended in a scratch, gifting Stealth his lone win. Daisy won the series 2-1 and will face Pearl Surfers co-captain Watermelon in the second round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Hoot v. Hannah. The blue cue cycles in again for 9-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot couldn't gain traction in game 1, and Queens' Hannah can thank a lucky bank of the 9 to the top right for her win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Flames' Hannah struggled on offense in game 2, until she adjusted her hand position late in the battle. She just missed the 9 on a bank toward the bottom left, where the Meteors' Hoot tapped it in for a well-earned win to tie the series at 1. Hoot did enough in a close game 3 to hold off Hannah. Hoot struck the 8 to the top side and put the 9 there as well, winning the game and the 2-1 series. Hoot is set to host Southridge Defenders captain Debby in round two with one of his six advancing bids.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Spot v. Starlight. The blue cue goes again in this 13-ball series. Pronger's Spot didn't get anything on the break, but Pacific's Starlight never got positioning on her final ball in game 1. Spot rallied back and picked up the win, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. Both players started well but took a passive turn in game 2, leading to a very slow finish. The Tridents' Spot will rue missing the 8 at the top side, which allowed the Volcanoes' Starlight to pull off a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Starlight showed up big again in game 3, making a four-ball run early on and fighting for positioning. Spot again found himself out of sorts, and Starlight cruised to the win and 2-1 series win. Starlight is set to visit Briana of the Queens Flames in the second round. Spot will play in four events in the next round.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Boots v. Whiskers. A couple of talented opponents meet in Accuracy, also using the blue cue. Pearl's Boots was unassailable in game 1, playing perfectly and getting a nice bounce on the 14 at the end to preserve a 0-2 win over Maplewood's Whiskers. Boots leads the series 1-0. The Surfers' Boots won again in game 2, but it was much less clinical, as she took the early lead thanks to the Lumberjacks' Whiskers making a mess. Boots faded late but won 4-5, securing the series at 2-0 in the process. Boots returned to perfection in game 3, while Whiskers again scuffled at the start and never had a chance to catch up. A 0-3 win gave Boots the 3-0 series sweep to take into a second-round series against Golden Pilots veteran Sparkles.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: A. Charlton v. Dani. The red cue draws in again for a 12-ball set. Archtown's A. Charlton made one of each suit on the game 1 break, but she still kept it competitive, getting into good positions. Viewpoint Sound's Dani did cash in on the advantage though, putting the 7 in the bottom side after a struggle to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Dani had a ball on the break in game 2, but she left a cluster around the bottom side, limiting her positioning. The Arrows' Charlton picked around efficiently and eventually took the 10 to the bottom left for the win to tie the series at 1. Charlton again gave away a wild-card ball in game 3, but after an initial surge, Dani went cold. It was actually Dani's illegal contact foul that laid the groundwork for Charlton to make her final two balls. Charlton won the series 2-1 and will face a tougher task in the second round, hosting the Queens Flames' Violetta with one of her six advancing bids.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Bear. The host takes her second series of the day in Rotation with the red cue. Pacific's Ms. Kitty had a good start in game 1, staking out her lead and never getting challenged by Everton's Bear. Ms. Kitty was able to pull clear for an 8-3 win and 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Bear built up his lead quickly in game 2, only to see it crash down as the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty rallied on a five-ball run. Bear gummed up Ms. Kitty's play just enough at the end before taking his own three-ball run-out for the 8-7 win to tie the series at 1. Bear again pulled out to a lead in game 3, and again saw Ms. Kitty regain control in the middle. This time, Bear served up a four-ball run-out, working the side pockets to win 8-6 for the 2-1 series win. Bear will travel to Lighton for a game against the Prestige's Shiny in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Cubby. More Rotation is on the way, this time with the silver cue. Eastside's Cubby struck first in game 1 but trailed most of the game to Central's Noelle. Cubby briefly tied it, but his scratch allowed Noelle to make a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for her 8-5 win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Noelle again started a little slow in game 2, but eventually turned the 4 into a wrecking ball. The Sharks' Cubby had a couple of chances to catch up, but he failed. Noelle used the 8 as a decoy, deflecting the shot to strike the 10 to the top right for the 8-3 win. Noelle sealed the series at 2-0 on this play. Cubby pulled into a tie early in game 3, but Noelle took over from that point with her five-ball run-out for the 8-3 win. Noelle swept the series 3-0 and will host Oreo of the Terrace City Knights in the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Rosalina v. Puff II. Back to 12-ball with the red cue for the second-to-last series today. Whitewater's Rosalina made a pair on the break in game 1, then gave away a wild-card ball on her next turn. Boston's Puff II didn't manage to take advantage of that play, as Rosalina's solid positioning factored heavily into her win for the 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Rosalina looked ready to repeat the effort in game 2 after allowing a wild-card ball on the break. The Swifts' Puff II scratched to give it back, but eventually found her groove and worked her way to a win as Rosalina never had a clear look on her last ball. The series is now tied at 1. Puff II ended up with solids in game 3, but her illegal contact play led to Rosalina executing an easy five-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win. Rosalina's 2-1 series win confirms a matchup at home versus her former teammate, the Diamond Gems' Pedey, in the second round.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Luigi. The red cue finishes the day with a series of 15-ball. Infinity's Smudge seemed to have the possession edge in game 1, but North Modernistic's Luigi walked away with a win, focusing in for a three-ball run-out at the end. Luigi leads the series 1-0. The Nighthawks' Luigi upped the tempo in game 2, getting a spinning triple-pot at one point and adding another three-ball run. However, his game ended in disaster with a late scratch that allowed the Torpedoes' Smudge to pot a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Neither player had any interest in allowing game 3 reach full term, as both hounded the 15. Luigi had the chance to make it on a 4-7-15 combination, and he did, but his scratch on the shot gifted the win and the 2-1 series win to Smudge, who will host Chicky Phil of the Web City Spiders in the second round.
That's all for today. We'll be on the regular schedule tomorrow.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Strawberry v. Niki. The red cue opens the day with a series in 7-ball. Victoria's Strawberry had a three-ball run to begin game 1, but she couldn't get another multi-ball attack. Commerce's Niki stepped up at the end to take the 7 in the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Strawberry provided a more stable attack late in game 2, making four balls over her last two turns to get the win against a lesser effort from the Tradewinds' Niki. This tied the series at 1. Game 3 saw a slow start on both sides before Niki did a four-ball run-out, double-potting the 5 to the bottom side and the 7 to the bottom right for the win. Niki took the series 2-1 and will visit Waluigi of the Web City Spiders in the second round.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Sugar v. Prism. The blue cue is next up, playing Accuracy. Swordpoint's Sugar made a ball on the game 1 break, but faded early. She forced overtime against Todavía's Prism, but she couldn't hold on. Sugar missed twice in the extra rack, with Prism taking a 1-0 series lead on a 4-5 win. The Blades' Sugar was perfect until the final ball in regulation of game 2, taking a miss. Both players missed in overtime, but the Stills' Prism missed again later in the extra rack, allowing Sugar to take the 2-3 win to tie the series at 1. Sugar took care of business in a sharp game 3, missing just once to hold on for a 1-2 win over Prism this time. Sugar took the series 2-1 and will host Southern Monarchs veteran Pounce in the second round. Prism advances six bids to the next round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Sugar. The visitor makes it a personal doubleheader, traveling for Rotation with the red cue. Swordpoint's Sugar had the first offense in a slow game 1, but Southern's Dominic steadily rallied ahead in the late-game, winning 8-5 for the 1-0 lead in the series. The Blades' Sugar capitalized on a number of near-misses from the Monarchs' Dominic in game 2. Sugar built her lead up slowly and steadily, and then countered Dominic's three-ball run with her finishing attack. Sugar won 8-3 to tie the series at 1. Sugar had a stunning seven-ball run from the break to lead off game 3. Dominic got a pair back, but Sugar made the 6 to the top left for the 8-2 win to seal the series in her favor at 2-1. Sugar is set to visit the Diamond Gems' Pedey in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Taylor S. The red cue will go again for this 9-ball series. Central's Twilight had a good break in game 1, but it paled in comparison to a five-ball run-out from Commerce's Taylor S. In the end, Taylor S. deflected a shot off the 6 to tap the 9 to the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went the distance, with the Tradewinds' Taylor S. unable to replicate her previous attack. The Warriors' Twilight did a good impression, winning on a four-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Taylor S. put up another big run late in game 3, making four straight, but she missed the 9 twice. Twilight tapped it into the bottom right for the win and 2-1 series win. Twilight will head to round two, facing club-mate and Freedom Cascades veteran Stinky.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Dustin. Dangerous veterans collide in 12-ball with the blue cue. Pacific's Ms. Kitty made a pair on the break before giving Central's Dustin a wild-card ball after he answered with a pair. Dustin was just too slow on his last ball, allowing Ms. Kitty to come back with a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was a virtual reverse of the first, with the Warriors' Dustin giving away a wild-card ball, but the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty lacked a killer instinct at the end. Dustin made a pair of each of his final two turns for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was as tense as it gets, with Dustin first looking for offense but being forced to defense as Ms. Kitty quickly got down to her last ball. Dustin's positioning never came together, and Ms. Kitty got the win, taking the series 2-1 as well. Ms. Kitty will play host to the Westside Rockers' Midnight in the second round. Dustin has five advancing bids for himself.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Stealth. The red cue will be back after the break with 15-ball. Modernistic's Daisy had her hands all over game 1, making a five-ball run and eight of the last nine balls to defeat Swordpoint's Stealth. Daisy leads the series at 1-0 after the strong first showing. The Union's Daisy came close to potting the 15 on the break after a late contact with the remaining cluster. Daisy hounded the 15 for much of the game, chipping in short runs. The Blades' Stealth had a chance for a late run, but he missed on the 13, and Daisy finished it off for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Daisy kept her offense strong in game 3, but her 6-15 combination to the top right ended in a scratch, gifting Stealth his lone win. Daisy won the series 2-1 and will face Pearl Surfers co-captain Watermelon in the second round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Hoot v. Hannah. The blue cue cycles in again for 9-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot couldn't gain traction in game 1, and Queens' Hannah can thank a lucky bank of the 9 to the top right for her win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Flames' Hannah struggled on offense in game 2, until she adjusted her hand position late in the battle. She just missed the 9 on a bank toward the bottom left, where the Meteors' Hoot tapped it in for a well-earned win to tie the series at 1. Hoot did enough in a close game 3 to hold off Hannah. Hoot struck the 8 to the top side and put the 9 there as well, winning the game and the 2-1 series. Hoot is set to host Southridge Defenders captain Debby in round two with one of his six advancing bids.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Spot v. Starlight. The blue cue goes again in this 13-ball series. Pronger's Spot didn't get anything on the break, but Pacific's Starlight never got positioning on her final ball in game 1. Spot rallied back and picked up the win, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. Both players started well but took a passive turn in game 2, leading to a very slow finish. The Tridents' Spot will rue missing the 8 at the top side, which allowed the Volcanoes' Starlight to pull off a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Starlight showed up big again in game 3, making a four-ball run early on and fighting for positioning. Spot again found himself out of sorts, and Starlight cruised to the win and 2-1 series win. Starlight is set to visit Briana of the Queens Flames in the second round. Spot will play in four events in the next round.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Boots v. Whiskers. A couple of talented opponents meet in Accuracy, also using the blue cue. Pearl's Boots was unassailable in game 1, playing perfectly and getting a nice bounce on the 14 at the end to preserve a 0-2 win over Maplewood's Whiskers. Boots leads the series 1-0. The Surfers' Boots won again in game 2, but it was much less clinical, as she took the early lead thanks to the Lumberjacks' Whiskers making a mess. Boots faded late but won 4-5, securing the series at 2-0 in the process. Boots returned to perfection in game 3, while Whiskers again scuffled at the start and never had a chance to catch up. A 0-3 win gave Boots the 3-0 series sweep to take into a second-round series against Golden Pilots veteran Sparkles.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: A. Charlton v. Dani. The red cue draws in again for a 12-ball set. Archtown's A. Charlton made one of each suit on the game 1 break, but she still kept it competitive, getting into good positions. Viewpoint Sound's Dani did cash in on the advantage though, putting the 7 in the bottom side after a struggle to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Dani had a ball on the break in game 2, but she left a cluster around the bottom side, limiting her positioning. The Arrows' Charlton picked around efficiently and eventually took the 10 to the bottom left for the win to tie the series at 1. Charlton again gave away a wild-card ball in game 3, but after an initial surge, Dani went cold. It was actually Dani's illegal contact foul that laid the groundwork for Charlton to make her final two balls. Charlton won the series 2-1 and will face a tougher task in the second round, hosting the Queens Flames' Violetta with one of her six advancing bids.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Bear. The host takes her second series of the day in Rotation with the red cue. Pacific's Ms. Kitty had a good start in game 1, staking out her lead and never getting challenged by Everton's Bear. Ms. Kitty was able to pull clear for an 8-3 win and 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Bear built up his lead quickly in game 2, only to see it crash down as the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty rallied on a five-ball run. Bear gummed up Ms. Kitty's play just enough at the end before taking his own three-ball run-out for the 8-7 win to tie the series at 1. Bear again pulled out to a lead in game 3, and again saw Ms. Kitty regain control in the middle. This time, Bear served up a four-ball run-out, working the side pockets to win 8-6 for the 2-1 series win. Bear will travel to Lighton for a game against the Prestige's Shiny in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Cubby. More Rotation is on the way, this time with the silver cue. Eastside's Cubby struck first in game 1 but trailed most of the game to Central's Noelle. Cubby briefly tied it, but his scratch allowed Noelle to make a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for her 8-5 win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Noelle again started a little slow in game 2, but eventually turned the 4 into a wrecking ball. The Sharks' Cubby had a couple of chances to catch up, but he failed. Noelle used the 8 as a decoy, deflecting the shot to strike the 10 to the top right for the 8-3 win. Noelle sealed the series at 2-0 on this play. Cubby pulled into a tie early in game 3, but Noelle took over from that point with her five-ball run-out for the 8-3 win. Noelle swept the series 3-0 and will host Oreo of the Terrace City Knights in the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Rosalina v. Puff II. Back to 12-ball with the red cue for the second-to-last series today. Whitewater's Rosalina made a pair on the break in game 1, then gave away a wild-card ball on her next turn. Boston's Puff II didn't manage to take advantage of that play, as Rosalina's solid positioning factored heavily into her win for the 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Rosalina looked ready to repeat the effort in game 2 after allowing a wild-card ball on the break. The Swifts' Puff II scratched to give it back, but eventually found her groove and worked her way to a win as Rosalina never had a clear look on her last ball. The series is now tied at 1. Puff II ended up with solids in game 3, but her illegal contact play led to Rosalina executing an easy five-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win. Rosalina's 2-1 series win confirms a matchup at home versus her former teammate, the Diamond Gems' Pedey, in the second round.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Luigi. The red cue finishes the day with a series of 15-ball. Infinity's Smudge seemed to have the possession edge in game 1, but North Modernistic's Luigi walked away with a win, focusing in for a three-ball run-out at the end. Luigi leads the series 1-0. The Nighthawks' Luigi upped the tempo in game 2, getting a spinning triple-pot at one point and adding another three-ball run. However, his game ended in disaster with a late scratch that allowed the Torpedoes' Smudge to pot a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Neither player had any interest in allowing game 3 reach full term, as both hounded the 15. Luigi had the chance to make it on a 4-7-15 combination, and he did, but his scratch on the shot gifted the win and the 2-1 series win to Smudge, who will host Chicky Phil of the Web City Spiders in the second round.
That's all for today. We'll be on the regular schedule tomorrow.
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Premier Cricket 2019 - Week 22
The final segment of the cricket regular season is finally here. Leading things off...
Cisco Tysini Field, Tysini: The Rockers have a quintuple to start the week, sitting Misty while the host Hummingbirds are without Vincent due to his developmental stint. Slinks led off with a solid 433 for Westside in a rare turn at the top of the order. Sarah responded with 763 for Tysini in a confident response from the Rookie of the Year favorite. Goatee didn't help much with 291 for the Rockers, unable to cover the deficit. Leandra whacked 518 more for the Hummingbirds, who are really taking it to the league's top team. Chimpy didn't press hard with 264 for Westside, who seem content to take it easy this week. Charli kept Tysini firmly in control with her 494 ahead of the final turn. Midnight went for high pace, but fell with a measly 180 as the Rockers lost with 1168. Paps had only 267 but the Hummingbirds easily won with 2042. Tysini improves to 12-30, while Westside is now 33-7.
BMW RockDome, Westside: The Rockers return home and sit Midnight for this battle, while the Swifts begin their four-game road trip with Ice Cream out of action. Patches ripped 572 for Boston to start the game in fine form. Misty replied with 456 for Westside, keeping the hosts within striking distance this time. Puff II slapped 711 for the Swifts on the second attack to greatly pad their lead. Slinks faded at 230 for the Rockers this time, making a comeback look a little tougher. Gradley stumbled with 177 for Boston, leaving them suddenly vulnerable. Goatee charged with 570 for Westside, pressuring the visitors with a player each to go. Sweetheart kept the Swifts steady with 564, closing their offense at 2024. Chimpy ended up with 456 for the Rockers, leaving them short on a loss with 1712. Boston rises to 29-12, while Westside fades to 33-8.
Samsung Whitewater Stadium, Whitewater: The Rockers continue their quintuple with Slinks resting this time, while the host Shores sit Marsell, needing just one win to clinch the final Premier playoff spot. Misty asserted Westside much better in this game with 947 on the opening turn. Twinkie III didn't have much in response with a mild 314 for Whitewater. Goatee stumbled with just 115 for the Rockers on the second attack. Shaggy made a little progress with 341 for the Shores, but they stay behind at the midway mark. Chimpy added 472 to the Westside lead, a responsible turn from the veteran. Katharine's 243 for Whitewater didn't help their cause at all, deepening the deficit late in the game. Midnight piled on with 624 for the Rockers, sealing their score at 2158. Rosalina had only 376 for the Shores, who lost with 1274. Westside gets back on track at 34-8, while Whitewater is 17-26 and must win their season finale to stay in Premier.
Chevrolet Field, Everton: The Eagles sit Kirstin for the first game of a home-and-home with the Rockers, while Chimpy is out for the visitors. Misty came to play for Westside, kicking things off with 506 on the first turn. Goldy made a mess with 72 for Everton, putting the hosts in a deep hole from the start. Slinks crushed another 778 for the Rockers, who have hit a surge later in their quintuple. Bear managed only 162 for the Eagles on their second attack, worsening the deficit. Goatee did solidly with 464 for Westside in what is her regular-season finale. Cleo brought some respectability to Everton with 874 on her attack, but they remain noticeably behind. Midnight tapped 300 more for the Rockers to ice their attack at 2048. Puff III couldn't rally enough with 388 for the Eagles, who lost with 1496. Westside finished 18-4 on the road and improved to 35-8 overall, while Everton slides to 24-18.
BMW RockDome, Westside: This is it for the Rockers, with Goatee taking her turn to rest while the Eagles sit Bear after his previous performance. Goldy performed much better in the road game, slashing 606 to ignite the Everton offense. Misty took only 220 for Westside at the start in a poor turn. Cleo kept the Eagles in a position of strength, launching 753 to more than double their offense. Slinks tried to rally the Rockers into action with 521. Puff III kept Everton rolling with 494, nearly canceling out the most recent damage. Chimpy kept Westside in the hunt with 525 on his turn, but they'll need a miracle to overturn this deficit. Kirstin had only 300 for the Eagles, but it gives them a final score of 2153. Midnight didn't save it with 460 for the Rockers, who took the loss at 1726. Everton is up to 25-18, finishing 13-9 on the road, while Westside ends 17-5 at home and 35-9 overall.
Samsung Whitewater Stadium, Whitewater: The Shores sit Katharine with their Premier lives on the line, while the Predators sit Fuchsia as they hope to play spoiler. Shawn had decent pace but fell with 304 for Midland on the opening turn. Marsell shot back with 500 for Whitewater, staking out the early lead to the applause of the home crowd. Rainmane failed to cover the deficit with only 180 for the Predators. Twinkie III regained a good chunk of the lead with 422 for the Shores, who are in control at the halfway point. Americus made a play with 396 for Midland, attempting to keep the visitors in the game. Shaggy fought off the danger with 534 more for Whitewater, bringing the in-stadium excitement to a peak. Kitty fell short at 337 for the Predators, leaving them at a loss with 1217. Rosalina made it a quick exit with 227, the Shores winning at 1683 to go to 18-26 on the year and 11-11 at home. Midland is now 9-33, confirmed in last place, which secures 11th for Tysini. Also, Infinity will be relegated in 9th place.
Amazon Field, Golden: The Pilots need to beat their Generations Derby rivals to have a chance at second place. The hosts sit Sparkles, while the visiting Swifts cycle Gradley to the bench this time. Patches set the tone with 621 for Boston, who need only a win to secure second place. Valencia fired back with 529 for Golden, the captain doing well to keep her team close. Puff II scorched 844 at a high pace for the Swifts to extend their lead on the second attack. Dusty closed with 810 for the Pilots, refusing to let the hosts go quietly. Sweetheart lashed 553 for Boston, keeping them ahead in the high-scoring game. Strut dropped off at 388 for Golden, costing them valuable ground late in the game. Ice Cream tacked on 556 more for the Swifts, capping their offense at 2574. Max poked 503 for the Pilots, but they ended up with a hard loss at 2230. Boston rises to 30-12, while Golden ends at 28-16 for the year and 15-7 at home.
Chevrolet Field, Everton: The Eagles need a win to take fourth place outright, sitting Puff III against a shorthanded Hummingbirds team still missing Vincent. Sarah tallied 350 for Tysini to start things off. Goldy kept the margins thin with 345 for Everton, an acceptable start for the host captain. Leandra opened things up with 763 for the Hummingbirds, giving the visitors a much clearer lead. Bear pulled back with 503 for the Eagles, trying to keep them within striking distance. Charli stumbled at 272 for Tysini, putting their lead in a bit of danger. Cleo made a gain with 407 for Everton, but the hosts will need a little more heading into the final turn. Paps had the pace but a short turn of 235 for the Hummingbirds, giving them a final score of 1620. Kirstin struck 472 for the Eagles, enough to complete the comeback as they won with 1727. Everton finished 26-18 in fourth place, going 13-9 at home, while Tysini is 12-31 overall and 4-18 on the road.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Lorde is out again for the Sharpshooters as they begin a home doubleheader to end the year, while the Predators have Rainmane on the bench. Shawn served up a pacey 390 for Midland, exiting quickly on a high hit. Chris carved out 669 for Capital City in response to give them a hefty lead. Americus didn't cover the deficit with 258 for the Predators, a mediocre turn from the veteran. Missy replied with 521 for the Sharpshooters at the halfway mark, extending their lead nicely. Fuchsia showed up well with 456 for Midland to carve out a large chunk of the deficit. Sprinkles clubbed 503 for Capital City to keep them firmly ahead. Kitty ended with 397 for the Predators, leaving them at a loss with 1501. Pauline tapped 310 to secure the Sharpshooters' win at 2003. Capital City rises to 22-21, while Midland drops to 9-34 with a 3-19 road record.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Sharpshooters play it safe, resting Chris, while the Swifts sit Sweetheart for this match. Patches knocked 436 for Boston this time, a solid performance from the captain. Missy fired back with a crisp 503 for Capital City to take a slight lead initially. Puff II upped the stakes with 540 for the Swifts, giving them a stronger lead this time. Sprinkles had 434 for the Sharpshooters, putting them just narrowly behind halfway through the game. Gradley kept the offense steady with 514 for the leading Boston squad. Lorde lost a little more ground with 426 for Capital City, the hosts starting to fade a bit. Ice Cream had only 180 for the Swifts, leaving them exposed at 1670 overall. Pauline couldn't save a low roller, ending at 135 as the Sharpshooters take the loss on 1498 total. Boston is now 31-12, while Capital City closes at 22-22, with a 10-12 home record.
HP Field, Midland: We're down to the last two games of the regular season, with Shawn out for the Predators and Snowball sitting for the Blades. Dreamy lined 503 for Swordpoint to open the scoring in a positive manner. Rainmane responded with 368 for Midland, putting them a bit behind at first. Bandit played at an exceptional pace and scored 572 for the Blades on the second attack. Americus nabbed 429 for the Predators in a solid counterattack. Stealth slapped another 600 as Swordpoint is cruising in their final game of the year. Fuchsia notched 304 for Midland in a middling turn. Sugar's 397 for the Blades capped their offense at 2072 in a likely win. Kitty finished well with 434 for the Predators, who indeed suffered the loss at 1535. Swordpoint ends the year at 16-28 with a 7-15 road record, while Midland finishes at 9-35 with a 6-16 home record.
Cisco Tysini Field, Tysini: The Hummingbirds close out the season at home without Vincent, while the Swifts choose to rest their captain Patches in the finale. Puff II started off alright but quickly faded to 329 for Boston on the opening turn. Sarah hauled in 494 for Tysini to give the hosts an early lead. Gradley fired back with 540 for the Swifts on a more assertive second attack. Leandra dropped back with 341 for the Hummingbirds, who now trail slightly at the midway point. Sweetheart sliced 300 for Boston after a high hit ended her effort early. Charli wasted the chance to catch up with a mere 96 for Tysini. Ice Cream tallied 590 at the end for the Swifts, finishing their offense at 1759. Paps fell with 276 for the Hummingbirds, confirming their loss at 1207. Boston ends with a 32-12 record, including a 17-5 road mark, while Tysini is 12-32 with a home record of 8-14.
That's it for the regular season. Over the next few days (hopefully), I'll handle some administrative work before beginning the Hutton Cup Playoffs, likely next Sunday at the absolute latest and potentially as early as Wednesday.
Cisco Tysini Field, Tysini: The Rockers have a quintuple to start the week, sitting Misty while the host Hummingbirds are without Vincent due to his developmental stint. Slinks led off with a solid 433 for Westside in a rare turn at the top of the order. Sarah responded with 763 for Tysini in a confident response from the Rookie of the Year favorite. Goatee didn't help much with 291 for the Rockers, unable to cover the deficit. Leandra whacked 518 more for the Hummingbirds, who are really taking it to the league's top team. Chimpy didn't press hard with 264 for Westside, who seem content to take it easy this week. Charli kept Tysini firmly in control with her 494 ahead of the final turn. Midnight went for high pace, but fell with a measly 180 as the Rockers lost with 1168. Paps had only 267 but the Hummingbirds easily won with 2042. Tysini improves to 12-30, while Westside is now 33-7.
BMW RockDome, Westside: The Rockers return home and sit Midnight for this battle, while the Swifts begin their four-game road trip with Ice Cream out of action. Patches ripped 572 for Boston to start the game in fine form. Misty replied with 456 for Westside, keeping the hosts within striking distance this time. Puff II slapped 711 for the Swifts on the second attack to greatly pad their lead. Slinks faded at 230 for the Rockers this time, making a comeback look a little tougher. Gradley stumbled with 177 for Boston, leaving them suddenly vulnerable. Goatee charged with 570 for Westside, pressuring the visitors with a player each to go. Sweetheart kept the Swifts steady with 564, closing their offense at 2024. Chimpy ended up with 456 for the Rockers, leaving them short on a loss with 1712. Boston rises to 29-12, while Westside fades to 33-8.
Samsung Whitewater Stadium, Whitewater: The Rockers continue their quintuple with Slinks resting this time, while the host Shores sit Marsell, needing just one win to clinch the final Premier playoff spot. Misty asserted Westside much better in this game with 947 on the opening turn. Twinkie III didn't have much in response with a mild 314 for Whitewater. Goatee stumbled with just 115 for the Rockers on the second attack. Shaggy made a little progress with 341 for the Shores, but they stay behind at the midway mark. Chimpy added 472 to the Westside lead, a responsible turn from the veteran. Katharine's 243 for Whitewater didn't help their cause at all, deepening the deficit late in the game. Midnight piled on with 624 for the Rockers, sealing their score at 2158. Rosalina had only 376 for the Shores, who lost with 1274. Westside gets back on track at 34-8, while Whitewater is 17-26 and must win their season finale to stay in Premier.
Chevrolet Field, Everton: The Eagles sit Kirstin for the first game of a home-and-home with the Rockers, while Chimpy is out for the visitors. Misty came to play for Westside, kicking things off with 506 on the first turn. Goldy made a mess with 72 for Everton, putting the hosts in a deep hole from the start. Slinks crushed another 778 for the Rockers, who have hit a surge later in their quintuple. Bear managed only 162 for the Eagles on their second attack, worsening the deficit. Goatee did solidly with 464 for Westside in what is her regular-season finale. Cleo brought some respectability to Everton with 874 on her attack, but they remain noticeably behind. Midnight tapped 300 more for the Rockers to ice their attack at 2048. Puff III couldn't rally enough with 388 for the Eagles, who lost with 1496. Westside finished 18-4 on the road and improved to 35-8 overall, while Everton slides to 24-18.
BMW RockDome, Westside: This is it for the Rockers, with Goatee taking her turn to rest while the Eagles sit Bear after his previous performance. Goldy performed much better in the road game, slashing 606 to ignite the Everton offense. Misty took only 220 for Westside at the start in a poor turn. Cleo kept the Eagles in a position of strength, launching 753 to more than double their offense. Slinks tried to rally the Rockers into action with 521. Puff III kept Everton rolling with 494, nearly canceling out the most recent damage. Chimpy kept Westside in the hunt with 525 on his turn, but they'll need a miracle to overturn this deficit. Kirstin had only 300 for the Eagles, but it gives them a final score of 2153. Midnight didn't save it with 460 for the Rockers, who took the loss at 1726. Everton is up to 25-18, finishing 13-9 on the road, while Westside ends 17-5 at home and 35-9 overall.
Samsung Whitewater Stadium, Whitewater: The Shores sit Katharine with their Premier lives on the line, while the Predators sit Fuchsia as they hope to play spoiler. Shawn had decent pace but fell with 304 for Midland on the opening turn. Marsell shot back with 500 for Whitewater, staking out the early lead to the applause of the home crowd. Rainmane failed to cover the deficit with only 180 for the Predators. Twinkie III regained a good chunk of the lead with 422 for the Shores, who are in control at the halfway point. Americus made a play with 396 for Midland, attempting to keep the visitors in the game. Shaggy fought off the danger with 534 more for Whitewater, bringing the in-stadium excitement to a peak. Kitty fell short at 337 for the Predators, leaving them at a loss with 1217. Rosalina made it a quick exit with 227, the Shores winning at 1683 to go to 18-26 on the year and 11-11 at home. Midland is now 9-33, confirmed in last place, which secures 11th for Tysini. Also, Infinity will be relegated in 9th place.
Amazon Field, Golden: The Pilots need to beat their Generations Derby rivals to have a chance at second place. The hosts sit Sparkles, while the visiting Swifts cycle Gradley to the bench this time. Patches set the tone with 621 for Boston, who need only a win to secure second place. Valencia fired back with 529 for Golden, the captain doing well to keep her team close. Puff II scorched 844 at a high pace for the Swifts to extend their lead on the second attack. Dusty closed with 810 for the Pilots, refusing to let the hosts go quietly. Sweetheart lashed 553 for Boston, keeping them ahead in the high-scoring game. Strut dropped off at 388 for Golden, costing them valuable ground late in the game. Ice Cream tacked on 556 more for the Swifts, capping their offense at 2574. Max poked 503 for the Pilots, but they ended up with a hard loss at 2230. Boston rises to 30-12, while Golden ends at 28-16 for the year and 15-7 at home.
Chevrolet Field, Everton: The Eagles need a win to take fourth place outright, sitting Puff III against a shorthanded Hummingbirds team still missing Vincent. Sarah tallied 350 for Tysini to start things off. Goldy kept the margins thin with 345 for Everton, an acceptable start for the host captain. Leandra opened things up with 763 for the Hummingbirds, giving the visitors a much clearer lead. Bear pulled back with 503 for the Eagles, trying to keep them within striking distance. Charli stumbled at 272 for Tysini, putting their lead in a bit of danger. Cleo made a gain with 407 for Everton, but the hosts will need a little more heading into the final turn. Paps had the pace but a short turn of 235 for the Hummingbirds, giving them a final score of 1620. Kirstin struck 472 for the Eagles, enough to complete the comeback as they won with 1727. Everton finished 26-18 in fourth place, going 13-9 at home, while Tysini is 12-31 overall and 4-18 on the road.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Lorde is out again for the Sharpshooters as they begin a home doubleheader to end the year, while the Predators have Rainmane on the bench. Shawn served up a pacey 390 for Midland, exiting quickly on a high hit. Chris carved out 669 for Capital City in response to give them a hefty lead. Americus didn't cover the deficit with 258 for the Predators, a mediocre turn from the veteran. Missy replied with 521 for the Sharpshooters at the halfway mark, extending their lead nicely. Fuchsia showed up well with 456 for Midland to carve out a large chunk of the deficit. Sprinkles clubbed 503 for Capital City to keep them firmly ahead. Kitty ended with 397 for the Predators, leaving them at a loss with 1501. Pauline tapped 310 to secure the Sharpshooters' win at 2003. Capital City rises to 22-21, while Midland drops to 9-34 with a 3-19 road record.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Sharpshooters play it safe, resting Chris, while the Swifts sit Sweetheart for this match. Patches knocked 436 for Boston this time, a solid performance from the captain. Missy fired back with a crisp 503 for Capital City to take a slight lead initially. Puff II upped the stakes with 540 for the Swifts, giving them a stronger lead this time. Sprinkles had 434 for the Sharpshooters, putting them just narrowly behind halfway through the game. Gradley kept the offense steady with 514 for the leading Boston squad. Lorde lost a little more ground with 426 for Capital City, the hosts starting to fade a bit. Ice Cream had only 180 for the Swifts, leaving them exposed at 1670 overall. Pauline couldn't save a low roller, ending at 135 as the Sharpshooters take the loss on 1498 total. Boston is now 31-12, while Capital City closes at 22-22, with a 10-12 home record.
HP Field, Midland: We're down to the last two games of the regular season, with Shawn out for the Predators and Snowball sitting for the Blades. Dreamy lined 503 for Swordpoint to open the scoring in a positive manner. Rainmane responded with 368 for Midland, putting them a bit behind at first. Bandit played at an exceptional pace and scored 572 for the Blades on the second attack. Americus nabbed 429 for the Predators in a solid counterattack. Stealth slapped another 600 as Swordpoint is cruising in their final game of the year. Fuchsia notched 304 for Midland in a middling turn. Sugar's 397 for the Blades capped their offense at 2072 in a likely win. Kitty finished well with 434 for the Predators, who indeed suffered the loss at 1535. Swordpoint ends the year at 16-28 with a 7-15 road record, while Midland finishes at 9-35 with a 6-16 home record.
Cisco Tysini Field, Tysini: The Hummingbirds close out the season at home without Vincent, while the Swifts choose to rest their captain Patches in the finale. Puff II started off alright but quickly faded to 329 for Boston on the opening turn. Sarah hauled in 494 for Tysini to give the hosts an early lead. Gradley fired back with 540 for the Swifts on a more assertive second attack. Leandra dropped back with 341 for the Hummingbirds, who now trail slightly at the midway point. Sweetheart sliced 300 for Boston after a high hit ended her effort early. Charli wasted the chance to catch up with a mere 96 for Tysini. Ice Cream tallied 590 at the end for the Swifts, finishing their offense at 1759. Paps fell with 276 for the Hummingbirds, confirming their loss at 1207. Boston ends with a 32-12 record, including a 17-5 road mark, while Tysini is 12-32 with a home record of 8-14.
That's it for the regular season. Over the next few days (hopefully), I'll handle some administrative work before beginning the Hutton Cup Playoffs, likely next Sunday at the absolute latest and potentially as early as Wednesday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)