Tournament 2019 - Round 2 Day 19

We're ready to go with another day of games, the last before a one-day break. First up...

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Mams. The silver cue has the first look today, playing 10-ball. Southern's Mams waited a bit to make her attack in game 1, as Lighton's Acorn had some good offense. Mams then won on a three-ball run-out to take the 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Mams picked up a deflected shot off the 5 to drill the 10 to the bottom right in game 2, after the Prestige's Acorn potted the 9 on an uncalled shot. Mams' tricky deflection earned her the win and 2-0 series lead. Mams had some good shots in game 3, but her late-game play lacked, and Acorn took advantage to get his lone win of the series. Mams took the series 2-1 and will visit Bright of the Pearl Surfers in the third round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Pauline v. Gizmo. The blue cue takes a turn next in 15-ball. A choppy game 1 went in favor of Capital City's Pauline, who saw a little luck to make the 11 on a two-rail bank before putting the 12-15 combination in the top right. Eastside's Gizmo had nothing of note as Pauline took the 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Pauline had a five-ball run to start game 2, while the Sharks' Gizmo answered with a late six-ball run in an energetic game. Pauline then drilled the 15 to the top left, getting a double-tap on it and watching it fall late for the win. Pauline secured the series at 2-0. Gizmo continued to bring offense in game 3, making a pair of four-ball runs and the 15 on the next turn to get the win. Pauline accepted a 2-1 series win, which will set her up to host Sweetheart of the Boston Swifts in round three.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Goldy. Back in 10-ball, the blue cue goes again. Viewpoint Sound's Dani controlled the offense in game 1, with an early three-ball run and a five-ball run-out at the end leaving no room for Everton's Goldy. Dani leads the series 1-0. The Eagles' Goldy had a chance to strike the 3-10 combination to the bottom right but played around it instead in game 2. The Meteors' Dani instead took a 4-10 combination to the same pocket at a tough angle for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Goldy made sure to get a game of her own, winning game 3 with a deflection off the 7 to put the 10 in the bottom right. Dani won the series 2-1 and played well throughout, earning the right to host again in the third round.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Snuggle v. Fluffina. Talented veterans meet in Accuracy with the silver cue. Oceanside's Snuggle held the lead initially in game 1, but he fell apart in the middle. Infinity's Fluffina took over and held on to win 3-4, earning the 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fluffina enjoyed the lead in game 2, but the Waves' Snuggle made sure the roles reversed completely. This time, Snuggle held the line for a 3-5 win at the end, tying the series at 1 as Fluffina floundered. Game 3 was the closest battle between the players, with Snuggle missing a late shot and Fluffina locking down the 2-3 win for the 2-1 series win. Fluffina's strong finish sends her to the third round.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Panda v. Citrus. Next up is 13-ball using the blue cue. Lighton's Citrus put up a good fight in game 1, but her failure at the bottom side in the middle of the game allowed Southern's Panda to pull ahead and eventually win. Panda owns a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Panda sank the last ball for the Prestige's Citrus in game 2, setting the visitor up to cut the 8 to the top right for the win. Panda already had an illegally potted ball that went unnoticed, so Citrus was very certainly the winner, tying the series at 1. Panda didn't learn from his mistake, with another overfill at the top left costing him game 3. Citrus was credited with the win and 2-1 series win, setting her up to visit the Victoria Spurs' Sage in the third round.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Watermelon. A strong host meets an MVP candidate in 15-ball with the red cue. Modernistic's Daisy made a pair on the break in game 1, but she had no answer for a six-ball run-out by Pearl's Watermelon to close things up. Watermelon's surge gave her a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon stunned with a seven-ball run in game 2, taking a clear grip on the offense. The Union's Daisy nearly countered at the end, but her three-ball run ended with 15 just outside the top right. Watermelon sank it for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Watermelon took a step back while Daisy attacked relentlessly in game 3. Watermelon nearly snagged the win on a 13-15 combination, but she left it short for Daisy to convert at the top right. Watermelon advanced on a 2-1 series win and will host her round three series.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Lionel v. Patches. Staying in the region, we have 10-ball with the blue cue. Boston's Patches had a slight edge in possession in game 1, but she didn't manage to corral the 10, as North Modernistic's Lionel potted it at the top left after Patches missed. Lionel leads the series 1-0. The Nighthawks' Lionel had a strong performance in game 2, despite the Swifts' Patches battling all over the table. Lionel would win this one with a 7-10 combination to the top right, deflected off the 9 to secure the series in his favor at 2-0. Patches came as close as she could in game 3, working a five-ball run with banks to pot the 8 and the 9, but she missed the 10 and Lionel swept it up. Lionel also swept the series 3-0 and will host the Central Warriors' Dustin in the third round.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Hannah. The halfway point today comes with 12-ball and the silver cue. Central's Twilight had one of each on the break in game 1, emboldening Queens' Hannah at the end. Twilight defended the bottom left like her life depended on it, but Hannah squeaked the 7 in there anyway for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Hannah took solids on the break in game 2, and she cleanly navigated the rest of the rack. The Warriors' Twilight couldn't string anything together as Hannah picked up the win to secure the series at 2-0. Hannah had a promising start in game 3 as well, but she allowed a wild-card ball to Twilight, who promptly turned a three-ball run-out for her lone win. Hannah took the series 2-1 and will visit the Freedom Cascades' Roxy in the third round.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Briana. Mindful play meets fiery energy in 9-ball with the blue cue. Lighton's Spirit brought plenty of offense in game 1, potting the 4 and 6 to the left corners on a double-pot and later adding a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead over Queens' Briana. The Prestige's Spirit made a pair on the break in game 2, but the real highlight came as the Flames' Briana deflected off the 1 to drive the 9 to the bottom right on her first shot. Briana's tricky play tied the series at 1. Briana made a four-ball run from the break and added a three-ball run later in game 3, but Spirit made the last two balls for the win. Spirit took the series 2-1, and she'll head on the road in the third round to visit the Viewpoint Sound Meteors' Princess.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Cowzart. Another 9-ball series uses the silver cue. Pacific's Cowzart had a three-ball run in game 1, but he missed a 5-9 combination to the bottom right. Harrison's Twinkie II gladly converted that same shot, earning the 1-0 series lead with the early finish. The Specters' Twinkie II was all over game 2, with a six-ball run in the middle as her biggest achievement. The Volcanoes' Cowzart tried and failed to bank the 9 to the bottom right, where Twinkie II tapped it in for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Twinkie II continued to play well with a ball on the break in game 3. She then made four of the last five balls to beat Cowzart one more time for the 3-0 series sweep. Twinkie II stays at home in the third round, hosting a fellow captain in the Oceanside Waves' Snuggle.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: A. Charlton v. Violetta. A tough visitor arrives for 12-ball with the red cue. Archtown's A. Charlton put in a good effort in game 1, but her kick on the 1 to the bottom left at the end didn't quite fall. Queens' Violetta capitalized on a three-ball run earlier, and added a kick on the 12 to the bottom right to go up 1-0 in the series. The Flames' Violetta received a wild-card ball in the middle of game 2, but that was just for the Arrows' A. Charlton to clear some space. Charlton would make pairs of shots on subsequent turns, and Violetta returned the wild-card ball as well. Charlton got the win and tied the series at 1. Charlton took stripes quickly in game 3, but Violetta rallied with a five-ball run to get to the late game. Charlton failed to counterattack, and Violetta made her last ball at the bottom left for the win and 2-1 series win. Violetta is set to appear in round three.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Jason V. v. Bright. Coastal rivals clash with the red cue in hand for Accuracy. Nothing went right for Pearl's Bright in game 1, as Oceanside's Jason V. put together a strong effort to keep Bright at bay. Jason V. won 1-6 and took a 1-0 series lead in a lopsided battle. The Waves' Jason V. didn't hold on as well in game 2, slipping from a large lead as the Surfers' Bright found some control. The game went into overtime, where Bright was unable to make anything on the break. Jason V. won 5-6 and clinched the series at 2-0. Bright never really had a chance after another skid in game 3, but Jason V. made it interesting before sealing off the 3-5 win. Jason V. swept the series 3-0 and will host Capital City Sharpshooters captain Chris in the third round.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Kirstin. The red cue goes again in 8-ball. Pearl's Watermelon started with a five-ball run in game 1, then added a pair and the 8 on her next two turns, showing Everton's Kirstin just how quick and dangerous she is. Watermelon leads the series 1-0. The Surfers' Watermelon smashed a six-ball run early in game 2, but this time, she left it unsupported. The Eagles' Kirstin slowly chipped her way back into the game, eventually picking up the win on a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Watermelon struggled for much of game 3 as well, but Kirstin couldn't work well in tight spaces. Watermelon eventually won on a four-ball run-out, taking the series 2-1 in the process. Watermelon will be a host again in the third round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Jasmine v. Noelle. The blue cue cycles in for 15-ball. Freedom's Jasmine made a ball on the break and sparked a five-ball run-out, capped by a contact play on the 4 that bounced the cue back into a cluster, sending the 15 to the top right for the win. Jasmine's win stunned Central's Noelle, but Jasmine will still lead the series 1-0. The Cascades' Jasmine couldn't replicate the effort in game 2, leading to a chippy battle where the Warriors' Noelle won on a pair of shots. Noelle's victory tied the series at 1. Game 3 was a bit more of a back-and-forth battle with some pace. Both players had nice turns, but Noelle's three-ball run-out decided it. Noelle took the series 2-1 and will visit the Pearl Surfers' Beth in the third round.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Hoppy. Underrated players clash in 9-ball with the silver cue. Terrace City's Oreo had a pair of three-ball runs and made the 9 as well at the bottom left, dominating game 1 to take a 1-0 series lead over Archtown's Hoppy. The Knights' Oreo again had a large portion of the offense in game 2, but this time, her late three-ball run ended with a miss on the 9 at the bottom left. The Arrows' Hoppy tapped it in, earning the win to tie the series at 1. Oreo weathered a five-ball run by Hoppy early in game 3, responding with her own four-ball run-out to get the win and 2-1 series win. Oreo is in line to host a series in round three.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Mario. The day ends with a United Derby battle in 15-ball with the red cue. A fairly even game 1 turned very favorably for Queens' Mario at the end, as he made a five-ball run-out while Oceanside's Celestia watched. Mario owns a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Mario had another good chunk of offense early in game 2, but he faltered as the game went on. The finish was very tense until the Waves' Celestia won by banking the 15 to the bottom side, which tied the series at 1. Celestia wasn't able to hold off Mario in a contentious and close game 3. Mario made a pair at the end for the win and won the series 2-1, earning a visit to Pearl against the Surfers' Watermelon in the third round. Celestia's the fifth player eliminated this year, with Mario racking up his first kill.

That's it for the weekday action. Play resumes Saturday as normal.

Tournament 2019 - Round 2 Day 18

We're set to go again in Tournament play. Leading off today...

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Mitchell v. Rainmane. The blue cue gets the opener today, playing 10-ball. Victoria's Mitchell showed great composure in a slow-starting game 1 battle. He waited until he could bank the 5-10 combination to the bottom right, succeeding for the win and 1-0 series lead over a hapless Midland's Rainmane. The Spurs' Mitchell didn't get going immediately in game 2, allowing the Predators' Rainmane to enjoy some offense. Mitchell then sparked a six-ball run-out with a 5-7 combination to the top right, and he iced it with a bank on the 10 to the bottom left to clinch the series at 2-0. Rainmane had three multi-ball turns in game 3, but still came up with the loss after missing the 10 at the bottom right. Mitchell tapped it in for the 3-0 series sweep that puts him in a hosting position in the third round.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Wario v. Citrus. A former Defender visits a current one for 12-ball with the red cue. Southridge's Wario scratched on the game 1 break and gave away a wild-card ball to Lighton's Citrus. This made it easy for Citrus, who had good positioning and needed only three turns to pick up the win and 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Wario quickly made a three-ball run to stake out a lead in game 2. The Prestige's Citrus would later get her own three-ball run, but it wasn't enough to flip the result, as Wario made his last ball on the next turn for the win to tie the series at 1. Citrus attacked relentlessly in game 3, her positioning and execution outpacing Wario by miles. Citrus won the series 2-1, and she'll visit Golden Pilots captain Valencia in a big-name third-round matchup.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Cassie v. Marsell. The blue cue is back for this 7-ball series. Royal's Cassie made four balls on the break in game 1, with the 2 in the bottom right, the 3 and 5 in the top right, and the 7 for the win at the top side. Cassie leads Whitewater's Marsell 1-0 after the epic opening shot. The Crowns' Cassie made a pair on the opening turn in game 2, but her complex attempt at a combination starting on the 2 didn't produce anything. The Shores' Marsell instead double-potted the 2-7 combination to the bottom right for the win on his only shot, tying the series at 1. Marsell went empty on the break in game 3, but won on his second turn, deflecting off the 2 to sink the 7 at the top right. Marsell came from behind for a 2-1 series win that will send him home to face the Viewpoint Sound Meteors' Dani in round three.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Ms. Kitty. On to 15-ball, which uses the silver cue. Whitewater's Katharine had a solid performance in a back-and-forth battle in game 1, getting a pair at the end to top Pacific's Ms. Kitty. Katharine leads the series 1-0 early on. The Shores' Katharine made a bit of an impact on offense in game 2, especially with her late three-ball run. It wouldn't be enough this time, as the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty made the final pair for the win, tying the series at 1 game apiece. Another balanced battle occurred in game 3, and this time it was a slow finish. Katharine ultimately prevailed for the 2-1 series win, sending her to the third round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Brownie v. Shawn. Two surprisingly strong opponents meet in 13-ball with the red cue. Royal's Brownie made one of each suit on the game 1 break, and she never really looked back. Midland's Shawn took too long to set up his last ball, allowing Brownie to easily take the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Shawn got inside position at the bottom right after a fast-paced start to game 2, while the Crowns' Brownie stubbornly refused to pot Shawn's last ball. Brownie eventually made a mistake defensively, and Shawn made the final pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw Brownie again attack well at first, only to fall to bad decisions and positioning. Shawn received ball-in-hand after Brownie's late missed contact, and Shawn made a pair of shots to win the series 2-1. He'll head to the third round with a hosting position in tow.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Americus v. Kirstin. A venue doubleheader starts with 13-ball and the blue cue. Midland's Americus wasted a hot start in game 1 with absolutely no positioning later on. Everton's Kirstin played patiently until she could strike for the win, going ahead 1-0 in the series after the extended build-up. The Predators' Americus weathered and responded to an initial attack by the Eagles' Kirstin in game 2, but Kirstin wasn't done. The visitor potted a three-ball run as a second wind and took the 8 on the next turn after Americus' desperate shot failed. Kirstin clinched the series at 2-0. Kirstin had the advantage for much of game 3, but a couple of fouls along the way gave Americus a chance to get back in it. Americus did so, pushing a rally at the end for the win. Kirstin settled for the 2-1 series win, which has her in the third round against the Whitewater Shores' Twinkie III.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Dusty. Closing the venue doubleheader, Southeastern rivals battle in 15-ball with the silver cue. Midland's Fuchsia had a four-ball run to give her the edge on possession in game 1, despite Golden's Dusty having a three-ball run. At the end, Fuchsia won with a pair to take the 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Fuchsia continued to look good in game 2, until she missed the 4. The Pilots' Dusty won two turns later, converting a 5-15 combination to the top right to tie the series at 1. Dusty kept the momentum going early in game 3, finding a four-ball run at one point. She might have peaked too soon, as Fuchsia took over late and plucked the win for a 2-1 series win. Fuchsia will host the Web City Spiders' Jack in the third round.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Sleepy B. More 15-ball is on the way with the red cue. Archtown's Sleepy B. enjoyed the momentum of a four-ball run over the middle of game 1, but her attempt on the 13 led to a scratch. Golden's Strut took advantage, making a 13-15 combination to the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Sleepy B. didn't back down in game 2, attacking all-out at some points. She missed on the 10, and the Pilots' Strut silenced her with a double-pot of the 10 to the top left and the 15 to the bottom side. Strut sealed the series at 2-0 with his standout shot. Strut unleashed a six-ball run from the break in game 3, then sparred with Sleepy B. before he won on a three-ball run-out capped by an 11-15 combination to the top right. Strut swept the series 3-0 and will host his round three appearance.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Dusty. The visitor's second series today is in 8-ball with the silver cue. Golden's Dusty was intimidating with a five-ball run in game 1, but she failed to support it at all. Commerce's Rosemary also had a five-ball run, but she won on a clever three-ball run-out to take a 1-0 lead in the series. The Tradewinds' Rosemary remained strong early in game 2, but couldn't find a shot on the 8. She only got one chance, as the Pilots' Dusty roared back with a six-ball run-out to snag the win, tying the series at 1. Dusty seemed to have a handle on game 3 at first, but Rosemary flipped the script from the last game, rallying on a six-ball run-out for the victory and 2-1 series win. Rosemary will be on the road in the third round, visiting Urban rival Peach of the North Modernistic Nighthawks.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Vladimir v. Wario. Heavy-hitters collide in another silver cue 8-ball set. Stonebridge's Vladimir started hot in game 1 and held a lead throughout. The ending was tense as Vladimir twice missed the 8 only for Southridge's Wario to miss on his last ball both times. Vladimir did win, taking the 1-0 series lead in the process. The Defenders' Wario took a bit more control in game 2, attacking well initially to keep things close with the Wolves' Vladimir. At the end, Wario unleashed a six-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1. In game 3, Vladimir jumped out to a big lead, and when Wario tried to catch up, he accidentally handled a ball, giving Vladimir ball-in-hand for a three-ball run-out. Vladimir converted for the 2-1 series win, which allows him to host the Harrison Specters' Sydney S. in the third round.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Max v. Sleepy B. The visitor plays her second straight series in this venue, doing 13-ball with the silver cue. Archtown's Sleepy B. was all over game 1 initially, and while Golden's Max made a three-ball run to make it look close, Sleepy B. easily made the 8 at the top side. Sleepy B. owns a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Sleepy B. had a creative kick on the 13 to the top left in game 2, but other than that, her offense stalled out too soon. The Pilots' Max patiently counterattacked as the game progressed, walking away with the win to tie the series at 1. Sleepy B. was frustrated with a scratch and poor positioning in game 3, leading to her accidentally making the 8 early to gift the win and the 2-1 series to Max. In round three, Max will host the Capital City Sharpshooters' Lorde.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Shaggy v. Jack. The red cue cycles in for Rotation. Whitewater's Shaggy had an awful break in game 1, but managed to drag a lead out of the wreckage. Web City's Jack put up a fight to tie the game late before he missed contact on the 15. Shaggy then won 8-7 to take a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Shaggy had a little easier time gaining the lead in game 2, again getting to the brink of victory before losing her touch. The Spiders' Jack slowly rallied back into it, then won on a three-ball run-out for the 8-7 result. This tied the series at 1. Game 3 saw another tight start, followed by the players staying even right to the end. Shaggy just escaped with an 8-6 win and a 2-1 series win. She'll be on the road in the third round.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sally v. Lionel. The red cue goes again in Rotation. Archtown's Sally made a ball on the break in game 1, but North Modernistic's Lionel took the early lead soon after. Sally pulled even a couple of times, but Lionel held her off for the 8-6 win and 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Lionel had some struggles with scratches in game 2, unraveling his small initial lead. The Arrows' Sally took over with a five-ball run, and after Lionel's last scratch, she made the 8 to the top side and the 10 to the top right for a game-winning double-pot. Sally's 8-2 win tied the series at 1. Lionel came to play in game 3, quickly getting on the brink of victory. Sally got a couple back, but Lionel won 8-2 and took the series 2-1. He'll host Strawberry of the Victoria Spurs in the third round.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Slinks v. Sydney C. The red cue continues in this Urban Derby 12-ball series. Westside's Slinks held the lead throughout game 1, but Modernistic's Sydney C. made sure to make it close. Sydney C. did have a wild-card ball at the end, but she couldn't make her last ball before Slinks took the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Sydney C. got down to her last ball in game 2, but she couldn't do anything with it at the top side. The Rockers' Slinks then turned lethal, with a five-ball run-out setting her ahead 2-0 in the series. Slinks didn't have the best break in game 3, and Sydney C. made her pay for it, smashing a five-ball run on her first turn. Sydney C. would easily get the consolation win, but Slinks won the series 2-1 and will host Hershey of the Stonebridge Wolves in round three.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Ice Cream. The host's second series today is in 8-ball with the silver cue. Whitewater's Katharine had a four-ball run and a three-ball run over her first two turns, topping a pair of three-ball runs from Boston's Ice Cream. Katharine won with the 8 at the bottom right for a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Ice Cream woke up with seven balls over the last two turns of game 2, while the Shores' Katharine tried and failed to weather that storm. Ice Cream's big attack tied the series at 1. Ice Cream kept up that ridiculous level of play with a pair of four-ball runs on her only two turns in game 3, shutting out Katharine in the decisive game. Ice Cream took the series 2-1 and will host the Everton Eagles' Bear in the third round.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Puff II v. Sarah. A veteran and a rookie close the day in 13-ball with the silver cue. A close battle in game 1 went favorably for Tysini's Sarah, who pulled off a tough kick to the top left and then put the 8 there as well for the 1-0 series lead over Boston's Puff II. The Hummingbirds' Sarah came out swinging with a five-ball run to start game 2. The Swifts' Puff II tried to use defensive positioning as much as possible, but she couldn't stop Sarah from eventually winning, despite the rookie's occasional mistakes. Sarah clinched the series at 2-0. In game 3, Sarah continued to attack well, holding off a fierce effort from Puff II once again to earn the win for a 3-0 series sweep. Sarah will hit the road again in the third round, visiting Viewpoint Sound Meteors leader Hoot.

That's it for today. Thursday's action will be the last before a one-day break.

Tournament 2019 - Round 2 Day 17

We're back as promised with another day's worth of action. Leading things off...

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Puff II. Established veterans meet in Accuracy with the silver cue. Terrace City's Kiwi had a decent start in game 1, but Boston's Puff II wrestled control away long enough to claim the 2-3 win, which gives the visitor a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Puff II suffered a scratch on the break in game 2, enough on its own to stick her with the loss as the Knights' Kiwi played perfectly. The score was 0-3, helping Kiwi tie the series at 1. Kiwi had a scratch late in game 3, but Puff II missed from ball-in-hand, ultimately forcing overtime. Here, Kiwi missed on the break and Puff II converted to win 2-3. Puff II took the series 2-1 and will visit the Pronger Tridents' Spot in the third round.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Hoppy v. Strawberry. The silver cue continues with a series of 8-ball. Archtown's Hoppy had a big seven-ball run in game 1, but she couldn't quite get a look on the 8. Victoria's Strawberry pulled back with a pair of three-ball runs to get the win, putting herself ahead 1-0 in the series. The Arrows' Hoppy didn't hesitate to start hot again in game 2, posting a four-ball run initially. The Spurs' Strawberry kept things close but couldn't stop Hoppy from making the final pair for the win to tie the series at 1. Hoppy followed a similar pattern in game 3, making a four-ball run early on. She got a little help from Strawberry on her last stripe, and then made the 8 to the bottom left two turns later. Hoppy won the series 2-1 and will head to the third round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Sprinkles v. Salmo. A veterans faces a journeyman in 9-ball with the silver cue. Capital City's Sprinkles had a good start and a four-ball run-out at the end to take a quick 1-0 series lead over Southern's Salmo, who did little to push back against the host. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles knocked in three on the break in game 2, but still had to weather a four-ball run by the Monarchs' Salmo, who just missed on the 9. Sprinkles then put the 9 in the top left for the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Fortune continued to favor Sprinkles in game 3, as she kicked the 2 into the bottom left and turned a missed strike on the 8 at the top left into an 8-9 combination at the bottom right for the win. Sprinkles swept Salmo 3-0 and will move on to face Golden Pilots captain Valencia in the third round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stripes v. Spice. Fiery competitors clash in another 9-ball series, this one with the red cue. Freedom's Stripes had some convincing shots early in game 1, but Victoria's Spice fired back on a four-ball run-out to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Stripes lost her menacing finishes in game 2, unable to generate much offense at all. The Spurs' Spice wasn't efficient, but she did enough at the end to snag the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Stripes wouldn't end the series empty-handed, taking over game 3 with a five-ball run-out after Spice couldn't sustain her offense. Spice settled for a 2-1 series win, which still allows her to host the Royal Crowns' Brownie in round three.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Dani. Top-20 opponents battle in 7-ball with the blue cue. Golden's Dusty impressed with four balls going down on the break, but the rest of game 1 was slow-moving. Viewpoint Sound's Dani took the chippy battle for herself, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The offense continued to be slow in game 2, as neither player could really make a big run. The Meteors' Dani would regret missing the 6, as Dusty used it to make the final pair for the win, tying the series at 1. Dusty had a pair on the break in game 3, but not much else offense came to the host. Dani would get the win and 2-1 series win with a three-ball run-out, sending her on the road again for the third round.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Charli. Back in 9-ball, the red cue gets another look. Commerce's Rosemary did all of the work with an eight-ball run in game 1, but she couldn't take the 9, and Tysini's Charli tapped it into the top left for a poached win and 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Charli was very involved on offense in game 2, making a ball on the break and winning with a six-ball run-out on the next turn after the Tradewinds' Rosemary couldn't do much. Charli's win here sealed the series at 2-0. Rosemary impressed with a four-ball run in game 3, but the contentious finish ended up going to Charli yet again, as the visitor made a pair to secure a 3-0 series sweep. Charli will visit Pearl Surfers co-captain Watermelon in round three.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Pounce v. Graham. Veterans are set to meet in Rotation with the blue cue. Southern's Pounce made a trio of balls on the game 1 break, giving him a lead he'd never let go of. Eastside's Graham had a promising start until a scratch, and Pounce took over after that to win 8-1 for the 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Pounce again made a ball on the break in game 2, but the Sharks' Graham challenged him much more closely this time. Pounce got separation on a three-ball run and weathered Graham taking a pair back before the former won 8-6 to secure the series at 2-0. Graham looked like he had a chance to make noise in game 3, but Pounce smothered that with a seven-ball run-out for the 8-2 win, sweeping the series 3-0 in the process. Pounce will travel to Harrison to take on Specters star Sydney S. in the third round.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Gal v. Bear. The silver cue cycles in for 12-ball. North Modernistic's Gal made one of each suit on the game 1 break, and her positional play was questionable after that. Everton's Bear enjoyed a fairly easy four-ball run before attacking the 1 to the bottom side for the win to give him a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Gal bounced back easily in game 2 after the Eagles' Bear gave up a wild-card ball on the break. Gal rallied with a four-ball run and needed just one more turn to finish the win at the bottom left. This tied the series at 1. Gal avoided giving anything away in game 3, making five balls over her first two turns instead. Bear couldn't keep up, and his late rally ended in missed contact. Gal took the win and 2-1 series win, allowing her to host Watermelon of the Pearl Surfers in the third round.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sydney S. v. Lorde. The silver cue goes again in 13-ball. Harrison's Sydney S. applied pressure early, defending the bottom right, which Capital City's Lorde violently removed. Lorde seemed to have taken herself out of position, but when Sydney S. missed on the 8, Lorde had a ready-made three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Lorde saw her good fortune come to an end in game 2, struggling for any kind of positioning. The Specters' Sydney S. took her time and carefully worked to the win to tie the series at 1. Sydney S. had nothing on the game 3 break, and Lorde went to work with a three-ball run. Lorde followed up with two pairs of shots on her next two turns to claim the win and 2-1 series win. Lorde will play in the third round.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Neopolitan. Stars collide in Accuracy with the blue cue. Pearl's Neopolitan played perfectly in game 1, never letting Midland's Rainmane account for her mid-game misses. Neopolitan took a 1-0 series lead with a 0-3 win, setting the tone in a tough series. Perfection was only an afterthought in game 2 after an awful start for both players. Neither finished well, with the Predators' Rainmane wasting two chances to win. The Surfers' Neopolitan forced overtime and won a turn later by a 5-6 score after Rainmane scratched. Neopolitan clinched the series at 2-0 in the process. Neopolitan faded a bit in game 3 as well, dropping off the pace as Rainmane took a turn to be perfect in a 0-2 win. Neopolitan still won the series 2-1, and she'll visit the Capital City Sharpshooters' Lorde in round three.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Taylor S. The silver cue returns to action in 7-ball. Lighton's Shiny enjoyed the overwhelming majority of offense in game 1, taking a three-ball run from the break and a four-ball run-out while Commerce's Taylor S. scratched on her only shot. Shiny leads the series 1-0. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. didn't back down in game 2, battling for possession as the Prestige's Shiny struggled early. Taylor S. then unleashed a five-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Shiny had a three-ball run late in a close game 3, but she couldn't quite pick up the 7. Taylor S. did so at the top left for the win and 2-1 series win, sending her back home to face the Archtown Arrows' Sleepy B. in the third round.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Waluigi v. Niki. Another 7-ball series goes with the red cue. Web City's Waluigi couldn't get his offense going in game 1, allowing Commerce's Niki to pound a six-ball run-out a few turns in for the 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Niki potted five balls over her first two turns of game 2, but it didn't yield anything as the Spiders' Waluigi picked up a pair of shots for the win. Waluigi tied the series at 1 with the effort. In game 3, Waluigi started with a three-ball run but still had plenty to worry about. Those worries ended as Niki made the 4 and scratched at the same time, allowing Waluigi to down the 7 from ball-in-hand for the win. Waluigi's 2-1 series win sends him on the road against Spot of the Pronger Tridents in the third round.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Chimpy v. Mr. Snowman. The silver cue steps in for 9-ball here. Westside's Chimpy began on a four-ball run in game 1, but his later offense was inconsistent. This allowed Infinity's Mr. Snowman to clean up the 9 at the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman saw a large portion of the offense in game 2, but it didn't matter, as he missed the 9 to end a three-ball run. The Rockers' Chimpy collected it instead for the win, tying the series at 1 despite not contributing much this time. Mr. Snowman had an unusual foul, as he dropped the ball-in-hand after an error by Chimpy, accidentally potting the 2 in the process. Chimpy pushed a three-ball run after that, but Mr. Snowman would win with a pair of shots for the 2-1 series win. Mr. Snowman is set to host his series in the third round.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Goldy v. Prism. Heady players use the blue cue for their 12-ball series. Todavía's Prism enjoyed an early three-ball run to take control in game 1, and Everton's Goldy was wildly out of position. Prism then closed the win with a three-ball run-out, confidently taking the 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Goldy looked much better in game 2, getting down to two balls remaining before missing contact. The Stills' Prism feasted, a four-ball run-out of mostly tap-ins awaiting as she picked up the win to seal the series at 2-0. Prism couldn't complete the sweep in a close game 3, as Goldy found better positioning and won on a three-ball run-out. Prism' 2-1 series win sends her to the third round on the road against Modernistic Union captain Ms. Puppy.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Lionel v. Niki. Urban rivals clash in 13-ball with the silver cue. North Modernistic's Lionel looked good at first in game 1, but Commerce's Niki pulled off a very difficult five-ball run-out to rally for the win. Niki leads the series 1-0 after the impressive showing. Game 2 saw the Tradewinds' Niki have a little trouble with slowing down the Nighthawks' Lionel. In desperation, Niki tried a cut at the top side, but the deflection sank the 8 prematurely at the top right to gift the win away to Lionel, which tied the series at 1. Lionel had a good start in game 3, but Niki's four-ball run later stymied Lionel's offense. Niki took her time to pot her last ball and the 8, but she did achieve it, getting the series win at 2-1. Niki is set to host a series in round three.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Rudolph v. Leonette. The day closes with the red cue in 15-ball. Harrison's Rudolph seemed better initially in game 1, but Pacific's Leonette induced a couple fouls from her host. Leonette used the latter ball-in-hand to make a five-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Leonette came out on the right side of a back-and-forth battle in game 2, as the Specters' Rudolph left a few too many shots on the table. Leonette's winning turn consisted of a pair of shots to lock up the series at 2-0 in her favor. Game 3 was also a close battle, but much faster-paced, which benefited Rudolph, as he won on a three-ball run-out. Leonette won the series 2-1 and will play on the road again in the third round.

That's it for today. We'll play another set of series tomorrow.

Tournament 2019 - Round 2 Day 16

We're back for the first of two six-day weeks. We'll be taking both Fridays off in this situation. Leading off Monday's action...

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Lorde v. Kodiak. The blue cue will get first dibs on an Accuracy series. Capital City's Lorde held the lead for most of game 1 before falling into a tight finish with Modernistic's Kodiak. On the last ball, both players missed twice, but Lorde got the 5-6 win after a third miss from Kodiak. Lorde leads the series 1-0. The Sharpshooters' Lorde again held the lead for much of game 2, while the Union's Kodiak clawed back to make it close at the end. Kodiak missed the last ball and Lorde potted it to hold on for a 3-4 win that sealed the series at 2-0. Lorde didn't quite have it in game 3, playing perfectly until just before the end, where a pair of misses allowed Kodiak to win 0-2. Lorde took the series 2-1, and she'll host again in the third round.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Frosty. Meteors teammates clash in Rotation with the red cue. Frosty started out with a four-ball run after Dani's pair on the break of game 1 was canceled by a scratch. Dani made a late push after struggling, but Frosty picked up the pace and won 8-5 to take the 1-0 series lead. Dani had a better performance in game 2, even though Frosty successfully made a pair on the break. Dani roared back with a four-ball run, and nearly had a winning double-pot had she not scratched. Dani took a ball on each of her next two turns to win 8-2, tying the series at 1. Frosty stormed ahead with a four-ball run in game 3, but her offense stalled from there. Dani slowly caught up, gained the lead, and won by double-potting the 12 to the top right and the 11 banked to the bottom side. Dani's 8-5 win gave her the series at 2-1, and she'll visit the Midland Predators' Kitty in the third round.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Princess v. Missy. The red cue stays to close the venue doubleheader in 7-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Princess needed just one shot in game 1, making the 7 to the bottom right on the break for the 1-0 series lead as Capital City's Missy could only watch. The Meteors' Princess didn't start as well in game 2, but the Sharpshooters' Missy didn't pressure on offense either. Princess ended up with a fairly easy win after making a six-ball run-out to clinch the series at 2-0. Princess nearly pulled off the sweep with another strong effort in game 3, but she scratched as the 7 went down, gifting a win to Missy. Princess' 2-1 series win means she'll host her former teammate, Leandra of the Tysini Hummingbirds, in round three.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Josie. The silver cue gets its first look in 12-ball today. Pronger's Precious started pretty well in game 1, but she couldn't get it across the finish line, as Oceanside's Josie surged back in the end for the win. Josie leads the series 1-0 after the comeback effort. The Waves' Josie looked threatening when she made a pair on the break in game 2, but two consecutive fouls allowed the Tridents' Precious to make easy three-ball runs each time. Precious' two-turn effort tied the series at 1. Precious looked quite comfortable in game 3 despite Josie keeping things close. Precious' confidence paid off at the end as she banked her last ball to the bottom side to win 2-1 in the series. Precious will be a host again in the third round. Josie is the fourth player ousted from Tournament play, giving Precious her first kill.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stephanie v. Briana. Castle Derby rivals and sisters meet in Accuracy with the blue cue. A back-and-forth game 1 saw Queens' Briana emerge with a late lead, only to miss a couple of times to allow Southridge's Stephanie the 3-4 win and 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Stephanie took a massive step forward in game 2, which looked very effective as she orchestrated the game. The Flames' Briana had no control as Stephanie stayed perfect for the 0-3 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Stephanie took a step back in game 3, allowing her sister Briana to take an easy 2-7 win to avoid the sweep. Stephanie's 2-1 series win puts her in the third round.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Luigi v. Beth. The silver cue is back with 7-ball. Pearl's Beth walked away with the win in a back-and-forth game 1, taking a pair at the end to earn the 1-0 series lead over North Modernistic's Luigi in the tight battle. The Nighthawks' Luigi had a fair amount of offense with a four-ball run early, but his scratch after missing the 6 turned the tides. The Surfers' Beth made the last two balls from ball-in-hand for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Luigi had his chance to convert a 3-7 combination in game 3, but he missed it, leaving Beth to make it instead at the top right. Beth swept the series 3-0 and will play in round three.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: A. Charlton v. Sprinkles. Quiet veterans meet in 10-ball with the blue cue. Archtown's A. Charlton made a pair on the break but also scratched, leading to a slow and sloppy game 1. Capital City's Sprinkles eventually pulled in the win by putting the 10 in the top right, good for a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' A. Charlton had an impressive four-ball run in game 2 near the end, but couldn't make the 10 until two turns later. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles never really had a clear look at the 10 either, and A. Charlton made it unchallenged to tie the series at 1. Sprinkles allowed A. Charlton to have a second try on the 10 after the host initially potted it in the wrong pocket. A. Charlton couldn't cut it this time, and Sprinkles made it instead for the win and 2-1 series win. Sprinkles will visit Bryant of the Maplewood Lumberjacks in the third round.

Apple Center, Todavía: Ruby v. Caitlin. Out on the coast, the red cue is on hand for 8-ball. Todavía's Ruby had an impressive start to game 1, but when she sacrificed possession to make her last stripe, it all fell apart. Southridge's Caitlin made seven balls over two turns, including a five-ball run-out after using defense to earn ball-in-hand when Ruby made illegal contact. Caitlin leads the series 1-0. The Stills' Ruby again showed a disturbing fragility after making a six-ball run to get onto the 8 in game 2. The Defenders' Caitlin made a four-ball run in response, and took a pair two turns later for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Caitlin made it a sweep despite scratching twice in game 3, as Ruby also suffered a scratch and had no momentum late in the game. Caitlin's 3-0 series win sends her to Eastside to face Sharks captain Graham in the third round.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Gal v. Puff II. The blue cue cycles in again for 9-ball. Boston's Puff II grew in confidence as game 1 progressed, but it didn't stop her from losing after missing the 8. North Modernistic's Gal cleaned up the last two balls for the win and 1-0 advantage. The Swifts' Puff II had a chance to win game 2 after the Nighthawks' Gal was called for illegal contact, but Puff II missed the 9 at the top left. Gal bounced back, cutting the final shot home to secure the series in her favor at 2-0. Gal never allowed Puff II to see the table in game 3, making a ball on the break, double-potting the 3 to the top right and the 4 to the bottom left, and then using a 5-9 bank-combination to the top left to get the win. Gal swept the series 3-0 and will host Isabella of the Atlantic Pirates in the third round.

Apple Center, Todavía: Ruby v. Shawn. The host plays her second series of the day, using the red cue in 10-ball. Todavía's Ruby had two pairs in game 1, but scratched after each one. Midland's Shawn was lethal from ball-in-hand, with a four-ball run and a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Ruby looked a little more confident in game 2, but a late miss on the 8 ruined that. the Predators' Shawn had put himself in position to win, converting a three-ball run-out to make it a 2-0 advantage in the series. Game 3 was a bit of a mixed bag for both players. Ruby had a little more offense than before, but Shawn still picked off the last two shots for the win to sweep the series 3-0. Shawn will visit North Modernistic Nighthawks veteran Cheddar in the third round.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Wild Thing v. Ice Cream. The red cue stays on for this Rotation set. Stonebridge's Wild Thing needed just two turns to win game 1, potting a three-ball run from the break and adding a five-ball run-out after Boston's Ice Cream went empty on her lone turn. Wild Thing won 8-0 to take a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Wild Thing enjoyed far less possession in game 2, hardly seeing a good shot in the game. The Swifts' Ice Cream took over by chipping in a shot or two per turn until she won 8-1 to tie the series at 1. Ice Cream looked very promising with an early four-ball run, but Wild Thing fought back on a three-ball run of his own. Eventually, Wild Thing won 8-4 with a four-ball run-out to take the series 2-1, setting him up to host a series in round three.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Valencia v. Bells. The red cue goes again in 12-ball. Golden's Valencia had a ball on the break and a scratch later in game 1, but her strong positioning helped her overcome a solid effort from Todavía's Bells. Valencia leads the series 1-0 after the competitive win. The Pilots' Valencia had a three-ball run in game 2 that could have been much more. Instead, her subsequent misses bought enough time for the Stills' Bells to snag a win, tying the series at 1 game apiece. Bells made a ball on the break but had another ball near the same pocket. At the end, she had to intentionally scratch to set up a drag race finish with Valencia. Game 3 would go to Valencia as Bells lacked positioning for her last ball, and Valencia won the series 2-1, heading to the third round.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Stealth. Longtime veterans clash in 9-ball with the red cue. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy had a pair of three-ball runs in game 1, but it wouldn't be enough. Swordpoint's Stealth poached the win on a 7-9 combination to the bottom right, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Union's Ms. Puppy still looked a bit shaky in game 2, allowing the Blades' Stealth to control the early pace. Ms. Puppy gained control at the right time, winning on a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Ms. Puppy and Stealth battled in a slow-moving game 3 effort, with both just chipping offense. Ms. Puppy had a chance to put the 9 in the top right and failed, leaving Stealth to tap it in for the 2-1 series win. Stealth will visit Cleo of the Everton Eagles in the third round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stinky v. Stealth. The visitor completes his road doubleheader in 13-ball with the silver cue. Freedom's Stinky was thorough and relentless to start game 1, leaving no room for Swordpoint's Stinky, who would scratch to kill his later momentum. Stinky took the 8 to the bottom side after the scratch, his win putting him up 1-0 in the series. The Cascades' Stinky wasn't as strong at the start of game 2, allowing the Blades' Stealth to use a four-ball run to get onto the 8. Stinky held Stealth up just enough at this point to then answer on a three-ball run-out, giving Stinky the series at 2-0. Stealth again got to the late game before stalling out, failing to position his last ball for the top side. Stinky roared back with a four-ball run-out for the win, making it a 3-0 series sweep. Stinky heads to round three, where he'll be a host again.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Smudge. Southwestern captains collide in Accuracy with the blue cue. Infinity's Smudge had the early lead in game 1 but fell apart at the end, as Victoria's Spice missed only once after scratching on the break. Spice won 2-3 to take the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 followed a very similar pattern, as the players exchanged control in the early going and were tied late. Once again, the Torpedoes' Smudge missed on the last ball, and the Spurs' Spice converted to win 2-3, clinching the series at 2-0 in the process. Smudge again had a chance in game 3 to pin Spice, but instead she missed. Spice would finish off a 4-5 win this time, taking the series in a 3-0 sweep to earn her spot in the third round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Brownie v. Wario. The day ends with a Castle Derby edition of 7-ball with the blue cue. Royal's Brownie had a majority of the offense in a somewhat sloppy game 1 battle, which saw Southridge's Wario struggle with his shots. Brownie had two pairs for the win, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Brownie made quick work of game 2, depositing the 7 to the top side as the Defenders' Wario watched his bid come to a close. Brownie clinched the series at 2-0 with the break-shot win. Wario took over in game 3, making a six-ball run-out that included a 1-3 combination to the bottom side and a double-pot on the 4 and 6 at the right corners. Brownie still won the series 2-1 to get into the third round.

We'll be back for more tomorrow on a similar schedule.

Tournament 2019 - Round 2 Day 15

We're ready to go with a special Saturday edition of Tournament play. First up...

Ford Forum, Pronger: Zach v. Mr. Snowman. The red cue draws the opener today, playing Accuracy. Pronger's Zach had a ball on the break in game 1 but also scratched later. Infinity's Mr. Snowman dropped back into a tie at one point, but Zach faltered. Mr. Snowman won 2-4, taking the 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman didn't have a great break in game 2, but he again took a 2-4 win as the Tridents' Zach struggled in the early going. Mr. Snowman's victory sealed the series at 2-0. Mr. Snowman made some improvements in game 3 after making a ball on the break, and Zach still couldn't adjust in time. Mr. Snowman won 1-3 and swept the series 3-0, earning the right to host Brownie of the Royal Crowns in the third round.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sydney S. v. Snuggle. The blue cue's first look today is in Rotation. Harrison's Sydney S. took a large lead early in game 1, but after her scratch, Oceanside's Snuggle rallied on a six-ball run-out to take the 8-7 win for himself. Snuggle leads the series 1-0. The Specters' Sydney S. again held a lead in game 2 after making a three-ball run. The Waves' Snuggle pushed back again, but he only tied the game. Sydney S. sealed her win at 8-6 with a clever pair of shots to tie the series at 1. Sydney S. maintained control throughout game 3 as well, chipping in a little early offense before winning 8-2 on a four-ball run-out. Sydney S. took the series 2-1 and host her third-round series.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Sydney C. The silver cue takes a turn in 10-ball. both players had three-ball runs late in the game, but Modernistic's Sydney C. missed the 10 twice and Golden's Dusty barely made it on her second try to take the win for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Union's Sydney C. tried and failed to make contact on a fancy cut attempt. The Pilots' Dusty used ball-in-hand to make the 2-7 combination to the top right and the 2-10 combination to the bottom right for the win that clinched the series at 2-0. Sydney C. had a three-ball run that ended in an illegally potted ball in game 3, which baited Dusty into a scratch on the next shot. Sydney C. then missed on the 8 from ball-in-hand, allowing Dusty to win on a three-ball run-out for the 3-0 series sweep. Dusty will stay at home for her round three appearance after facing her 100th unique opponent.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Princess v. Rudolph. The blue cue is back for 9-ball. Harrison's Rudolph had a little more luck with the bounces in a choppy game 1, making the last two balls to defeat Viewpoint Sound's Princess for the early 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Princess shot back effectively in game 2 after the Specters' Rudolph scratched while making the 5. Princess worked a four-ball run-out from ball-in-hand, ending with a thin cut on the 9 to the top left that was originally intended to be a bank attempt. Princess' win tied the series at 1. Rudolph had a couple of good looks in game 3, but Princess walked away with the win on a bank of the 9 to the top side. Princess took the series 2-1 and will host again in the third round.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Shadow. A return to face his old team is in order for the visitor, while playing 10-ball with the silver cue. Diamond's Shadow had a few good shots early in game 1, but he missed a lot late, allowing Web City's Jack to stake out the 1-0 series lead as he collected the 10 to the bottom right. The Spiders' Jack had a little more fun in game 2, as the Gems' Shadow saw his share of the offense drop. Jack pushed hard at the end, winning on a four-ball run-out to secure the series at 2-0. Jack didn't find much success in game 3, making a three-ball run and another later shot. Shadow had a four-ball run to start and two of the last three for the win to avoid the sweep in Jack's 2-1 series win. Jack will visit the Victoria Spurs' Yekaterina in round three. In the loss, Shadow faced his 100th unique opponent.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Puff I v. Sweetheart. More 10-ball is on the way, again with the silver cue. Modernistic's Puff I made a pair and scratched on the break in game 1. Boston's Sweetheart provided a quick finish, putting the 1 in the bottom right and then deflecting off the 2 to send the 10 to the same pocket for her 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Sweetheart kept looking for trick shots in game 2, but she came up empty this time. She also missed the 10 at the top left, leaving it for the Union's Puff I to tap in for a win to tie the series at 1. Sweetheart impressed with a six-ball run in game 3, but she scratched while making the 7. Puff I made the last two balls instead, winning the series 2-1 and earning a visiting position against the Golden Pilots' Dusty in the third round.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Cleo v. Twinkie I. Strong veterans meet in Rotation with the blue cue. Everton's Cleo had a promising start to game 1 and added a three-ball run before scratching near the end. Pacific's Twinkie I rallied all the way back with a six-ball run-out to win 8-6, taking the initial 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Cleo again jumped out to the early lead in game 2, but the Volcanoes' Twinkie I kept things closer at first. Twinkie I had a run primed at the end but scratched on the 12. Cleo then double-potted the 12 and 14 to the top right, winning 8-5 to tie the series at 1. Twinkie I stepped out to an early lead in game 3, only to see Cleo rally with a five-ball run to pull ahead. Twinkie I stayed on track, winning 8-6 to take the series 2-1. Twinkie I will be a visitor again in the third round.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Jake. A captain and a star clash in 8-ball with the blue cue. Lighton's Acorn would rue going empty on the break in game 1, as his seven-ball run on the next turn was just short of good enough. Royal's Jake had a five-ball run and a three-ball run-out to take the win, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Crowns' Jake made quick work of game 2 as well, scratching on the break but adding a three-ball run and a five-ball run-out to overwhelm the Prestige's Acorn, who had just a five-ball run. Jake's fast win clinched the series at 2-0. Jake scratched on the break again in game 3, and this time Acorn struck for a five-ball run. Jake answered with a four-ball run of his own, but Acorn won on his second turn with a three-ball run-out. Jake settled for a 2-1 series win, which allows him to play in the third round.

Intel Center, Diamond: Katelynn v. Gizmo. Eastern Hills rivals battle in Accuracy with the silver cue. Diamond's Katelynn missed first and fell apart in the end after briefly holding a lead in game 1. Eastside's Gizmo found his groove to finish off the 2-4 win, taking a 1-0 series lead in the process. The Sharks' Gizmo continued his strong play throughout game 2, getting the Gems' Katelynn to miss a couple of early shots and riding the wave from there. Gizmo was perfect in his 0-2 win, which sealed the series at 2-0. After both players had perfect efforts down to the last ball in game 3, Gizmo decided to give the game away, twice missing the last ball so Katelynn could win 1-2. Gizmo won the series 2-1 and he'll play in the third round.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Paps v. Acorn. A Southwest Derby in 9-ball is played with the silver cue. Tysini's Paps started slow in game 1, too slow in the view of Lighton's Acorn. The visitor Acorn made the 1 and then deflected a shot off the 3 to bump the 9 around the 7 at the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Acorn nearly won game 2 on the break, but he wouldn't have to wait long for another chance. The Hummingbirds' Paps missed on the 1, and Acorn made it and deflected off the 2 to deposit the 9 in the top right again to secure the series at 2-0. Acorn approached game 3 somewhat differently, allowing Paps to see some shots early. Acorn then slammed the door with a five-ball run-out, sweeping the series 3-0 as he's set to be on the road again in the third round.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Debby v. Dewey. The blue cue cycles in for 8-ball. Oceanside's Dewey made a deep comeback run by potting five straight, but he missed on the 8. Southridge's Debby recovered just in time for the three-ball run-out, winning game 1 for the 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Debby slowed the pace of her offense in game 2, nearly losing it as the Waves' Dewey got onto the 8. Dewey couldn't convert, and Debby won on a three-ball run-out to seal the series at 2-0. Dewey finally got his win in game 3, coming out on the right side of the back-and-forth battle to prevent Debby from sweeping. Debby's 2-1 series win puts her in line to host Jake of the Royal Crowns in the third round round. Debby earned her first kill as Dewey became the third eliminated player.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Rosalina v. Pedey. The host takes on a former teammate in 12-ball with the red cue. Whitewater's Rosalina smacked a five-ball run from the break in game 1, nearly running the table. Diamond's Pedey tried to make it look respectable, but Rosalina easily won for the 1-0 lead in the series. The Shores' Rosalina didn't have a big run in game 2, but she outplayed the Gems' Pedey for positioning by the end of the game. Rosalina tapped the 7 to the top side on her final turn for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Rosalina made two stripes and a solid on her break in game 3, and then overcame the wild-card ball to beat Pedey one more time, earning a 3-0 series sweep. Rosalina will host an Urban rival and a club-mate in the third round when North Modernistic Nighthawks third-year Luigi pays her a visit. 

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Hoot v. Spirit. The silver cue is back for 13-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot made one of each on the game 1 break, but Lighton's Spirit took control with a four-ball run after Hoot flubbed his second shot. Spirit just needed positioning, which came in due time, to earn the win and 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Hoot fired back in game 2, keeping pace with the Prestige's Spirit until he could force her into missed contact. Hoot then made a pair of shots for the win, tying the series at 1 game apiece. Spirit left her offense for late, making six balls over her last two turns after blocking Hoot from making the 8. Unfortunately, Spirit rattled her effort on the 8 out of the top right, and Hoot tapped it down for the win and 2-1 series win. Hoot heads to round three.

Sony Center, Queens: Briana v. Valencia. Southeastern rivals meet in 8-ball with the blue cue. Queens' Briana was a little late to the party in game 1, making a pair of shots to look alive after Golden's Valencia posted a five-ball run. Valencia then ended on a perfect bank of the 8 to the top side to earn the 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Valencia struggled at first as the Flames' Briana showed far more offense in game 2. Valencia did make a five-ball run but didn't support it before Briana had put the 8 away at the bottom right. Briana's win tied the series at 1. Valencia had a five-ball run again in game 3, but a later scratch bought enough time for Briana to get back into the game. Briana would win on a three-ball run-out, also taking the series 2-1 as she sets up to host again in the third round.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Juno v. Jennifer. A big-name series occurs in Rotation with the silver cue. Terrace City's Jennifer found an early three-ball run in game 1 and never looked back, outpacing Stonebridge's Juno in an 8-5 win to take the 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Jennifer again staked out a big lead early in game 2. The Wolves' Juno attempted a comeback near the end but never came close before scratching. Jennifer put the 9-10 combination in the bottom right for the 8-3 win to seal the series at 2-0. Jennifer served up another great break and added a four-ball run-out at the end for a matching 8-3 final score to sweep Juno 3-0. Jennifer's brilliant play puts her in the third round, where she'll visit another captain -- the Lighton Prestige's Acorn.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Princess v. Nicole. The host's second series today is in 8-ball with the red cue to end the day's action. Viewpoint Sound's Princess came within a hair of taking solids on the break. Instead, Lighton's Nicole got the suit and enjoyed it with two bursts of offense carrying her to the win and 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Nicole kept a consistent offense throughout game 2, unflappable even as the Meteors' Princess pushed to catch up. Nicole then cut the 8 to the top left from a tough angle for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Nicole wasted no time in securing her sweep, using a pair of four-ball runs on her two turns in game 3 to defeat Princess. Nicole's 3-0 series win sends her to the third round, where she'll visit Summer of the Maplewood Lumberjacks.

That's all for the third week of round two. We're off Sunday, returning Monday as we transition to a pair of six-day weeks to close out the round.

Tournament 2019 - Round 2 Day 14

We're set to cross the midpoint of the second round halfway through today's condensed action. We begin with...

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Mams v. Citrus. The silver cue will play 15-ball in the opening series. Southern's Mams had a decent start to game 1 and controlled the early play up to her later three-ball run. After that, Lighton's Citrus countered on a four-ball run-out for the win to take the 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Mams continued to look for offense in game 2, making her fair share of shots before missing contact on the 9. The Prestige's Citrus took the obvious show from ball-in-hand, a 9-15 combination to the top right, which sealed the series at 2-0. Citrus didn't have as much success late in game 3, as Mams picked up a win with a 13-15 bank combination to end a four-ball run-out. Citrus still won the series 2-1 and will head to the third round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Cassie v. Niki. The red cue steps in for Accuracy in the day's second series. Royal's Cassie made a pair on the break, but she had too many slip-ups in game 1. Commerce's Niki let Cassie off the hook twice before locking in for a 2-3 win to gain a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Cassie struggled from the start of game 2, and while the Tradewinds' Niki didn't play well at times, she hung on for the 3-4 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Cassie salvaged a result from game 3, playing perfectly while sticking Niki with a couple of tough misses in a 0-3 game. Niki won the series 2-1 and will be a visitor again in round three.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Cleo v. Starlight. Fast-paced players do another Accuracy series, this one with the blue cue. Everton's Cleo scratched on the break of game 1, but that would be her only mistake, as she was perfect after that in a 1-2 win over Pacific's Starlight. Cleo leads the series 1-0. A fairly even game 2 effort came down to the wire, where the Volcanoes' Starlight thought a light shot on the 15 at the top right had forced overtime. It didn't fall, and the Eagles' Cleo tapped it in to win 2-3, securing the series at 2-0 in the process. Cleo was merciless in game 3, putting on a perfect effort against a flustered Starlight. The final score was 0-4, giving Cleo the 3-0 series sweep that sets her up to host the Southern Monarchs' Dominic in the third round.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Strawberry v. Twinkie III. Enterprise club-mates meet in 13-ball with the blue cue. Victoria's Strawberry paced the attack all throughout game 1, but she missed a cut on the 8 at the top right. Whitewater's Twinkie III came out of nowhere with a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Twinkie III struck first again in game 2, but the Spurs' Strawberry competed well to make it a close finish. Twinkie III prevailed anyway with four balls over her last two turns, sealing the series at 2-0 with this win. Game 3 saw the players work fairly independently of each other except at the top side, where Strawberry pushed Twinkie III out of the way to key herself to victory. Twinkie III settled for a 2-1 series win that allows her to host a third-round series.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Chimpy. The blue cue stays on for an 8-ball set. Whitewater's Marsell went off on a six-ball run to open game 1. Westside's Chimpy replied on a three-ball run, but Marsell made his final pair on his second turn for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Chimpy seemed to be a step or two ahead of the Shores' Marsell all throughout game 2. This was apparent when Marsell scratched, leaving Chimpy with an easy pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Chimpy opened with a five-ball run in game 3, immediately setting Marsell into a panic. Marsell had a chance for a big run to come back, but he had only a double-pot before missing at the top side. Chimpy took the win and won the series 2-1, meaning he'll host Jason N. of the Atlantic Pirates in round three.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stinky v. Brownie. Veterans clash in Accuracy with the red cue. Freedom's Stinky slipped at the start of game 1, falling behind initially. Royal's Brownie had a tense finish but managed to emerge with a 1-2 win to pull ahead 1-0 in the series. The Crowns' Brownie had a wonderful time in game 2, playing perfectly while inducing frustrating misses for the Cascades' Stinky. Brownie walked away with the 0-4 win in the end, clinching the series at 2-0 in the process. Brownie struggled after scratching on the break in game 3, but Stinky wasted his chance to force overtime by scratching on the last ball. Brownie won 3-4, taking the series in a 3-0 series sweep as she'll be a visitor again in the third round.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Cheddar v. Sleepy B. Talented opponents meet in 10-ball with the red cue. North Modernistic's Cheddar brandished a hot stick in game 1, making a five-ball run and attacking well at the end as Archtown's Sleepy B. struggled. Cheddar earned the win and took a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Cheddar didn't get much of a grip on game 2, but the Arrows' Sleepy B. also looked a bit lost at times. Cheddar won the choppy battle with a cut on the 10 to the top right, clinching the series at 2-0. Cheddar again faded at the end of game 3, and this time Sleepy B. came through for a win by making the final pair of balls. Cheddar took a 2-1 series win with her to the third round.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Valencia v. Katelynn. The round's first half ends with 9-ball and the silver cue. Both players opened game 1 with four-ball runs. Diamond's Katelynn missed the 9 twice, and Golden's Valencia made it on her second try for the win to gain a 1-0 lead in the series. The Pilots' Valencia made a three-ball run from the break and another pair later, but missed her cut on the 8. The Gems' Katelynn stepped in to pot the final pair of balls, earning the win to tie the series at 1. Katelynn finally had a majority of the offense with her five-ball run in game 3, but she missed on the 9 and Valencia tapped it in instead. Valencia won the series 2-1 and will host again in the third round.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Twinkie I. Completing the venue doubleheader, there's 13-ball with the silver cue. Golden's Strut had a ball on the break but couldn't keep up with Pacific's Twinkie I, who made a three-ball run on her first two turns. Twinkie I then put the 8 in the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I made a ball on the break in game 2, but her positioning was lacking in the late game. The Pilots' Strut had a much easier time and earned the win for his effort, tying the series at 1. In game 3, Twinkie I held the lead for a large portion of the battle, but Strut emerged with the series-winning four-ball run-out to tip the scales 2-1 in his favor. Strut will host the Queens Flames' Mario in a Southeastern Derby in the third round.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Vincent v. Blizzard. The silver cue's run continues in 12-ball. Harrison's Blizzard took her sweet time getting up to speed in game 1, but she took advantage of the wild-card ball Tysini's Vincent surrendered. At the end, Blizzard made five balls over two turns with Vincent down to his last ball to get the win for herself. Blizzard owns a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Vincent made a statement with an early four-ball run in game 2, challenging the Specters' Blizzard to keep up. Vincent was smart and patient with his play at the end until he made the final pair for the win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Blizzard had it pretty easy after Vincent came up empty on the game 3 break. On her third turn, Blizzard notched a four-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win, sending her to round three.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Goatee v. Prism. Another silver cue series occurs in Rotation. Westside's Goatee tangled with Todavía's Prism early in the game, neither player finding much room to pull ahead. At the end, Prism took over with a three-ball run-out for the 8-4 win, giving her a 1-0 advantage in the series. Game 2 took a different route to arrive at the same destination, as the Stills' Prism led for a large portion of the game before the Rockers' Goatee pushed back. Prism then closed the door with another three-ball run-out to win 8-4, clinching the series at 2-0. Goatee flipped the script in game 3, taking the early lead and hanging on for an 8-4 win over her own despite Prism's late push. Prism will advance on a 2-1 series win, setting her up to be a visitor in the third round.

Apple Center, Todavía: Ruby v. Celestia. Coastal rivals do battle with the silver cue in 7-ball. Neither player took control quickly in game 1, leading to a contested finish. Oceanside's Celestia missed the 7 on a long straight shot to the top right, and Todavía's Ruby converted the tap-in to win for the 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Ruby wasn't spectacular to start game 2, but a spinning kick on the 3 to the bottom left ignited her three-ball run-out, leaving the Waves' Celestia to watch her own exit from the event. Ruby sealed the series at 2-0 with the impressive win. Celestia avoided the sweep with a quick finish in game 3, making the 3-7 combination to the top side for her lone win. Ruby won the series 2-1 and will host the Southern Monarchs' Pounce in the third round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Pauline v. Cowzart. Back in Rotation, the silver cue goes again. Pacific's Cowzart collected his offense in chunks in game 1, quickly storming ahead of Capital City's Pauline. After a pair at the end, Cowzart won 8-1 to take the early 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Cowzart had to battle a little harder in game 2, as the Sharpshooters' Pauline came out with a nice lead initially. Cowzart met the challenge pulling away in the end with an 8-4 win to secure the series at 2-0. Cowzart showed no mercy in game 3, as he started on a six-ball run. Pauline mustered a small response before Cowzart iced the win at 8-2 to sweep the series 3-0. Cowzart will host his series in the third round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Tigerette. The red cue cycles in for Accuracy here. Commerce's Tigerette took one on the chin early in game 1, falling far back, but she was determined to drag Royal's Jake down. Her plan worked, forcing overtime, where Jake's break was empty and Tigerette converted a shot to win 4-5 for the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 started in a similar fashion after the Tradewinds' Tigerette made a pair on the break. The Crowns' Jake slipped at first but pushed Tigerette down later, and he held on this time to win 3-4, tying the series at 1. Tigerette had a rotten time in game 3, unable to get herself on track as Jake pushed her around in the mid-game. Jake, however, stayed perfect for the 0-4 win to take the series 2-1. He'll pay a visit to the Midland Predators' Americus in the third round.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Shawn v. Cassie. Southeastern foes meet in 15-ball with the red cue. Midland's Shawn had the better of play in game 1, turning a chippy battle with Royal's Cassie into his own win by making the last five balls over two turns. Shawn leads the series 1-0. The Predators' Shawn went empty on the game 2 break, and he didn't get back to the table, as the Crowns' Cassie put the 1 in the top side and then attempted a cut on the 2. The cut failed, but the deflections sent the 15 to the bottom left for an accidental win, which helped Cassie tie the series at 1. Cassie came out swinging in game 3, and both players had chances on the 15, which was near the bottom right. Shawn had one attempt wiped out by illegal contact, but Cassie's two-touch jam failed and left the 4-15 combination aligned for Shawn, who converted to win the series 2-1. Shawn will visit the Harrison Specters' Blizzard in round three.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Paps v. Taylor S. The day ends with a series of 8-ball featuring the silver cue. Commerce's Taylor S. started with a four-ball run early in game 1 before taking an even finish with Tysini's Paps. Taylor S. just got the edge in the end, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. again found an early four-ball run in game 2, but she didn't support it well this time. The Hummingbirds' Paps roared back on a five-ball run and added a later pair for the win to tie the series at 1. Taylor S. had another early attack to stake out a lead in game 3, but she left things for late once more. Paps charged over the course of two or three turns, but Taylor S. escaped with the win and 2-1 series win, putting herself in the third round.

Tomorrow, we make up for Wednesday's lost day. Then, starting Monday, we'll have six-day weeks (excluding Friday this time) for the last two weeks of the round.

Tournament 2019 - Round 2 Day 13

We're back after a midweek off-day, ready for a full schedule. First up...

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Yekaterina v. Vladimir. A battle between siblings in 7-ball with the blue cue starts the day. Both players made three-ball runs in game 1, but the Wolves' Vladimir capitalized when the Spurs' Yekaterina saw her run end on a failed bank of the 7. Vladimir cleaned it up at the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Yekaterina again had the more poorly-timed error in game 2, scratching after she made the 6. The Wolves' Vladimir tapped in the 7 to the bottom left from ball-in-hand for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Yekaterina had a three-ball run and a good luck at the 7 in game 3, but she missed it at the top left where Vladimir made it to finish a 3-0 series sweep. Vladimir will visit Commerce Tradewinds captain Tigerette in the third round.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Gizmo v. Sleepy B. The blue cue stays on for the second series, this time in 9-ball. Eastside's Gizmo didn't have the cleanest effort in game 1, but Archtown's Sleepy B. missed on the 9 at the top right and Gizmo buried it on the next shot for his 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Sleepy B. had a good bounce-back effort in game 2, holding even with the Sharks' Gizmo initially before breaking out a five-ball run-out. Sleepy B.'s strong finish tied the series at 1. Sleepy B. couldn't quite hold on late in a back-and-forth game 3, missing on the 8. Gizmo made the last two shots cleanly for the win, taking the series 2-1 to get into round three.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Stripes. Club-mates go at it in 10-ball with the red cue. A slow-moving game 1 battle ended as Infinity's Smudge had a late three-ball run answered by a pair from Freedom's Stripes at the end. Stripes won the game and took a 1-0 lead in the series. The Torpedoes' Smudge showed a bit more authority in game 2, making a three-ball run and leaving the Cascades' Stripes in a tough spot. Stripes made contact, but lined up an 8-10 combination to the bottom right for Smudge, whose win would tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw Smudge take a step back at first, but Stripes struggled in the late game. Smudge capitalized with a three-ball run-out to get the win, securing a 2-1 series win as well. Smudge will host the Pronger Tridents' Potter in the third round.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Americus v. Peach. The red cue goes again in a 7-ball series. Midland's Americus had a four-ball run-out in game 1, topping North Modernistic's Peach with the simple late surge. Americus holds a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Americus kept the hot streak going by running the table in game 2, never letting the Nighthawks' Peach see the table. Americus clinched the series at 2-0 with the dominant effort. Game 3 didn't go as well for Americus, who went empty on the break and scratched on her only other shot. Peach instead had a four-ball run and a pair at the end for the win, avoiding the sweep as Americus wins the series 2-1. Americus will visit Prism of the Todavía Stills in the third round.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Andrew v. Nikolai. Another 7-ball series sees the red cue in hand. Freedom's Nikolai made a three-ball run to start game 1, but missed on the 4. Central's Andrew stepped in for a four-ball run-out, taking a 1-0 series lead with his win. The Warriors' Andrew secured the series on the game 2 break, knocking the 7 down at the top right for the win that stunned the Cascades' Nikolai. This made it a 2-0 series. In game 3, Andrew again potted the 7 on the break, but he scratched this time, gifting a win to Nikolai. Andrew won the series 2-1 and will host Leonette in round three.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Hoot v. Watermelon. Leaders clash in Accuracy with the blue cue in this Coastal derby. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot skidded a little at the start of game 1, but Pearl's Watermelon dropped off later, and Hoot held steady for a 1-3 win to put him up 1-0 in the series. The Meteors' Hoot scratched on the break, and that was enough to be the difference as he and the Surfers' Watermelon played even from there. Watermelon won 2-3, tying the series at 1 game apiece. Watermelon looked good in game 3 as well, while Hoot kept things close until a late scratch derailed his effort. Watermelon won 2-3 again to take the series 2-1, earning the right to host the Tysini Hummingbirds rookie Sarah in the third round.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I v. Chris. More Accuracy awaits, this time with the red cue. Pacific's Twinkie I made a ball on the break and each player did a double-pot in a fast game 1, but Twinkie I also had a miss. Capital City's Chris played perfect to get the 0-1 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Chris had a rough start and a rocky finish in game 2, giving the Volcanoes' Twinkie I just enough of a cushion to take the win 2-3, which tied the series at 1. Twinkie I had too many mistakes to recover from in game 3, as Chris slipped but held on for a 3-4 win at the end. Chris took the series 2-1 to earn his spot in the third round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Nightfur v. Luigi. The blue cue cycles back in for Rotation here. Royal's Nightfur never took control in game 1, battling back-and-forth until the end, where North Modernistic's Luigi made a pair for the 8-6 win. Luigi leads the series 1-0. The Crowns' Nightfur played much better in game 2, posting a four-ball run early on and spin-kicking the 10 to the bottom side before winning 8-3. The Nighthawks' Luigi could only watch as Nightfur rallied to tie the series at 1. Luigi held the lead at mid-game in game 3, but he didn't make it stand. Nightfur fought to tie it, then added a three-ball run-out at the end for an 8-5 win to give her a 2-1 series win. Nightfur will host her third-round series.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Diddley. The second half of the day begins with 12-ball and the red cue. Midland's Fuchsia gave up a wild-card ball early in game 1, but Maplewood's Diddley scratched to give it back. He then hesitated too long in attack, allowing Fuchsia to get the win despite brutal positioning. Fuchsia leads the series 1-0. The Lumberjacks' Diddley was much more decisive in game 2, attacking with poise on an early three-ball run. The Predators' Fuchsia tried and failed to keep up, as Diddley's win tied the series at 1. Diddley had the early advantage in game 3, but he couldn't make it stand in a close finish. Fuchsia cut the 5 to the bottom right just in time to win the game and take the series 2-1, pushing her into the third round.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Bells. The silver cue finally comes aboard for 10-ball. Todavía's Bells put an early end to game 1, deflecting a shot off the 4 to tap the 10 into the top right after Southern's Dominic left it lined up as such. Bells owns a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Dominic had a little more luck in game 2, but not enough to stop the Stills' Bells from getting the win in a back-and-forth battle. Bells secured the series at 2-0 with this victory. Neither player did well in game 3, as it was a struggle to pot any ball. Dominic ultimately took the ugly win to avoid a sweep, while Bells' 2-1 series win sets her up to host Wario of the Southridge Defenders in the third round.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Puff I v. Cleo. Underrated veterans meet in 9-ball with the red cue. Everton's Cleo popped off with six balls over her last two turns in game 1, erasing the memory of a slow start that Modernistic's Puff I couldn't recover from. Cleo holds a 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Cleo tried to keep pace in game 2, but she didn't do so well. The Union's Puff I filled the void with an admirable five-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1 rather easily. Cleo looked a little out of it early in game 3 as Puff I saw a solid amount of offense, but Puff I committed a foul late. Cleo made the last two balls and got the win, taking the series 2-1 to move into round three.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Smudge. Southwestern captains collide for a Rotation series with the silver cue. Lighton's Acorn staked out a small lead at first, but Infinity's Smudge pulled ahead before dropping off. Acorn then rallied with a five-ball run and made another ball on his next shot to win 8-4, giving him a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Acorn couldn't quite keep control in game 2, a contested start falling for the Torpedoes' Smudge instead. At the end, Smudge made a three-ball run-out to win 8-5, tying the series at 1. Acorn held the lead early in game 3 and extending it later on a three-ball run. Smudge's comeback effort was short-lived, and Acorn won 8-2 to take the series at 2-1. Acorn will play host again in the third round.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Strut. Staying in the Southwest, we have 9-ball with the blue cue. Tysini's Leandra controlled game 1 from the start, potting a ball on the break and ending as her shot on the 3 deflected the 9 into the bottom right for the win. Golden's Strut never saw the table as Leandra took a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Strut did better in game 2, by virtue of getting to the table this time. The Hummingbirds' Leandra was still strong, but she missed the 9 to snap a four-ball run, and Strut pocketed it at the bottom left to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was as close as it gets in possession, but Leandra emerged with the win by making the final pair to beat Strut. Leandra will host the Eastside Sharks' Graham in a captains' battle in the third round.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Lize v. Blizzard. The red cue's last series of the day comes in 15-ball. Pronger's Lize had the offensive control early in game 1, but it went back-and-forth in the middle as Harrison's Blizzard put up a decent challenge. Lize made the last two balls to grab the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Lize made a ball on the break in game 2, but it would be her only offense, as the Specters' Blizzard struck for a 1-15 combination to the top right on her only shot. Blizzard's quick win tied the series at 1. Blizzard didn't let Lize get to the table in game 3, sinking a ball on the break and winning two shots later by deflecting a shot off the 2 to take the 15 at the top right. Blizzard's comeback series win, 2-1, puts her into round three in a hosting position.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Sydney S. The host's second series today is in 8-ball with the silver cue. Golden's Strut had the early advantage in game 1, but by the end he was pushing through the defense set by Harrison's Sydney S. It was a failed plan, as Sydney S. collected the win and earned a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Sydney S. had a hot start in game 2, and just as the Pilots' Strut figured things out on a three-ball run, she countered with a three-ball run-out to clinch the series at 2-0. Strut began game 3 with a four-ball run, then saw Sydney S. work a six-ball run before getting dinged for illegal contact. Strut rallied from there with a four-ball run-out to get his lone win. Sydney S. won the series 2-1 and will play in the third round.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: A. Charlton v. Steven. Club-mates meet in the day's finale, playing Rotation with the silver cue. Atlantic's Steven had a couple balls at the start, but Archtown's A. Charlton charged back to gain the lead at mid-game. Steven wasn't done, surging with a six-ball run-out to pick up the 8-5 win and 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' A. Charlton built up a nice lead in game 2, but she almost gave it all away as the Pirates' Steven got to the brink of victory. A. Charlton fired off a couple of shots at the end to win 8-7, tying the series at 1. A. Charlton hit a six-ball run to start game 3, but she fell near the end as Steven made six balls over two turns. A. Charlton fought back to scrap out an 8-7 win and 2-1 series win, which sends her to the third round.

That's all we've got today. We'll play a compacted schedule tomorrow, as best we can, and then again on Saturday to make up for Wednesday's off-day.

Tournament 2019 - Round 2 Day 12

Today's the last day before a rare midweek break. We'll play the usual allotment, beginning with...

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stripes v. Hoot. The silver cue will lead off the day in 8-ball. Freedom's Stripes started with a six-ball run on her second turn, but Viewpoint Sound's Hoot would answer with a three-ball run and a five-ball run-out to get the game 1 win. Hoot's kick on the 8 to the top side was the winning shot to put him ahead 1-0 in the series. Game 2 saw the pace tick down slightly, with the Meteors' Hoot lacking any big runs while attempting to use a steady offense. The Cascades' Stripes countered with a four-ball run-out at the end, good for a win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 went down to the wire, with Hoot getting onto the 8 but missing, only for Stripes to bank the 9 to the top side before depositing the 8 at the top right. Stripes won the series 2-1 to get into the third round.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Frosty v. Shelley. On the coast, the blue cue comes on for Accuracy. Viewpoint Sound's Frosty made a pair on the break in game 1, but two scratches and other misses piled up, allowing Infinity's Shelley to win by a 1-4 score. Shelley leads the series 1-0. Game 2 saw an ugly break from the Torpedoes' Shelley, but she benefited from it as the Meteors' Frosty stumbled early. Shelley slipped soon after, but held on for a 3-6 win as Frosty couldn't stay on track. Shelley clinched the series at 2-0. Shelley made a pair on the break in game 3, but it didn't hold up for long. Shelley fell behind and Frosty showed no mercy in her 1-2 win to avoid the sweep. A 2-1 series win puts Shelley into the third round.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Sage v. Bright. The silver cue is back, this time in 10-ball. Originally, the host was listed as Sugar, which was an input error on the schedule. Pearl's Bright showed no mercy on an eight-ball run-out, correcting course after both he and Victoria's Sage started quite slowly. Bright's big run gave him a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw the Surfers' Bright make a pair on the break and a four-ball run-out, showing his positional mastery in another dominant effort. The Spurs' Sage is out of it as Bright holds a 2-0 series lead. Sage had a little larger portion of the offense in game 3, but a late miss on the 9 wasted the effort. Bright made the final pair of balls for the win and 3-0 series sweep to get to round three.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Cheddar. An Urban Derby in 7-ball also uses the silver cue. Commerce's Rosemary did well in game 1, making a pair at the start and the finish to hold off North Modernistic's Cheddar. Rosemary's win gave her a 1-0 lead in the series. The Nighthawks' Cheddar bounced back with a cool head in game 2, grappling at first with the Tradewinds' Rosemary before finding a four-ball run-out. Cheddar's strong finish tied the series at 1. Rosemary had a six-ball run in game 3, but she twice missed on the 7. Cheddar mopped it up on her second try at the bottom right, taking the series 2-1 in the process. Cheddar will visit another Urban rival in Terrace City Knights captain Kiwi in the third round.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Graham v. Luigi. The blue cue cycles back in for 9-ball. Eastside's Graham earned a quick win in game 1 with a three-ball run-out on his second turn. He used two combinations, including a tough 2-9 to the top left to get the win and 1-0 series lead over North Modernistic's Luigi. The Sharks' Graham didn't gain as much traction in game 2, as the Nighthawks' Luigi posted a pair of three-ball runs to get the win. Luigi's bursts of offense tied the series at 1. Luigi had a poor look at the 7 in game 3, unable to keep himself in possession of the ball. Graham took over for a three-ball run-out to snag the close win, which gave the host a 2-1 series win as well. Graham will play in the third round.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Frosty v. Shiny. The host's second series of the day is in 8-ball with the red cue. Viewpoint Sound's Frosty started slow with a scratch on the game 1 break, allowing Lighton's Shiny to get onto the 8 quickly. Shiny stalled too soon, and Frosty made six balls over her last two turns for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was a bit different, with the Meteors' Frosty starting well, only to see the Prestige's Shiny rally on a six-ball run. The close finish went to Frosty, who made a pair of shots for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Frosty didn't have the best of luck in game 3, struggling to find a clear look on the 8. Shiny used a strategic scratch and made a three-ball run-out on the next turn for the win, leaving Frosty with a 2-1 series win to take her into the third round. Frosty will host Eastside Sharks rookie Taylor M. next round.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Caitlin. Also on the coast, the blue cue administers 10-ball. Oceanside's Celestia had a bad break and a couple of questionable plays in game 1, but Southridge's Caitlin failed to string much offense together. Celestia won with a four-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia brought a similar effort in game 2, showing a slight bit more control in her attack. The Defenders' Caitlin didn't care much, carving out a lot of offense, including a three-ball run-out to get the win that tied the series at 1. Celestia had a four-ball run at one point in game 3, but she failed to convert on the 9. Caitlin made a 9-10 combination to the top right for the win instead, as Caitlin would take the series 2-1 to earn a visiting spot in round three.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Missy v. Dewey. Two crafty players collide in 9-ball with the blue cue. Capital City's Missy found her groove in game 1, shutting things down with a four-ball run-out featuring a bank on the 8 to the top left. Oceanside's Dewey had no chance to reply as Missy took the 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Dewey had a chance to finish game 2 with a run, but his three-ball run ended as he missed on the 9. The Sharpshooters' Missy gladly cleaned it up at the top right, sealing the series at 2-0 with this win. Dewey again came close to a win in game 3, but Missy backed up her opening three-ball run with a tap-in on the 9 at the end to sweep the series 3-0. Missy will visit Pacific Volcanoes veteran Twinkie I in the third round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Jasmine v. Bianca. Talented opponents meet in 12-ball with the red cue. Freedom's Jasmine gave away a wild-card ball on the game 1 break, and while she kept it close, a three-ball run-out set Southridge's Bianca ahead 1-0 in the series with the win. The Defenders' Bianca maintained a lead throughout game 2 as well, although the Cascades' Jasmine came incredibly close to winning. When she missed contact on her last ball, Bianca scooped up her 6 to the bottom left for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Bianca had a three-ball run early in game 3, but Jasmine countered on a five-ball run instead. Jasmine battled for positioning for awhile but ultimately won to avoid the sweep. Bianca will be a visitor in the third round after this 2-1 series win.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Slinks. The red cue goes again between veterans in 7-ball. Lighton's Acorn had a scratch, a miscue, and hardly any offense in game 1, as Westside's Slinks filled the gaps to get the win and the early 1-0 series lead for herself. The Rockers' Slinks made a pair and scratched on the break of game 2, leading to the Prestige's Acorn tallying a three-ball run. Acorn missed on the 6, and Slinks used it in the 6-7 combination at the top side to finish her win for the 2-0 series lead. Slinks nearly won on the break in game 3, but she channeled the momentum well to win for real on a three-ball run-out. Slinks swept Acorn 3-0 to stake her claim to a visiting role in the third round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Nightfur v. Noelle. Tough club-mates clash in 10-ball with the red cue. Royal's Nightfur controlled the pace in game 1, but Central's Noelle still had a chance to bank the 10 to the bottom left, which she missed. Nightfur replied with a classic bank finish to the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Nightfur came out strong in game 2, but didn't sustain her pace. The Warriors' Noelle had a four-ball run and finished the 10 on her second try after Nightfur couldn't bank it to the top left. Noelle's win tied the series at 1. Game 3 was as back-and-forth as possible, with Noelle looking a little stronger until she made only light contact on the 10. Nightfur struck it to the bottom side for the win and 2-1 series win to move on, as she'll host the Swordpoint Blades' Stealth in round three.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Wild Thing v. Boots. The host looks to shake off his struggles in 13-ball with the silver cue. Stonebridge's Wild Thing was called for illegal contact in game 1, allowing Pearl's Boots to rack up a five-ball run. Boots took her time to finish but still got the win and 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Boots couldn't replicate the effort, as the Wolves' Wild Thing did enough to knock her off her game. Wild Thing played well in his own right to get the win, tying the series at 1 in a close battle. Wild Thing and Boots scrapped for positioning late in a tactically-laden game 3 battle, with Boots just getting the edge at the end to earn the win. Boots won the series 2-1 and will be on the road in the third round.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Kitty v. Taylor S. A rookie takes on a star in 12-ball with the blue cue. Midland's Kitty surrendered a wild-card ball at the start of game 1, a big mistake as Commerce's Taylor S. had good positioning throughout the game. Taylor S. easily won and gained a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Kitty struck first with a three-ball run in game 2, taking out both side pockets, but the Tradewinds' Taylor S. went off with a four-ball run in response. Taylor S. made her last two shots on her third turn for a quick win to clinch the series at 2-0. Taylor S. couldn't connect on the break in game 3 either, and Kitty immediately grabbed a three-ball run. Kitty coasted to the finish in her lone win, while Taylor S. is set to face Stonebridge Wolves third-year Cobalt on the road in the third round after her own 2-1 series win.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Melissa. Urban rivals and club-mates battle in 10-ball with the blue cue. Neither player had a great grasp on their offense in game 1, especially as they both missed on the 10 at the end. Modernistic's Daisy made it on the second try, giving her a 1-0 series lead over Terrace City's Melissa. The Union's Daisy capitalized on more poor shooting by the Knights' Melissa in game 2. Melissa made light contact on the 8 on her last turn, setting Daisy up for the three-ball run-out that gave the host a decisive 2-0 series lead. By the end of game 3, both players just wanted the series to be over. Melissa initially made the 10 on her third try, but scratched in the process. It took Daisy three more tries before she put it down to secure a 3-0 series sweep. Daisy will host another Urban rival, the Commerce Tradewinds' Niki, in the third round.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Vladimir v. Josie. The visitor begins a personal doubleheader in 10-ball with the red cue. Stonebridge's Vladimir couldn't find his way early in game 1, and Oceanside's Josie was able to capitalize later, finishing on a five-ball run-out. Josie holds a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Josie didn't have the same menace in finishing game 2, allowing the Wolves' Vladimir to tap in the 10 at the top left after she left it there. Vladimir's solid effort tied the series at 1. Josie had a couple of chances to corral the 10 in a loose game 3 effort, but she missed contact on the second try. Vladimir took it on ball-in-hand at the top left, winning the series 2-1 in the process. Vladimir will host Kirstin of the Everton Eagles in round three.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Josie v. Sparkles. The day closes with 8-ball and the silver cue to wrap up the host's doubleheader. Oceanside's Josie held the lead for much of game 1, but she eased up on the 8 and that gave Golden's Sparkles plenty of time to execute a brilliant five-ball run-out. Sparkles' finishing run included a double-pot, helping her earn a 1-0 lead in the series. The Pilots' Sparkles looked to pick things up where she left off, but a crafty positioning play turned into an automatic loss when she illegally potted the 8, gifting the win to the Waves' Josie. The series is tied at 1 with just one decisive game left. Josie had a chance to finish well in game 3, but she ended a three-ball run by leaving the 8 near the bottom right. Sparkles scooped it up, winning the series 2-1 as she prepares to meet the Royal Crowns' Kayla in the third round.

That's it for today. Play resumes Thursday with a standard day at a regular time and pace.