Tournament X - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 2

We're back with Friday's Bracket Quarterfinals action. Leading off...

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Chris. The green cue is up first today, playing 15-ball. Stonebridge's Hershey looked like the better player in game 1, but he couldn't finish the effort with a miss on the 15 at the top left. Capital City's Chris cleaned it up for a cheap win and a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Hershey learned from his previous mistakes in a much cleaner and faster game 2 battle. The Sharpshooters' Chris also improved, but Hershey locked down a win on a four-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Game 3 appeared to be set on the path to choppy play as well, as Chris in particular struggled. Hershey was a little smoother, and he picked up the win by double-potting the 5 to the bottom left and the 15 to the bottom side. Hershey now has a 2-1 series lead. Chris salvaged game 4 after a slow battle developed with Hershey. Neither player had a ton of control, but Chris stepped up with a three-ball run-out at the end to retie the series at 2. Chris had a good surge in the early stages of game 5, but he was nowhere to be found on offense at the end. Hershey instead rattled off a four-ball run-out for the win and 3-2 series win. Hershey will take to the road in the bracket semifinals.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sugar v. Sunshine. Impressive opponents tangle in 15-ball with the silver cue. Royal's Sunshine took over at the end of game 1 after a close battle with Tysini's Sugar. Sunshine had a three-ball run and a four-ball run-out to earn the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Sunshine tried to jam the 1 to the bottom left on his second turn, but he missed the shot. The Hummingbirds' Sugar buried it, and then sent the 2-15 combination through traffic to the top left for the win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 also had an early finish. Sugar worked a four-ball run before she took a scratch, giving Sunshine ball-in-hand on the 7. Sunshine converted, then used the 8 as a decoy while deflecting to send the 15 to the bottom left for the win. This restored Sunshine's series lead to 2-1. Sunshine controlled the pace of play in game 4, collecting six of the last seven balls to earn the win. Sugar had a chance at the 15, but left it short at the top left, where Sunshine struck to seal the series at 3-1. Sunshine again surged late on a five-ball run as he did in the last game, but game 5 would go to Sugar on a three-ball run-out counterattack. Sunshine won the series 3-2 and will be on the road again in the bracket semifinals.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Andrew v. Sparkles. The purple cue's lone outing today comes in 13-ball. Freedom's Andrew had a fairly easy time in game 1, as Golden's Sparkles had a late scratch and no positioning to work with at the end. Andrew won with a pair of shots, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Cascades' Andrew missed a couple of shots he should have made in game 2, but two scratched from the Pilots' Sparkles kept her suppressed on offense. Sparkles made a late push with some defense, but Andrew banked the 8 to the top side for the win, extending his lead to 2-0. Sparkles fired back in game 3, taking her time early on as Andrew staked out another lead. Sparkles found a double-pot on a three-ball run, and carried that momentum to the end when she made a pair for the win to cut the series to 2-1. Game 4 saw Sparkles take over early on with a four-ball run after making one of each on the break. Andrew tried to keep it close, but Sparkles again found the right path at the end, her win tying the series at 2. Sparkles couldn't complete the comeback, falling on her face with missed shots in game 5. Andrew wasn't at his best, but he was far ahead of Sparkles in this win, which gave him a 3-2 series win and a road trip in the bracket semifinals.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Potter. The blue cue draws in for a 12-ball series between strong foes. Oceanside's Celestia sank two of each to start game 1, giving Pronger's Potter two wild-card balls. Celestia later scratched, but Potter did as well and couldn't get himself organized. Celestia ultimately had a comfortable win for a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia needed some time to set herself up in game 2, and she had plenty of it thanks to the Tridents' Potter playing a bit slow. Celestia nabbed the win just in time after Potter missed on his last ball. Celestia holds a 2-0 series lead. Game 3 began with Celestia overfilling at the bottom left, giving Potter a ball-in-hand situation. He quickly submitted a four-ball run, and that edge held up throughout the game as Potter cut the deficit to 2-1. Potter had a good start to game 4, and he surged again near the end, but he couldn't get his last ball in the top right. Celestia worked a three-ball run-out at the end, including a kick on the 4 to the bottom side, to earn the win and clinch the series at 3-1. Potter tried to challenge Celestia at the end of game 5, but it didn't work out for him. Celestia made a three-ball run-out this time, finishing a 4-1 series win that allows her to host again in the bracket semifinals.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Autumn. The red cue activates for a 13-ball series. Diamond's Autumn got down to her last ball in game 1 after a three-ball run, but she couldn't get around the defensively-placed 8 from Central's Noelle. This bought Noelle a couple extra turns before she put the 8 in the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Noelle couldn't duplicate her comeback effort in game 2, as her positioning was off. The Gems' Autumn didn't give the chance, either, burying a pair for the late win to tie the series at 1. Autumn struck for an early pair in game 3, but her positioning after that was very slow. A lack of urgency allowed Noelle to take her time too, but Noelle had an easier time getting onto the 8 and eventually winning with a shot at the top left. Noelle regained the series lead at 2-1. Noelle opened game 4 on a four-ball run to gain a strong lead. Autumn got some back, but her positioning late in the game was again not enough. Noelle was sharp and got the win, securing the series at 3-1. Autumn looked to have the edge in game 5, but Noelle delivered some timely defense while Autumn struggled to even see the 8. Noelle pulled back with a pair at the end, a comeback win capping a 4-1 series win that sends her to a hosting position in the bracket semifinals.

Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Whiskers. The red cue ends its day with 15-ball. Maplewood's Whiskers can blame her scratches for her loss in game 1, as Todavía's Easter turned the ball-in-hand from the last one into a 10-15 combination at the top left for the win. Easter's merciless approach has her up 1-0 in the series. The Stills' Easter surged in game 2, starting and ending with a five-ball run. Her finishing shot was a kick on the 15 to the bottom left, leaving nothing for the Lumberjacks' Whiskers to do as Easter stretched the series lead to 2-0. Whiskers finally fought back a little in game 3, which saw Easter lack her usual dominance on offense. Whiskers was able to grab a pair at the end for the win, cutting Easter's lead to 2-1. Whiskers kept it going in game 4 with a five-ball run and strong play early on. Easter pulled back with a four-ball run later, but missed the 15 at the top left, which Whiskers cleaned up to tie the series at 2. Easter found herself under pressure as Whiskers controlled most of game 5. Whiskers turned in a six-ball run before a gritty battle on the 14 that ended with Easter scratching. Whiskers made the final pair, completing a 3-2 comeback win in the series. Whiskers will get hosting duties in the bracket semifinals. This accounted for Easter's 100th unique opponent.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Cheddar v. Marissa. A rising star hosts a rookie in 7-ball with the silver cue. North Modernistic's Cheddar got the 7 to fall at the bottom right on the game 1 break, staking out a quick 1-0 series lead with the win. Game 2 took on a choppy pace at times, but it was the Lumberjacks' Marissa who got a chance to finish at the bottom side and converted. The Nighthawks' Cheddar had more of the offense this time, but Marissa tied the series at 1. Game 3 started slow, but Maplewood's Marissa made sure to make a mark at the end with a five-ball run-out for the win. Marissa now leads Cheddar 2-1 in the series. Marissa knocked in four balls on the game 4 break, with the 2 at the top left, the 3 and 5 at the bottom left, and most notably the 7 in the top side for the win. Marissa clinched the series at 3-1 with her explosive break. Cheddar got a little retribution in a strong game 5, winning on a three-ball run-out to cut Marissa's series win to 3-2. Marissa will be on the road for her bracket semifinals appearance.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Pedey. The green cue exits the day with 8-ball. Todavía's Pedey will regret his early error in game 1, as it allowed Westside's Misty ball-in-hand, and she used it to take an insurmountable lead. Pedey didn't even get close as Misty finished with a win and 1-0 series lead. Both players wanted solids in game 2, but the Stills' Pedey later switched to make a five-ball run on stripes. The Rockers' Misty couldn't answer it, and Pedey took a pair at the end for the win to tie the series at 1. Misty finally got her offense back on track at the end of a close game 3 battle, working in a five-ball run-out after Pedey failed to capitalize on his lead. Misty's surge helped her retake the series lead at 2-1. Misty had some momentum in the middle of game 4, but it was wasted as Pedey and Misty quickly exchanged scratches. This reset bought Pedey time to attack, and he would earn the win to retie the series at 2. Misty held the lead at various points in game 5, but she couldn't make it stand when Pedey launched a three-ball run-out at the end. Pedey won the series 3-2 and will play in the bracket semifinals.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Valencia v. Maison. A highly anticipated Rotation series features the blue cue. Golden's Valencia had a bad break and horrendous positioning in game 1. Eastside's Maison got aggressive early and used that for both offense and defense in his 8-0 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Valencia did marginally better in game 2, but still had far too many errors to be competitive. The Sharks' Maison kept his slow and steady approach for an 8-3 win, moving ahead 2-0 in the series. Maison continued to plague Valencia with bad positioning in game 3. Maison built up a nice lead, but failed to find a finishing touch, and Valencia pulled back on a three-ball run. She edged closer and then won 8-6 with a three-ball run-out, as Valencia now trails only 2-1 in the series. Valencia staked out the early lead in game 4, but she wasn't able to hold on at the end. Maison got loose and won 8-7 with a three-ball run-out, which sealed the series in his favor at 3-1. Maison had a five-ball run to start game 5 before reverting to the same pattern. Valencia pulled all the way back and won 8-6 to cut Maison's series win to 3-2. Maison will head on the road again in the bracket semifinals.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Esmeralda v. Melissa. The blue cue wraps up the day with 13-ball. Swordpoint's Esmeralda had the upper hand for almost all of game 1, but her bank attempt on the 8 caught the cue on a double-kiss and landed in the wrong pocket. This gifted the win and 1-0 series lead to Terrace City's Melissa, who had struggled throughout. The Knights' Melissa took over the offense with an early four-ball run in game 2. The Blades' Esmeralda had none of her precision from before, and Melissa went unchallenged for the win to go up 2-0 in the series. Esmeralda took way too long to get her offense going in game 3, and by the time she made a shot, Melissa was lining up for the 8. Melissa again took an easy win to clinch the series at 3-0. Melissa had the lead at first in game 4, but couldn't sustain it as the bottom left proved especially difficult to corral. Esmeralda caught up and took the win, narrowly avoiding a scratch on the 8, to cut Melissa's series lead to 3-1. The heat and the frustration took over in game 5, as Esmeralda's positioning attempt sent the 8 to the bottom side prematurely. Melissa won the series 4-1 but was mostly just happy to be done. She will host her appearance in the bracket semifinals. Esmeralda is the 19th player out of the Tournament, and the first to fall to Melissa.

That's it for today's action. Due to heat and fatigue concerns in the upcoming month, UPCL administration has added a scheduled day off for August 9.

Tournament X - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 1

We're into the named rounds, as the 18-day Bracket Quarterfinals are set to begin. Series length is now five games. We begin with...

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Angelica. The red cue gets the first turn today in 8-ball. Lighton's Angelica will play the playing surface being slow for her game 1 loss, as Commerce's Rosemary adjusted well and pulled away late with the win to go up 1-0 in the series. The Tradewinds' Rosemary took the early lead in game 2, but suffered a bit as the Prestige's Angelica surged onto her last ball. Rosemary was patient and made a three-turn push to the victory at the end, moving ahead 2-0 in the series. Rosemary scratched on the game 3 break, opening the door for Angelica to make a push on offense. It ended up being a close game at the end, but Angelica missed a kick attempt to the top side and Rosemary won at the top right to seal the series at 3-0. Angelica ripped a quick six-ball run early in game 4, taking a nearly unassailable lead. Rosemary didn't care about that much, as she finished on a seven-ball run-out, smoothly making the comeback to stretch her lead to 4-0. Rosemary had two big attacks in game 5, a five-ball run and a three-ball run-out, which served to help her sweep Angelica 5-0 for the series. Rosemary will be on the road in the bracket semifinals.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Lorde v. Spot. More 8-ball uses the blue cue in its only appearance of the day. Capital City's Lorde had a decent start to game 1, but couldn't sustain it at the end under the pressure of Pronger's Spot. The visitor Spot made a six-ball run-out for the win to go up 1-0 in the series. The Tridents' Spot scratched on the game 2 break, allowing the Sharpshooters' Lorde to strike first this time. Lorde did alright on her turns, but Spot ripped an eight-ball run-out after the table had cleared up enough. This gave Spot a 2-0 series lead. Spot kept his hot streak going for all of game 3, as he ran the table against Lorde to secure the series at 3-0. Spot has made 16 straight shots at this point. Spot's streak came to a close on the game 4 break, but he wouldn't stay down for long. Lorde controlled things fairly early on, but Spot closed up on a five-ball run-out to extend his series lead to 4-0. Spot surged again in game 5, using a four-ball run to get ahead late. Lorde couldn't keep pace with him, and Spot put the 8 away in the bottom side for the 5-0 series sweep. Spot is in line to host his bracket semifinals appearance.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Stinky. The purple cue draws in for some 12-ball. Whitewater's Katharine gave away a wild-card ball on the game 1 break but still made a three-ball run on her next turn. Freedom's Stinky kept it close, then won with a pair, ending on a bank of the 4 to the bottom side. Stinky leads the series 1-0. The Cascades' Stinky yielded a wild-card ball on the game 2 break, but the Shores' Katharine would give it back with a scratch. On even terms, Stinky succeeded at the end to grab the win and 2-0 lead in the series. Stinky again gave up a wild-card ball, choosing to play stripes after making one of each on the game 3 break. Katharine didn't give this one back, grinding her way to a tough victory to cut the series to 2-1. Katharine impressed with a lucky bounce to get solids on the game 4 break, and she avoided giving away a wild-card ball. A scrappy short run and Stinky's inability to find positioning helped Katharine earn the win, tying the series at 2. Katharine had a decent break in game 5, but Stinky worked an early five-ball run to grab the lead. Katharine got four of them back, falling short on her last ball as Stinky converted at the top right to win the series 3-2. Stinky will play in the bracket semifinals.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Buddy. Reality club-mates are set to meet in 7-ball with the purple cue. Victoria's Spice pushed a five-ball run on the game 1 break, but faltered on the 6. Atlantic's Buddy would miss the 7 on his lone turn, and Spice made it for the well-earned win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Spice took her time in game 2 but found a four-ball run. The Pirates' Buddy answered with a three-ball run-out, this time clutching up to get the win that tied the series at 1. Buddy didn't get anything on his break in game 3, but the back-and-forth battle with Spice favored his style. Buddy picked up the 7 at the bottom right when Spice missed, which puts Buddy ahead 2-1 in the series. Buddy struck on the break in game 4 and kept the edge at the end, working a three-ball run-out to clinch the series at 3-1 over Spice. Buddy peaked too early in game 5 with a late three-ball run before missing on the 7. Spice tapped it down, leaving Buddy to advance to a road position in the bracket semifinals on a 3-2 series win.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Chimpy. The green cue activates with a 10-ball series. Pronger's Precious scratched on the game 1 break and never looked all that settled, allowing Westside's Chimpy to carve out a fair share of offense. Chimpy won with a pair at the end for a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Chimpy surged again late in game 2 with a four-ball run, but his play on the 9 left him no angle for the 10. With missed contact, the Tridents' Precious took the win from ball-in-hand to tie the series at 1. Chimpy was intimidating with a seven-ball run early in game 3, and Precious faltered on multiple chances to counterattack at the end. Chimpy picked up the 10 at the top right for the win, restoring his series lead at 2-1. Chimpy dropped the hammer in game 3 with a great second turn. He cleaned up the 2 at the top side that Precious missed, then converted a 3-10 combination to the bottom left for the win. Chimpy took the series 3-1. Precious decided to play spoiler with some strong shooting to finish game 5, leaving Chimpy with just a 3-2 series win. Chimpy will continue his miracle run on the road in the bracket semifinals.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Missy. The purple cue is back for 9-ball for the host's second series today. Whitewater's Katharine couldn't get control enough in game 1 to pick up the win, leaving the 9 in line for Capital City's Missy to convert at the bottom left. Missy holds a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Missy picked up another win in game 2, as the Shores' Katharine continued to falter on late shots. Missy is on the verge of advancing with a 2-0 series lead. Katharine kept the bid alive with a three-ball run-out to close game 3. Missy hasn't dominated anything yet, but she's up 2-1 in the series. Game 4 started out quite choppy on both sides, but it was Katharine to break through with a four-ball run and a pair for the win on consecutive turns. Katharine has tied Missy at 2 games apiece. Katharine had a three-ball run to start in game 5, but she left the 9 too close to the top left. Missy would take it in a 4-9 combination two turns later for the 3-2 series win. Missy is set to be on the road again in the bracket semifinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Isabella. The silver cue's lone outing is in 12-ball. Atlantic's Isabella made a four-ball run in game 1, and while she would later give Modernistic's Daisy a wild-card ball, it didn't stop Isabella from taking the win. Daisy's last ball was elusive, buying Isabella the time she needed to grab the 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Isabella made two solids and a stripe on the break, giving the Union's Daisy a wild-card ball. Daisy gave it back and fouled multiple times near the end, but used just enough defense to stall Isabella. Daisy then made a tough pair of shots for the win, tying the series at 1. Daisy got down to her last ball in a competitive game 3 battle, but Isabella used Daisy's missed contact foul to spark a four-ball run-out for the comeback win. Isabella regained the series lead at 2-1. Daisy had a chance to get her preferred stripes in game 4, but only made a five-ball run before twice missing contact on the 9. Isabella responded with all six of her balls potted on the next two turns, enough to seal the series at 3-1 with the win. Isabella gave away two wild-card balls to Daisy in game 5, including one to push through Isabella's last ball at the bottom right. Daisy couldn't force a replay, and Isabella won the series 4-1 to get into a visiting position in the bracket semifinals. Daisy is the 16th eliminated player this year, and the first to fall to Isabella.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Mr. Snowman v. Fuchsia. The purple cue exits the day in 7-ball. Central's Mr. Snowman staked out a 1-0 series lead on the game 1 break, getting the 7 to quickly drop at the bottom side for the win. The Warriors' Mr. Snowman went empty on the break in game 2, allowing the Torpedoes' Fuchsia to make the first of her two pairs of shots in the game. Fuchsia would leave the 7 short of the top left at the end, and Mr. Snowman's tap-in stretched his series lead to 2-0. Infinity's Fuchsia learned from her mistakes, showing quality at the end of game 3 with a three-ball run-out to get on the board versus Mr. Snowman. The series still favors the host 2-1. Fuchsia kept it going after a slow start in game 4, picking up a three-ball run-out after Mr. Snowman missed contact. Fuchsia won with a 3-7 combination to the top side, tying the series at 2 in the process. Both players missed on their first turns in game 5, but Fuchsia roared back with a seven-ball run-out for the win and 3-2 series win. The upset sees Fuchsia take a road position in the bracket semifinals. Fuchsia has her first kill of the year to make Mr. Snowman the 17th eliminated player.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Princess v. Blizzard. The red cue will take a turn in 12-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Princess took stripes early in game 1 and found a three-ball run to set herself ahead. Harrison's Blizzard pushed back later, but left the back door open at the bottom left. Princess put her last ball there for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Princess picked up solids on the game 2 break, and then received a wild-card ball during the Specters' Blizzard's first turn. Princess couldn't be stopped at the end, easily sending the 4 to the top right for the win to move up to a 2-0 series lead. Princess yielded a wild-card ball to start game 3, but rallied back against the disadvantage as Blizzard played far too slowly. Princess slowly worked her way to the win, clinching the series at 3-0. Princess made two solids and scratched on the break, but she still had a huge advantage over Blizzard. On her next turn, Princess made a four-ball run, and she cruised to another win for the 4-0 lead in the series. Princess again yielded a wild-card ball in game 5, but Blizzard again came up short even with an advantage. Princess swept the series 5-0 and she retains a hosting position in the bracket semifinals. Blizzard is the 18th player out of the Tournament, and Princess has her first kill this year.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Snowball v. Dominic. Ending the day, the green cue is in 10-ball. Swordpoint's Snowball had an early four-ball run end with an uncalled shot. Southern's Dominic bounced back with a pair of three-ball runs to earn the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Snowball began to show frustration with her inconsistency in game 2. This opened the door for an even-keeled effort from the Monarchs' Dominic to count as he picked up the win. Dominic leads the series 2-0. Snowball and Dominic had another choppy battle at the start of game 3. Near the end, Dominic gained control and ran away with a four-ball run-out to secure the series at 3-0. Snowball broke up the sweep attempt with a quick 1-10 combination from distance to the top left early in game 4. Dominic could only lightly applaud as his series lead shrunk to 3-1. Dominic made a good effort in game 5, but couldn't bring it in at the end. Snowball capitalized on Dominic's late scratch to get another win for window dressing. Dominic won the series 3-2 and has hosting rights in the bracket semifinals.

We'll be back tomorrow as we continue the early stages of the Bracket Quarterfinals.

Tournament X - Second Round Day 23

The final day of the Second Round is here, a half-day of action before an upcoming break between rounds. First up...

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Cleo v. Bright. The green cue starts the day with 13-ball. Pearl's Bright made a good effort in game 1, posting a five-ball run, but he couldn't corral his last ball. Everton's Cleo had already done some damage and worked for a little more at the end to get the win and 1-0 series lead. Good positioning escaped the Eagles' Cleo for much of game 2, as she was noticeably behind all game. The Surfers' Bright wasn't elegant, but he did well enough to get the win, tying the series at 1. Cleo carved out a six-ball run early in game 3, putting heavy pressure on Bright. Cleo would poke the 8 to the top right on her next turn to grab the win and 2-1 series win. Cleo is set to host Northeastern rival and Archtown Arrows rookie Greg in the bracket quarterfinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Slinks v. Steven. The green cue remains in action for an Accuracy series. Both players were perfect going into the last ball in game 1, when Westside's Slinks missed at the bottom left. Atlantic's Steven converted on a harder angle for the 0-1 win and 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Slinks let her previous loss affect her ability to shoot in game 2, leading to a quick deficit. The Pirates' Steven made a pair on the break and continued his perfect run for a 0-3 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Steven finally unraveled in the middle of game 3, taking the loss as Slinks decided to play perfect this time in a 0-3 victory. Steven won the series 2-1 and will host Everton Eagles veteran Cleo in the bracket quarterfinals.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Neopolitan. Captains meet in Accuracy with the red cue. Capital City's Chris was a little too loose on his shots, resulting in him falling and staying behind for most of game 1. Pearl's Neopolitan showed no mercy with her 0-3 win, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Sharpshooters' Chris recovered in quality in game 2, playing with a slight edge to his shots that kept him perfect until the last ball. The Surfers' Neopolitan failed to match that pace and Chris was able to win 1-2 to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was perfect for most of the early parts, then devolved into a mess at the end. Neopolitan induced Chris to miss late, then secured her win on a double-pot at the bottom right. Neopolitan won 2-4 and took the series 2-1 to earn a trip to Central to face the Warriors' Noelle.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Lorde v. Dusty. The red cue closes out a venue doubleheader with 12-ball. Capital City's Lorde yielded a wild-card ball on the game 1 break, but still looked good with a three-ball run later. Golden's Dusty fought back with a well-made three-ball run-out for the win, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Pilots' Dusty overfilled on the game 2 break and struggled again at the end with missed contact, allowing the Sharpshooters' Lorde to make four balls over the last two turns for the win. Lorde began quite well in game 3, but she couldn't get herself properly aligned at the end. Dusty started on a four-ball run and had better late positioning to pick up the win and 2-1 series win. Dusty will visit Viewpoint Sound Meteors veteran Dani in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Nikolai. The red cue's round finale is in 13-ball. A close battle at the start of game 1 tipped suddenly to Central's Noelle after Freedom's Nikolai potted one of the host's balls. Noelle proceeded to rip a four-ball run-out for the win, going up 1-0 in the series. The Warriors' Noelle had no trouble establishing a lead from the start of game 2. The Cascades' Nikolai was forced to make an unconventional play for positioning at the end, which ended with missed contact. Noelle then made the 8 to the bottom left for the win, securing the series at 2-0. Nikolai came close to the win in game 3, but Noelle eventually made her last ball on a kick to the bottom right to set up her winning shot on the 8 at the top side. Noelle swept the series 3-0 and will host Diamond Gems rookie Autumn in the bracket quarterfinals.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Juno v. Kitty. The silver cue comes aboard for 10-ball. A slow start to game 1 didn't bother Midland's Kitty, as she worked a four-ball run-out with a bank of the 10 to the bottom right at the end. Stonebridge's Juno could only watch it slip away as Kitty grabbed a quick 1-0 series lead. Game 2 stayed pretty balanced at the start, and that continued near the end. The Predators' Kitty tried a masse shot on the 9, but too much forward spin resulted in a scratch. The Wolves' Juno took the 10 from ball-in-hand for the win to tie the series at 1. Kitty did everything but win in game 3, making the first nine balls over a handful of turns before scratching on the 9. Juno again won from ball-in-hand, a pair of cheap wins still enough for a 2-1 series win. Juno is set to host Pacific Volcanoes veteran Cowzart in the bracket quarterfinals.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Katelynn v. Graham. The silver cue exits the day with 15-ball. Central's Graham had a four-ball run going late in game 1 after a rickety start, but he missed on the 15 at the top side when he scuffed a shot. Royal's Katelynn poached the victory with a tap-in, taking a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 again saw a slow opening, but this time, the Crowns' Katelynn picked up the pace. She worked a four-ball run, which the Warriors' Graham responded to with a pair. Katelynn then took a three-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Katelynn put an exclamation point at the end of the series, winning game 3 on the break as the 15 was gently bumped to the top left late in the sequence. Katelynn swept Graham 3-0 and will next host the Pearl Surfers co-captain Neopolitan in the bracket quarterfinals.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Avril v. Fluffina. The Second Round ends with 15-ball featuring the green cue. Game 1 saw some struggles for legal shots early on. Infinity's Fluffina never really recovered from those struggles, while Pronger's Avril woke up to win on a five-ball run-out. Avril leads the series 1-0. Things got a bit more choppy in game 2, as the Tridents' Avril struggled to string much of any offense together. The Torpedoes' Fluffina wasn't much better, but she had precision near the end and was good enough to get the win. This tied the series at 1. Fluffina tried to work magic with her positioning, but ended up short of the target. Avril was better at the end and took a pair for the win and 2-1 series win. Avril will host Eastside Sharks rookie Toki in the bracket quarterfinals.

That's all for the Second Round. Expect the Bracket Quarterfinals, featuring five-game series, to begin on July 30.

Tournament X - Second Round Day 22

The last full day of the Second Round is here, beginning with...

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Megan v. Hoppy. The purple cue makes the start today in 15-ball. Oceanside's Megan had a four-ball run in the middle and a five-ball run later in game 1, but she just missed a bank on the 15 at the top left. Archtown's Hoppy knocked it down, getting away with a win and a 1-0 series lead despite a lack of possession. The Waves' Megan wasn't as strong on offense in game 2, leading to a fairly balanced battle. The Arrows' Hoppy was able to step up with a three-ball run-out at the end for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Hoppy showed a little more quality on offense in game 3, but couldn't keep it up at the end, where Megan struck for a win with a pair of shots. Hoppy won the series 2-1 and will host Web City Spiders captain Jack in a Northeastern derby in the bracket quarterfinals.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Snowball v. Fluffina. Southwestern stars battle in Rotation with the red cue. Swordpoint's Snowball struck on the break in game 1, but Infinity's Fluffina effectively silenced her after that. Fluffina slowly grabbed the lead, then won 8-1 with a four-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fluffina struggled at times in game 2, but the Blades' Snowball simply couldn't get her offense going. Fluffina surged forward on a four-ball run and picked up an 8-2 win on the next turn to seal the series at 2-0. Fluffina couldn't control her offense very well in game 3, allowing Snowball to come from behind with a four-ball run-out for the 8-5 win. Fluffina took the series 2-1 and will host another Blade, Snowball's teammate and brother Stealth, in the bracket quarterfinals.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Greg. The last Rotation series of the round uses the green cue. Oceanside's Celestia fell behind to Archtown's Greg early. It didn't take long for Celestia to reverse that, her seven-ball run earning her the lead. Celestia went on to win 8-3 for the 1-0 series lead. A tough start to game 2 left both players struggling. The Arrows' Greg broke out of it to take a big lead, but he couldn't find a finishing touch. The Waves' Celestia rallied at the end on a four-ball run-out for the 8-7 win, clinching the series in her favor at 2-0. Celestia couldn't capitalize on her late five-ball run to tie the game, as Greg made the next two balls for an 8-6 win. Celestia won the series 2-1 and will visit Westside Rockers enforcer Midnight in the bracket quarterfinals.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Isabella v. Jake. The blue cue is in action with 9-ball. Royal's Jake dominated in game 1, finding a three-ball run early on and then a five-ball run-out after Atlantic's Isabella was short in response. Jake's strong opener gave him a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Isabella put in a good effort to get back on track in game 2. The Crowns' Jake faltered early, but Isabella did her work with a four-ball run-out at the end to tie the series at 1. Isabella made a three-ball run in the middle of a close game 3, but she didn't get back to the table after missing the 6. Jake posted a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win that punches his ticket to visit the Pacific Volcanoes' Leonette in the bracket quarterfinals.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Lily v. Cobalt. The purple cue cycles in for a 7-ball series. A shaky start on both sides led to a slow game 1. Eastside's Lily was just able to pot the last two balls for the win and a 1-0 series lead over Viewpoint Sound's Cobalt. The Sharks' Lily made a pair early in game 2, which the Meteors' Cobalt answered with a four-ball run before a tough miss on the 7 at the bottom right. Lily got a kick to the same location for the win, securing the series at 2-0. Lily had a scratch and didn't really recover after that in game 3. Cobalt found some more success at the end with a three-ball run-out to avoid the sweep with his lone win. Lily took the series 2-1 and will host the Todavía Stills captain Easter in the bracket quarterfinals.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Rosalina v. Dominic. The blue cue ends 9-ball for the round here. Southern's Dominic held his own in a slow start to game 1, deflecting a shot off the 5 to sink the 9 at the top side for a surprise win over Victoria's Rosalina. Dominic leads the series 1-0. The Monarchs' Dominic posted a pair on the game 2 break, then weathered a four-ball run from the Spurs' Rosalina. When Rosalina scratched, Dominic stepped in to get the win on a three-ball run-out, sealing the series at 2-0. Dominic scratched on the break in game 3, and Rosalina set aside all sense of manners to make the 1-9 combination to the top left from ball-in-hand. Dominic was left with a 2-1 series win, which sees him visit Infinity Torpedoes veteran Shelley in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Solaris v. Isabella. The green cue takes a turn in 13-ball. Atlantic's Isabella quickly turned nothing into something in game 1, with a three-ball run and a four-ball run-out on consecutive turns for a quick comeback win over Commerce's Solaris. Isabella owns a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Isabella scratched on the game 2 break, giving her a slight setback initially. The Tradewinds' Solaris tried to take advantage of it, but his poor positioning opened the door for Isabella later. Solaris had a late three-ball run, only for Isabella to counter on a three-ball run-out to secure the series at 2-0. Isabella fell behind fairly quickly in game 3, but she was able to apply late pressure before Solaris finished his lone win at the top side. Isabella won the series 2-1 and will visit the Swordpoint Blades' Stealth in the bracket quarterfinals.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Prism v. Twinkie I. Also in 13-ball, the blue cue appears. Pronger's Prism worked a three-ball run around the corners in game 1, while Pacific's Twinkie I shot back with some work on a zigzag pattern. Prism would be faster at the end, punching the 8 to the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Prism had some struggles initially in game 2 as the Volcanoes' Twinkie I controlled the offense. Things changed late, with Twinkie I struggling to corral her last ball. Twinkie I took multiple missed contact errors, and Prism used the last one to spark her own four-ball run-out for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Prism never got a good look at positioning in game 3, allowing Twinkie I to dictate the pace a bit more this time. Twinkie I was patient until the end, when a three-ball run-out emerged for her win. Prism's 2-1 series win sets her up to host Maplewood Lumberjacks captain Diddley in the bracket quarterfinals.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Strawberry v. Dustin. Veterans battle in the last 8-ball series of the round and the last green cue set today. Victoria's Strawberry had an early scratch in game 1 but still managed to take the initial lead. Central's Dustin pressed back with a three-ball run, but Strawberry kicked the 8 into the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Dustin failed to assemble a much-needed run at any point in game 2, making it fairly easy for the Spurs' Strawberry to pick up four balls over the last two turns for the win. Strawberry clinched the series at 2-0 in the process. Dustin struck first in game 3, but a pair of scratches sent him back to square one early on. Strawberry used those to get ahead, and she was able to finish at the bottom left for the 3-0 series sweep. Strawberry will host Pacific Volcanoes veteran Ms. Kitty in the bracket quarterfinals.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Neopolitan v. Cheddar. The silver cue debuts today in 15-ball. Pearl's Neopolitan could only muster one ball in between a pair of six-ball runs by North Modernistic's Cheddar, the latter of the two serving as the winning turn. Cheddar is up 1-0 in the series. The Nighthawks' Cheddar fell off the pace in game 2, struggling to generate much offense at all. The Surfers' Neopolitan didn't string much together, but she converted a cut on the 12 to the bottom side that banked the 15 to the bottom right for a game-winning double-pot to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was as close as they come, with Neopolitan trying to evade Cheddar's hard-hitting offense and sneaky defense. Cheddar ended up rattling the 15 out of the top left, and Neopolitan put it in gently for the 2-1 series win. Neopolitan is set to appear in the bracket quarterfinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Solaris. The purple cue comes between Urban rivals in 7-ball. Westside's Misty made a ball on the break in game 1, but fouled on her next shot. Commerce's Solaris took over with a five-ball run-out, his strong turn good enough for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Solaris opened game 2 on a three-ball run before a missed contact foul. The Rockers' Misty took over, potting the 4 to the top left and a 5-7 combination to the top right for the quick win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 turned into a back-and-forth battle as no runs developed. Misty got the momentum just right to strike for a pair at the end, giving her a 2-1 series win. Misty will visit Southridge Defenders veteran Luigi in the bracket quarterfinals. Misty's first kill of the year makes Solaris the 15th player out of Tournament action.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Whiskers v. Jane. The red cue is done for the day after 15-ball. Maplewood's Whiskers weathered most of the attack from Stonebridge's Jane over the early part of game 1 before taking control. Whiskers dominated at the end on a six-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers used a ball-in-hand situation to send the 15 near the top left early in game 2. The Wolves' Jane couldn't get herself under control after that, and Whiskers made a three-ball run-out capped by her 6-15 combination to clinch the series at 2-0. Jane made a statement in game 3, earning a little consolation on a five-ball run-out to avoid the sweep. Whiskers still won the series 2-1 and she'll visit the Todavía Stills captain Easter in the bracket quarterfinals.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Klaus v. Puff III. The blue cue cycles in for 10-ball between Northeastern rivals. Archtown's Klaus had the best attack with a five-ball run in game 1, but Everton's Puff III capped it off with a three-ball run-out, going ahead 1-0 in the series with her win. Game 2 saw a more subdued offense for the most part, with neither player finding much luck with runs. At the end, the Arrows' Klaus grabbed the final pair for the win to tie the series at 1 against the Eagles' Puff III. Klaus had a chance for a big finish in game 3, but he missed the 10 by pulling it wide of the bottom left after a close battle. Puff III cut it in for the win and 2-1 series win, which was by no means easy. Puff III will host another Northeastern rival, the Maplewood Lumberjacks captain Diddley, in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Graham v. Sparkles. The blue cue gets another 10-ball appearance to exit the day. A little too much small-ball from Central's Graham put the 10 near the top left early in game 1. Golden's Sparkles then made the 3 to the bottom left and double-potted a 4-10 combination to the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Sparkles exploded with a six-ball run to start game 2. The Warriors' Graham made one ball before he scratched, setting up Sparkles to win on a three-ball run-out. Sparkles sealed the series at 2-0 with the victory. Sparkles had some decent offense in game 3, but couldn't quite finish it off, as Graham picked up the last four balls over two turns for the win. Sparkles settled for a 2-1 series win which will allow her to visit her sister, the Lighton Prestige's Shiny, in the bracket quarterfinals.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Dustin. Both players get a second series today, using the purple cue in 10-ball. A shaky start to game 1 on both sides gave way when Central's Dustin unleashed a five-ball run-out to finish strong in his win. He leads Oceanside's Celestia 1-0 in the series now. The Waves' Celestia put in a much stronger case for game 2, ripping a quick six-ball run on her first turn. The Warriors' Dustin disregarded it, blasting a four-ball run-out in response to get the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Celestia had some chances in game 3, but a bad missed contact toward the 10 at the end allowed Dustin to step in for the 3-0 series sweep after a tough game. Dustin is set to visit the North Modernistic Nighthawks' Lionel in the bracket quarterfinals.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Whiskers v. Sage. Another host gets a second look today, ending the outing with the silver cue in the last 7-ball series of the round.  Maplewood's Whiskers was strong with a five-ball run from the break, but her cuts to the side pockets were bad. It cost her at the end, as Victoria's Sage cleaned up the 7 to the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers seemed to lose her accuracy in game 2, missing quite a few potential game-changing shots. The Spurs' Sage would ultimately tap-in the 7 at the top right after Whiskers left it short. Sage secured the series at 2-0 on the play. Sage was determined to finish strong, and she did so with a 2-7 combination to the top left on her opening turn to sweep Whiskers 3-0 in the series. Sage is set to host Modernistic Union veteran Kodiak in the bracket quarterfinals.

Tomorrow, the Second Round ends with a half-day. Immediately following that action will be a standings update. Play in the Bracket Quarterfinals is expected to begin on Thursday, July 30.

Tournament X - Second Round Day 21

The final weekend of the Second Round is here, beginning with...

BMW RockDome, Westside: Goatee v. Charli. The blue cue gets the opening series in Accuracy. Westside's Goatee didn't do particularly well at the start of game 1, but Tysini's Charli completely fell apart at the end. Goatee ended up with a 4-6 win in the end, good enough for a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Goatee didn't really change a thing in game 2, but that didn't work out well for her. The Hummingbirds' Charli was locked in from the start to pick up a 0-4 win that tied the series at 1. Game 3 was easily the closest of the series, with Goatee and Charli going deep into a perfect battle. Goatee missed first, but Charli missed twice, allowing Goatee a 1-2 win. Goatee took the series 2-1 and will host the Victoria Spurs star Yekaterina in the bracket quarterfinals.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Avril. Former teammates meet in 10-ball with the silver cue. Web City's Jack had a majority of the possession in game 1, but his late three-ball run ended with a miss on the 10. Pronger's Avril stepped up to collect the win with an easy shot at the bottom side. Avril holds a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Avril didn't have the best of starts to game 2, but the Spiders' Jack didn't punish her. A slow back-and-forth developed, ending with Avril potting the final pair for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Avril had a three-ball run before taking illegal contact in game 3. Jack made a pair after that, only to miss on the 10, which Avril put in the bottom side to complete her 3-0 series sweep. Avril is set to visit the Golden Pilots captain Valencia in the bracket quarterfinals.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Klaus v. Sierra. The silver cue stays on for a 7-ball series. Archtown's Klaus had trouble with consistency on his shots, leading to a stronger effort for Todavía's Sierra. At the end, Sierra struck a pair for the win, grabbing the 1-0 series lead in the process. The Stills' Sierra posted a pair on the game 2 break and a four-ball run-out on her second turn after the Arrows' Klaus failed to take control of the offense. Sierra clinched the series at 2-0 with the win. Sierra went empty on the game 3 break and Klaus made her pay for it with his 1-7 combination to the top left. Sierra settled for a 2-1 series win to earn a trip to Del Sur against the Southern Monarchs' Mams in the bracket quarterfinals.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Charli v. Noelle. The host's second series of the day features the silver cue in 10-ball. Tysini's Charli had a clear edge on offense with a four-ball run early on and a four-ball run-out later when Central's Noelle couldn't make the 6. Charli's dominance earned her a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Charli didn't assert the same level of offense in game 2. Instead, she had a late pair that was sandwiched by the Warriors' Noelle making a three-ball run and the 10 to the bottom right on consecutive turns. Noelle's win tied the series at 1. Game 3 went right down to the wire between the players, with Charli showing some late momentum only to miss on the 10. Noelle stepped in and converted the 10 to the top left to take the win and the 2-1 series win. Noelle will visit the Atlantic Pirates' Steven in the bracket quarterfinals.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Americus v. Taylor M. The red cue draws in for 12-ball. Eastside's Taylor M. did a good job while playing from behind, but couldn't sink her last ball in game 1. Midland's Americus was strong early and late, winning on a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Americus made no mistakes in game 2, taking a five-ball run from the break. The Sharks' Taylor M. had no response, and Americus made a quick play at the bottom right for the win to seal the series 2-0 with the shutout. Taylor M. had a four-ball run to answer a span of five balls over two turns from Americus early in game 3. With both players on their last ball, Americus had better positioning and took the win to sweep the series 3-0. Americus will host the Web City Spiders' Nibbles in the bracket quarterfinals. Taylor M. is the 13th player out of the Tournament, and Americus has her first kill this year.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Andrew. The silver cue is back in action with 8-ball. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy started out fairly well in game 1 with a big run, but she faltered later. Freedom's Andrew added some pressure and got the win for free when Ms. Puppy accidentally banked it to the bottom side after missing the cut at the top side. Andrew holds a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Ms. Puppy paced the offense for most of game 2 as well, until the Cascades' Andrew inserted a six-ball run. Ms. Puppy had a four-ball run-out for the counter, but fouled as she sank the 8 to again gift the win away to Andrew, who clinched the series at 2-0 this time. Ms. Puppy had the surge on offense in game 3, working a legal seven-ball run on stripes before illegal contact while she potted the 8. Andrew again took a gift to complete the 3-0 series sweep, making it hard to say he earned it. Andrew will visit the Golden Pilots' Dusty in the bracket quarterfinals. This was Ms. Puppy's 100th unique opponent.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Whiskers. The green cue's first outing today is in 9-ball. Golden's Dusty posted a five-ball run from the break in game 1, answered by a three-ball run from Maplewood's Whiskers. The 9 was left standing, and Dusty sank it to the bottom side for the win and 1-0 lead in the series. The pace dropped a bit in game 2, but the Pilots' Dusty would eventually make a three-ball run. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers answered with a five-ball run-out for the win, a bit of a stunning push to tie the series at 1. Whiskers stunned again with the 9 falling in the bottom left on the break in game 3. This gave Whiskers a 2-1 series win and a trip to Atlantic to face the Pirates' Dusky in the bracket quarterfinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Midnight v. Shawn. The green cue exits after this Rotation set. Westside's Midnight opened on a three-ball run and added a five-ball run-out on her second turn after Midland's Shawn fouled. Midnight took an 8-1 win for an early 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Midnight was strong again in game 2, although not as smooth as before. The Predators' Shawn still had issues with errors and poor shooting, allowing Midnight an 8-3 win to secure the series at 2-0. Midnight nearly got the sweep late in game 3, but she scratched, sparking a five-ball run-out for Shawn from ball-in-hand. Shawn won 8-7, while Midnight advances to the bracket quarterfinals on a 2-1 series win.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Molly v. Andrew. The visitor gets a second turn today, playing 12-ball with the blue cue. Southern's Molly had a four-ball run to start game 1, but she yielded a wild-card ball and scratched. Freedom's Andrew still failed to counter that, and Molly pieced together a brilliant three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Molly led off with a three-ball run in game 2, again giving up a wild-card ball. The Cascades' Andrew put up a little more of a fight, but Molly won with a three-ball run-out on her third turn to seal the series at 2-0. Molly had much more of a challenge in game 3, as Andrew used defense to slow things down. Andrew briefly had a wild-card ball but scratched to put it back on the table. He ran out of steam late, and Molly picked up the win to finish a 3-0 series sweep. Molly will host her sister, the Lighton Prestige's Angelica, in the bracket quarterfinals.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Citrus v. Autumn. The red cue is done after this Accuracy series. Lighton's Citrus made a ball on the break in game 1 and added a double-pot later, but she suffered a miss early on and couldn't recover. Diamond's Autumn held a perfect effort for the 0-2 win and 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Autumn kept the pace strong in game 2. She would take a miss in the later stages of the battle, but some savvy play forced the Prestige's Citrus into falling behind. Autumn held on late for a 1-2 win, clinching the series at 2-0. Autumn led for most of game 3, but she wasn't able to cash it in. She faded at the end, and Citrus forced overtime, where the host won 3-4. Autumn settled for a 2-1 series win to get into a bracket quarterfinals series versus Oceanside Waves rookie Rocky.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Peach. The blue cue cycles in with Rotation between Urban rivals. North Modernistic's Peach found success with defensive positioning in game 1. Whitewater's Marsell committed a lot of errors, and Peach eventually won 8-1 with a three-ball run-out. Peach holds a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 kept things choppy between the two players. The Nighthawks' Peach struggled to keep up this time, allowing the Shores' Marsell to dictate pace more. Marsell wound up winning 8-6 to tie the series at 1. Marsell reverted to his early form in game 3, falling apart as Peach slowly built her lead. Peach struggled to finish before closing an 8-2 win for the 2-1 series win. Peach will visit Archtown Arrows veteran Sleepy B. in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Blaze v. Sage. Southwestern rivals battle in 8-ball for the purple cue's lone appearance today. Victoria's Sage nearly lost game 1 on her first turn as she nearly put the 8 in the top left. She would later pick up a five-ball run to get ahead, and Infinity's Blaze proceeded to illegally sink the 8, giving Sage a 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Sage opened game 2 on a four-ball run. The Torpedoes' Blaze took some time to catch up, but he would get a four-ball run as well before sinking one of Sage's balls. This sparked Sage to life again, and she rallied for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Blaze struck first in game 3, but he didn't strike better, as Sage rallied on a five-ball run to catch up. Sage would eventually finish with the 8 in the top right to complete a 3-0 series sweep that sends her to visit the North Modernistic Nighthawks' Gizmo in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Shelley v. Stealth. The blue cue is back in 9-ball to finish this venue doubleheader with another Southwestern derby. Infinity's Shelley had an early scratch in game 1, but the choppy start didn't bother her. Swordpoint's Stealth lost possession on the 2, and Shelley worked a four-ball run-out capped by a 5-9 combination to the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Shelley had to weather a four-ball run from the Blades' Stealth in game 2. Stealth later missed on the 9, allowing Shelley to pot it to the top left on her second try. This sealed the series at 2-0 in favor of Shelley. In game 3, Stealth had plenty of chances to make an impact, but Shelley closed it out on a three-ball run-out anyway. Shelley swept the series 3-0 and will play in the bracket quarterfinals.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Lize v. Sprinkles. The blue cue stays on for 7-ball. Southridge's Lize made two pairs of shots in her game 1 performance, but she left the 7 near the top right. Capital City's Sprinkles was able to cut it in for a close win and a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles made the 5 and 6 to the side pockets on the break, then sent the 1-4-7 bank combination to the top left on her next shot for a quick win. Sprinkles clinched the series at 2-0 over the Defenders' Lize. Sprinkles made four balls over her last two turns in game 3, but she missed the 7. Lize cut the winning shot to the bottom left to avoid the sweep in Sprinkles' 2-1 series win. In the bracket quarterfinals, Sprinkles is set to host Golden Pilots veteran Strut. Lize is the 14th player out of the Tournament, and Sprinkles has her first kill against the likely departing player.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Wario v. Snowball. Another venue doubleheader ends with the blue cue in 12-ball. Southridge's Wario didn't get the simplest result in game 1, as he missed a few shots early on, but Swordpoint's Snowball was no better with positioning. Wario ended up with the 13 at the bottom side to get the win and 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Wario was just a turn late to finish in game 2, as he ended up losing to the Blades' Snowball narrowly. Wario's earlier scratch likely factored in, allowing Snowball to tie the series at 1. Wario received a wild-card ball early in game 3, but gave it away just as fast. A close battle for positioning emerged, with Snowball getting the edge late to make a pair of shots for the win. Snowball won the series 2-1 and will host the Central Warriors' Noelle in the bracket quarterfinals.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Pounce v. Smokey. Closing the day, the silver cue plays 13-ball. Southern's Pounce struggled a bit in game 1 as Whitewater's Smokey pushed with a three-ball run. Smokey got stuck on his last ball, and Pounce worked his way back, making three balls over the last two turns for the comeback win. Pounce leads the series 1-0. Game 2 was the Shores' Smokey's to lose, as he had plenty of time to convert. Unfortunately, Smokey did lose it even after the Monarchs' Pounce scratched and took his time to finish. Pounce had enough time to make the last two balls over two turns for the win, securing the series at 2-0. Pounce had a solid performance in game 3, but Smokey was determined to get the win. Smokey made four balls over his last two turns to avoid the sweep, while Pounce carries a 2-1 series win into his hosting position versus the Atlantic Pirates' Delila in the bracket quarterfinals.

Tomorrow is the last full day of the Second Round.

Tournament X - Second Round Day 20

The stretch run of the Second Round is this weekend. Leading off today...

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Cleo v. Puff III. Two longtime Everton Eagles battle in 12-ball with the purple cue. Cleo had a good start in game 1 and worked from left to right across the table. Puff III kept it close but failed late on positioning, and Cleo was able to grab the win for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw Cleo take another quick lead despite scratching on the break. At the end, Puff III turned to defense to save her series, and it worked. Cleo never got a good look at the 1 to the top left, and Puff III was able to sneak away with a win to tie the series at 1. Puff III nearly ran the table from the break in game 3, leaving her last ball at the edge of the top right. Cleo failed to counterattack, and Puff III won the game and 2-1 series win. Puff III will visit the Web City Spiders captain Jack for a Northeastern derby in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Solaris v. Smudge. Former teammates clash in 12-ball with the silver cue. Commerce's Solaris potted two stripes and a solid on the game 1 break. The wild-card ball that went to Infinity's Smudge was all she needed, and she added five balls potted during a three-turn stretch for the win. Smudge leads the series 1-0. The Torpedoes' Smudge had a nearly identical break for game 2, giving the Tradewinds' Solaris a wild-card ball. Once again, the advantage favored the player with it, as Solaris needed only two turns to pot five balls in a big win to tie the series at 1. Solaris couldn't keep his game 3 break clean, yielded a wild-card ball again. This time, things were close at the end, but Solaris couldn't pick out the side pockets before Smudge's three-ball run-out gave her the 2-1 series win. Smudge will learn her bracket quarterfinals opponent later in the day.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Esmeralda v. Kiwi. Enterprise club-mates meet in 13-ball with the blue cue. Swordpoint's Esmeralda made one of each on the break in game 1, and then worked a four-ball run on stripes on her second turn. Terrace City's Kiwi never got great positioning, and Esmeralda eventually earned the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Kiwi seemed to bounce back early in game 2, but her late positioning left plenty to be desired. The Blades' Esmeralda had an easier time at the end, making the comeback for a win to seal the series at 2-0. Esmeralda made one of each on the game 3 break, but she would commit an unseen foul later on. That had no bearing on the result, as Kiwi won on a three-ball run-out to avoid the sweep. Esmeralda took a 2-1 series win and will host Terrace City Knights veteran Melissa in the bracket quarterfinals.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Katelynn v. Oreo. The red cue comes aboard for 10-ball here. Royal's Katelynn wasn't sharp enough in game 1, leading to a choppy battle as Terrace City's Oreo was a little strong on the pressure. Oreo got the win with a pair at the end, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Knights' Oreo carved out a three-ball run with a double-pot, but both of those were not called. The Crowns' Katelynn battled a bit at the end and four a three-ball run-out for the win, using good positioning to tie the series at 1. Game 3 wasn't easy for Katelynn, as Oreo applied pressure with a five-ball run. Oreo then had a scratch, and Katelynn won on a three-ball run-out to take a 2-1 series win. Katelynn will host again in the bracket quarterfinals.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Luigi v. Dani. The blue cue is back for an 8-ball series. Southridge's Luigi scratched on his opening turn and again later in game 1, giving Viewpoint Sound's Dani time to win with a kick on the 8 to the top right. Dani holds a 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Dani had an empty break in game 2, and the Defenders' Luigi made a quick pair. Dani would recover later with a seven-ball run-out for a stunning surge to the win, securing the series at 2-0 in the process. Dani was a little slow on offense despite a four-ball run in the middle. Luigi had enough of an advantage at that point to finish off his lone win, while Dani advanced with a 2-1 series win. Dani will face the Everton Eagles' Puff III in the bracket quarterfinals.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Marissa v. Kitty. A rookie and a sophomore battle in 12-ball with the silver cue. Maplewood's Marissa made one of each on the break and parlayed that into a four-ball run on solids with good positioning. Midland's Kitty couldn't do anything with her one turn, and Marissa made the final pair for a win and 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Marissa tried to play stripes in game 2, but couldn't get things aligned quite right. The Predators' Kitty was much crisper on offense, finishing with a pair after a hot start. Kitty's win tied the series at 1. Kitty yielded a wild-card ball on the break, but Marissa gave one away in the middle of game 3. Marissa then put her own back on the table, but it didn't stop her in the end, as Kitty's attempt to break Marissa's defense led to the host's last ball going down. Marissa won the series 2-1 and will host Infinity Torpedoes captain Smudge in the bracket quarterfinals.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Nibbles v. Toki. Next up is Accuracy with the red cue. Eastside's Toki slung shots around the table with ease, including a double-pot that gave him the last-shot advantage after Web City's Nibbles made a ball on the break. Toki's strong play to the top right in particular helped him earn the 1-2 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Toki scratched on the break in game 2 and faded early on. The Spiders' Nibbles held the lead for much of the game until he missed on three straight turns. Toki was able to hold his lead to the end for a 3-4 win that secured the series in his favor at 2-0. Toki made a ball on the break in game 3 and only faltered a little bit late, with Nibbles already out of contention. Toki won 2-3, sweeping the series 3-0 and earning the right to host the Southridge Defenders' Bianca in the bracket quarterfinals.

Sony Center, Queens: Violetta v. Sprinkles. The green cue gets its daily debut in 10-ball. Queens' Violetta didn't have the cleanest performance in game 1, but Capital City's Sprinkles missed the 10 after a three-ball run. Violetta converted the 10 at the top left easily, stealing away a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Violetta looked very dangerous with a five-ball run in game 2, but she just missed the 10 at the bottom left. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles poached this win with a tap-in, tying the series at 1 in what has been a close battle so far. Violetta played a bit recklessly in game 3, with a strong attack early on and a later three-ball run. Sprinkles answered the latter attack with a three-ball run-out, good enough for the win and 2-1 series win. Sprinkles is set to host the Whitewater Shores' Katharine in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Kiwi. The visitor's second series today uses the purple cue in Accuracy. Terrace City's Kiwi was a little off the mark from the start, and that made it easy for Infinity's Fluffina to take a 1-0 series lead on a 2-5 win despite a late fade. Both players showed their star-level capabilities in game 2, as the Torpedoes' Fluffina made a ball on the break and took the only miss in a 0-1 win for the Knights' Kiwi. This perfect effort from Kiwi tied the series at 1 game apiece. Game 3 saw Kiwi return to her early form, a disastrous fall from grace. Fluffina was a little more poised in this one, winning 3-8 for the 2-1 series win. Fluffina heads to the bracket quarterfinals to host the Royal Crowns' Jake.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Cheddar v. Watermelon. The red cue appears in 13-ball. North Modernistic's Cheddar had six balls down on her first turn, picking each pocket perfectly. Pearl's Watermelon got one back before Cheddar put the 8 in the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Cheddar wasn't as quick in game 2, but she did hold the lead for most of it. The Surfers' Watermelon fought back with a four-ball run-out at the end, nabbing the win to tie the series at 1 with a well-made attack. Cheddar used a four-ball run to get a strong lead in game 3, but Watermelon kept things close at the end. Watermelon wasn't able to bank her last ball to the top side, and Cheddar made a pair on her next turn for the win to take a 2-1 series win. Cheddar is set to visit Oceanside Waves captain Snuggle in the bracket quarterfinals. Cheddar took her first kill of the year to make Watermelon the 12th player out of this Tournament.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Maison v. Marissa. Rookies collide in 10-ball with the red cue. Eastside's Maison couldn't get much offense in game 1, while Maplewood's Marissa had a four-ball run and a pair at the end for the win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. Game 2 was rather slow in pace and bland on offense. At the end, the Sharks' Maison potted the 7 in an uncalled pocket. The Lumberjacks' Marissa wanted her chance at the 10 and took possession, but missed the bank attempt. Maison then converted at the top left for the win to tie the series at 1. Both players had illegally potted balls in game 3, making for a high-pace and back-and-forth battle. Marissa took possession late, but couldn't corral the 10 on a bank to the top left. Maison tapped it down for the win and 2-1 series win, which sets him up to visit the Royal Crowns' Katelynn in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fuchsia v. Bandit. The silver cue exits the day with 9-ball. Infinity's Fuchsia sank three balls on the break to spark an eight-ball run, but she couldn't sink the 9 at the top left. Swordpoint's Bandit scavenged it for the cheap win and 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Bandit participated more in game 2, getting a pair on each of his first two turns. The latter pair ended in a 3-9 combination to the top left for the win, which put him up 2-0 in the series over the Torpedoes' Fuchsia. Bandit had a decent start in game 3, but Fuchsia deflected a shot off the 2 to pot the 9 at the top left very early on. Fuchsia dodged the sweep, so it's a 2-1 series win that gets Bandit into the bracket quarterfinals and Golden, where he'll face the Pilots' Strut.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sugar v. Violetta. The visitor gets a second look today, using the blue cue in Accuracy. Tysini's Sugar looked in total control for much of game 1, although Queens' Violetta was not at her best quality of play. Sugar was strong to win by a 1-3 score, going up 1-0 in the series. Game 2 was tight all the way to the end, where things got interesting as both players missed twice on the last ball. The Flames' Violetta was unfortunate to have a scratch on her second miss, and the Hummingbirds' Sugar used the ball-in-hand to secure a 3-4 win that clinched the series at 2-0. Sugar couldn't find much control in game 3, allowing Violetta to have her way in a lopsided 2-6 result. Sugar won the series 2-1 and will host Reality club-mate and Pacific Volcanoes captain Starlight in the bracket quarterfinals.

Apple Center, Todavía: Pedey v. Rosemary. The purple cue's finale today is in 12-ball. Commerce's Rosemary found good distribution and easy shots at the side pockets early in game 1. Her late positioning was a little off, inducing a foul for illegal contact. From ball-in-hand, Todavía's Pedey rallied on a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Pedey had an explosive game 2 break with an overfill, a wild-card ball surrendered, and two legal balls downed. The Tradewinds' Rosemary still had a battle for positioning on her hands, but Pedey's lack of clarity at the top side game Rosemary time even after she scratched her wild-card ball back onto the table. Rosemary would make a pair at the end for the win to tie the series at 1. Rosemary gave away a wild-card ball on the game 3 break, and two turns was all Pedey would need to clear the rest of the solids from the table. Pedey's fast victory gave him a 2-1 series win and the trip to Midland to face the Predators' Chicky Phil in the bracket quarterfinals.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Brownie v. Diddley. The green cue is next to exit with Accuracy. Both players stayed perfect remarkably deep into game 1, but it was Royal's Brownie who missed first. Determined, she finished strong, while Maplewood's Diddley missed on consecutive turns, giving Brownie a 1-2 win and 1-0 series lead. Chaos reigned in game 2 after the Crowns' Brownie had a bad break. Brownie would add three double-pots in the battle, while the Lumberjacks' Diddley faltered late. Brownie got the 1-2 win again to seal the series at 2-0. Brownie kept up the attack fairly well in a slower game 3. Diddley kept it even initially, but faded once again at the end as Brownie won 2-4 for the 3-0 series sweep. Brownie will visit the Lighton Prestige's Spirit in the bracket quarterfinals.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sugar v. Fuchsia. Southwestern newcomers end the day with the red cue in 13-ball. Tysini's Sugar had a good start to game 1, but she got the win for free as Infinity's Fuchsia overthought a late play. Fuchsia tried to deflect the 7 off the 3 but instead hit it square to sink the 8 prematurely at the top left, giving Sugar a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Sugar was good in game 2, and she had plenty of time to operate as the Torpedoes' Fuchsia skidded with a pair of early scratches. Fuchsia still closed the gap, only for Sugar to pot a pair at the end to clinch the series at 2-0 with the win. Sugar maintained excellent control after a hot start in game 1, allowing Fuchsia to do a little work before finally striking back at the top side and bottom left. Sugar swept the series 3-0 and will host the Oceanside Waves' Celestia in the bracket quarterfinals.

There's just a weekend and a half-day left in the Second Round.

Tournament X - Second Round Day 19

We're ready with a delayed start to today's games. First up...

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Bianca. The purple cue gets the daily debut in 13-ball. Infinity's Fluffina was good early in game 1, but Southridge's Bianca matched that with a three-ball run. Bianca then pushed a four-ball run-out for a comeback win at the end, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Defenders' Bianca made a pair on the break in game 2, but she lacked positioning to close it out. The Torpedoes' Fluffina pushed back with great positioning, only struggling on her last ball. Fluffina still had plenty of time to earn the win, tying the series at 1. Bianca took advantage of a favorable start in game 3, while Fluffina couldn't get out of her own way. Fluffina's struggles led to Bianca getting the win and 2-1 series win to earn a road position in the bracket quarterfinals.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Whiskers v. Dominic. More 13-ball uses the red cue. Maplewood's Whiskers paced the offense early in game 1, but Southern's Dominic took over at the end with four balls over the last two turns. Dominic's win gave him a narrow 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers had a four-ball run to match a similar play from the Monarchs' Dominic early in game 2. Dominic then scratched, and Whiskers worked a three-ball run-out two turns later for the win that tied the series at 1. Whiskers was down to her last ball for what seemed like most of game 3, but she never put it in the bottom side. Dominic was defensive and efficient to earn the win and a 2-1 series win. Dominic will host the Diamond Gems' Leonardo in the bracket quarterfinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Maggie v. Pauline. A pair of Celebrity players meet in 10-ball with the purple cue. Queens' Pauline looked slightly sharper in game 1, but she faded toward the end. Modernistic's Maggie delivered the final pair of shots for the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was another back-and-forth battle, with the Union's Maggie starting well but dropping off later. The Flames' Pauline was there to clean up with a pair of shots at the end to tie the series at 1. Things remained close in game 3, but it was Pauline who pulled away on a three-ball run-out in the end to win the series 2-1 over Maggie. Pauline will visit Pronger Tridents veteran Potter in the bracket quarterfinals.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Lily v. Noelle. The green cue steps into action with 8-ball. Eastside's Lily gave away a couple of balls to Central's Noelle, which ended up being a critical mistake late in game 1. Noelle then converted the 8 to the bottom side, getting away with a less-than-precise effort for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Lily had a couple of bursts of offense in game 2, but her latter burst was a three-ball run that left the 8 at the top right. The Warriors' Noelle put away her last pair of shots, after a five-ball run got her in position. Noelle's win sealed the series at 2-0. Lily again started well in game 3, and Noelle again charged up later to make things close. At the end, Noelle scuffed a shot on the 8, giving Lily just enough time to make a pair for the win. Noelle won the series 2-1 and will visit Viewpoint Sound Meteors star Princess.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fuchsia v. Princess. The purple cue is back for Accuracy. Infinity's Fuchsia made a ball on the break in game 1 and stayed perfect from there. Viewpoint Sound's Princess rattled out only one shot, but Fuchsia took that for a 0-1 win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 started out similarly, but both players completely lost their touch in the middle. The Meteors' Princess tried to drag the Torpedoes' Fuchsia down at the end, but Fuchsia held on to win 5-7, clinching the series at 2-0 in her favor. Fuchsia mixed the two games in game 3, starting perfect at first, completely unraveling late, and still hanging on to win 4-6 as Princess couldn't complete the comeback effort. Fuchsia swept the series 3-0 and will host the Todavía Stills' Bells in the bracket quarterfinals.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Esmeralda v. Sweetheart. The purple cue remains active in Rotation. Swordpoint's Esmeralda had a tough start, but she filled the void in game 1 when Boston's Sweetheart began to commit many errors. Esmeralda chipped her way to an 8-2 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Esmeralda kept up for a bit in game 2, but the Swifts' Sweetheart grabbed the lead on a four-ball run. Sweetheart was able to close up with an 8-5 win this time, tying the series at 1 game apiece. A humble beginning in game 3 turned into a massive run for Sweetheart, who strung together seven shots for an 8-1 victory. Sweetheart won the series 2-1 and will visit Diamond Gems veteran Leonardo in the bracket quarterfinals. Esmeralda was Sweetheart's 100th unique opponent.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Maison v. Gradley. The blue cue's lone turn today comes in Rotation. Boston's Gradley tried to make an impact in game 1, but he scratched more often than not. Eastside's Maison took advantage of it, slowly working his way to an 8-3 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Maison made a ball on the break in game 2 and just kept going, needing just one turn for an 8-0 shutout without letting the Swifts' Gradley to the table. Maison's shutout is of a particularly rare breed in Rotation, and it secured the series for him at 2-0. Maison again maintained a high level of play in game 3, and Gradley wasn't able to keep pace this time. Maison won 8-4 and swept the series 3-0, earning the right to visit the Golden Pilots captain Valencia in the bracket quarterfinals.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Neopolitan v. Shaggy. More Rotation activates the silver cue. Pace was not a big part of game 1, which saw Whitewater's Shaggy pick up the 8-5 win after a long back-and-forth battle with Pearl's Neopolitan. Shaggy leads the series 1-0. The Shores' Shaggy had an excellent start to game 2, but she would fall behind as the Surfers' Neopolitan surged. Shaggy then had a chance to win before she scratched, allowing Neopolitan to pot a pair for the 8-7 victory that tied the series at 1. Neopolitan had some offense early in game 3, but that tortured battle eventually saw Shaggy break away on a five-ball run-out for the 8-3 win. Shaggy won the series 2-1 and will return to this venue to visit the Surfers' Wings in the bracket quarterfinals.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Blizzard v. Buddy. The purple cue cycles in for 13-ball. Harrison's Blizzard attacked well from the start, but couldn't pot her last ball at the bottom side. Atlantic's Buddy was defensive and strong enough to ruin Blizzard's game, as he would make a late pair of shots for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Buddy made a five-ball run from the break, with a little collateral damage. The Specters' Blizzard couldn't spark her offense in two turns, and she sank the 8 prematurely to gift the win and the 2-0 series to Buddy. Blizzard had a much improved offense in game 3, but it still didn't give her a win. Buddy played hard to get back in the series, then won with a three-ball run-out after Blizzard failed to pot the 8 on a bank. Buddy swept the series 3-0 and will host Southridge Defenders star Bianca in the bracket quarterfinals.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sarah v. Leonette. The silver cue is back for 12-ball. Tysini's Sarah made one of each on the break and chose solids, but her first shot tipped the balance to stripes. Pacific's Leonette had less trouble with positioning and managed to get a fairly comfortable win for the 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Leonette made a quick pair in game 2 and then turned to positioning. The Hummingbirds' Sarah again wasted a good layout, with an overfill and an error ruining her ability to compete in the series. Leonette would add a pair at the end for the win, securing the series at 2-0. Leonette gave away a wild-card ball during a three-ball run at the start of game 3. Sarah couldn't capitalize on the flexibility, and Leonette slowly worked her way to a tough win for the 3-0 series sweep. Leonette will play in the bracket quarterfinals.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Valencia v. Pedey. The purple cue takes another turn in Accuracy. Golden's Valencia faltered badly at the end of game 1, staying behind as Todavía's Pedey haphazardly worked his way to a 4-6 win. Pedey holds a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Valencia got back on track in game 2, playing perfectly until the last ball, which also saw the Stills' Pedey double his miss-count. Valencia emerged at the end with a 1-4 win to tie the series at 1. Valencia scratched on the game 3 break, an infuriating error that saw her lock down her play from there. Pedey nearly nullified it, but two misses at the end helped Valencia win 1-2 to take the series 2-1. Valencia will host Pacific Volcanoes veteran Ms. Kitty in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Shawn. The host's second series today is the red cue's last, coming in 9-ball. Infinity's Fluffina made six balls over her first two turns in game 1, but Midland's Shawn was there with a three-ball run-out on his second turn to get the win. Shawn leads the series 1-0. The Predators' Shawn started and ended game 2 with three-ball runs, limiting the Torpedoes' Fluffina to mostly ineffective shots. Shawn's balanced offense was enough to seal the series at 2-0. Shawn had an impressive four-ball run in the middle of game 3, once sinking the 5 and 6 to the top side on the same shot, but Fluffina would add the last pair of balls for the win. Shawn's 2-1 series win sees him travel to Eastside to take on the Sharks' Lily in the bracket quarterfinals.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Hoot v. Rosalina. The green cue is done today after Accuracy. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot led late in game 1, but missed on the last two balls to drop into a tie. Victoria's Rosalina battled Hoot over a perfect overtime rack, and Hoot missed on the second overtime break. Rosalina converted for a 3-4 win, a hard-earned 1-0 series lead following for her. The Meteors' Hoot had a double-pot early in game 2, which came back to bite him when he missed on the last ball. The Spurs' Rosalina converted for the 1-2 win this time, avoiding overtime as she clinched the series at 2-0. Rosalina played close again in game 3, but with nothing to gain from a tie, she sportingly let Hoot get a deserved win by a 3-4 score. Rosalina won the series 2-1 and will visit Celebrity club-mate and Modernistic Union rookie Maggie in the bracket quarterfinals.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stephanie v. Twilight. The silver cue gets a 12-ball series. Southridge's Stephanie made a pair of stripes on the break, but her positioning wasn't great after that. Central's Twilight mixed offense and patience before making the 2 to the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight scratched on the game 2 break, allowing the Defenders' Stephanie to pace the attack initially. Twilight then bounced back while Stephanie tried to position for her last ball. Twilight won with a four-ball run-out, securing the series at 2-0 in the process. Stephanie had her best chance at a win in game 3, but positioning again failed her. Twilight remained cautious until a good play opened up, and she struck at the top right for the win and 3-0 series sweep. Twilight travels to Del Sur to take on the Southern Monarchs' Dominic in the bracket quarterfinals.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Sparkles v. Juno. Another 12-ball series also uses the silver cue. Golden's Sparkles scratched on the game 1 break, but she didn't give Stonebridge's Juno much to work with. Sparkles stumbled upon perfect positioning a bit later, converting a five-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Sparkles made two balls on the game 2 break, and that put the Wolves' Juno under immediate pressure. Sparkles maintained her advantage to end, where Juno's positioning attempt left Sparkles lined up on her last ball at the top right. The win clinched the series for Sparkles at 2-0. Juno gave away a wild-card ball to Sparkles in game 3, as if the host needed any help. Sparkles would get this win on a three-ball run-out, completing a thorough 3-0 series sweep. Sparkles is set to host the Pacific Volcanoes' Leonette in the bracket quarterfinals.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Max v. Omari. The venue doubleheader ends the day with the purple cue in Accuracy. Golden's Max had a decent game 1 until he missed contact on the last ball. Web City's Omari took the ball-in-hand play to secure a 2-3 win and a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Omari had a scratch on the game 2 break and never really got back on track offensively. The Pilots' Max held his ground very well and carved out a 1-5 win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 required overtime to settle, with Omari's early double-pot on the break setting a tone for the extra rack. Omari would miss at the bottom left later, and Max made a combination to the top left for the 1-2 win and 2-1 series win. Max will host the Viewpoint Sound Meteors' Frosty in the bracket quarterfinals. Omari is the 11th eliminated player this year, and Max now has a kill on his ledger against his 100th unique opponent.

We'll be back at the regular time tomorrow and through the weekend as we approach the end of the Second Round.

Tournament X - Second Round Day 18

We're here with another day full of games. First up...

Kraft Forum, Royal: Sunshine v. Sleepy B. The green cue starts today in 13-ball. Royal's Sunshine started with a four-ball run, but he helped Archtown's Sleepy B. with her last ball right before missing the 8 at the bottom left. Sleepy B. got the tap-in for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Sleepy B. had a decent counterattack after the Crowns' Sunshine started strong in game 2. Things got tight at the end, and Sunshine just barely escaped with the win after Sleepy B.'s scratch. The series is tied at 1. Sleepy B. got close to victory in game 3, but she couldn't cut the 8 to the bottom left. Meticulous set-up play benefited Sunshine, as he executed a five-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win. Sunshine will host the Lighton Prestige's Citrus in the bracket quarterfinals.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Spot v. Starlight. The blue cue gets the second series today, playing Accuracy. Pronger's Spot scratched on the game 1 break and never recovered from that setback. Pacific's Starlight held a good standard of play in her 1-6 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Spot was much improved in game 2, playing perfect until the last ball gave him a miss. The Volcanoes' Starlight struggled too much early on to keep pace, and Spot tied the series at 1 with a 1-2 win. Game 3 saw a return to previous form for Spot, as he unraveled after his first miss. Starlight held the line at perfection for an 0-4 win that gave her a 2-1 series win. Starlight will be on the road again in the bracket quarterfinals.

Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Vincent. Strong opponents meet in 12-ball with the green cue. Todavía's Easter gave up a wild-card ball on the break in game 1, and Everton's Vincent took full advantage of the help. Vincent needed just two turns to make the remaining five balls for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Vincent started out quite well in game 2, but he was unable to finish the effort thanks to defense from the Stills' Easter. This defense quickly became offense, as Easter made her last five balls in two turns after a scratch. Easter's win tied the series at 1. Game 3 saw a blast of offense early on for both players. Easter had the lead from that, but Vincent had better defensive positioning. It would be no trouble for Easter to navigate, as she got her last pair down relatively quickly for the 2-1 series win. Easter is set to host the Stonebridge Wolves' Wild Thing in the bracket quarterfinals.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Paps. The purple cue draws in for 9-ball. Whitewater's Katharine made three balls and scratched on the game 1 break. After that, Capital City's Paps handled most of the offense, including a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Paps kept the offense up in game 2 with a four-ball run early on and a three-ball run near the end. He missed on the 9, however, and the Shores' Katharine was there to knock it from range to the bottom right. This tied the series at 1. Paps roared back in game 3 on a six-ball run, but he couldn't corral the 9 again. Katharine banked the 9 to the top side for the win, a slight steal as she won the series 2-1. Katharine will host another Sharpshooter, the veteran Missy, in the bracket quarterfinals. Paps is the tenth player out of the Tournament, and Katharine has her first kill in the process.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Mams v. Yekaterina. The red cue's debut today is in 10-ball. Southern's Mams came out on the right end of a back-and-forth battle in game 1, as Victoria's Yekaterina failed to initiate on a long run. Mams leads the series 1-0. The Spurs' Yekaterina improved with a five-ball run in the middle of game 2, but she failed to produce a secondary run. The Monarchs' Mams chipped in at the end for a couple of shots to get the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Mams played very well with a six-ball run in game 3, weaving her shots together admirably. Yekaterina fired back at the end with a three-ball run-out to avoid the sweep. Mams' 2-1 series win puts her on the road versus the Pacific Volcanoes' Leonette in the bracket quarterfinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Slinks v. Precious. More 10-ball features the green cue. Westside's Slinks had some trouble with consistency on her shots. Worst of all, she illegally potted the 9 late in game 1, and Pronger's Precious made the last pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Slinks looked to recover a bit in game 2, but the Tridents' Precious grew stronger at the end and won with a five-ball run-out. Precious' victory secured the series in her favor at 2-0. Precious couldn't organize her offense as well in game 3, causing her to take a loss as Slinks made the final pair of shots. Precious won the series 2-1, and she'll have a turn hosting a Rocker when she faces Chimpy in the bracket quarterfinals.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Dusky v. Americus. Veterans battle in 13-ball with the blue cue. Atlantic's Dusky played well on stripes to open game 1, but Midland's Americus battled back with a three-ball run-out to cap the comeback. Americus' win put her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Pirates' Dusky did a strong job of loose defense in game 2, slowing down the Predators' Americus late in the game. Americus wouldn't be denied, eventually sinking the 1 to the top side and the 8 to the bottom left to clinch the series at 2-0. Americus couldn't complete the sweep in game 3, as Dusky used the 8 to block the bottom left until she was ready to strike for the win. Americus won the series 2-1 and will visit the North Modernistic Nighthawks' Gizmo in the bracket quarterfinals.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Yekaterina v. Blizzard. The host's second series today is in 12-ball with the red cue. Victoria's Yekaterina ceded a wild-card ball in the middle of game 1 after a four-ball run at the start. Harrison's Blizzard failed to pot a ball on her own, and Yekaterina banked her last shot to the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Yekaterina was the one struggling to find offense in game 2, although she did make a late push. The Specters' Blizzard was able to ride a five-ball run for awhile, then eventually added her last shot to the top side for the win to tie the series at 1. Blizzard worked fast again in game 3, and only needed a shot at the bottom right. She yielded a wild-card ball to Yekaterina, who then needed to make a pair. Yekaterina only got one ball, and Blizzard struck the winning shot for a 2-1 series win. Blizzard will visit Viewpoint Sound Meteors star Princess in the bracket quarterfinals.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Bear v. Sparkles. The blue cue comes back for an Accuracy series. Everton's Bear struggled initially in game 1, but he was able to keep things close. Golden's Sparkles then fell apart at the end, and Bear picked up a 2-4 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Bear made a ball on the break in game 2, but would find himself behind near the end. The Pilots' Sparkles couldn't hang onto her lead, as Bear got control of positioning and induced three straight misses from Sparkles. Bear ended up with a 3-4 win to seal the series at 2-0. No comeback materialized for Bear in game 3, as Sparkles was able to retain her lead for a 2-4 win in the end. Bear took the series 2-1 and will host a Northeastern rival, the Archtown Arrow captain Sally, in the bracket quarterfinals.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Steven v. Toki. The silver cue's first appearance today is in 10-ball between Eastern Hills rivals. Atlantic's Steven had a five-ball run in game 1, and then made the 10 on his second try after Eastside's Toki missed the winning shot twice. Steven holds a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Toki had a good surge early in game 2, but it wouldn't be enough to keep him in the series. The Pirates' Steven responded at the end on a four-ball run-out for the win, securing the series at 2-0. Steven had a reasonable start to game 3, battling hard for the initial possession. Toki took over at the end on a five-ball run-out to dodge the sweep. Steven's 2-1 series win allows him to host again in the bracket quarterfinals.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Goldy v. Taylor M. The blue cue exits the day after 9-ball. Eastside's Taylor M. wasn't able to string much offense together at the end of game 1. Everton's Goldy had struggled a bit as well, but she picked up the win pretty easily for a 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Goldy made it look easy in game 2, working a four-ball run-out capped by a 5-9 kick combination to the top left. The Sharks' Taylor M. could have had that chance, but she left the 2 at the edge of the bottom right. Goldy holds a 2-0 series lead. Goldy dominated game 3 completely, with a four-ball run early on and a five-ball run-out at the end, leaving no chance for Taylor M. to avoid the sweep. Goldy's 3-0 series win sets her up to host the Terrace City Knights' Jennifer in the bracket quarterfinals.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Valencia v. Cheddar. Club-mates clash in 12-ball with the green cue. Golden's Valencia had an excellent start to game 1, but she gave away a wild-card ball. North Modernistic's Cheddar responded on a four-ball run and gave the wild-card ball back. Valencia was just a shot too slow at the bottom side before Cheddar potted at the top side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Cheddar quickly grabbed the lead in game 2, and managed to weather a four-ball run from the Pilots' Valencia, which ended with missed contact. Cheddar made her last pair of shots for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Cheddar was quick again at the start of game 3, but her positioning lacked simplicity this time, and Valencia capitalized on that for a comeback win. Cheddar settled for a 2-1 series win, and she'll take on an Urban rival in the Commerce Tradewinds' Taylor S. in the bracket quarterfinals.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Ice Cream v. Dusty. Southeastern rivals meet in 13-ball with the purple cue. The bottom side was a point of contention in game 1, as neither player had much confidence or success shooting there. After Golden's Dusty scratched, Boston's Ice Cream took control of the game and eventually earned a win for the 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Ice Cream had a decent start in game 2, while the Pilots' Dusty preferred to play positioning. Dusty made a defensive move late, but Ice Cream cut the 8 to the top right, a hard and successful shot to secure the series at 2-0. Dusty flexed her skills a bit as Ice Cream stepped back in game 3. Dusty had a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out on consecutive turns for the win. Ice Cream's 2-1 series win allows her to visit the Commerce Tradewinds' Niki in the bracket quarterfinals.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Mams v. Goldy. Two players on their second series today meet for Accuracy with the silver cue. Southern's Mams stayed perfect down to the last ball in game 1, but then missed to force overtime. She went with a soft break in overtime, and Everton's Goldy blasted the rack apart, sinking the necessary ball for a 1-2 win. Goldy leads the series 1-0. The Eagles' Goldy couldn't get anything on the break in game 2, and she had a couple of missteps as well. The Monarchs' Mams avoided such mistakes, staying perfect for the 0-2 win to tie the series at 1. Only a mid-game miss by Mams in game 3 could separate the two players, with Goldy's 0-1 win enough to give her a 2-1 series win. Goldy will visit the North Modernistic Nighthawks' Cheddar in the bracket quarterfinals.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Chicky Phil v. Sweetheart. The green cue gets a turn in 8-ball. Boston's Sweetheart found a quick four-ball run in game 1, but Midland's Chicky Phil took little time to match it. Chicky Phil followed up with another four-ball run for the win, going ahead 1-0 in the series. Both players opened game 2 on a three-ball run, and the Predators' Chicky Phil looked to have a slight edge, but he faltered towards the end. The Swifts' Sweetheart stayed even until the end, when she struck the 8 to the bottom side for the win to tie the series at 1. Sweetheart started fairly well in game 3, but couldn't sustain that offense to the end. Chicky Phil took the lead on a four-ball run and added the 8 a turn later for the win. Chicky Phil's 2-1 series win allows him to host the Whitewater Shores' Marsell in the bracket quarterfinals.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Peach v. Pauline. The biggest series is saved for last today, as these two frenemies battle in 15-ball with the green cue. North Modernistic's Peach weathered a bit of attack from Queens' Pauline in the middle of a close game 1. Peach found her groove just in time, working a four-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Pauline scratched three times in game 2, but it turned out to be a dummy sequence, as the Nighthawks' Peach wore herself out on offense. Peach then scratched late, and Pauline took the last pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was predictably tense at the start, but Pauline broke free with a five-ball run and a three-ball run-out to end it with a 2-1 series win over Peach.

We've got four full days and one half-day left before the end of the Second Round.