Tournament X - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 18

We're back to close out the Bracket Quarterfinals in the second day back from a two-week break. Leading off...

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Sweetheart. Club-mates tangle in Accuracy with the red cue. Lighton's Acorn made a ball on the break and recovered from an early miss quite well. Boston's Sweetheart faltered in the middle, and Acorn held on for a 1-2 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Acorn couldn't keep up very well in game 2, falling apart late as Sweetheart claimed a 2-4 win to tie the series at 1. Acorn couldn't keep game 3 tied long enough, and the Swifts' Sweetheart capitalized at the end to pick up a 1-3 win that put her ahead 2-1 in the series. Sweetheart couldn't quite finish things off in game 4, falling with a late pair of misses as Acorn held on to grab a 2-3 win this time. The series is tied again at 2. Acorn couldn't convert either of two chances to pick up the win in game 5, and Sweetheart was able to force overtime. Acorn missed on the overtime break and lost 4-5 to Sweetheart, who also won the series 3-2. Sweetheart will visit Pearl Surfers co-captain Neopolitan in the bracket semifinals.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sugar v. Starlight. Another pair of club-mates play Accuracy, as Reality takes center stage with the blue cue. Tysini's Sugar had the lead for part of game 1, but it didn't hold up as Pacific's Starlight fought back to grab a 3-4 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Starlight missed first in game 2, but she was able to limit the damage well. The Hummingbirds' Sugar fell apart late, and Starlight snagged a 1-2 win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Starlight had a few chances to find control in game 3, but she wasn't able to keep it up at the end. Sugar had just enough in the tank to earn the 4-5 win that cut the series to 2-1. Sugar wasn't good enough to keep up in game 4, falling behind early on. Starlight only missed late after the game was under her control, and she won 2-4 to secure the series at 3-1. Starlight had nothing to play for and couldn't muster much of an effort in game 5, as Sugar walked away with a 1-5 win this time. Starlight won the series 3-2 and will visit the Archtown Arrows captain Sally in the bracket semifinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fuchsia v. Bells. More Accuracy follows with the purple cue this time. Todavía's Bells put up a perfect effort in game 1, making a scratch on the break enough for Infinity's Fuchsia to take the loss. Bells won 0-3 and leads the series 1-0. There was nothing pretty about game 2 on either side, but the Stills' Bells was able to grab a late lead and make it stick. The Torpedoes' Fuchsia completely unraveled late as Bells took a 5-6 win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Bells tried to hang on as long as she could in game 3, but a missed contact cut attempt on the last ball allowed Fuchsia to battle back for a 1-2 win. Bells remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Fuchsia again got by on a thin margin, trailing at times in game 4 before recovering to beat Bells 2-3. This tied the series at 2 to set up a big finale. Game 5 required overtime to resolve, with Fuchsia handling the break well but losing after missing on her next shot. Bells got lucky to take the 2-3 win, and that gave her a 3-2 series win to earn a visit to Golden to face the Pilots' Max in the bracket semifinals.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Luigi v. Misty. The purple remains active for 7-ball. Southridge's Luigi scratched early in game 1, but Westside's Misty would be doomed by a narrow miss on the 6. Luigi made the final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. Neither player was able to execute on their grand plans for runs in game 2. The Defenders' Luigi had a particular struggle with his miss on the 5, setting up the Rockers' Misty to close things out for her first win. This tied the series at 1. Luigi got back on track in game 3, ending with a three-ball run-out capped by a bank of the 7 to the top side to beat Misty. Luigi regained the series lead at 2-1. Luigi controlled game 4 at the start with a three-ball run, and he added a well-played pair after Misty missed her bank on the 4 to the top left. Luigi clinched the series at 3-1 with the win. Luigi dominated game 5 with a five-ball run early on and a shot on the 7 at the end after Misty couldn't steal the win away. Luigi won the series 4-1 and will host the Infinity Torpedoes' Fuchsia in the bracket semifinals. Misty is the 62nd eliminated player this year, and Luigi has his first kill.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Taylor S. v. Cheddar. Urban rivals battle in 12-ball with the green cue. Commerce's Taylor S. gave up a wild-card ball on the game 1 break, but it didn't matter. She was able to rally with a three-ball run-out to get the win over North Modernistic's Cheddar anyway, and Taylor S. leads the series 1-0. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. gave away another wild-card ball in game 2, then exchanged three-ball runs with the Nighthawks' Cheddar. Taylor S. scratched soon after, and Cheddar made a pair for the win to tie the series at 1. Cheddar struck on the break in game 3, but Taylor S. looked good in the middle section. Cheddar fired back on a five-ball run-out after meticulous set-up play, earning the win to take the series lead at 2-1. Both players had three-ball runs to open game 4, but Cheddar was able to do more with aggressive positioning at the end. Cheddar made her last ball at the bottom side to seal the series at 3-1. Taylor S. didn't go quietly, showing poise and control in game 5 to dominate the battle for a late win. Cheddar advanced on a 3-2 series win, and she'll face Todavía Stills captain Easter in a bracket semifinals showdown. Cheddar earned her second kill of the year, while Taylor S. is the 63rd player out of the Tournament.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Prism v. Diddley. The blue cue activates for 13-ball. Pronger's Prism wasn't able to find positioning to work in her favor in game 1. Maplewood's Diddley persisted at the end to grab the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Diddley took a gamble on the 8, trying to go through defense at the top left. He jammed two balls together in front of the pocket, and the Tridents' Prism picked them off individually for the win to tie the series at 1. Prism took solids on the break in game 2, but Diddley pushed back on a four-ball run later in game 3. The battle got tense after both players scratched, and Diddley emerged with a pair of shots for the win eventually. Diddley retook the series lead at 2-1. Prism did enough defensively in the middle of game 4 to kill Diddley's momentum. Diddley got positioning late, but Prism made a pair for the win to retie the series at 2. Diddley was pretty strong in game 5 with a four-ball run early on, but it was a chaotic and close finish where he barely prevailed over Prism. Diddley won the series 3-2 and will visit Terrace City Knights star Melissa in the bracket semifinals. Diddley earned his first kill of the year to make Prism the 64th eliminated player.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Jake. The purple cue's exit from the round comes in this Accuracy series. A sloppy start to game 1 saw both players miss together three times. Infinity's Fluffina did worse at the end, allowing Royal's Jake to swoop in for a 4-5 win and 1-0 series lead despite the poor play. The Torpedoes' Fluffina absolutely butchered her game 2 effort with scratches and misses frequently early on. The Crowns' Jake kept making his shots and wound up with a 2-7 win to push his series lead to 2-0. Fluffina made a dramatic turnaround in quality, taking game 3 with a perfect effort while Jake scuffled. Fluffina's 0-4 win cut Jake's series lead to 2-1. Fluffina reverted to poor form in game 4, wasting her early lead as Jake held on to win 3-4 this time. Jake secured the series at 3-1 with this victory. Jake let game 5 get away from him as Fluffina pressured late. It was an ugly finish that saw Fluffina win 4-6, while Jake took the series 3-2 to set himself up to visit Golden Pilots captain Valencia in the bracket semifinals. This was Jake's 100th unique opponent.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Kirstin v. Hershey. A pair of Wolves are set to meet in 7-ball with the blue cue. Kirstin waited before striking in game 1, using ball-in-hand to make the 5-7 combination to the top left after Hershey missed contact. Kirstin holds a 1-0 series lead. Kirstin began game 2 with a three-ball run, but she missed contact on the last shot in that sequence. Hershey took over with a four-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win, tying the series at 1 in the process. Kirstin won on a three-ball run-out in game 3, striking early with a 4-7 combination to the bottom left to snag the win from Hershey's miss. Kirstin retook the lead series lead at 2-1. Kirstin couldn't keep control in game 4, as momentum turned back to Hershey this time with a three-ball run-out at the end. Hershey has tied the series again at 2. Kirstin had a chance to close out game 5, but her shot on the 7 was wide of the bottom left. Hershey made a tap-in for the win and 3-2 series win, which allows him to visit his club-mate and Freedom Cascades veteran Nikolai in the bracket semifinals. Kirstin is the 65th player out of the Tournament, giving Hershey his first kill in a bout of friendly fire.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Strawberry v. Ms. Kitty. The green cue's round ends with 8-ball. Victoria's Strawberry wasn't able to get much going early in game 1, but she made a late push. It was a step too late, as Pacific's Ms. Kitty found a four-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty couldn't get on offense very well in game 2, and the Spurs' Strawberry was fast. The end result was a confident win for Strawberry to tie the series at 1. Strawberry had a positive start in game 3 as well, but she wasn't prepared for the seven-ball run-out Ms. Kitty unleashed to grab the win. Ms. Kitty's surge on offense gave her a 2-1 series lead. Ms. Kitty kept her attack up with steady offense over three turns in game 4. Strawberry made just one ball, and Ms. Kitty gathered another win to seal the series at 3-1. Ms. Kitty wasn't quite able to find her way at the end of game 5, and Strawberry finished off a three-ball run-out to get the win. Ms. Kitty still won the series 3-2 and will visit former teammate and current Midland Predator Chicky Phil in the bracket semifinals.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Cheddar v. Goldy. The host's second series ends the round with the silver cue in Accuracy. North Modernistic's Cheddar had little mercy in game 1, playing nearly perfect until the end when she missed late. Everton's Goldy was already too far behind, and Cheddar went ahead 1-0 in the series on a 1-3 win. The Eagles' Goldy presented a tougher challenge in game 2, but she couldn't hold that standard for long. The Nighthawks' Cheddar escaped danger and won 3-5, pushing her series lead to 2-0. Goldy had a chance to send game 3 into overtime, but she missed her shot at the bottom right. Cheddar made the tap-in to win 2-3, clinching the series 3-0. Cheddar kept pace with Goldy in a tight game 4 at the start, but Cheddar fell off late. Goldy was there to take her first win in the series by a 3-5 score, cutting Cheddar's series lead to 3-1. Cheddar gave up after a skid in game 5, and Goldy eventually picked up a 2-6 win this time. Cheddar won the series 3-2 and will visit Pronger Tridents captain Precious in the bracket semifinals. 

That's it for the Bracket Quarterfinals. Due to the recent unplanned two-week break, we'll take just a single administrative day off before the start of the Bracket Semifinals on Tuesday.

Tournament X - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 17

The penultimate day of the round is here, beginning with...

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Chicky Phil v. Pedey. The purple cue's lone outing of the day is in 12-ball. Midland's Chicky Phil had a good break in game 1, but Todavía's Pedey used a six-ball run-out on his first turn to grab the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Pedey made two stripes and a solid on the game 2 break, and that was enough of a head start to cut off the Predators' Chicky Phil at the end. Pedey won with a late pair to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Pedey had a decent start to game 3 as well, but he couldn't sustain it this time. Chicky Phil fared better on positioning and took a late pair to get the win, cutting Pedey's series lead to 2-1. Chicky Phil started on a three-ball run and won game 4 two turns later with a well-positioned pair of shots. Pedey had no response, his lead gone as the series is now tied at 2. Chicky Phil got down to his last ball in game 5, but that's where his comeback fell short. Pedey buried the last two balls for the win and a 3-2 series win. Pedey will visit Freedom Cascades captain Stinky in the bracket semifinals.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Americus v. Blaze. The venue doubleheader ends with the red cue in Rotation. Midland's Americus took a large lead in game 1 and held off a small push from Infinity's Blaze near the end. Americus ended up with an 8-3 win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Torpedoes' Blaze did a lot better in game 2, but he still had a nervy moment at the end. The Predators' Americus found a five-ball run before a scratch allowed Blaze to win 8-7 from ball-in-hand. Blaze tied the series at 1. Blaze kept his offense hot to start game 3, and a desperate effort from Americus backfired badly. Blaze held his line well for an 8-0 shutout win to put him ahead 2-1 in the series. Americus put up a good fight in game 4, but too much inconsistency in her shooting led to Blaze earning the 8-5 win to clinch the series at 3-1. Americus salvaged a result with her 8-4 win in game 5, as she controlled the pace of play while Blaze struggled. In the series, Blaze won 3-2 and will visit the North Modernistic Nighthawks' Gal in the bracket semifinals.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Sage v. Kodiak. The silver cue comes aboard for a series of 7-ball. Victoria's Sage and Modernistic's Kodiak each made three-ball runs in game 1. Kodiak would miss the 7 twice before Sage potted it to the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Sage found her success at the end of game 2, working a three-ball run-out after the Union's Kodiak failed to establish himself well. Sage is up 2-0 in the series. Kodiak made a mess of his turns in game 3, frequently missing doable shots from multiple ranges. Sage mopped up as best she could, collecting the win to seal the series at 3-0. In game 4, Sage looked very strong after Kodiak rattled out a couple of shots. Sage finished on a three-ball run-out for the win, stretching her series lead to 4-0. Sage didn't mess around in game 5, as Kodiak had one turn to make an impact. He took a pair, but Sage answered with a pair of her for the win to sweep the series 5-0. Sage will host the Todavía Stills' Sierra in the bracket semifinals. Kodiak is the 58th eliminated player this year, and the first to fall to Sage.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Dewey v. Potter. Outcast club-mates tangle in 15-ball with the silver cue. Pronger's Potter had a strong attack on offense, but he wasn't able to finish it off. Harrison's Dewey picked off an 11-15 combination to the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Dewey wasn't bad in game 2, but he couldn't pull off a deflected shot on the 7 toward the 15. The Tridents' Potter kept his defense up fairly well and earned the win to tie the series at 1. Dewey fouled late in game 3, a bad choice as Potter didn't show him any mercy. Potter took the 12-15 combination from ball-in-hand to the bottom side for the win and 2-1 series lead. In game 4, Potter failed to keep his quality up at the end, and it would end poorly for him. Dewey struck a pair late after controlling the pace to get the win, retying the series at 2. Dewey held on well in a close game 5, picking up a win with a pair of shots at the end for the 3-2 series win over Potter. Dewey is set to host Royal Crowns rookie Sunshine in the bracket semifinals.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Gizmo v. Americus. The visitor's second series today is in 13-ball with the blue cue. North Modernistic's Gizmo set the tone early in game 1 and finished with a three-ball run-out that saw him bank the 8 to the bottom side with a deflection off the 2. Midland's Americus had little success as Gizmo took the 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Americus made a four-ball run in game 2, but she couldn't put away her last ball at the end. The Nighthawks' Gizmo caught up in time to rally for a three-ball run-out. Gizmo now holds a 2-0 series lead. In game 3, Gizmo took his time to collect the win, barely getting a clear look at the 8. Americus made a good push-back, but she failed to sink the 8 on her one chance, and Gizmo got the win to secure the series at 3-0. Gizmo had quite the fight on his hands in game 4, but he managed to eventually get the right positioning to collect another win as he moved ahead 4-0 in the series over Americus. Gizmo made a tough play at the end of game 5 to grab the win, pushing through Americus' defense before sinking the 8 to the bottom left. Gizmo swept the series 5-0 and will host the Capital City Sharpshooters' Sprinkles in the bracket semifinals.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Marissa v. Smudge. The silver cue cycles back in for 12-ball. Infinity's Smudge couldn't really get anything going on offense in game 1. Maplewood's Marissa took her time and picked up a fairly simply win on a kick to the top side for the 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Marissa potted five balls over her first two turns to assert herself again. The Torpedoes' Smudge struggled to get going, and Marissa had no problem closing out another win to move up to a 2-0 series lead. Marissa made one of each on the game 3 break and created a five-ball run on solids in the process. Smudge bounced back with a three-ball run, but Marissa was able to close the win to clinch the series at 3-0. Marissa yielded a wild-card ball late in game 4, and she didn't have the positioning to overcome Smudge's late push. Smudge avoided the sweep with this win, while Marissa retains a 3-1 series lead. Marissa had a scratch after getting a run in game 5, and Smudge countered with a stunning four-ball run-out for the win. Marissa held on to win the series 3-2, earning the right to host Central Warriors captain Twilight in the bracket semifinals. Smudge is the 59th player to exit the Tournament, and Marissa has her first career kill.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Sprinkles v. Strut. The blue cue exits the day with 7-ball. Capital City's Sprinkles tried to play aggressive in game 1, but it didn't work very well. Golden's Strut tempered his shots enough to pick up the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles found less traction in game 2, as the Pilots' Strut did better at making his own luck. Strut found a finish with a three-ball run-out to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Strut nearly made the 7 accidentally in game 3, but he left it at the top left on a close play. Sprinkles tapped in the 5-7 combination for the win, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Strut had a couple of bad scratches that weighed down his performance in game 4, allowing Sprinkles to generate a lot of free offense as she earned another win. Sprinkles has tied the series at 2. Strut had offense late in game 5, but he scratched as he cut the 6 to the top left. Sprinkles took the 7 from ball-in-hand at the top side to win the series 3-2. Sprinkles will host the Southridge Defenders' Wario in the bracket semifinals.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Angelica v. Ms. Kitty. The silver cue is done after a Rotation set. Lighton's Angelica started with a solid lead in game 1, but she didn't support it well enough. Pacific's Ms. Kitty caught up with a run in the middle and closed out an 8-6 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty picked up the pace on offense in game 2, while the Prestige's Angelica struggled to find much offense at all. Ms. Kitty earned an 8-1 win this time to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Game 3 saw a high-paced turn on offense with Angelica ripping a six-ball run early. Ms. Kitty replied with a five-ball run, but Angelica made a pair in response for the 8-6 win to cut Ms. Kitty's series lead to 2-1. Angelica had a decent start in game 4, but Ms. Kitty kept it close initially. Ms. Kitty added a three-ball run-out at the end for the 8-4 win, sealing the series at 3-1. Angelica scraped together enough offense to earn an 8-5 win in game 5, as Ms. Kitty's last chance at a run never got off the launch pad. Ms. Kitty settled for a 3-2 series win to earn the right to visit club-mate and Terrace City Knights veteran Oreo in the bracket semifinals.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Rocky v. Autumn. Rookies battle in Accuracy with the red cue in its last series today. Diamond's Autumn missed early and late in game 1, and that made the difference, as Oceanside's Rocky held on to win 2-3 in the end. Rocky has a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Rocky made a ball on the break, but his late play lacked the same sharpness. The Gems' Autumn stayed strong late to grab the 3-4 win this time, tying the series at 1. Rocky couldn't get things under control in game 3, falling behind too far near the end. Autumn had a scratch, but it didn't stop her from taking a 2-3 win for the 2-1 series lead. Game 4 was close up to the end, where Rocky missed multiple shots in a row to fall too far behind. Autumn found control just in time for a 3-5 win, securing the series at 3-1. Rocky put almost no effort into game 5, falling far behind early on. Autumn slipped a little but righted herself for a 3-7 victory. Autumn won the series 4-1 and will host the Southridge Defenders' Bianca in the bracket semifinals. Autumn took her first kill of the year to make Rocky the 60th ousted player.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Brownie. The green cue's only appearance today is in Accuracy. Lighton's Spirit was doing fine until a bad miss in the middle of game 1. She fell behind after that, and Royal's Brownie held on for a 2-3 win and 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Brownie couldn't repeat the effort in game 2, falling off the pace in the middle of the game. The Prestige's Spirit was strong this time, winning 1-3 to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Spirit made a pair on the break and kept control of her offense very well. Spirit picked up the win by a 1-2 score as Brownie didn't show much mercy late, but couldn't catch up. Spirit's ahead 2-1 in the series. Spirit took a turn toward perfection in game 4, picking the best time to do it in a game that won her the series. Spirit's 0-2 victory over Brownie sealed the series for the former at 3-1. Spirit remained strong in game 5, showing no leniency as Brownie challenged but couldn't catch up. Spirit's 1-2 win this time finished her 4-1 series win, which allows her to host Steven of the Atlantic Pirates in the bracket semifinals. Brownie is the 61st eliminated player this year, and Spirit now has two kills.

That's all for today's games. We'll finish the Bracket Quarterfinals tomorrow before a scheduled day off Monday.

Tournament X - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 16

We begin a Saturday of games with...

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Cobalt v. Twilight. The split-day venue doubleheader ends with the purple cue in 13-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Cobalt had a good start to game 1, but his move to get the 8 out of danger gave Central's Twilight room to operate in her late surge for the win. Twilight leads the series 1-0. The Warriors' Twilight made a pair on the break and kept her edge for most of game 2. The Meteors' Cobalt made a couple of plays on offense, but his late foul let Twilight dictate the pace at the end of her win. Twilight is up 2-0 in the series. Game 3 saw Cobalt have his best chance at a win. He didn't get a great first look at the 8, and Twilight made sure he wouldn't get another. Twilight made the 1-7 combination to the bottom side, then pushed her way on a four-ball run-out to get the comeback win that sealed the series at 3-0. Twilight made one of each on the game 4 break and chose to play stripes. This worked out well, as she made smart positioning plays late in the game before beating Cobalt with the 8 at the top side. Twilight stretched her series lead to 4-0. Twilight had a massive performance with a five-ball run from the break in game 5. Cobalt answered on a three-ball run, but Twilight closed easily to make it a 5-0 series sweep in her favor. Twilight will host Southridge Defenders star Bianca in the bracket semifinals. Cobalt is the 55th player out of the Tournament, and Twilight has her second kill.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sally v. Gal. The red cue draws in for a Rotation series. Archtown's Sally started well in game 1 but fell off the pace later. North Modernistic's Gal propelled herself to the lead with a three-ball run and added another of those for the 8-4 win to earn the 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Sally had a better start to the action in game 2. The Nighthawks' Gal scuffled early on and couldn't get ahead later, as Sally pushed for the 8-4 win this time, tying the series at 1. Sally wasted another good start in game 3, as her offense completely stalled out in the middle. Gal made the comeback rally with a slow and steady pace, winning 8-6 this time to regain the series lead at 2-1. Sally had a six-ball run to answer Gal's early pair in game 4. Sally got on the brink of victory before a foul allowed Gal to push all the way back on a six-ball run-out. Gal won 8-7 and sealed the series at 3-1. Gal left no doubt in game 5, working a three-ball run and a four-ball run before Sally had a late error. Gal won the game 8-2 and the series 4-1 to earn her place in the bracket semifinals.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Sprinkles v. Katharine. The green cue's lone outing of the day is in 10-ball. Capital City's Sprinkles was unlucky in game 1 when her 4-10 combination deflected to the uncalled bottom right. Whitewater's Katharine tried to battle back, but Sprinkles made the final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Katharine had a chance to close game 2, but she scratched as she made the 10. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles took it for free to the bottom left, moving ahead 2-0 in the series. Katharine surged with a four-ball run in game 3, but Sprinkles still had a chance on the 10. Sprinkles missed the bank attempt, and Katharine put it in the bottom side for the win to cut the deficit to 2-1. Sprinkles had another chance to bank in the 10 after a frustrating game 4, but she sent it wide of the top side. Katharine cut it to the same pocket for the win to tie the series at 2. Game 5 wasn't very clean play, as Katharine missed contact and scratched while shooting the 8. Sprinkles made a pair before her own scratch led to Katharine sinking the 10 from ball-in-hand. Katharine won the series in a 3-2 comeback and will visit the Southern Monarchs' Dominic in the bracket semifinals.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Avril v. Panda. Former teammates meet in 9-ball with the purple cue. Pronger's Avril began game 1 with a three-ball run, but Southern's Panda quickly matched that. At the end, Panda faltered and Avril made a pair for the win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Tridents' Avril left the 9 near the top left on the game 2 break, and both players lost all sense of focus in attempting to line up on it. The Monarchs' Panda would get it, sending the 1 around the table to double-pot with the 9 at the top left for the win that tied the series at 1. A back-and-forth battle emerged in game 3, with Avril nearly picking up the win at the end, but Panda's three-ball run and then conversion on Avril's miss on the 9 put Panda in the lead 2-1 in the series. Choppy play throughout game 4 came back to hurt Panda this time, as he missed his attempt on the 8 wide of the top left. Avril was there to cash in the last two balls for the win, tying the series again at 2. Avril had a lot of offense in game 5, but she made a defensive play by missing on the 9 at the end. Panda had only weak contact on his attempt, and Avril slammed the 9 to the top left on her second try to win the series 3-2. Avril will host Todavía Stills captain Easter in the bracket semifinals. Panda is the 56th player to exit the competition, and Avril has her first kill this year.

Intel Center, Diamond: Shadow v. Dustin. Big-name stars clash in 9-ball with the blue cue. Diamond's Shadow made a ball on the break and deflected off the 1 to take the 5 at the bottom left, but missed the 1 next time. Central's Dustin cashed in with a 1-9 combination to the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Dustin looked great with a six-ball run in game 2, but he missed on the 6, and the Gems' Shadow won two shots later with a 7-9 combination to the top left. The series is tied at 1. Dustin tried to play a gritty and defensive style in game 3, but his disruptions didn't bother Shadow. At the end, Shadow made a pair for the win, pulling ahead 2-1 in the series. Dustin again played as a distraction in game 4, slowing down the pace Shadow wanted to take. Shadow would make the 8 on a tough cut to the top left, but missed the 9 at the bottom left. Dustin banked the 9 to the top left for the win, retying the series at 2. Shadow didn't give Dustin anything to work with in game 5, beginning a seven-ball run-out on a jump shot to tap the 1 to the bottom right. Shadow's impeccable positioning from there earned him the win and 3-2 series win, as well as the right to host the Royal Crowns' Jake in the bracket semifinals.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Molly v. Angelica. Sisters meet in 12-ball for the blue cue's last outing today. Southern's Molly struck first in game 1, but bad positioning after that, coupled with a three-ball run from Lighton's Angelica, shifted the momentum. Angelica added a pair on her last turn for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Angelica struck quickly in game 2, getting a lot of offense in her first two turns. The Monarchs' Molly tried to work for positioning, but Angelica banked her last ball off the inside of the top side for a v-shaped angle to the bottom side for the win. Angelica leads the series 2-0. Angelica made five balls on her first two turns in game 3, leaving Molly to attempt a desperate comeback run. Molly fell far short, and Angelica won at the top right to clinch the series 3-0. Angelica made one of each on the game 4 break, but she was still able to outplay Molly in the end when she got defensive positioning at the bottom right. Molly tried to readjust her shots, but it was too late, and Angelica moved ahead 4-0 in the series. Angelica was a little out of position early on, but Molly couldn't solve the defense late, and Angelica made a pair to the bottom right and bottom side for the win. Angelica swept the series 5-0 and will visit the Oceanside Waves' Celestia in the bracket semifinals. The friendly fire between sisters sees Angelica earn her second kill this year, while Molly is the 57th eliminated player.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Mams v. Fuchsia. The red cue cycles in for Rotation to complete the venue doubleheader. Infinity's Fuchsia made a five-ball run in game 1 to pace her attack. Southern's Mams got most of it back, but Fuchsia fought her off late for an 8-4 win and 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fuchsia needed just one large win to take control of game 2, and the Monarchs' Mams never had a chance to respond. Fuchsia won 8-1 this time, moving to a 2-0 series lead. Fuchsia finally took a step back with a poor effort in game 3. Mams was able to control the pace with a four-ball run in the middle for the 8-2 win. Fuchsia remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Fuchsia returned to form after a tight start against Mams in game 4. Fuchsia broke free on a six-ball run-out for the 8-2 win, securing the series in her favor at 3-1. Fuchsia used a seven-ball run to get on the edge of advancing in game 5, only for Mams to tie it up with four balls over two turns. Fuchsia just escaped with an 8-7 win for the 4-1 series win. Fuchsia will play the visiting role versus her Infinity Torpedoes teammate Fluffina in the bracket semifinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Chimpy v. Lionel. Urban rivals meet in 8-ball to send the red cue on its way for the day. Westside's Chimpy made just one ball in game 1, sinking the 8 illegally on a frustrated shot. North Modernistic's Lionel took the gifted win for a cheap 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Chimpy did better in game 2, getting onto the 8 legally with a four-ball run. He couldn't complete the effort, and the Nighthawks' Lionel fired back with a five-ball run-out for the win and 2-0 series lead. Chimpy finally mounted a resistance to Lionel in game 3, working a three-ball run in the middle. Lionel got close to finishing, but Chimpy was a touch faster at the end for the win to cut the series to 2-1. Game 4 was the most even game of the series so far, with Lionel getting fairly close to the win again, only for Chimpy to take it away on a three-ball run-out at the end for the win. Chimpy has tied the series at 2. Chimpy put up a good fight in game 5, but he never recovered from Lionel's initial five-ball run. Lionel picked up the 8 at the bottom right for the 3-2 series win, and he'll host the Boston Swifts' Gradley in the bracket semifinals.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Andrew. The silver cue's lone appearance today is in 8-ball. Golden's Dusty couldn't get a grip on the offense in game 1, while Freedom's Andrew had a pretty good start. Andrew scratched late, but Dusty gave him time to recover for the win. Andrew is ahead 1-0 in the series. The Cascades' Andrew got out to a hot start in game 2, but it wouldn't be enough this time. The Pilots' Dusty pulled ahead with a five-ball run and then made the 8 to the top left for the win, tying the series at 1. A little creativity on offense in a close game made the difference, as Dusty surged to a five-ball run-out thanks to positioning. Andrew ultimately didn't make it look very close with a slow start, allowing Dusty to gain the 2-1 series lead. Andrew pulled out to a lead in game 4, and he had two chances at the 8 but couldn't convert it. Dusty battled back on a four-ball run and made the 8 on her second try for the win, sealing the series at 3-1. Andrew was a little too generous in game 5, battling to keep things close, but his late gamble resulted in him sinking the 8 illegally. Dusty wound up with a 4-1 series win, and she'll visit the Diamond Gems' Salmo in the bracket semifinals.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Chris. The purple cue ends the day with a Rotation series. Central's Dustin started reasonably well, but one of his errors led Capital City's Chris onto a six-ball run. Chris was able to bring it home from there, winning 8-4 for a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Dustin scrapped a little harder early in game 2, but he couldn't stop his error. The Sharpshooters' Chris took control and hammered a five-ball run-out for the 8-3 win, putting him up 2-0 in the series. Dustin again played well enough early on to make it interesting, but Chris was able to regather his momentum after a lull. Chris picked up the 8-5 win this time, clinching the series at 3-0. Chris twice had a chance to win in game 4, but he wasted both with scratches. Dustin fired a three-ball run-out on his ball-in-hand opportunity for the 8-7 win to cut the series to 3-1 with his first win. Chris was a little shaky again in game 5, and Dustin took advantage of that early on. Dustin added a three-ball run late before winning 8-5. Chris still took the series 3-2 and will visit the Boston Swifts' Sweetheart in the bracket semifinals. 

There's just two days left in the round as the Bracket Quarterfinals battles with a heatwave tomorrow.

Tournament X - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 15

A Friday full of games, with the silver and purple cues sitting out, is ready to begin with...

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Vincent v. Wario. Rising stars clash in 7-ball with the blue cue. Everton's Vincent butchered his finish in game 1, clipping the 7 on an approach for the 6. Vincent made the 6, giving Southridge's Wario the free shot on the 7 to the bottom right. Wario leads the series 1-0. The Defenders' Wario maintained his edge on offense in game 2, battling at first with the Eagles' Vincent before finding a three-ball run-out. Wario now leads the series 2-0. Vincent made two pairs of shots in game 3, but the 6 eluded him at the top left. Wario stepped in to sink the final two shots for the win, clinching the series at 3-0. Neither player wanted to give much up on the 6, leading to a slight stalemate before Wario made it. He then missed on the 7, and Vincent struck at the bottom side for his first win, cutting the series to 3-1. Wario faltered again late in game 5, and Vincent was able to collect another win with his second attempt on the 7. Wario still won the series 3-2, and he'll be a visitor again in the bracket semifinals.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Ms. Puppy. Another 7-ball series uses the blue cue. Freedom's Nikolai saw the 7 move one way on the break before a hard redirect sent it to the bottom left and the 5 to the bottom side for a double-pot. Nikolai has a 1-0 series lead over Modernistic Ms. Puppy after game 1. The Cascades' Nikolai made a three-ball run from the break and a pair on his next turn before a tough miss on the 7. The Union's Ms. Puppy stepped up to pot the final pair for the win to tie the series at 1. Ms. Puppy had a pair on the game 3 break, but misfortune struck when she jammed the 1 and 5 together at the top left. Nikolai broke the jam to ignite his five-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series lead. Nikolai kicked off game 4 with another five-ball run, but he missed on the 6. He wouldn't get back to the table this time, as Ms. Puppy buried the last pair for the win to retie the series at 2. Ms. Puppy had an empty break in game 5, and Nikolai struck a 1-7 bank combination to the bottom left for a stunning win and 3-2 series win. Nikolai will host his bracket semifinals appearance. Nikolai has his first kill of the year, while Ms. Puppy is the 51st player to exit the Tournament.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Spot v. Potter. A pair of Tridents teammates meet in 9-ball with the red cue. Spot didn't get anything on the break, but he was lucky that Potter left the 9 at the bottom left on his first turn. Spot made a 2-9 combination to get the win for a quick 1-0 series lead. In game 2, Potter got going and just wouldn't stop, collecting a seven-ball run-out after an initially tight start against Spot. Potter's surge tied the series at 1. Spot had a creative double-pot of the 4 to the top right and the 8 to the top side on a kick of the 1, but his next shot was much worse. Potter fired back on a 1-9 combination to the bottom left for the win and 2-1 series lead. Spot put up a valiant effort in game 4, but his attempt at a late run ended far too early. Potter bounced back with a five-ball run-out for the win, sealing the series at 3-1. Both players made four-ball runs in game 5, but Potter couldn't quite get the 9 at the end of his. Spot knocked it, and Potter settled for a 3-2 series win. Potter will host Midland Predators captain Shawn in the bracket semifinals.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Neopolitan. The red cue is done for the day after this Accuracy series. Both players were lucky to stay perfect halfway through game 1, but when Central's Noelle lost her grip, she really lost it. Pearl's Neopolitan skated off with a 0-3 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Noelle did well to force overtime in game 2, and she gave Neopolitan the longest possible shot on the overtime break. Neopolitan almost missed the rack and ended up scratching anyway, allowing Noelle to claim a 1-2 win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw Noelle fall behind after making a ball on the break. Neopolitan tried to hold on but fell back later and couldn't force overtime in the end. Noelle earned a 2-3 win this time, pulling ahead 2-1 in the series. Noelle's game 4 effort looked a lot like game 1, where she held on at first and then unraveled late. Neopolitan picked up the 1-4 win at the end, tying the series at 2. Noelle had a lead for much of game 5, but collapsed into a tie that forced overtime. Neopolitan didn't miss on the extra rack, taking a 2-3 win over Noelle for the 3-2 series win. Neopolitan will host her bracket semifinals outing.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Dani. The green cue takes a turn today in 13-ball. Whitewater's Marsell had a decent start to game 1 with a three-ball run, but he failed to get positioning at the bottom side. Viewpoint Sound's Dani surged later and completed the comeback for a win and 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Dani had a strong break in game 2 with a four-ball run on solids. The Shores' Marsell sank balls to the side pockets, but didn't have time to align at the end. Dani won with a pair of shots to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Game 3 began with Dani on a three-ball run from the break. Marsell put up much more of a fight this time with a late five-ball run, but he missed on the 8. Dani fired back with a three-ball run-out for the win to clinch the series at 3-0. Dani scratched on the break in game 4, allowing Marsell to set the tone. Marsell was a little weaker in the middle, but he roared back on a four-ball run-out to get the win, cutting Dani's series lead to 3-1. Dani couldn't get much going in game 5 either, her positioning suffering at the end. Marsell won on a three-ball run-out. Dani advanced with a 3-2 series win, and she'll host Atlantic Pirates hotshot Isabella in the bracket semifinals. Dani earned her first kill to make Marsell the 52nd eliminated player this year.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Puff II v. Summer. The blue cue is back for Accuracy. Boston's Puff II kept perfection deep into game 1, thanks to a triple-kiss on the 12 to the bottom right. Maplewood's Summer faltered after that, and Puff II held on for a 1-2 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Puff II looked prepared to take a big win again in game 2 until she fell apart at the end. The Lumberjacks' Summer played a steadier game to earn the 3-4 win, tying the series at 1. Game 2 had a nearly identical finish, as Puff II missed a late shot after already struggling to keep things close. Summer was calm and cleaned up Puff II's miss to secure a 3-4 win again. Summer leads the series 2-1. Puff II went into full desperation to force overtime in game 4, but Summer struck on the overtime break and Puff II rattled her shot out of the bottom left. Summer won by a 3-4 score again, securing the series at 3-1. Puff II wouldn't get any redemption for the road in game 5, as Summer held her ground for a 2-4 win that gave the visitor a 4-1 series win. Summer will host the Victoria Spurs' Yekaterina in the bracket semifinals. Summer is up to two kills this year, while Puff II is the 53rd player to exit the Tournament.

Sony Center, Queens: Mario v. Slinks. Veterans meet in 9-ball with the green cue. Seemingly out of nowhere, Queens' Mario found an eight-ball run-out in game 1. It stunned Westside's Slinks as well, but that gave Mario a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Mario had too many errors in game 2 despite controlling the pace of play. The Rockers' Slinks cashed in the 9 at the top left from ball-in-hand after Mario scratched while potting the 8. The series is tied at 1. Mario still had some trouble with errors in game 3, but Slinks picked a bad time to miss contact while shooting at the 8. Mario took the ball-in-hand to make a pair of shots at the end, regaining the series lead 2-1. Game 4 was as choppy as they've been in the series. Neither player looked particularly comfortable, and Mario just barely scraped by with a win to clinch the series at 3-1 over Slinks. Game 5 was a little cleaner, and Mario made the last five balls over three turns to grab another win for the 4-1 series win. Mario will host the Atlantic Pirates' Dusky in the bracket semifinals.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I v. Spirit. The blue cue takes a turn in 10-ball. What started out fine in game 1 turned into a slow finish, with Pacific's Twinkie I just getting the win over Lighton's Spirit with the former's third try on the 10. Twinkie I holds a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Spirit took away the momentum from the Volcanoes' Twinkie I very early in game 2. Spirit put the 1 in the bottom right, then pinched the 2-10 combination off the 3-6 cluster to pot the winning shot as called in the bottom left. The series is now tied at 1. Spirit changed styles again in game 3, relying on her defense to slow things down. Towards the end, Twinkie I turned it around and got defensive, and Spirit had no answer for it. Twinkie I poked the 10 to the top left for the win and 2-1 series lead. Twinkie I had a tough time commanding her shots in game 4, and that allowed Spirit to hang around. Spirit finished on a three-ball run-out with a 9-10 combination to the top left for the win. Spirit has retied the series at 2. Twinkie I tried to make a smart play by deferring possession to allow Spirit to get a three-ball run in the middle of game 5. Twinkie I then flubbed her shot on the 8, and Spirit made a three-ball run-out for the win and 3-2 series win. Spirit is set to host the Golden Pilots' Sparkles in the bracket semifinals. Spirit has her first kill this year, making Twinkie I the 54th eliminated player.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Shawn v. Easter. Captains collide in another 10-ball series using the blue cue. Midland's Shawn showed some skill with a 1-7 jump combination at the bottom side as part of an opening three-ball run. He would later miscue on the 8. Todavía's Easter used the ball-in-hand to win in two shots with a 9-10 combination at the top left giving her a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Easter had more offense in game 2, including a four-ball run over the middle. The Predators' Shawn missed his cut on the 10 at the top left, and Easter tapped it in for the win and 2-0 series lead. Shawn was very lucky to keep his series alive in game 3, as Easter smashed an eight-ball run from the break and added the 9 on the next turn before missing the 10. Shawn won on a tap-in to cut the deficit to 2-1. Shawn began game 4 on a five-ball run despite potting the 10 on the break, causing it to be respotted. Easter had a four-ball run in response, but the last ball she potted was illegally hit. Shawn then made a pair for the win to tie the series at 2. Easter remained a force in game 5, finding her former glory at the end with a dominant four-ball run-out to finish off Shawn. Easter won the series 3-2 and will host Everton Eagles veteran Puff III in the bracket semifinals.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Princess v. Noelle. Brute Force club-mates end the day by beginning a split-day venue doubleheader with the green cue in 8-ball. Central's Noelle had a clear edge on offense in game 1, so Viewpoint Sound's Princess leveled the playing field with defense. Princess' strategy baited Noelle into illegally potting the 8, giving Princess the 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Noelle found a six-ball run fairly early in game 2, but her follow-up saw her miss on the 8. The Meteors' Princess rallied back on a six-ball run-out for the win, going up 2-0 in the series. Noelle had another big burst of offense in game 3, but it didn't hold up against a balanced and staggered finish from Princess, who took four balls over the last two turns to win. Princess secured the series at 3-0 with this win. Noelle had a quick five-ball run in game 4, then took too long on the rest of her shots. Princess scratched twice to maintain defense, and then won with a three-ball run-out to make it a 4-0 series lead. Princess finally slipped up late in game 5, unable to complete the sweep after Noelle grabbed a win on a three-ball run-out. Princess won the series 4-1 and will host the Todavía Stills newcomer Pedey in the bracket semifinals. 

Check back tomorrow for some weekend action with just three days remaining in the Bracket Quarterfinals.

Tournament X - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 14

We're back for another day of games, but the blue cue will sit out today's action. We begin with...

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sarah v. Hoot. The red cue opens the day in 15-ball. Tysini's Sarah made seven balls over her last two turns, but the 15 evaded her shot. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot had four balls on his last two turns, and that was enough for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Sarah remained strong on offense in game 2 with an eight-ball run that ended with a scratch. The Meteors' Hoot didn't get on track on his late shots, and Sarah ended up with the win to tie the series at 1. Sarah kept the pressure high in a choppy game 3 battle, rarely missing her first shot on consecutive turns. Hoot was fairly close on offense, but Sarah got the win with a pair and took a 2-1 series lead. Sarah didn't get a lot of movement on the break in game 4, and that led to a rough start. Hoot produced a surprising early finish with the 1-14-11-15 combination to the bottom left, earning him the win to retie the series at 2. Game 5 could have gone either way early on, but Sarah made sure she advanced with a 7-15 combination to the bottom left. Sarah beat Hoot 3-2 in the series and will next host Lighton Prestige rookie Angelica in a Southwestern derby in the bracket semifinals. Hoot is the 48th player out of the Tournament, and Sarah has sole possession of the kills lead with three.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Melissa v. Oreo. The silver cue comes between two Knights in Rotation. Oreo had total control in game 1, making an early three-ball run and adding a steady stream after that to win 8-1 over Melissa. Oreo leads the series 1-0. Oreo couldn't find her way at the start of game 2, and Melissa took full advantage of that with a three-ball run. She added a four-ball run to get close to victory, and then Melissa won 9-1 by double-potting the 5 to the bottom side and the 14 to the bottom left. Melissa tied the series at 1. Game 3 was the first close battle of the series, as Oreo rallied in the middle of the game to make things close. Melissa grabbed a pair at the end for the 8-6 win to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Both players relied on pairs to begin game 4, and that left them even early on. Melissa got on the edge of victory with a three-ball run, which Oreo answered with a jump-shot on the 11 at the top left. Oreo would make a three-ball run-out on her next turn for the 8-7 win, retying the series at 2. Oreo was crisp on offense in game 5, but Melissa made it interesting with a four-ball run to pull even. Oreo fired back with a pair to tie it and another pair for the 8-6 win and 3-2 series win. Oreo will play in the bracket semifinals.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Steven v. Cleo. The green cue activates for this Accuracy series. Atlantic's Steven appeared to have the lead initially in game 1, but Everton's Cleo was persistent at the end and picked up the 2-3 win. Cleo leads the series 1-0. The Eagles' Cleo was unable to clean up her play in game 2, making a ball on the break before a total collapse at the end. The Pirates' Steven seized his chance with a 1-4 win, tying the series at 1. In game 3, Steven made a ball on the break. He kept things close with Cleo for much of the game, but Cleo pulled ahead late and held on for a 2-3 win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Cleo had an empty break in game 4, giving Steven the last-shot advantage. Neither player missed in regulation, but Cleo went empty on the overtime break, and Steven converted the 1-4 combination to the top left for the 0-1 win to tie the series at 2. Steven made a ball on the break and kept things even with Cleo until the very end. Cleo missed late and Steven went on to win 2-3, giving him a 3-2 series win. Steven will be on the road in the bracket semifinals.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Cleo v. Celestia. The host's doubleheader ends at home with the green cue in hand for 15-ball. Everton's Cleo had a strong bank on the 1 to the top right, but she scratched as well. Oceanside's Celestia surprisingly cut the 2 to the top right and then made a 3-15 combination from distance at the bottom right to get the win and 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia continued to press on offense with five of the last six balls potted after a good start. The Eagles' Cleo just escaped with game 2, picking off the 15 late at the bottom left to tie the series at 1. Cleo chipped in a fair amount of offense in game 3, but she couldn't get clean looks in the middle. This led to Celestia converting the 6 and then deflecting off the 7 to push the 15 into the top left for the win and 2-1 series lead. Celestia made a two-turn surge late in game 4, following up a four-ball run with a five-ball run that ended as she scratched while sinking the 15 at the bottom side. This gifted the win to Cleo, who retied the series at 2 with the stroke of fortune. Celestia found an eight-ball run early in game 5, setting the tone on offense immediately. Cleo got some back late, but Celestia won with a three-ball run-out for the 3-2 series win. Celestia will visit Queens Flames superstar Violetta in a huge bracket semifinals matchup. Cleo is the 49th eliminated player this year, while Celestia has her second kill this year.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Hoppy. The silver cue is back for a 7-ball series. Individually in game 1, Infinity's Fluffina had plenty of good shots, but the collective effort was lackluster. A scratch on the 6 allowed Archtown's Hoppy to pick up the 7 from ball-in-hand for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fluffina put together a three-ball run late in game 2, but she missed again on the 7 and allowed the Arrows' Hoppy to scoop up the win for a 2-0 series lead. Hoppy opened game 3 with a three-ball run, but Fluffina fired back on a four-ball run-out with a lucky double-bank on the 6 that lined her up on the 7 perfectly. Fluffina cut Hoppy's series lead to 2-1. Fluffina had a pair on a comeback effort in game 4, only to rattle the 7 out of the top left. Hoppy had made a four-ball run and added the 7 on a cut for the win to secure the series at 3-1. Hoppy couldn't tack on another one in game 5, as Fluffina pulled off a three-ball run-out for the win. Hoppy settled for a 3-2 series win, and she'll host Northeastern rival Marissa of the Maplewood Lumberjacks in the bracket semifinals.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Lily v. Easter. Another 7-ball series uses the purple cue. Eastside's Lily missed on her game 1 break, and Todavía's Easter showed no mercy, running the table from there for the win. Easter leads the series confidently at 1-0. The Stills' Easter had a four-ball run in game 2 and still looked menacing, but she missed on the 7. The Sharks' Lily gladly cleaned it up at the top right for the win to tie the series at 1. Easter again dominated in game 3, making five of the seven balls including a textbook semi-masse on the 3 at the bottom left. Unfortunately, she under-hit the 7, and Lily tapped it in to poach the win for a 2-1 series lead. Lily scratched on the break, allowing Easter to make a five-ball run before scratching herself. Lily then took the 6 but missed the 7 on a bank toward the bottom right. Easter knocked it in for the win to retie the series at 2. Lily had some good plays in game 5, but she faltered on the 6 at the end. Easter made the final pair for the win and 3-2 series win, and it'll be Easter hosting Atlantic Pirates rookie Buddy in the bracket semifinals. Lily is the 50th eliminated player, and Easter has her second kill this season.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Waluigi v. Chimpy. Enigmatic plays collide in 9-ball with the silver cue. Westside's Chimpy had a strong effort in game 1, finishing on a five-ball run-out after Web City's Waluigi couldn't muster much offense. Chimpy leads the series 1-0. The Rockers' Chimpy was still active in game 2, but his three-ball run near the end came up just short with his miss on the 9. The Spiders' Waluigi poached this win to tie the series at 1. Chimpy took a swipe at a 2-9 combination toward the bottom left in game 3, but it rattled out. Waluigi responded with deflecting off the 2 to put the 6 in the top left before making that 2-9 combination that Chimpy failed on. Waluigi's win put him ahead 2-1 in the series. Waluigi turned up the heat in game 4, finding his form with a seven-ball run-out after Chimpy failed to take control. Waluigi's massive run sealed the series in his favor at 3-1. Waluigi added another favorable result in game 5, banking the 9 to the top left in response to Chimpy's three-ball run. Waluigi won the series 4-1 and earned the right to host Northeastern rival Noelle of the Central Warriors in the bracket semifinals.

Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Twinkie I. The host's second series today is a Coastal derby in 9-ball that features the purple cue's last series today. Todavía's Easter controlled the offense with ease, using a four-ball run early and late to run circles around Pacific's Twinkie I. The later run gave Easter the win and 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I made a five-ball run after the Stills' Easter scratched on an explosive break. Twinkie I missed on the 8, and Easter potted the last pair for the win to go up 2-0 in the series. Easter made an early pair in game 3, but Twinkie I fired back with a four-ball run-out capped by a deflection off the 4 to sink the 9 in the top left. Twinkie I cut Easter's series lead to 2-1. Twinkie I had a three-ball run over the middle of a close game 4 battle, but her miss on the 7 would be costly. Easter struck back with her own three-ball run-out for the win, clinching the series at 3-1. Game 5 was pretty balanced on both sides, but Twinkie I couldn't bring it home as she missed on the 9. Easter tapped it into the bottom right for the win, completing a 4-1 series win to get into the bracket semifinals.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Dusty. In 12-ball, the red cue makes its exit today. Golden's Dusty kept things clean in game 1, and that made the difference against Viewpoint Sound's Dani, who scratched on a bad break and yielded a wild-card ball near the end. Dusty picked up the close win for a 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Dani roared back in game 2, as the Pilots' Dusty made one on the break but couldn't find any positioning. Dani had a five-ball run and positioned her last ball at the bottom right to win on her second turn. Dani has tied the series at 1. Dani gave away a wild-card ball on the game 3 break, but that came with making two stripes. She took a few turns for positioning, aided by Dusty's relative lack of offense. Dani then struck a four-ball run-out for the win to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Dani again gave away a wild-card ball in game 4, a dangerous play against Dusty, but Dani was able to hold her line well. Dusty got within a ball of the win before Dani put away her last ball at the bottom left to secure the series at 3-1. Dani went back to the well in game 5, giving away a wild-card ball and again pulling off the win despite the disadvantage. Dani won the series 4-1 over Dusty, and that earns Dani the right to stay home but act as the visitor versus Meteors teammate Princess in the bracket semifinals.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Jane v. Rosalina. Today's finale uses the silver cue in 8-ball. Stonebridge's Jane faltered in game 1 with a scratch and some shaky late shooting. Victoria's Rosalina locked in late and picked up the win with strong play, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Wolves' Jane had a productive five-ball run in game 2, which ended in a scratch. The Spurs' Rosalina made a three-ball run but couldn't get the 8 at the top left, and Jane made a pair for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw Jane have a decent start before getting jammed up at the bottom side with a cluster. Rosalina had already taken the lead at that point, and she finished with a three-ball run-out to regain the series lead at 2-1. Rosalina slipped back into mediocre shooting for game 4, leaving far too much open territory for Jane to exploit. Jane did very well in that role, winning on a three-ball run-out to retie the series at 2. Rosalina appeared to have the edge at the start of game 5, but it didn't hold up, as Jane stormed back with a seven-ball run-out for the win to grab a 3-2 series win. Jane will host Pacific Volcanoes captain Starlight in the bracket semifinals. 

That's it for today's action. We've got just four days left in the round.

Tournament X - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 13

We're set to begin the final stretch to close out the round. First up today...

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Leonardo. The red cue gets the opener today, playing 13-ball. Southern's Dominic had a three-ball run from the break in game 1, but shaky play to close things out later allowed Diamond's Leonardo to make a comeback. Leonardo was able to make a pair on his last turn for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Dominic didn't do himself any favors with positioning in game 2, and the Gems' Leonardo played patiently to earn another win. Leonardo is up 2-0 in the series now. Leonardo made three stripes on the break in game 3, but one was an overfill. His positioning after that was a disaster, and Dominic took advantage at the end to rally for the win. Leonardo's series lead holds at 2-1. Dominic struck on stripes in game 4, but Leonardo got very close to a win at the end. Dominic's defense held up just long enough for him to rally for a comeback win that tied the series at 2. Dominic made one of each and nearly had the 8 at the top left, but he chose a four-ball run on stripes to start. Leonardo failed to catch up, and he sank the 8 illegally when he did to gift the win and 3-2 series win to Dominic, who will visit the Tysini Hummingbirds' Sugar in the bracket semifinals.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Puff III. The purple cue is ready to go in a Northeastern derby in 12-ball. Web City's Jack had a big performance in game 1, shutting out Everton's Puff III over four turns to get the win. Jack leads the series 1-0 after a dominant win. Game 2 was a little tougher, as the Spiders' Jack had to play for positioning more. He still maintained a noticeable lead over the Eagles' Puff III, who came close on a desperate kick at the end, but Jack closed the door for the win and 2-0 series lead. Puff III gave away a wild-card ball early in game 3, but Jack would scratch as he fought for positioning late in the game. On level terms, Puff III excelled to get the win, cutting Jack's series lead to 2-1. Puff III flirted with danger again in game 4, yielding another wild-card ball for Jack. This time, Jack capitalized, easily taking the win in the end to seal the series at 3-1. Jack faltered on his last ball multiple times in game 5, allowing Puff III to push back at the end for the win. Jack won the series 3-2 and will host the Freedom Cascades' Stripes in the bracket semifinals.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Niki v. Ice Cream. Back in 13-ball, the purple cue goes again. Commerce's Niki had a positive start in game 1 but lost her way in the middle. Boston's Ice Cream failed to capitalize, scratching twice late before Niki finished off for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Niki didn't have it easy in game 2, as the Swifts' Ice Cream defended at the bottom left like she had no other choice. Ice Cream again had a couple of desperate scratches, and Niki pushed through to get the win for a 2-0 series lead. Niki wasn't outright dominant in game 3, but she was sharp enough to get early offense and then set up her final run. Ice Cream made a strong push, but Niki won with a three-ball run-out to clinch the series at 3-0. Niki had a great start with a four-ball run in game 4, but she still needed a pair of missed contacts for Ice Cream on her last ball after a five-ball run. Niki scraped by for the win to stretch her series lead to 4-0. Ice Cream avoided the sweep in a close game 5, as Niki was a step behind for the first time. Niki won the series 4-1 and will host the Freedom Cascades' Andrew in the bracket semifinals. Ice Cream is the 44th eliminated player this year, while Niki earns her first kill.

Intel Center, Diamond: Debby v. Spot. The blue cue gets a turn in Rotation between Eastern Hills rivals. Diamond's Debby struck on the break, but Pronger's Spot had a lot of the early success in game 1. Spot scratched late with the game tight, and Debby won 8-6 with a three-ball run-out to pull ahead 1-0 in the series. The Gems' Debby had a thorough attack in game 2, although her late five-ball run was truncated by a scratch. The Tridents' Spot responded with a three-ball run, but Debby made a shot to seal an 8-3 win that put her ahead 2-0 in the series. Spot held the lead for part of game 3, but Debby wouldn't stay down for long. A five-ball run put Debby on the brink of a win, and she finished with an 8-4 win on the next turn to secure the series at 3-0. Both players took a step back from the established pace in game 4, with Spot leading the way for the early stages. Debby again returned to form late, winning 8-5 on another surge that gave her a 4-0 series lead. Debby completed the sweep in game 5, earning an 8-2 win this time as Spot failed to make much of an impact at all. Debby will host Celebrity club-mate and North Modernistic Nighthawks captain Peach in the bracket semifinals.

Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Oreo. The purple cue exits the day with 8-ball between Prime club-mates. Terrace City's Oreo had a lead in game 1, but she couldn't corral the 8 before Todavía's Easter caught up. At the end, Easter made a pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. Both players had scratches in game 2, but the Stills' Easter had hers early enough to recover from. The Knights' Oreo stalled out after her scratch, and Easter won on a three-ball run-out for the 2-0 series lead. Easter held the lead for a bit in game 3 as well, but this time she came up short at the end. Oreo was persistent on offense and made a late pair for the win to cut the series to 2-1 in Easter's favor. Oreo saved her offense for late in game 4, as Easter appeared set for victory early on. Oreo then made a five-ball run to pull even, and she used her defensive advantage a turn later for a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 2. Easter had a six-ball run in game 5, but a scratch and slow play at the end opened the door for Oreo to rally for the win. Oreo took the series much the same way, a comeback 3-2 win that sets her up to visit the Whitewater Shores' Katharine for an Urban derby in the bracket semifinals.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Puff I. Reality club-mates use the silver cue in 9-ball for its lone appearance today. Victoria's Spice made no mistake on the game 1 break, sending the 9 just behind the 6 to fall at the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead over Modernistic's Puff I. The Spurs' Spice was much sloppier in game 2, but it didn't stop her from collecting the win with a late pair. The Union's Puff I didn't play much better, and Spice took advantage of that to get the 2-0 series lead. Spice made five balls over two turns at one stage of game 3, but it wouldn't matter when she rattled the 8 out of the bottom right. Puff I struck back with a pair for the win, getting on the board but still trailing 2-1 in the series. Puff I couldn't sustain the momentum in game 4, falling into a chippy battle with Spice. At the end, Spice took a pair for the win to clinch the series at 3-1. Puff I cleaned up the scraps late in game 5 with a pair of shots, leaving Spice to advance on a 3-2 series win. Spice is set to host the Golden Pilots' Strut in the bracket semifinals. Spice took her first kill of the year, and Puff I's exit as the 45th eliminated player means a quarter of all players are inactive.

Apple Center, Todavía: Ruby v. Sprinkles. Back on the coast, the blue cue is done after 13-ball. Todavía's Ruby had the lead early in game 1 and tried to finish late, but a scratch held her back. Capital City's Sprinkles had better positioning too, and won with a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles sank one of each to start game 2, and she chose solids from there. That was a good choice, as the Stills' Ruby struggled while Sprinkles looked relatively strong throughout the game to earn another win for the 2-0 series lead. Sprinkles again potted one of each on the game 3 break, choosing solids as she already had a side pocket down. Sprinkles went on a four-ball run-out later while Ruby remained out of position. Sprinkles sealed the series at 3-0 in the process. Sprinkles had a good start in game 4, but she couldn't quite corral the 8 at the end. Ruby tapped it into the top left for the win, cutting Sprinkles' series lead to 3-1. Ruby couldn't save another game, as he offense was slow to arrive in game 5. Sprinkles had time to be patient and smart with her shots, and she succeeded at the end for the win and 4-1 series win. Sprinkles will be on the road again in the bracket semifinals. Sprinkles earned her second kill of the year to make Ruby the 46th eliminated player.

Sony Center, Queens: Mario v. Missy. The green cue's lone outing of the day is in 7-ball. Queens' Mario got the 2 to fall in the bottom side on the break, and the sequence ended with the 1 pinching the 7 to the bottom right for the instant win. Mario leads the series 1-0. The offense was slow to arrive on both sides in game 2 after the Flames' Mario scratched on the break. The Sharpshooters' Missy eventually found her way forward with a six-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Mario came up clutch in game 3 with a three-ball run-out, featuring a hard bank of the 6 to the bottom left to keep the turn going. Mario reclaimed the series lead at 2-1 over Capital City's Missy. In game 4, Missy's first and ultimately only shot was a miss on the 1. This left a 1-7 combination aligned for Mario to convert at the top right, which he did to secure the series at 3-1. Mario didn't make much impact after potting a pair on the break, his miss on the 6 leading to Missy making the final pair for the win. Mario won the series 3-2 and will host the Westside Rockers' Slinks in the bracket semifinals.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Rosalina v. Dani. Another 7-ball series features the red cue. Victoria's Rosalina didn't get much early offense in game 1, but she struck down the last two balls after Viewpoint Sound's Dani ran out of steam. Rosalina leads the series 1-0. The Spurs' Rosalina made a couple balls on the break and a jump shot later on to pot the 4 at the bottom left, but she scratched in her attempt on the 7. The Meteors' Dani pounced on it for a tap-in at the bottom side and tied the series at 1. In game 3, Dani made a pair of three-ball runs to pick up the win, with Rosalina missing contact on the 5 in her one chance to make a comeback. Dani leads the series 2-1 now. Rosalina kept herself in the series with a game 4 win. The 7 found itself near the bottom left early on, and Rosalina deflected a shot off the 3 to tap it in, retying the series at 2 as Dani failed to find an angle. Dani didn't find much offense in game 5, as Rosalina potted a four-ball run and then made the final pair on her next turn. Rosalina won the series 3-2 and will host Tysini Hummingbirds' sophomore Sarah in the bracket semifinals.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Toki v. Bianca. Young opponents end the day with the red cue in Accuracy. A close battle at first devolved into a chase for the last ball. Southridge's Bianca missed it three times before Eastside's Toki put it away for the 4-5 win and 1-0 series lead in a textbook case of how not to finish a game. The Sharks' Toki made a ball on the game 2 break, but he faltered early this time. The Defenders' Bianca limited her mistakes quite well to earn a 1-3 win to tie the series at 1. Bianca didn't deliver a great break in game 3, leading to a sloppy battle on both sides. Bianca held the edge throughout the game and won 4-5 as Toki couldn't close the gap. Bianca leads the series 2-1. Bianca made two balls on the game 4 break, but her offense after that didn't remain at a high standard. Toki wrestled the lead away and took a 2-5 win to retie the series at 2 to set up a decisive finale. With the series on the line, Bianca found her game at the perfect time, winning 0-3 as her shutout helped her beat Toki 3-2 in the series. Bianca is set to be on the road again in the bracket semifinals. Toki is the 47th player out of the Tournament, and Bianca has her first kill.

We'll keep the action moving tomorrow for a new day of games.

Tournament X - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 12

We're back in action for a full slate today, beginning with...

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Twilight. The silver cue gets the start today in 12-ball. Southern's Dominic yielded a wild-card ball on the break in game 1, and after some set-up work, Central's Twilight made a four-ball run to get close to the win. Twilight would eventually strike her last ball to the bottom right for the 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight surrendered a wild-card ball early in game 2, but then went on a five-ball run to make things close. The Monarchs' Dominic finished just in time to grab the win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 saw Dominic take a solid on the break, followed by Twilight pushing a five-ball run to gain a big lead. Dominic couldn't battle back, and Twilight took the win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Game 4 turned into a race for positioning at the end, and Twilight was able to win it with stripes, cutting the 15 to the bottom side to beat Dominic again. Twilight secured the series at 3-1. Dominic looked like he had a good chance to grab game 5, but his late run ended with a miss at the bottom right. Twilight made a pair in response to finish a 4-1 series win that earns her a road position in the bracket semifinals.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Leonette v. Mams. Coastal rivals clash in 10-ball with the red cue. Pacific's Leonette had a stronger handle on game 1 compared to Southern's Mams. At the end, Leonette missed the 8-10 combination from a tough angle but double-potted it to the bottom side on the next turn for the win and 1-0 series lead. Things started slowly in game 2, but the Monarchs' Mams found her way at the end with a four-ball run-out. Mams finished with a double-pot of the 6 and 10 to the right corners to tie the series at 1 versus the Volcanoes' Leonette. Mams made a pair on the break in game 3, and she stayed strong through an early finish with the 6-10 combination at the top left. Mams now leads Leonette 2-1 in the series. Leonette, desperate to make a splash, tried a jump shot on the 7 in game 4. It failed, and the resulting ball-in-hand for Mams led to a three-ball run-out that gave the visitor the series at 3-1. Mams brought another early finish in game 5, burying a 5-7-10 combination to the top left to complete her 4-1 series win over Leonette. Mams will host the Royal Crowns' Katelynn in the bracket semifinals.

Sony Center, Queens: Violetta v. Sarah. Young stars battle in 7-ball with the red cue. Tysini's Sarah looked like the stronger player in game 1, but she missed on the 7. Queens' Violetta cashed in at the bottom side for the win in the end, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Flames' Violetta did well on her first two turns, but faded after that. Game 2 ended with the Hummingbirds' Sarah surging to victory on a five-ball run-out, which helped her tie the series at 1. Violetta got back on track in game 3 with an early pair that ended with a miss on the 3-7 combination at the top right. Sarah pushed back, but Violetta took the last pair from ball-in-hand after Sarah's missed contact. Violetta retook the series lead at 2-1. Violetta tried to attack firmly in game 4, but she had a little too much inconsistency in her game, and a scratch turned possession to Sarah, who then made a four-ball run-out. Sarah was lucky her kick on the 5 sent the 6 to the top side, but she made the last two shots easily to retie the series at 2. Game 5 came down to who could corral the 5, and Violetta missed her lone chance at it. Sarah ignited for a three-ball run-out to get the win and 3-2 series win, which sends her to the bracket semifinals.

Intel Center, Diamond: Leonardo v. Kayla. The green cue comes aboard for an Accuracy series. Diamond's Leonardo made a ball on the break in game 1 but couldn't sustain his attack at the end. A late scratch gave Royal's Kayla the lead, and she held on to win 2-3 for the 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Leonardo made the same mistake in game 2, scratching while potting his last shot. The Crowns' Kayla converted from ball-in-hand to get the 1-2 win and 2-0 series lead as she has capitalized on her host's two errors. Leonardo held the lead for part of game 3, but the ending was a little rough for him. Kayla held her ground yet again and cleaned up the last ball for a 2-3 win after Leonardo fell behind at the end. Kayla clinched the series at 3-0. Leonardo finally struck for a win in game 4 as Kayla scratched twice in the middle and couldn't pull even. Leonardo had a 1-2 win to cut Kayla's series lead to 3-1. Kayla managed to get an ugly win in game 5, beating Leonardo 5-7 after a long battle in the late game. Kayla won the series 4-1 and will visit Modernistic Union rookie Maggie in the bracket semifinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Shelley v. Dominic. The visitor plays his second series today in 9-ball with the blue cue. Southern's Dominic had the 9 in his sights to start game 1, and Infinity's Shelley did nothing to stop him. Shelley's missed contact error allowed Dominic to double-pot the 2-9 combination at the top right for his 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Dominic wasn't as focused in game 2, but he had the upper hand in the battle versus the Torpedoes' Shelley. Dominic did his part at the end with a three-ball run-out for the win to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Dominic kept going with heavy offense in game 3, making an early three-ball run. Shelley got one back, but missed on the 6, leading to Dominic's win with a four-ball run-out. Dominic clinched the series at 3-0. Dominic kept rolling in game 4, with not even a late error to slow him down. Shelley made the 6 and 8 from ball-in-hand but left the 9 for Dominic at the bottom left to stretch his series lead to 4-0. Dominic completed the 5-0 series sweep with a 6-9 combination to the top left to end a three-ball run-out. Dominic will remain on the road when he faces the Everton Eagles' Goldy in the bracket semifinals. Dominic earned his first kill of the year to make Shelley the 42nd eliminated player.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Gal. The green cue is done for today after 7-ball. Golden's Dusty sank a three-ball run from the break in game 1, but went cold after that. North Modernistic's Gal made a three-ball run of her own and sank the 7 on her second try for a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Dusty wouldn't stay down long, weathering a three-ball run from the Nighthawks' Gal before attacking over two turns to win game 2. Dusty tied the series at 1 with a bank on the 7 to the bottom side. Gal had a four-ball run fairly early in game 3, but Dusty responded on her next turn with a three-ball run-out, including another bank of the 7 to the bottom side to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Dusty couldn't get a grip on the offense in a slow-moving game 4. At the end, Gal took over to make a pair for the win, retying the series at 2. Game 5 came down to the wire, with Dusty just prevailing on a cut to the bottom side after Gal couldn't lock in on the 7. Dusty won the series 3-2 and will host Whitewater Shores captain Shaggy in the bracket semifinals.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Americus v. Nibbles. The red cue's exit comes after this 12-ball set. Midland's Americus made a pair early and looked strong on offense, but she couldn't get contact on her last ball. From ball-in-hand, Web City's Nibbles executed a three-ball run-out for the comeback win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 came down to a positioning battle at the top side after a rough outing on both sides. The Predators' Americus got the edge with her last ball and just beat the Spiders' Nibbles for the win, tying the series at 1. Americus played thorough, long-term defense in game 3, twice frustrating Nibbles. Eventually, Nibbles scratched, and in his recovery, he sank Americus' last ball to give her the 2-1 series lead. Americus couldn't overcome giving away a wild-card ball on the game 4 break. Nibbles wasn't particularly fast to attack his shots, but Americus was out of position for her last ball. Nibbles blocked her off and got the win to even the series at 2. Nibbles made three stripes and a solid on the game 5 break, a quick start to the decisive battle. Americus pressed late, but couldn't sink her last ball before a scratch put her behind. Nibbles then took two more shots to get the win, earning a 3-2 series win in the process. Nibbles will visit a Northeastern rival and club-mate in the Archtown Arrows' Hoppy in the bracket semifinals.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Nightfur. Captains battle in Rotation for the purple cue's only outing today. Lighton's Acorn made it look easy in game 1, dominating on offense despite not playing at a high pace. Acorn beat Eastside's Nightfur 8-1 for the 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Nightfur put up more of a fight to start game 2, but she let the Prestige's Acorn off the hook for his scratch on the break. Acorn got loose soon after that and stomped his way to an 8-3 win to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Acorn was back to his previous style of unconventional but effective offense mixed with smothering defense in game 3. Nightfur had few clear looks and wasted about half of the ones she did have, allowing Acorn to get a big 8-1 win to seal the series at 3-0. Nightfur jammed her pointer finger on her base hand on her first turn of game 4. The injury just added to her troubles, as Acorn ran away with a five-ball run on the next turn and easily won 8-2 to stretch the series lead to 4-0. Nightfur saved a little face with an 8-6 win in game 5, starting with a three-ball run and just holding off Acorn this time. Acorn won the series 4-1 and will host the Pearl Surfers' Bright in the bracket semifinals. Acorn's up to two kills this season, while Nightfur is the 43rd player out of the Tournament.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sally v. Salmo. The silver cue cycles in for an 8-ball set. Diamond's Salmo made the end of game 1 far more difficult than necessary, just limping across the finish line with a bank of the 8 to the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead over Archtown's Sally. The Arrows' Sally found a six-ball run early in game 2, but the Gems' Salmo fought back on a four-ball run. Sally couldn't overcome two late scratches that set her backward, and Salmo completed the comeback for the 2-0 series lead. Salmo flirted with danger again in game 3 after starting on a five-ball run. He never got to make his last ball, as Sally finally made him pay with a five-ball run-out to cut the deficit to 2-1. Sally took the big lead in game 4, and once again she failed to make it stand. Salmo wasn't sharp in his comeback, but he was good enough to win, sealing the series at 3-1. Sally finally took care of business, winning game 5 in two turns with the latter being a seven-ball run-out. Salmo still won the series 3-2, and he'll be the host in his bracket semifinals appearance.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Twinkie III. The day ends with the blue cue in 15-ball. Golden's Strut seemed to have most of the offense in game 1, but after he missed the 10 to end a four-ball run, Whitewater's Twinkie III came alive. Twinkie III made a three-ball run-out with a 13-15 combination to the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Strut was right back on top with offense in game 2, including a luck-fueled five-ball run. The Shores' Twinkie III fired back on a three-ball run and eventually made the last pair for the win to extend her series lead to 2-0. Strut didn't have as much offense in game 3, so he attempted to turn to defense as he knocked the 15 away from the 13. Twinkie III proceeded to carve out a four-ball run-out for the win, clinching the series at 3-0 in the process. Twinkie III had nothing on the break in game 4, and Strut took an early swipe at the 15, but missed and scratched. Later on, Twinkie III wouldn't get so lucky, as she illegally contacted and sank the 15, gifting Strut his first win as Twinkie III's series lead shrunk to 3-1. Twinkie III showed a bit of offense in game 5 as well, but after her six-ball run, Strut found a three-ball run-out for the win. Twinkie III settled for a 3-2 series win, which lets her host the Central Warriors' Twilight in the bracket semifinals. 

That's all for today's action, with the Bracket Quarterfinals now two-thirds complete.

Tournament X - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 11

We're ready to resume the bracket quarterfinals today, although the purple cue will get one additional day off. We begin with...

Kraft Forum, Royal: Katelynn v. Neopolitan. The silver cue is up for 15-ball to start the day. Royal's Katelynn was good early on in game 1, and she made a three-ball run late, but Pearl's Neopolitan answered each time and picked up the win when she made the 15 to the top left. Neopolitan leads the series 1-0. The Surfers' Neopolitan had a bad break in game 2, but she made the most of it with a five-ball run-out to grab the win as the Crowns' Katelynn had a tougher time navigating the congested table. Neopolitan holds a 2-0 series lead. Another choppy battle early in game 3 gave way to Neopolitan clinching the series on a four-ball run-out when Katelynn's offense remained inconsistent at the end. Neopolitan is up 3-0 in the series. Neopolitan couldn't corral the win in game 4, as Katelynn showed a little resilience to take her share of the offense this time. Neopolitan remains ahead 3-1 in the series. The 15 ended up near the top left during game 5, and Neopolitan buried it on a 5-15 combination to secure a 4-1 series win over Katelynn. Neopolitan will be on the road in the bracket semifinals.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Bandit v. Sleepy B. The red cue's lone appearance today is in 7-ball. Swordpoint's Bandit picked up the win in game 1, but it wasn't an elegant effort. Archtown's Sleepy B. had a couple of chances to strike late but faltered, and Bandit cleaned up the scraps for the 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Bandit was more efficient in game 2 with a four-ball run-out at the end, earning the win again over the Arrows' Sleepy B. Bandit is ahead 2-0 in the series. Bandit opened game 3 on a three-ball run, and he added another one before struggling on the 7. Sleepy B. was no better, twice missing the 7 herself before Bandit buried it for the win to seal the series at 3-0. Bandit ended up giving away game 4, as Sleepy B. still failed to finish on the 7. Bandit cut it to the top left, but the hard carom resulted in a scratch. Bandit holds a 3-1 series lead after the botched finish. Bandit pulled off a decoy shot to wrap up game 5, his attempt on the 5 deflecting to take the 7 at the top left for a 4-1 series win over Sleepy B. Bandit will visit the Midland Predators' Kitty in the bracket semifinals. Sleepy B. is the 39th eliminated player and the first kill of the year for Bandit.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Mams v. Sierra. The silver cue returns for a 7-ball series between Coastal rivals. Todavía's Sierra quickly grabbed control of game 1 and won on a five-ball run-out after Southern's Mams stumbled at the start. Sierra's win gives her a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Sierra wasn't as sharp in game 2, and the Monarchs' Mams had no trouble picking up the slack with a four-ball run-out for the win. Mams' good positioning helped her tie the series at 1. Mams made three balls on the game 3 break, but couldn't dig the 1 out of a bad position. Sierra bounced back on a four-ball run-out for the win, regaining the series lead at 2-1. Mams found a four-ball run early in game 4, but a shaky finish ended with her scratching while sinking the 7, gifting the win and 3-1 series lead to Sierra. Mams looked good with a four-ball run in game 5, but she came up short on the 5. Sierra made the final pair to get the win and complete a 4-1 series win. Sierra is set to appear in the bracket semifinals.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Summer v. Twilight. Northeastern rivals tangle in 15-ball with the blue cue. Central's Twilight left the 15 near the bottom left early in game 1, and that led to choppy play on both sides. Twilight fouled while trying to kick on the 5, and Maplewood's Summer used the ball-in-hand to sink the 5-15 combination for the win and 1-0 series lead. An even battle early in game 2 eventually tipped to the Warriors' Twilight, who made five balls over the last three turns as the Lumberjacks' Summer faltered. Twilight's win tied the series at 1. Twilight had the edge on offense in game 3, but she had a couple of ill-timed scratches. Summer used the ball-in-hand on the last one to make a four-ball run-out, regaining the series lead at 2-1. Twilight continued to have good form in game 4, with a seven-ball run early on. Both players would make a three-ball run before Twilight finished with the 15 at the top left to retie the series at 2. Game 5 saw both players take things slowly at first before picking up steam at the end. Summer had a chance at the win but missed the 15, and Twilight banked it to the top right to win the series 3-2. Twilight will be on the road again in the bracket semifinals.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Andrew. The Cascades' top-two players this year meet in Rotation with the blue cue. Game 1 saw Nikolai take the early lead very loosely, and it didn't hold up. Andrew battled back and made a pair on each of his last two turns to get the 8-4 win for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went reasonably well on both sides in a back-and-forth battle. Nikolai had a chance at the end before a scratch allowed Andrew to win 8-5 from ball-in-hand. Andrew leads the series 2-0. Andrew jumped out to a large lead in game 3, then took his time from there to make the one more shot he needed. Nikolai got close with his rally, but Andrew won 8-4 and secured the series at 3-0. Another close battle emerged in game 4, but it was Nikolai who got the better of this one with a three-ball run-out for the 8-5 win over Andrew, who still leads 3-1. Nikolai just barely held on for another win in Game 5, taking an 8-7 result after Andrew pressured with a five-ball run at one point. Andrew won the series 3-2 and will stay at this venue as the proper host in the bracket semifinals against Eastside Sharks rookie Maison.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Lionel v. Cubby. Tough foes bring the green cue on for 9-ball. North Modernistic's Lionel had better command than Web City's Cubby in game 1, leading to a productive four-ball run-out at the end that gave Lionel his 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Lionel didn't have much on his break in game 2, and the Spiders' Cubby took over with a four-ball run. Cubby added a pair at the end for the win, tying the series at 1. Cubby went empty on the game 3 break, but the distribution left no clear shot for Lionel, who missed contact. Cubby made the 1 to the bottom side and the 2-9 combination to the bottom left on the next turn for the win and 2-1 series lead. Lionel got back on track with a three-ball run-out in a slow-moving game 4 battle that saw Cubby falter his way through most of his turns. Lionel's win tied the series again at 2. Lionel maintained control early in game 5, and Cubby only had a turn to make an impact. Cubby missed on the 5, and Lionel banked the 5 to the bottom right before sinking the 6-9 combination to the top left for the win and 3-2 series win. Lionel will visit the Tysini Hummingbirds sophomore Sarah in the bracket semifinals. Cubby is the 40th player out of the Tournament, with Lionel earning his first kill in this series.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Panda. Veterans battle in 15-ball with the silver cue. Southern's Panda had his eyes on a run to end game 1, but he couldn't quite convert on the 14 at the bottom left. Lighton's Spirit picked up the final pair in a close battle to get the win, giving her a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Panda struggled to gain traction during game 2. At the end, the Prestige's Spirit made a three-ball run and a four-ball run-out two turns apart to get the win, pushing her lead to 2-0. Spirit didn't give Panda a chance to stage a comeback. On the game 3 break, Spirit made the 5 to the bottom left, and the distribution left her an easy 1-15 combination to convert at the top left for the win. Spirit clinched the series at 3-0. The pace dropped dramatically in game 4, with Spirit experiencing a noticeably drop in quality of play. Panda was a little more determined, and he won on a three-ball run-out that included two banks to the top side. Spirit remains ahead 3-1 in the series. Panda kept pushing in game 5, clearly hungry to make the series look better than it did. He got his way with a deflection off the 8 to sink the 15 at the top left, and Spirit settled for a 3-2 series win. Spirit will host Pearl Surfers co-captain Neopolitan in the bracket semifinals.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Stealth v. Cowzart. The silver cue stays in action for this Accuracy series. Swordpoint's Stealth was far too inconsistent in game 1, suffering three misses and a scratch while Pacific's Cowzart stayed perfect to pick up a 0-4 win. Cowzart leads the series 1-0. The Volcanoes' Cowzart wasn't bad in game 2, but he didn't sustain his perfect run all the way through. The Blades' Stealth was merciless this time, grabbing a 0-1 win to tie the series at 1. Stealth returned to poor form in game 3, scratching on the break and struggling through the rest of the battle. Cowzart wasn't perfect this time, but his 1-4 win was enough for him to regain the series lead at 2-1. Game 4 was a closer battle than before, with Stealth holding a lead at one point before a pair of misses allowed Cowzart to lock down a 2-3 win. Cowzart sealed the series at 3-1 in the process. Game 5 was a mess on both sides, but Stealth was able to calm down at the end to grab a 4-5 win. Cowzart won the series 3-2 and will visit the Pearl Surfers' Bright in the bracket semifinals. Stealth is the 41st eliminated player of the year, and Cowzart has his first kill.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Steven v. Noelle. The silver cue is done today after this 10-ball series. Neither player looked particularly good in game 1. Central's Noelle lost her cool a bit later on, and Atlantic's Steven stepped in with a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Steven showed much less control in game 2, amplified by the Warriors' Noelle making a vast improvement. Noelle made the last six balls over two turns to get the win, tying the series at 1. Steven had a surge with a four-ball run in game 3, but he peaked too early. Noelle ended up potting the final pair for the win, giving her a 2-1 series lead. Noelle tried to keep up pretty well in game 4, but she fell off the pace at the end. Steven closed with a three-ball run-out for the win, retying the series at 2. Steven had control in game 5, keeping the offense close to him. Noelle had a couple of chances to strike, but Steven won on a five-ball run-out to take the 3-2 series win. Steven is set to host an Eastern Hills rival in the Pronger Tridents' Avril in the bracket semifinals.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Twinkie III v. Patches. Closing the day, the green cue plays in 12-ball. Boston's Patches made a push with a four-ball run in game 1, but she fell short, and Whitewater's Twinkie III was able to just finish out with a win. Twinkie III holds the series lead at 1-0. The Shores' Twinkie III got solids on the game 2 break, but that wasn't the play. The Swifts' Patches attacked with stripes well and adapted when her first plan failed, comfortably earning the win to tie the series at 1. Patches stayed strong at the start of game 3, and she again outplayed Twinkie III for positioning in the middle and at the end. Patches earned the win for a 2-1 series lead. Positioning set itself up nicely for the players early in game 4, but they wasted it with poor shot selection. At the end, Patches gave Twinkie III a wild-card ball, and Twinkie III coughed it back up while yielding one to Patches on a pivotal play. Patches won two turns later to clinch the series at 3-1. Patches completed the surge in game 5, battling at pace with Twinkie III. Both players were on their last ball when Patches cut the 10 to the bottom right for the win. Patches took the series 4-1 and will visit the Golden Pilots' Max in a Southeastern derby in the bracket semifinals. 

That's it for today's action. We're a week away from wrapping up the round.

Tournament X - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 10

It's the last day before a scheduled one-day break. Leading off...

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Megan v. Ms. Puppy. The silver cue gets its only appearance of the day in 13-ball. Oceanside's Megan made five balls over her first two turns in game 1, a bold attack that helped pace her in the easy win over Modernistic's Ms. Puppy. Megan leads the series 1-0. The Waves' Megan got out to a fast start again in game 2, but the Union's Ms. Puppy defended well once Megan was on her last ball. Ms. Puppy picked up a three-ball run before sinking the 8 to the top left on the next turn for the win to tie the series at 1. Ms. Puppy started with a four-ball run in game 3, but Megan answered on a pair of three-ball runs to get onto the 8. Things slowed down enough at the end for Ms. Puppy to make her last three balls over two turns for the win and 2-1 series lead. Ms. Puppy made a pair of solids on the game 4 break, but she fell off the pace after that. Megan bounced back with a three-ball run-out thanks to good positioning, which helped her retie the series at 2. Ms. Puppy had multiple chances to finish off Megan after using defense quite well near the end of game 5. Ms. Puppy ended up losing as she flubbed a clean look at the 8 near the bottom right. Megan won the series 3-2 and will visit the Midland Predators' Kitty in the bracket semifinals.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Katharine. The purple cue draws in for 8-ball. Whitewater's Katharine posted a four-ball run quickly in game 1. Freedom's Nikolai battled back a bit, but stalled out with a scratch. Katharine then executed a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Katharine scratched while potting two stripes on the break. The Cascades' Nikolai had plenty of time to ignite his offense, but instead, Katharine won with a five-ball run-out in a three-turn shutout. Katharine leads the series 2-0. Katharine scratched again on the game 3 break, and this time Nikolai actually attacked. Nikolai grabbed a lead with a late five-ball run, then cashed in a pair of shots after Katharine missed the 8 on her counterattack. Nikolai cut Katharine's series lead to 2-1. Nikolai found a four-ball run from the break, but Katharine answered on a five-ball run and then took the win with a three-ball run-out. Katharine sealed the series at 3-1 in the process. Katharine didn't ease up in game 5, a steady stream of offense lifting her to a 4-1 series win as Nikolai's four-ball run wasn't enough. Katharine is through to the bracket semifinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Maggie v. Rosalina. Celebrity club-mates battle in Accuracy with the green cue. Modernistic's Maggie was strong in game 1, converting all but one shot in a 1-4 win over Victoria's Rosalina. Maggie leads the series 1-0. The Spurs' Rosalina would regret a stick foul to commit the first miss in game 2. The Union's Maggie slipped up soon after, but Rosalina matched her, and the error was the difference in Maggie's 2-3 win. Maggie leads the series 2-0. Rosalina finally got into form in game 3, playing a perfect game as Maggie slipped up just a couple of times. Rosalina's 0-2 win cut Maggie's series lead to 2-1. Maggie was still out of sorts in game 4, including a bad miscue that put her in a two-point hole. Rosalina showed no mercy and collected a 2-4 win this time, tying the series at 2. Maggie trailed at one point in game 5, but Rosalina wasted her chance to force overtime and fell behind on the last ball. Maggie sealed a 3-4 win and 3-2 series win with the final shot. Maggie will host again in the bracket semifinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Stealth. The red cue's lone outing today is in Rotation. Neither player was all that strong on offense in game 1. Infinity's Fluffina got the edge in the middle and sustained herself to the finish for an 8-6 win and 1-0 series lead over Swordpoint's Stealth. The Torpedoes' Fluffina was much stronger in game 2 with a four-ball run from the break and a three-ball run on the next turn to get close. The Blades' Stealth only made one shot, and Fluffina won 8-1 to go up 2-0 in the series. Fluffina didn't have as smooth a performance in game 3, with the return of choppy play looking to favor Stealth initially. Stealth got desperate and sent the cue off the table on a jump shot. Fluffina then made three balls over the last two turns for the 8-6 win to clinch the series at 3-0. Fluffina kept rolling with a five-ball run to open game 4. Stealth matched that with his own five-ball run, but Fluffina made three of the next four balls for an 8-6 win to stretch her lead in the series to 4-0. Fluffina put up a good fight in game 5, but Stealth battled through a minor wrist injury on his base hand to grab the 8-7 win and avoid the sweep. Fluffina won the series 4-1 and will host her bracket semifinals appearance.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Potter v. Pauline. The purple cue is back in action with 10-ball at the day's halfway point. Pronger's Potter was a little too shaky in game 1, and Queens' Pauline punished that with a three-ball run-out capped by a 7-10 combination to the top left. Pauline leads the series 1-0. The Flames' Pauline continued to play well with a six-ball run in game 2, but she left the 9 short of the bottom left. The Tridents' Potter picked up the last pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Pauline saw another long run go to waste, as she made a five-ball run only to miss her cut on the 10 at the top left. Potter buried the 10 in the bottom right, pulling ahead 2-1 in the series. The pattern repeated again in game 4, as a choppy start gave way to Pauline working a four-ball run that ended in a scratch. Potter made the last pair of shots this time, earning the win to secure the series at 3-1. Potter took care of business in game 5, with a four-ball run that ended in a scratch leading to Pauline's three-ball run in response. Pauline missed the 10, and Potter converted at the bottom right to win the series 4-1, earning him the right to host the Central Warriors' Dustin in a big bracket semifinals showdown. Pauline is the 37th player out of the Tournament, and Potter has his first kill.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Goldy v. Jennifer. The blue cue activates in this 9-ball series. Everton's Goldy made a seven-ball run-out from the break in game 1, starting and ending with a double-pot with the 9 deflected into the bottom side at the end. Goldy leads Terrace City's Jennifer 1-0 in the series. The Knights' Jennifer got a shot in game 2, and made good use of her turns on offense, winning with a three-ball run-out after the Eagles' Goldy took a major step back. Jennifer's win tied the series at 1. Jennifer had a bit more of a struggle in game 3, while Goldy returned to form slightly. Goldy worked a late three-ball run, but she left the 9 at the bottom left, and Jennifer tapped it down to take a 2-1 series lead. Jennifer made three balls on the break as part of a five-ball run, and then added a pair on her next turn. Goldy intervened just in time, taking the final pair for the win to retie the series at 2. Goldy didn't inspire much hope early in game 5, but her defensive work frustrated Jennifer. This paid off, as Goldy won on a five-ball run-out to take the 3-2 series win. Goldy is set to host again in the bracket semifinals.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Leonette v. Jake. The blue cue gets another turn in 9-ball. Pacific's Leonette ran the table in game 1, striking a pair on the break and never letting Royal's Jake take a shot. Leonette leads the series 1-0 with the dominant opening. The Volcanoes' Leonette stretched her shot streak to 12 balls early in game 2, but she faded just as the Crowns' Jake started finding his groove. Leonette's late error would help Jake grab the win with a shot on the 9 from ball-in-hand, tying the series at 1. Offense tightened up in game 3, with neither player really establishing themselves. Leonette had a three-ball run going when her 8-9 combination attempt at the top side was blocked by the cue. Jake then made the last pair of shots for the win for the 2-1 series lead. Jake didn't have much offense early in game 4, but he picked up the pace at the end with a four-ball run-out to seal the series at 3-1 over Leonette. Jake finished off the series with a win in game 5, burying a three-ball run-out after a lazy scratch from Leonette. Jake won the series 4-1 and will play in the bracket semifinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Midnight v. Celestia. The green cue exits the day after this Rotation series. Westside's Midnight had to fight hard at the start to establish her lead, but Oceanside's Celestia frequently took herself out of the play. Midnight then rallied for a four-ball run-out to win 8-1, taking a 1-0 series lead after game 1. The Rockers' Midnight was a little more clinical in game 2, attacking on a couple of major runs and filling in the gaps as the Waves' Celestia couldn't get on the board. Midnight's 8-0 win gave her a 2-0 lead in the series. Midnight failed to take control early in game 3, allowing Celestia to carve out some offense for once. Celestia gained the lead and didn't look back, pulling away to an 8-4 win to cut Midnight's series lead to 2-1. Celestia put up a fight in a back-and-forth battle in game 4, tangling with Midnight at virtually every change of possession. Celestia escaped with an 8-6 win this time, tying the series at 2. Celestia completed the comeback in game 5 with an 8-4 win over Midnight, picking up the series win at 3-2 as well. Celestia will host the Whitewater Shores' Katharine in the bracket semifinals. Celestia has her first kill of the year as Midnight is the 38th eliminated player.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Puff III v. Diddley. In 10-ball, the blue cue gets a turn between Northeastern rivals. Everton's Puff III was good enough to get the win in game 1, as Maplewood's Diddley didn't command his shots enough. Puff III made a pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Diddley made a three-ball run in game 2, but the rest of the game was relatively slow. At the end, the Eagles' Puff III missed her cut on the 10, but the cue circled the table and bumped the 10 into the top left for the win and 2-0 series lead. Diddley roared to life in game 3 with a nine-ball run-out, the big attack keeping him alive in the series as Puff III now leads just 2-1. The offense returned to a slow pace for both players in game 4, but it was Diddley who had a majority of it as he chipped his way past Puff III again. Diddley made a pair at the end for the win, tying the series at 2. Puff III retook control in game 5, using a five-ball run to attack early and then finishing with a 9-10 combination to the bottom left with the 9 dropping in the bottom side for a four-ball run-out. Puff III beat Diddley 3-2 in the series to earn a road position in the bracket semifinals.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Americus v. Max. Southeastern rivals end the day with the purple cue in 10-ball. Neither player really took control in game 1, which was even to the end when Midland's Americus knocked in the 10 at the top left after Golden's Max missed it. Americus holds a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Max had a little more offense in game 2, but his attempt on the 10 went too straight and missed the top right wide. The Predators' Americus was there to make the slight cut from distance for the win, extending her series lead to 2-0. Americus came quite close to victory again in game 3, but her kick on the 9-10 combination at the top left refused to fall. Max made it as a conventional combination for the win, staying alive while Americus leads the series 2-1. Max found a late three-ball run in game 4, but he rattled the 10 out of the bottom left at the end. Americus put it down for the win, clinching the series at 3-1. Americus wasn't able to get much going on offense in game 5, as Max would get this win with a three-ball run-out. Americus advanced on a 3-2 series win, and she will host the Atlantic Pirates' Dusky in the bracket semifinals. 

That's all for today's games. We'll be off tomorrow; play resumes for eight straight days beginning Monday.