Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 5

A delayed start sees a later run of action Friday. First up...

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Leonette v. Cubby. The purple cue is in for Accuracy to start the day. Pacific's Leonette had a couple of mistakes in game 1, but she held the last-shot advantage. Archtown's Cubby went empty on the overtime break, and Leonette took a 3-4 win for the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw some fireworks, as the Arrows' Cubby made a triple-pot and the Volcanoes' Leonette answered with a double-pot late in regulation. In overtime, Cubby scratched on his third shot and Leonette converted for a 1-2 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Leonette went perfect in game 3 for a 0-1 win, taking the series in a 3-0 sweep over Cubby.

Sony Center, Queens: Crystal v. Blake. The purple cue stays in action for 12-ball. Queens' Crystal had a good start to game 1, but it was her three-ball run at the end that was enough to defeat Freedom's Blake. Crystal is ahead 1-0 in the series. The Cascades' Blake had control in game 2, but a pair of scratches allowed the Flames' Crystal to cover her own mistakes. Crystal showed better quality at the end for the win that clinched the series at 2-0. Blake again came close to a win in game 3, but her missed contact on the 1 cost her. Crystal made a three-ball run-out with a kick on her last shot to the top right to complete the 3-0 series sweep.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Roxy v. Leonardo. The blue cue's lone appearance of the day is here in 9-ball. Diamond's Leonardo won game 1 on his first shot, missing a cut on the 1 at the top side but getting a carom to sink the 9 in the bottom left for the 1-0 series lead over Southridge's Roxy. The Gems' Leonardo had a four-ball run in the middle of game 2, but he faltered after that. The Defenders' Roxy replied with a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Neither player was very good in game 3, which ended with Leonardo making a 5-9 combination to the bottom left for a 2-1 series win over Roxy.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Frosty v. Starlight. More 9-ball features the purple cue. Freedom's Frosty scratched on the game 1 break, and Pacific's Starlight won on her second shot with a 2-9 combination to the top left for a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Frosty scratched twice in game 2, but the Volcanoes' Starlight had a costly scratch on the 3. Frosty took the ball-in-hand to make a 3-9 combination to the bottom right for the win, tying the series at 1. Frosty scratched twice again in game 3, while Starlight also had a pair of scratches. Frosty won with a 7-9 bank combination to the bottom left for the 2-1 series win, but she was fuming with her new home venue after the series. "It's ridiculous that there's this many scratches on this table," Frosty said, adding that she wants changes to be made.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Sydney C. v. Violetta. Another 9-ball series with the purple cue is up next. Modernistic's Sydney C. made seven balls over two turns, but a scratch after her second run allowed Queens' Violetta to poach the game 1 win for a 1-0 series lead. The roles reversed in game 2, as the Flames' Violetta made runs of three and four balls before ending her second turn with a miss on the 8. The Union's Sydney C. sank a pair after that for the win, tying the series at 1. The dominant player finally prevailed in game 3, as Violetta made a pair of four-ball runs sandwiched around Sydney C.'s lone turn after the break. Violetta won the series 2-1 and will play in the first round.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Nibbles v. Ms. Kitty. The red cue draws in for this 7-ball set. Web City's Nibbles controlled play in game 1 and beat Pacific's Ms. Kitty with a three-ball run-out. Nibbles leads the series 1-0. The Spiders' Nibbles looked good with a four-ball run in game 2, but he missed on the 6. Stunningly and out of nowhere, Ms. Kitty sank the 6-7 combination to the top right with the 6 drifting into the bottom right for a double-pot to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Both players had narrow misses on the 7 late in game 3, but it was Nibbles who ultimately converted to get the 2-1 series win.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Rudolph v. Stephanie. Players on new teams collide in 9-ball with the purple cue. Eastside's Rudolph had a slight edge in game 1 over Swordpoint's Stephanie, but it was a 2-9 combination to the top left that led to Rudolph taking a 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Stephanie did better at keeping game 2 even, but she missed her lone chance on the 9. The Sharks' Rudolph stepped up and buried it on a cut to the top left to secure the series at 2-0. Rudolph wasn't able to complete the sweep, as Stephanie started and ended game 3 with three-ball runs to get her lone win. Rudolph settled for a 2-1 series win.

Intel Center, Diamond: Leonardo v. Esmeralda. The host's second series of the day is in 10-ball with the green cue. Hard positioning made things difficult on both sides in game 1. Diamond's Leonardo prevailed with a 4-10 combination to the top left to go ahead 1-0 in the series over Harrison's Esmeralda. The Specters' Esmeralda looked better with a three-ball run in game 2, but the Gems' Leonardo answered it with a four-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Esmeralda had a foul in game 3, and Leonardo used the ball-in-hand to make a 2-10 combination to the top left. Leonardo swept the series 3-0 and will play in the first round.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Maren v. Dreamy. The silver cue steps up for Rotation. Apex's Maren had a three-ball run in the middle to take control of game 1, and Swordpoint's Dreamy didn't muster much of a response. Maren won 8-2 for the 1-0 series lead. The Wonders' Maren made a triple-pot on the game 2 break and held the lead for a bit, but she never had a chance to answer a five-ball run-out from the Blades' Dreamy, who won the game 8-5. The series is tied at 1. Dreamy sent the cue ball off the table on her game 3 break, but Maren's chance to take control was negated by a scratch. Dreamy surged ahead and held off Maren's comeback in an 8-6 win. Dreamy took the series 2-1.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Vincent v. Waluigi. East Division rivals meet in 13-ball with the purple cue. Web City's Waluigi made a mess of game 1 with multiple scratches, allowing Everton's Vincent to eventually get the win on a three-ball run-out. Vincent leads the series 1-0. The Spiders' Waluigi never had a chance to ignite his offense in game 2, as the Eagles' Vincent worked his way to the win in four turns. Vincent's cleaner play this time secured the series in his favor at 2-0. Vincent reverted to poor positioning and too many scratches in game 3, while Waluigi slowly found positioning on his last ball to get the win. Vincent advanced on a 2-1 series win.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Waluigi v. Gabby. The host completes a doubleheader in 12-ball with the red cue. Southern's Gabby had the edge early in game 1, but her inability to sink her last ball allowed Web City's Waluigi to make the comeback for a win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 took on the form of a race as the Spiders' Waluigi got off to a good start. The Monarchs' Gabby was patient and benefited from good positioning to pick up a shot at the bottom right for the win. The series is tied at 1. Gabby had a finish planned out in game 3, but couldn't spark the run before Waluigi cleaned things up for the win. Waluigi took the series 2-1.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Leonette v. Quincy. The host gets a second series today, using the silver cue in 7-ball. Pacific's Leonette dominated the offense in game 1, but a miss on the 7 allowed Modernistic's Quincy to strike at the bottom side. He converted for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Leonette had all the offense again in game 2, but twice missed on the 7. The Union's Quincy buried it to the top right on his second try for the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Quincy was a bit more involved in the offense in game 3, giving him a case for earning the win with a pair of shots at the end as he beat Leonette. Quincy swept the series 3-0.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Sweetheart. The purple cue checks out after Rotation. Boston's Sweetheart had the lead early in game 1, but Whitewater's Marsell slowly chipped back to pick up an 8-5 win and 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Sweetheart got closer to victory in game 2, but she stalled out a shot away. The Shores' Marsell was persistent and rallied on a four-ball run-out for the 8-7 win. Marsell clinched the series at 2-0. Sweetheart didn't get back on track for game 3, letting it completely slip away as Marsell swept the series 3-0 with an 8-2 win.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Sally. The green cue gets another look in 10-ball. Tysini's Leandra made a three-ball run-out at the end with a bit of fortune after a choppy game 1 battle with Archtown's Sally. Leandra leads the series 1-0. The Arrows' Sally had trouble stringing shots together in game 2. The Hummingbirds' Leandra wasn't a lot better, but she double-potted the 7-10 combination to the bottom right and top right corners for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Game 3 came to an early end when Leandra deflected a shot off the 3 to sink the 10 at the top left. Leandra swept Sally 3-0.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Isabella v. Prism. The day ends with Rotation and the silver cue between East Division rivals. Atlantic's Isabella appeared to be in good shape in game 1, but she lost control late as Pronger's Prism posted a pair of turns to rally to an 8-6 win. Prism leads the series 1-0. Game 2 was contested up to the middle, where the Tridents' Prism pulled away from the Pirates' Isabella. Prism held on in the end for another 8-6 win to secure the series at 2-0. Prism couldn't take control after a four-ball run got her level with Isabella. At the end of game 3, Isabella made a pair for the 8-6 win, leaving Prism to advance on a 2-1 series win. 

That's it for today. We'll be back tomorrow, hopefully with an on-time start.

Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 4

Tournament play rolls on today, but the blue cue will get the day off. The action is beginning with...

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Stephanie v. Avril. The purple cue starts the day in Accuracy. Game 1 wasn't pretty, but Pronger's Avril let too many opportunities pass by, allowing Swordpoint's Stephanie to grab a 5-6 win despite a poor performance. Stephanie leads the series 1-0. The Tridents' Avril had a better performance, but fell apart at the end. The Blades' Stephanie was also improved and earned a 2-3 win to secure the series at 2-0 after game 2. It was more of the same in game 3, as Avril lost control late and Stephanie claimed another 2-3 win to sweep the series 3-0.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Sprinkles v. Sarah. West Division stars collide in 12-ball with the purple cue. Tysini's Sarah took stripes at the sides quickly in game 1, giving her the extra boost needed to hold off a strong challenge from Capital City's Sprinkles. Sarah made a pair on her last turn for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Sarah went empty on the game 2 break, and the Sharpshooters' Sprinkles responded with a three-ball run. Sprinkles made a three-ball run-out a couple of turns later for the win to tie the series at 1. Both players ended up needing the top corners in game 3 after late scratches. The battle for positioning was won by Sarah, who then cut the 2 to the top right at the end to claim the 2-1 series win.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Jennifer. The red cue draws in for this battle in 9-ball in the North Division. Pearl's Watermelon had an empty break in game 1, and Terrace City's Jennifer deflected a shot off the 1 to sink the 9 at the top left on her first shot. Jennifer leads the series 1-0. A much slower game 2 saw the Knights' Jennifer struggle. The Surfers' Watermelon wasn't great either, but she picked up a three-ball run-out at the end for the win. Watermelon quickly took care of game 3, sending the 9 to the bottom left on the break for the win and 2-1 series win over Jennifer.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Snuggle v. Prism. The East Division gets its turn with the purple cue in 12-ball. Harrison's Snuggle scratched on the break in game 1, then followed in the footsteps of Pronger's Prism, who remained ahead and won with a shot to the top right. Prism leads the series 1-0. The Tridents' Prism had another positive start to game 2, and the Specters' Snuggle couldn't even muster a response this time. Prism walked away with the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Prism dominated game 3 with a five-ball run-out in response to Snuggle's three-ball run. Prism swept the series 3-0 to get into the first round. This was Snuggle's 100th unique opponent.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Goatee. Prime club-mates tangle in Rotation with the silver cue. A slow start was erased by Lighton's Acorn making a six-ball run. Westside's Goatee mounted a challenge, but Acorn held on for an 8-5 win to go up 1-0 in the series. The Rockers' Goatee was error-prone in game 2, leading to a lot of wasted possession. The Prestige's Acorn made three balls on the break and never trailed in an 8-2 win to seal the series at 2-0. Goatee put up a better challenge late in game 3, but she wouldn't finish it off, as Acorn grabbed the 8-7 win for a 3-0 series sweep.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Autumn. Onto 8-ball with the green cue. Infinity's Fluffina was not afraid to take chances, and it paid off in a three-turn win over Diamond's Autumn in game 1. Fluffina had seven balls over the last two turns to pull off the shutout for a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fluffina started game 2 well, but lost pace near the end. The Gems' Autumn gambled with hard deflected contact on the 8, but it ignited a four-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Autumn jumped out to a massive lead with a five-ball run early in game 3. She lost control later on, and Fluffina stormed back on a seven-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Graham v. Sally. Two of Forest SC's finest clash in Rotation with the green cue for an East Division set. Archtown's Sally had a three-ball run to briefly take the lead in game 1, but Central's Graham replied with a three-ball run-out for the 8-6 win. Graham leads the series 1-0. All of the offense for the Arrows' Sally in game 2 came from two errors by the Warriors' Graham early on. When Sally fouled twice late, Graham returned the favor to earn an 8-4 win that clinched the series in his favor at 2-0. Graham fell short of the sweep in a choppy game 3, which saw Sally collect and 8-4 win. Graham advanced on a 2-1 series win.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Buddy v. Nikolai. More East Division action features the red cue in 7-ball. Freedom's Nikolai had too much power on his shots, leading to a late scratch in game 1. Atlantic's Buddy deflected off the 6 to sink the 7 at the top left for a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Buddy went empty on the break in game 2. The Cascades' Nikolai quickly made a 1-6 combination to the top left with a deflection to add the 7 in the bottom left for the win. This tied the series at 1. Buddy couldn't make a shot on his lone turn in game 3, as Nikolai took a three-ball run off the break and a four-ball run-out to get the win and 2-1 series win. Nikolai is through to the first round.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Roxy. The silver cue checks in for 7-ball. Southridge's Roxy had a late foul in game 1 that led to Whitewater's Katharine making a three-ball run-out for the win. Katharine leads the series 1-0. The Defenders' Roxy wasn't able to clean up her play enough in game 2, as a miss on the 6 sealed her fate. The Shores' Katharine made the final pair and earned the win to seal the series at 2-0. Katharine was a little sloppy in game 3, costing her a chance at the sweep when Roxy made a four-ball run-out for the win. Katharine settled for a 2-1 series win.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Chimpy v. Waluigi. Enigmatic opponents face off in 15-ball with the purple cue. Westside's Chimpy had an unfortunate error on the 3, and Web City's Waluigi capitalized with a 3-15 combination to the top right from ball-in-hand. Waluigi took a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Waluigi wasn't able to strike quickly again in game 2, leading to a full game. At the end, he missed a few shots, and the Rockers' Chimpy made the final pair for the win to tie the series at 1. A back-and-forth battle in game 3 eventually favored Waluigi, who ran away with it on a six-ball run-out for the 2-1 series win over Chimpy.

Apple Center, Todavía: Pedey v. Whiskers. More 15-ball uses the red cue. Maplewood's Whiskers came close to a win in game 1, but she left the 15 at the bottom left. Todavía's Pedey made the tap in for the win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Stills' Pedey had a decent attack early in game 2, but the Lumberjacks' Whiskers made the last seven balls over two turns for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 went slowly at first, then suddenly fell to Whiskers as her shot on the 7 set off a chain reaction that sent the 15 into the bottom side for the win and 2-1 series win over Pedey.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Goatee v. Dreamy. Back up north, the red cue stays in action for Accuracy. In game 1, a close battle emerged that eventually went to overtime. Swordpoint's Dreamy was empty on the overtime break, and Westside's Goatee converted for a 1-2 win and 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Goatee lost her way a bit near the end of game 2, fading late as the Blades' Dreamy held on just enough for a 2-4 win. This tied the series at 1. Dreamy will rue a scratch on the break of game 3, as that error was the margin of difference in Goatee's 2-3 win. Goatee took the series 2-1.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Cobalt v. Spice. The silver cue's done for the day after this 9-ball outing. Victoria's Spice couldn't take control in a choppy game 1, leading to Viewpoint Sound's Cobalt taking the win with a pair at the end. Cobalt holds a 1-0 series lead. Another tight battle in game 2 saw the Meteors' Cobalt stumble late while the Spurs' Spice picked up the final pair for a win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 went a little faster, thanks to Cobalt pulling off a difficult five-ball run-out to beat Spice. Cobalt won the series 2-1 to book his ticket to the first round.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Lorde v. Marsell. The red cue checks out with 13-ball. Southern's Lorde made some noise on stripes early, but Whitewater's Marsell made a run to take control of game 1. He added a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Lorde played through an overfill in game 2, controversially getting herself into a better position before the Shores' Marsell noticed. Marsell tried to catch up, but Lorde took the win and tied the series at 1, leading to some simmering resent from the visitor. Lorde made quick work of Marsell in game 3, barely needing three turns to clear the solids and sink the 8 at the top left. Lorde won the series 2-1, although not without questions of integrity.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Angelica v. Dusty. The finale today is in 12-ball with the green cue. Lighton's Angelica took her offense in pairs in game 1, leading to a very quick attack to stun Golden's Dusty. Angelica got the win and took a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Angelica had a four-ball run in game 2, but couldn't get positioning for her last ball. The Pilots' Dusty answered on a four-ball run and then used ball-in-hand to finish the game after Angelica missed contact. The series is tied at 1. Dusty had everything in line for a win in game 3, but she missed on her last ball. Angelica bounced back to sink her final pair for the win and 2-1 series win. 

That's it for today. We'll have our first Friday session tomorrow.

Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 3

We're ready to resume Tournament play today. Leading off...

Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Brownie. Veterans collide in Rotation with the purple cue. Pronger's Precious looked in control in game 1, but it didn't last, and Royal's Brownie made a five-ball run-out for the 8-6 win and 1-0 series lead. Scratches held the Tridents' Precious back in game 2, but she still held a lead for most of the game. The Crowns' Brownie had one scratch on the 15, allowing Precious to earn an 8-7 win to tie the series at 1. Precious erupted with a seven-ball run from the break in game 3, giving her a huge lead. Brownie made a pair before a miscue, and Precious won 8-2 to take the series 2-1.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Goldy v. Taylor S. A captains' battle in 15-ball uses the purple cue as well. After a brutally slow start to game 1, Everton's Goldy found a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead over Commerce's Taylor S. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. didn't really improve much in game 2. The Eagles' Goldy started and ended with three-ball runs, including a cluster-busting 9-15 bank combination to the top right to seal the series at 2-0. Taylor S. nearly had a chance at a late run, but she scratched. Goldy picked up a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand to claim the win and sweep the series 3-0.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Twinkie III v. Smudge. The red cue checks in for an 8-ball series. Infinity's Smudge put in a good effort but couldn't corral the 8. Whitewater's Twinkie III made a three-ball run-out at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Twinkie III had one good turn in game 2, but the Torpedoes' Smudge responded to it with a six-ball run-out, cruising to the win. Smudge has tied the series at 1. A closely played game 3 went down to the wire, where Smudge converted a four-ball run-out to beat Twinkie III 2-1 in the series.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Cowzart v. Acorn. The Wonders' home opener comes in Accuracy with the silver cue. Apex's Cowzart let game 1 get away with two late misses and a scratch in overtime, as Lighton's Acorn held true to win 4-5. Acorn holds a 1-0 series lead. Another late fade doomed the Wonders' Cowzart in game 2, as Acorn did enough to claim a 3-4 win this time. Acorn clinched the series at 2-0. Cowzart did his best in game 3 to salvage one win from the series, taking a 1-3 result over Acorn. On a 2-1 series win, Acorn heads to the first round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Ellie v. Ms. Puppy. The silver cue stays active for 8-ball. Capital City's Ellie had a steady offense throughout game 1, while Modernistic's Ms. Puppy tried and failed to catch up at the end. Ellie sent the 8 to the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Ellie started slower in game 2, but she recovered with a three-ball run-out for the comeback win over the Union's Ms. Puppy. Ellie sealed the series at 2-0. Ms. Puppy had a couple of noticeable runs in game 3, but she couldn't pick up the 8. Ellie was steady again and swept the series 3-0.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Klaus. The silver cue goes again in 13-ball. Tysini's Leandra made two stripes and a solid off the break, but Central's Klaus fired back with strong offense throughout and a three-ball run-out for the game 1 win. Klaus is up 1-0 in the series. The Warriors' Klaus made a pair on the break but was mostly quiet after that as the Hummingbirds' Leandra paced the play in game 2. Leandra had no trouble earning the win to tie the series at 1. A slow start in game 3 gave way to Leandra's five-ball run-out for the win. She had collateral damage, so Klaus had a chance to fight back, but he missed his first shot on that turn. Leandra took the series 2-1.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Lindsay v. Spirit. A rookie and a star collide in 8-ball with the silver cue. Stonebridge's Lindsay wasn't bad in game 1, with a five-ball run to get onto the 8, but she stalled out. Lighton's Spirit fought back with a six-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Spirit had a decent attack in game 2, but the Wolves' Lindsay kept things close this time. Lindsay then made a pair at the end for the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, runs were back in the spotlight. Spirit scratched on her attempt at the 8 to end a four-ball run, and Lindsay made sure her earlier five-ball run mattered as she earned the win and a 2-1 series win.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Twilight. The purple cue is done for the day after this 13-ball set. Whitewater's Katharine stunned with a six-ball run off the break, and Central's Twilight couldn't battle back in game 1. Katharine won on her second turn for a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Katharine slowed things down early in game 2, as the Warriors' Twilight carved out some offense. Twilight's positioning failed her late, and Katharine won on a three-ball run-out to secure the series at 2-0. Twilight got down to her last ball in game 3, but she again failed to strike late. Katharine bounced back on a three-ball run-out and finished the series sweep at 3-0.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Missy v. Bianca. The green cue's lone appearance today is in 7-ball. Capital City's Missy won on the game 1 break with the 6 in the bottom left and the 7 in the top side for a 1-0 series lead over Southridge's Bianca. The Sharpshooters' Missy had a three-ball run in the middle of game 2, but the Defenders' Bianca answered it with a pair in response. Bianca's late strike gave her the win to tie the series at 1. Missy couldn't get much going in game 3, and her scratch as she made the 6 sealed her fate in a loss. Bianca took the 7 easily and won the series 2-1 to get into the first round.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Anna v. Gal. In Rotation, the blue cue gets a turn. Terrace City's Anna had a three-ball run early in game 1, but North Modernistic's Gal kept a consistent attack to cover it. Gal ended up winning 8-4 to take the 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Gal never trailed in game 2, controlling the pace of play in a balanced game. The Knights' Anna made a couple of plays but couldn't get ahead as Gal won 8-4 again to seal the series at 2-0. Gal got on the verge of a win in game 3, but couldn't quite bring it home. Anna made six balls over three turns to get the 8-7 win to avoid the sweep in Gal's 2-1 series win.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Strawberry v. Wild Thing. Another series for the blue cue is in 8-ball. Web City's Wild Thing held a lead for most of game 1. Victoria's Strawberry responded with a seven-ball run to get both players on the 8, and she made it on her second try for the 1-0 series lead over Wild Thing. The Spurs' Strawberry took too long on offense in game 2, opening the door for the Spiders' Wild Thing to make a comeback on a five-ball run-out. The series is tied at 1. Wild Thing struggled to get any offense in game 3, and Strawberry made him pay with a five-ball run-out of her own. Strawberry sealed the series at 2-1.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Wario v. Oreo. The red cue is up for 15-ball. Southridge's Wario had some good moments in game 1, but he got caught on illegal contact and couldn't establish a late run. Terrace City's Oreo was cleaner to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. Neither player had much control in game 2, with the Defenders' Wario finally grabbing a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1 with the Knights' Oreo. In game 3, Wario made an eight-ball run off the break, but he faltered after that. Oreo took six of the last seven balls over two turns for the win and 2-1 series win. Oreo will be in the first round.

Porsche Events Center, Zenith: Paps v. Starlight. The Skywatchers' home opener is in 13-ball with the red cue. Pacific's Starlight had a missed contact late in game 1, and Zenith's Paps replied with a four-ball run-out, including a bank of the 8 to the bottom side for a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Starlight got onto the 8 in game 2, but she couldn't find a play on it. The Skywatchers' Paps made the 2 after illegally potting it on a previous turn, then added a kick on the 8 to the bottom right for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Starlight got a bit more creative on offense in game 3, buying her enough time to finish cautiously for the win. Paps took the series 2-1.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Carly. North Division rivals meet in 12-ball with the silver cue. Westside's Carly used one run to get on the board and a three-ball run-out at the end to beat Commerce's Rosemary in game 1 for a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Rosemary only got one turn in game 2, as the Rockers' Carly began with a four-ball run and made another pair after that to pick up a quick win. Carly secured the series at 2-0. Rosemary was effective on offense in game 3, and she fended off a late attack from Carly to avoid the sweep. Carly settled for a 2-1 series win to get into the first round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Peach. The day ends with captains playing 10-ball with the blue cue. Capital City's Chris picked off a five-ball run in game 1, but he missed on the 10, and North Modernistic's Peach mopped it up at the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. A bad break in game 2 slowed down the offense, but the Sharpshooters' Chris broke loose for a three-ball run-out while the Nighthawks' Peach only watched. Chris' surge tied the series at 1. Chris handled most of the offense early in game 3, but Peach fought back on a four-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win. 

We'll continue tomorrow with more games.

Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 2

The second day of the season is here, leading off with...

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Peach v. Spot. The red cue starts today in Accuracy. North Modernistic's Peach was alright to start game 1, but she missed late, and Pronger's Spot took the win by a 2-3 score for the 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Peach couldn't gain traction in game 2, making it easy for the Tridents' Spot to seal the series at 2-0. Spot had one miss late to take the win at 1-4. Peach was at her best in game 3, picking up a 1-3 win as Spot struggled later in the game. Spot took the series 2-1 and will play in the first round.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Rocky v. Wild Thing. The blue cue gets the second series today, playing 12-ball as we revert back to the old-school rules in the event. Web City's Wild Thing had a surge in the middle of game 1, but Oceanside's Rocky fought it off with defense and earned the win. Rocky leads the series 1-0. The Waves' Rocky made it too easy for the Spiders' Wild Thing in game 2, sinking two of each on the opening turn. Wild Thing got positioning late and easily took the win to tie the series at 1. Rocky didn't have the positioning to keep up in game 3, and Wild Thing was able to make a late pair for the win and 2-1 series win. Wild Thing is in the first round.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Smokey. The silver cue draws in for a 15-ball series. Central's Twilight tried to make do despite a bad break in game 1. Pacific's Smokey didn't do much until his kick on the 4 collected the 15 at the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight did better in game 2, but she fouled as she potted the 15 on a cut to the bottom left that led her to scratch in the top right. She gifted the win away to the Volcanoes' Smokey, who clinched the series at 2-0. Smokey couldn't get his offense going in game 3, and Twilight ended up taking a strong win to salvage a 2-1 series loss to Smokey.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Mams. The green cue is next up, playing Rotation. Midland's Rainmane held a lead for much of game 1, but Swordpoint's Mams fired back on a three-ball run-out to take the 8-7 win. Mams leads the series 1-0. The Blades' Mams jumped out to a large lead in game 2, and the Predators' Rainmane never challenged it. Mams ran away with an 8-1 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Mams was relentless in game 3, making a six-ball run-out for the 8-2 win over Rainmane. This completed Mams' 3-0 series sweep to get into the first round.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Mr. Snowman. The first appearance of a player on an expansion team comes in 12-ball with the green cue in this North Division set. Apex's Mr. Snowman had a productive appearance in game 1, but couldn't make his shot to the bottom side. Pearl's Watermelon beat him there for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon had a good start in game 2, but she fouled late. The Wonders' Mr. Snowman took a four-ball run-out in response to get the win, tying the series at 1. Watermelon had a decent start, but couldn't find a late run. Mr. Snowman was there for three balls over his last two turns for the win and 2-1 series win.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Kelsea v. Bear. The silver cue is back in 15-ball. Capital City's Kelsea made a four-ball run early in game 1, but Commerce's Bear recovered with a four-ball run of his own. Bear got the win with a 13-15 combination to the top side for the 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Bear made a ball and scratched on the break in game 2. The Sharpshooters' Kelsea won two shots later with a 2-15 combination to the bottom side, tying the series at 1. Bear had some chances late in game 3 with four balls over two turns, but Kelsea fired a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Wild Thing v. Twilight. Both players make their second appearance today in 9-ball with the silver cue in a battle of East Division foes. Web City's Wild Thing missed contact on the 2 in game 1, and Central's Twilight used ball-in-hand to make a 2-9 combination for the win. Twilight holds a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight made a brilliant play to sink the 2 to the bottom left and pick up the 9 at the top left on a double-pot in game 2. This stunning play secured the series for her at 2-0 over the Spiders' Wild Thing. In game 3, Wild Thing made a four-ball run but missed on the 8. Twilight buried the final pair for a 3-0 series sweep.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Hoot v. Esmeralda. The purple cue activates in 12-ball. Harrison's Esmeralda put up a good fight despite Viewpoint Sound's Hoot getting near-instant positioning off the break. Hoot still picked up a narrow win for a 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Hoot got good positioning again in game 2, but he took too long to utilize it. The Specters' Esmeralda made the comeback with a pair at the end for the win to tie the series at 1. Esmeralda miscued badly at the end of game 3, wasting her chance to complete the series comeback. Hoot made his last ball from ball-in-hand for the 2-1 series win and trip to the first round.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Carly v. Bells. The purple cue goes again in 8-ball. Westside's Carly played around too long, allowing Zenith's Bells to get back into the battle with a four-ball run. Bells later picked up the game 1 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Carly had a three-ball run in game 2, but she couldn't corral the 8 at the end. The Skywatchers' Bells picked up a three-ball run-out in response for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Bells nearly had the sweep in a close game 3, but she scratched as she made the 8, gifting a single win to Carly. Bells took the series 2-1 to advance to the first round.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Lily v. Wario. The South Division gets highlighted in this 10-ball series with the blue cue. Southridge's Wario missed contact on a kick attempt on the 3, and Eastside's Lily turned it into a 3-10 combination to the top right for the win. Lily leads the series 1-0. The Sharks' Lily had a decent start to game 2, but she committed a stick foul on the 6. The Defenders' Wario replied with a four-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1 with his stroke of good fortune. Lily put up a fight in game 3 as Wario had control early, but it became an even battle that Lily won with a pair at the end. She took the series 2-1 to get into the first round.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Cubby v. Spot. In the East Division, the purple cue is done for the day after a 12-ball set. Pronger's Spot will regret a scratch in game 1, as it denied him the win later. Archtown's Cubby beat Spot to the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Spot put up a scattered defensive effort in game 2, but the Arrows' Cubby worked around it and took the win to secure the series at 2-0. Spot again tried to play defense and hold on when he didn't have the lead. Cubby instead beat him to the bottom left for the win and 3-0 series sweep.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Waluigi v. Esmeralda. The Halloween derby is on in 7-ball with the silver cue. Web City's Waluigi had the better share of the offense as Harrison's Esmeralda couldn't get control on her shots in game 1. Waluigi leads the series 1-0. The Specters' Esmeralda had a good play on the 4 that didn't fall, leading the Spiders' Waluigi to pot a three-ball run-out for the game 2 win, which sealed the series at 2-0. Waluigi still controlled the offense in game 3, but he missed on the 7, and Esmeralda cut it to the bottom right to avoid the sweep. Waluigi settled for a 2-1 series win.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Juno v. Strawberry. The red cue checks out after 12-ball. Victoria's Strawberry got down to her last ball in game 1, but couldn't sink it. Stonebridge's Juno fought back for a three-ball run-out to get the win and 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Juno botched a good set-up in game 2, scratching to give away possession. The Spurs' Strawberry punished it with a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Strawberry had game 3 in her hands before rattling the 13 off the edge of the top left. Juno made the next three balls over two turns to swipe the win and 2-1 series win.

Sony Center, Queens: Pauline v. Sierra. Another 12-ball series features the blue cue's finale for the day. Queens' Pauline won game 1 with a bank of the 11 to the bottom right to finish a three-ball run-out, as Todavía's Sierra couldn't get a good look at her last ball. Pauline owns a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Flames' Pauline burst out to a four-ball run on the break. The Stills' Sierra got a bit close, but never had the positioning to attack at the end. A foul ended her push, and Pauline struck the 15 to the top side for the win and 2-0 lead in the series. Sierra had a good turn in game 3, but it wasn't enough to hold off Pauline, who used a run and then made a pair after some positioning to get the win. Pauline swept the series 3-0.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Whiskers v. Taylor S. The day ends with the green cue in Rotation. Maplewood's Whiskers made a four-ball run on her second turn and never looked back, beating Commerce's Taylor S. 8-1 in game 1. Whiskers has a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. put up a better fight in game 2, battling with the Lumberjacks' Whiskers from the start. Taylor S. found a four-ball run to get the lead, and she held off the late challenge for an 8-5 win to tie the series at 1. Taylor S. started hot in game 3 and barely backed down at all. Whiskers tried to fight back late, but Taylor S. won 8-4 to take the series 2-1. This marked Whiskers' 100th unique opponent. 

That's it for Day 2. We'll continue with another full day tomorrow.

Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 1

The competitive main event of Tournament XI is ready to begin today, starting a sequence of 18 days in the Play-In Round. All series in this round are three games long. Leading off...

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Patches v. Sunshine. A superstar on a new team and a hotshot sophomore meet in 7-ball with the green cue. Royal's Sunshine didn't get a lot of offense in game 1, but he picked off the 7 to the bottom right for a 1-0 series lead over Oceanside's Patches. The Crowns' Sunshine started game 2 with a six-ball run but couldn't haul in the 7, which the Waves' Patches cut to the top right. This tied the series at 1. Sunshine had a bold bank attempt on the 6 that missed at the top side and also sent the 7 off the edge of the rail. Patches buried both balls to the bottom side, the 7 on a bank for the win and 2-1 series win that secures her spot in the first round.

Intel Center, Diamond: Leonardo v. Gal. The silver cue gets the second series today, playing 8-ball. North Modernistic's Gal controlled play with a four-ball run in the middle of game 1. Diamond's Leonardo came up short on the comeback, and Gal sent the 8 to the top right for a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Gal pushed with a five-ball run in game 2 after a slow start, but she sank the 8 illegally after a miss on the 5. The Gems' Leonardo took the freebie, tying the series at 1. A close battle in game 3 went to Gal in the end, as she made the final pair when Leonardo faltered. Gal won the series 2-1.

Sony Center, Queens: Mario v. Maison. In Rotation, the blue cue enters the action. Eastside's Maison impressed with an early four-ball run, but he didn't get much more, as Queens' Mario dominated the rest of game 1 in an 8-5 win for the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was much more of a grind, which saw the Sharks' Maison narrowly beat the Flames' Mario by an 8-7 score to tie the series at 1. Another tough battle saw Maison take the lead in the middle, only for Mario to fight back for an 8-5 win. Mario advanced to the first round on a 2-1 series win.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Wild Thing v. Briana. A burgeoning rivalry sparks to life in 13-ball with the purple cue. Web City's Wild Thing overfilled on the game 1 break, and his positioning was poor. Queens' Briana had an easier time on offense and earned a win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Spiders' Wild Thing had the early lead in game 2, but positioning on his last ball was poor. The Flames' Briana bounced back with a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand to seal the series at 2-0. Briana again had a good break in game 3, and Wild Thing couldn't keep up in the end. Briana swept the series 3-0 to get into the first round.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Frosty. The silver cue cycles in again for 10-ball. Both players opened game 1 with a three-ball run, but Southern's Dominic made a four-ball run-out on his second turn to beat Freedom's Frosty. Dominic leads the series 1-0. The Cascades' Frosty had a couple of chances at the 10 in game 2, but she missed both. The Monarchs' Dominic eventually put it in the top left for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Frosty didn't have much left for game 3, allowing Dominic to control the pace as he won with a three-ball run-out. Dominic swept the series 3-0.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Buddy v. Taylor M. A venue doubleheader starts with the green cue in 10-ball. Atlantic's Buddy had more success early in game 1, but it went to waste as Eastside's Taylor M. won with a five-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Taylor M. kept the momentum up early, but the Pirates' Buddy snagged the final pair in game 2 to get a win of his own. The series is tied at 1. Buddy wasn't able to get consistent offense in game 3, leaving Taylor M. to snipe the 10 at the top left for a 2-1 series win.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Dusky v. Sydney S. The green cue stays active in Accuracy. Boston's Sydney S. had a good start to game 1, but let it slip away at the end. Atlantic's Dusky closed well and earned a 2-3 win to go up 1-0 in the series. The Swifts' Sydney S. fell behind much quicker in game 2, and the Pirates' Dusky showed little mercy in the 1-3 win that allowed her to seal the series at 2-0. Dusky brought a good effort in game 3, but Sydney S. went perfect for the 0-1 win to avoid the sweep in a 2-1 series.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Yekaterina v. Sunshine. Two talented players meet in Accuracy with the blue cue. Royal's Sunshine turned a late deficit into perfect defense, getting Victoria's Yekaterina to miss twice in a row. Sunshine then converted in overtime for a 2-3 win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Yekaterina made an improvement in game 2, but the Crowns' Sunshine also stepped up this time for the 1-2 win. Sunshine secured the series at 2-0. Sunshine turned toward perfection in game 3, while Yekaterina couldn't handle the positioning throughout the middle of the game. Sunshine's 0-3 win earned him a 3-0 series sweep.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Americus v. Juno. Club-mates collide in 10-ball with the purple cue. Stonebridge's Juno made a mess of the game 1 ending, twice fouling to make it much easier for Midland's Americus to get the win. Americus leads the series 1-0. The Wolves' Juno kept things choppy in game 2, putting up a bit more of a fight this time. It didn't change the result, as the Predators' Americus made the final pair for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Americus kept rolling in game 3, working a five-ball run early on and a pair at the end to sweep Juno 3-0.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Stealth v. Hoot. Another pair of club-mates tangle in Rotation with the red cue in its only series today. Swordpoint's Stealth managed one three-ball run to keep competitive, but Viewpoint Sound's Hoot spread his offense out in an 8-4 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Hoot didn't break well in game 2, but the Blades' Stealth struggled to get his offense going. Hoot took it in chunks, winning 8-2 to seal the series at 2-0. Hoot made a five-ball run from the break in game 3 and added a three-ball run-out after Stealth scratched a couple turns later. Hoot won 8-0 in the game and 3-0 in the series to earn a place in the first round.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Lionel v. Hughbert. The green cue is back for Accuracy. North Modernistic's Lionel wasn't bad in game 1, but a couple of mistakes led to Todavía's Hughbert pulling off a 0-2 win as he stayed perfect for a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Hughbert was able to survive two scratches in game 2 to get to overtime, but he scratched again on the break in the extra rack. The Nighthawks' Lionel finished off a 4-5 win to tie the series at 1. Hughbert ran out of steam in game 3, fading late as Lionel held his ground for a 3-5 win. Lionel took the series 2-1 to get into the first round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Sunshine v. Sierra. The host's third series today is in 15-ball with the green cue. Sunshine made seven balls over his first two turns, dominating the offense in game 1 to easily beat Todavía's Sierra for a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Sunshine took the opposite approach in game 2. He started slow, then struck as the Stills' Sierra failed to take control. Sunshine made a pair of five-ball runs to close out the game with a win, sealing the series at 2-0. Sunshine wanted to run away with game 3, but Sierra double-potted the 6 to the top left and the 15 to the top side to dodge the sweep in her lone win. Sunshine instead advanced on a 2-1 series win.

Apple Center, Todavía: Hughbert v. Dustin. The green cue checks out with 8-ball. Central's Dustin kept things close in game 1, but Todavía's Hughbert did well enough with a three-ball run-out to get the win. Hughbert leads the series 1-0. The Stills' Hughbert buried a five-ball run in the middle of game 2, but his follow-up was too weak. The Warriors' Dustin fought him off with a late pair for the win to tie the series at 1. Dustin put pressure on Hughbert in game 3, but a bit of defense from the host helped buy him enough time to get the win. Hughbert took the series 2-1 and will play this bid in the first round.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Maggie v. Fuchsia. The blue cue is up for 9-ball. Modernistic's Maggie came out storming with a pair of four-ball runs in game 1, earning a dominant win over Infinity's Fuchsia for the 1-0 series lead. The Union's Maggie took a predictable step back on offense in game 2, allowing the Torpedoes' Fuchsia to fight for more possession. Fuchsia made a pair at the end for the win, tying the series at 1. Maggie had a chance to make a run in game 3, but scratched on the 6. Fuchsia took over and buried the final pair for the win and 2-1 series win to send her into the first round.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Princess v. Josie. The Meteors' new home is opened with two of their players meeting in today's finale, using the blue cue for Rotation. A tight start in game 1 saw Josie eventually break free, as the team's newcomer picked up an 8-6 win over the star Princess. In game 2, Princess nearly had the win with a late three-ball run. She missed on the 14, and Josie took over for the final pair to grab an 8-7 win that clinched the series in her favor at 2-0. Josie took no prisoners in game 3, starting quite well and ending with an 8-2 win to sweep Princess 3-0 in the series. 

That's all for opening day in Tournament XI. The Play-In Round is 18 days long, so look forward to another two and a half straight weeks of action.

Tournament XI Qualifiers - Day 34

The last day of qualifiers is here, and we've got 60 games to close it out. We begin with...

Eastside Sharks sophomore Toki, as the 137th player to exit qualifying when he shoots Accuracy with the red cue. Toki took one error in 16 shots to get the final day's action off to a good start. His totals were 155 shots and 12 errors. Pearl Surfers veteran Boots is 138th to finish, using the green cue in Accuracy. Boots didn't have an error in 17 shots, ending at 150 shots and 14 errors overall. Apex Wonders veteran Cowzart uses the silver cue in Accuracy as the 139th qualifying finisher. Cowzart had no errors but needed 20 shots to finish, putting himself at 143 shots and 7 errors overall. The first break from Accuracy sees Diamond Gems star Debby playing 15-ball with the blue cue. Debby ended up with three errors and 27 shots for the game, struggling to maintain control early on. Ending the group, Modernistic Union sophomore Maggie uses the blue cue in Accuracy to be the 140th player out of qualifying. Maggie held nothing back in her outing, taking only 15 shots and no errors. Overall, she had 184 shots and 11 errors. 

Group two leads off with Harrison Specters newcomer Snuggle in Accuracy with the purple cue as the 141st player to exit qualifiers. Snuggle started slow and faded late to 20 shots and no errors. His totals were 159 shots and 8 errors. Maplewood Lumberjacks star Whiskers is next with the silver cue in Accuracy, finishing 142nd by speed. Whiskers was steady with 18 shots and no errors in the game to finish her qualifying run at 179 shots and 15 errors. Everton Eagles veteran Puff III exits with the purple cue in Accuracy in position 143. Puff III took one early error for a scratch, but made a late double-pot to close on 16 shots. She totaled 168 shots and 9 errors. Infinity Torpedoes star Fluffina uses the silver cue in Accuracy as the 144th player done with qualifying. Fluffina took no errors in 19 shots, but a slow finish hurt. Her totals stood at 170 shots and 9 errors. North Modernistic Nighthawks captain Peach makes her exit 145th, using the red cue for Accuracy. Peach had some tough positioning that pushed her to 19 shots and no errors in her game. She totaled 195 shots and 18 errors. 

The third group kicks off with Victoria Spurs captain Spice in Accuracy with the purple cue as the 146th player to finish qualifying. Spice was efficient in 15 shots, taking no errors, and she finished with 142 shots and 10 errors overall. Terrace City Knights rookie Anna is 147th to complete qualifiers, and she also uses the purple cue. Anna skidded toward the end but took no errors in 18 shots, with her totals at 154 shots and 11 errors. Stonebridge Wolves strongman Hershey checks out 148th with the red cue in Accuracy. Hershey was strong early, but chased the last ball to end at 16 shots and no errors. Overall, he had 158 shots and 10 errors. North Modernistic Nighthawks enforcer Cheddar makes her exit 149th with the blue cue in Accuracy. Cheddar had a sloppy outing with two errors and 22 shots, giving her totals of 190 shots and 16 errors. Harrison Specters rookie Bucco ends the group with the 150th Accuracy game, using the purple cue. Bucco drained four balls on the break and ended up with 13 shots and no errors, giving himself 145 shots and 8 errors. 

The fourth batch sees Diamond Gems sophomore Autumn use the red cue in Accuracy as the 151st player done with qualifying. Autumn was crisp and needed only 16 shots to finish the game with no errors. Her totals were 186 shots and 16 errors. Lighton Prestige sophomore Angelica keeps the red cue active in Accuracy as the 152nd qualifying finisher. Angelica hooked roughly half of her shots wide of the target, leading to 25 shots and two errors in the game. She finished at 178 shots and 12 errors overall. Southern Monarchs rookie Gabby jumps in with the blue cue in Accuracy as the 153rd player to finish. Gabby scratched on the break but recovered well enough to end at 16 shots. She had 181 shots and 17 errors in total. Commerce Tradewinds captain Taylor S. brings back the red cue in Accuracy as the 154th player to finish qualifying. Taylor S. had impeccable positioning to end at 17 shots and no errors, for totals of 197 shots and 13 errors. Closing the set, Midland Predators captain Shawn shoots Accuracy with the green cue, the 155th player to finish qualifying. Shawn rode some tough positioning to 17 shots and no errors, finishing his run at 167 shots and 9 errors. 

Viewpoint Sound Meteors captain Hoot is 156th to finish qualifying, using the purple cue in Accuracy. Hoot was a little loose with two errors, but he still finished in 17 shots. He had 178 shots and 10 errors overall. His Meteors teammate Princess is the 157th player done with qualifiers, using the green cue in Accuracy. Princess just held on in the middle to end on 18 shots and no errors in the game, for totals of 152 shots and 12 errors. Oceanside Waves newcomer Patches takes up the purple cue in 15-ball. Patches had some trouble in the middle of the game, ending with one error in 27 shots. After that, Pacific Volcanoes newcomer Smokey uses the red cue in Accuracy as the 158th player done with qualifying. Smokey needed 14 shots after an early triple-pot helped him with his pace, and he took no errors. His overall numbers were 181 shots and 9 errors. Pearl Surfers co-captain Watermelon is 159th to finish qualifiers, using the silver cue in Accuracy. Watermelon was brutally efficient to end at 14 shots and no errors, for 143 shots and 8 errors overall. 

Zenith Skywatchers sophomore Omari grabs the silver cue for 13-ball in the first of his four games today. Omari couldn't get anything to go his way, taking five errors in 39 shots. Victoria Spurs veteran Strawberry keeps the silver cue active in Accuracy as the 160th player to finish qualifying. Strawberry took just 16 shots and no errors in her game, ending at 178 shots and 12 errors overall. Next up, Terrace City Knights veteran Jennifer closes her qualifiers 161st with the silver cue in Accuracy. Jennifer cleared the table in 17 shots and no errors, giving herself 197 shots and 23 errors overall. The Waves' Patches is 162nd to closer her qualifiers, using the blue cue in Accuracy. Patches collected the rack in 18 shots and no errors, giving her 173 shots and 11 errors in total. Today's halfway point comes after Capital City Sharpshooters rookie Ellie uses the green cue in Accuracy as the 163rd player done. Ellie suffered an error for an early scratch, then closed the game at 19 shots. Her totals were 153 shots and 11 errors. 

The seventh set opens with Infinity Torpedoes veteran Shelley using the silver cue in Accuracy as the 164th player to exit qualifiers. Shelley was quick to finish at 15 shots and no errors, for totals of 152 shots and 6 errors. Midland Predators veteran Americus picks up the blue cue for Accuracy as the 165th player done with qualifying. Americus cleared the rack in only 15 shots with no errors, going to 174 shots and 13 errors overall. Apex Wonders rookie Maren gets out at position 166, using the red cue in Accuracy. Maren needed 19 shots and no errors to finish the game, with her totals at 165 shots and 9 errors. Zenith Skywatchers veteran Bells also uses the red cue in Accuracy as the 167th player to finish qualifying. Bells needed only 15 shots to get through the game, taking no errors to end her run at 175 shots and 12 errors. Another Skywatcher, Omari, is back with the blue cue for Rotation. Omari improved in this outing with 23 shots and just one error. 

The eighth group sees Swordpoint Blades newcomer Mams play Accuracy with the green cue as the 168th qualifying finisher. Mams was pretty smooth with 15 shots and no errors, giving herself 165 shots and 13 errors overall. Stonebridge Wolves newcomer Dewey also uses the green cue in Accuracy as the 169th player to finish. Dewey bailed himself out of trouble with a triple-pot, ending later at 18 shots and no errors. He totaled 156 shots and 8 errors. Freedom Cascades strongman Nikolai finishes 170th by speed and uses the purple cue in Accuracy. Nikolai got a few lucky bounces and finished in 16 shots with no errors, for totals of 175 shots and 14 errors. Boston Swifts captain is the 171st to exit qualifying, with the silver cue in Accuracy. Sweetheart surged early and finished on 16 shots with no errors, giving herself 177 shots and 11 errors overall. Gems star Debby returns to action with the blue cue in Accuracy as the 172nd player done with qualifiers. Debby needed 18 shots to get through the game with no errors, and she had totals of 178 shots and 10 errors. 

Group nine starts with Capital City Sharpshooters veteran Missy in Accuracy with the red cue, the 173rd player to exit qualifiers. Missy did well early, then slipped to 17 shots at the end with no errors. Her totals stood at 162 shots and 11 errors. Victoria Spurs veteran Sage exits 174th by speed in Accuracy with the blue cue. Sage found a groove and stuck with it to 16 shots and no errors, her totals locked in at 158 shots and 9 errors. Freedom Cascades newcomer Frosty is next, the 175th player done with qualifiers as she shoots Accuracy with the silver cue. Frosty fell apart with two errors in 23 shots, giving her 180 shots and 12 errors overall. Oceanside Waves sophomore Rocky cuts in for 15-ball with the blue cue. Rocky took three errors early on, but got a lucky deflection to take the 15 to the top left at 23 shots. Pacific Volcanoes veteran Leonette ends the group with the purple cue in Accuracy, the 176th player done with qualifying. Leonette lost control at the end and took 20 shots with no errors, putting her at 167 shots and 18 errors. 

The tenth group gets going with Harrison Specters sophomore Esmeralda using the blue cue in Accuracy as the 177th qualifying finisher. Esmeralda had one error for a scratch in 17 shots, giving her 180 shots and 16 errors in total. At 178th, Apex Wonders rookie Blair takes up the silver cue to play Accuracy. Blair took no errors and 17 shots in the game for totals of 195 shots and 14 errors. Commerce Tradewinds hotshot Rosemary also uses the silver cue in Accuracy as the 179th player to exit qualifying. Rosemary brought her best with 14 shots and no errors to finish her run at 154 shots and 11 errors. The last non-Accuracy game is here, as the Skywatchers' Omari uses the red cue for 15-ball. Omari avoided errors and made a 6-11-15 bank combination to the bottom right to end with just 10 shots. Web City Spiders veteran Nibbles exits qualifying 180th by speed with the red cue in the first of 11 straight Accuracy games to end qualifying season. Nibbles scratched on the break for his lone error in 19 shots. His totals were 183 shots and 14 errors. 

Group eleven sees Pronger Tridents veteran Potter end the blue cue's run, the first cue to retire with player 181. Potter took no errors in 18 shots for a clean game, ending his qualifiers at 169 shots and 9 errors. Todavía Stills star Sierra uses the green cue as the 182nd qualifying finisher. Sierra finished with 14 shots and no errors in the game, ending at 190 shots and 16 errors overall. Swordpoint Blades veteran Stealth uses the red cue as he closes out qualifying 183rd by speed. Stealth held a solid standard with 18 shots and no errors, giving himself 169 shots and 11 errors. Web City Spiders captain Jack is 184th to finish qualifying, using the purple cue. Jack was poor in this outing, needing 21 shots with no errors to finish. His totals were 164 shots and 10 errors. Closing the group, the Modernistic Union's Quincy uses the purple cue as the 185th finisher, and this is that cue's last qualifier. Quincy took one error for a scratch and finished in 16 shots. His overall numbers were 181 shots and 19 errors. 

The final group of Tournament XI Qualifiers is led by the Skywatchers' Omari, who finishes the silver cue's run as the 186th to exit qualifying. Omari had no errors and 19 shots in the game, closing out qualifiers at 174 shots and 10 errors. Web City Spiders newcomer Kodiak takes up the green cue as the 187th player done with qualifiers. Kodiak scratched on the break and ended up at 19 shots in the game. His overall totals were 161 shots and 10 errors. Capital City Sharpshooters rookie Kelsea also uses the green cue as the 188th qualifying finisher. Kelsea couldn't maintain control after a triple-pot, ending up at 21 shots and no errors. She had 171 shots and 21 errors overall. The Waves' Rocky will exit 189th, along with the red cue. Rocky posted 17 shots and one error for a scratch in the game, giving him 159 shots and 9 errors overall. Finally, Whitewater Shores star Katharine uses the green cue in the final qualifying game as the 190th player done. Katharine took no errors in 17 shots for a good finish to a good last day. She had 153 shots and 5 errors.

That's it for qualifying. Over likely the next two weeks, it will be time for administrative duties such as filling out brackets, setting the play-in round schedule, counting the venue tracking metrics and logging bid distributions. There will also be qualifying data analysis. This will lead to some quiet time on the blog and the @UnitedPCL Twitter account while these things are dealt with. If possible, I'd like to start the Play-In Round officially on February 22.

Tournament XI Qualifiers - Day 33

We're set for the last 50-game day of qualifying. Only 70 players are still active, so we'll begin with...

North Modernistic Nighthawks enforcer Cheddar playing Rotation with the purple cue. Cheddar checked in early with 25 shots and two errors, riding a strong start to a decent score. The 121st player to exit qualifying as Victoria Spurs veteran Rosalina, who shoots Accuracy with the blue cue. Rosalina took no errors in 17 shots in this game to finish her run at 175 shots and 12 errors overall. Diamond Gems sophomore Autumn goes 3rd today with the red cue in Rotation. Autumn avoided disaster with a late surge to overcome four errors in 26 shots. Diamond Gems captain Shadow uses the silver cue in Accuracy as the 122nd player to complete qualifiers. Shadow escaped danger with 19 shots and no errors, closing his qualifying at 177 shots and 11 errors. Pronger Tridents star Spot is 123rd to finish qualifying, using the red cue in his Accuracy game. Spot lost control in the middle of the game and ended up with 21 shots and no errors. Spot's totals were 176 shots and 12 errors. 

The second group leads off with Pearl Surfers veteran Boots using the purple cue in 15-ball. Boots struggled early with four errors and ended up needing 27 shots in the game. Capital City Sharpshooters rookie Kelsea is on for 13-ball with the red cue. Kelsea had just one error for a scratch in 21 shots, getting a little lucky with some of her plays. More 13-ball follows with Harrison Specters rookie Bucco using the silver cue. Bucco got all the right bounces and took only one error for missed contact in 21 shots. Southridge Defenders captain Bianca is 124th to finish qualifying as she plays Accuracy with the purple cue. Bianca showed talent that had evaded her earlier in qualifying, closing in 15 shots and no errors. Overall she had 189 shots and 13 errors. The Gems' Autumn is back for the 10th game of the day, using the silver cue in 15-ball. Autumn didn't get great positioning at times, leading to three errors and 28 shots. 

Group three kicks off with Whitewater Shores star Katharine playing 15-ball with the red cue. Katharine found a groove early on and picked off the 6-15 combination at the bottom left to end in 12 shots with no errors. Dreamy plays Accuracy with the red cue as the 125th player to exit qualifying. Dreamy butchered her finale with one error and 25 shots, leaving her at an abysmal 196 shots and 19 errors overall. Freedom Cascades strongman Nikolai uses the silver cue in 15-ball. Nikolai took a couple of errors with bad positioning, but ended early on a 6-10-15 combination to the top left for 16 shots. The Nighthawks' Cheddar is back to play 15-ball with the green cue in her second appearance today. Cheddar had some offense early but ended up with 29 shots and four errors. Victoria Spurs veteran Strawberry is 15th to shoot today, using the blue cue in 15-ball. Strawberry took a couple errors and finished early with a double-potted 11-15 combination at the top left. 

The fourth batch sees Southridge Defenders rookie Ingrid shoot Accuracy with the silver cue as the 126th qualifying finisher. Ingrid put in a standard effort with 18 shots and no errors, giving herself totals of 176 shots and 18 errors. Westside Rockers rookie Carly is 127th to finish qualifying, playing Accuracy with the green cue. Carly started well but slipped a little bit late, ending on 18 shots and no errors. She had 167 shots and 7 errors overall. Swordpoint Blades veteran Stealth grabs the blue cue for 15-ball in today's 18th game. Stealth took three errors and struggled to 32 shots with bad positioning. Westside Rockers captain Misty is up for Accuracy with the red cue as the 128th player done with qualifiers. Misty took 17 shots and no errors, with just a late slip-up hurting her score. She totaled 151 shots and 10 errors. Infinity Torpedoes star Fluffina closes the group with the green cue in 15-ball. Fluffina narrowly avoided errors and ended up with 26 shots for her outing. 

Group five opens with Swordpoint Blades veteran Bandit using the blue cue in Accuracy as the 129th player done with qualifying. Bandit took 19 shots and no errors, fading late after potting two on the break. He had totals of 163 shots and 16 errors. The Sharpshooters' Kelsea returns for Rotation with the silver cue in the 22nd game of the day. Kelsea had a nightmarish time trying to keep the cue ball on the table, as she took seven errors in 32 shots. Another Sharpshooter, the mainstay Missy, plays 15-ball with the silver cue next. Missy took a double-error early on, but that was her only misplay in 18 shots. The Specters rookie Bucco returns for Rotation with the blue cue now. Bucco took one error and finished in 22 shots, a chase on the 15 weighing him down a bit. The blue cue is passed to Specters newcomer Puff II for Accuracy, making her the 130th player to exit qualifying. Puff II breezed through qualifying in 15 shots with no errors. Her totals were 165 shots and 8 errors. 

The sixth set starts with Web City Spiders newcomer Kodiak shooting 15-ball with the purple cue. Kodiak spied a chance for a quick finish, taking 2 shots to deflect a play off the 1 to sink the 15 at the bottom right. He had no errors. Another Spider, the veteran Nibbles, uses the red cue for 15-ball. Nibbles went hunting for the 15 but came up empty, needing 28 shots and two errors to finish. Victoria Spurs captain Spice grabs the silver cue for 15-ball as the 28th player drawn today. Spice made a 3-15 combination to the bottom side to end at 8 shots and one error for illegal contact. Commerce Tradewinds captain Taylor S. keeps 15-ball rolling with the purple cue. Taylor S. kept an eye on the 15 but couldn't get it down early, taking 31 shots with three errors. Diamond Gems star Debby rounds out the group with the red cue in Rotation. Debby needed 27 shots and four errors to clear the rack, struggling to make contact plays when necessary. 

The 31st player called today is Stonebridge Wolves strongman Hershey, who plays 15-ball with the silver cue. Hershey had a good start that went to waste with two errors and a late skid to 29 shots. The Specters' Bucco draws in once more with the blue cue in 15-ball. Bucco did what he needed to despite an early error, as he deflected a shot off the 4 to drive the 15 to the top right for 7 shots. Pacific Volcanoes newcomer Smokey brings the silver cue back for 15-ball. Smokey never corralled the 15 effectively, needing 32 shots and one error to finish the game. Stonebridge Wolves rookie Lindsay is the 131st player to finish qualifying, using the silver cue in Accuracy. Lindsay took one error for a scratch and ended in 18 shots, giving her totals of 158 shots and 12 errors. The Sharpshooters' Kelsea is back for 15-ball with the silver cue to close the group. Kelsea, a bit fatigued from playing so much today, faded late to 26 shots and four errors. 

The eighth group is fronted by Modernistic Union sophomore Maggie, who plays 13-ball with the blue cue. Maggie stormed through the rack in a mere 18 shots, taking no errors along the way. Lighton Prestige sophomore Angelica goes 37th today with the silver cue in 15-ball. Angelica went to every length imaginable to avoid an error, ending up with 29 shots in a mediocre effort. Another Prestige player, the veteran Shiny, uses the blue cue in Accuracy as the 132nd player done with qualifying. Shiny was slowed down late by bad positioning, ending at 19 shots and no errors. Overall, she posted 152 shots and 7 errors. Royal Crowns veteran Brownie uses the red cue in her turn at Accuracy, the 133rd player to exit qualifying. Brownie finished the rack in 15 shots and no errors, giving her 167 shots and 12 errors. More Accuracy wraps up the set as Central Warriors star Noelle uses the silver cue to become the 134th player done with qualifying. Noelle sailed through the rack on 13 shots and no errors to put herself at 144 shots and 13 errors overall. 

Group nine gets going as Maplewood Lumberjacks sophomore Marissa plays Accuracy with the silver cue as the 135th player to exit qualifiers. Marissa finished the effort in only 15 shots and no errors, with her totals ending at 168 shots and 11 errors. Midland Predators veteran Americus takes up the blue cue for 15-ball. Americus took a couple of early errors for illegal contact, but finished strong at 21 shots. Terrace City Knights star Melissa brings the silver cue back for Accuracy as the 136th player done with qualifying. Melissa got off to a good start, then brought it home at 17 shots with no errors. She finished with 151 shots and 7 errors. Harrison Specters sophomore Esmeralda checks in for 15-ball with the purple cue. Esmeralda saw what she wanted and got it with 10-15 combination at the top left to end with 19 shots and two errors. Viewpoint Sound Meteors captain Hoot closes the group with the blue cue in 15-ball. Hoot had some good movement and took two errors in 23 shots for a fairly clean showing. 

The 46th game of the day is 15-ball with the blue cue for Freedom Cascades newcomer Frosty. She started well, but two errors and slower finishing play put Frosty at 24 shots. Southern Monarchs rookie Gabby also uses the blue cue in 15-ball. Gabby couldn't get command of the cue ball, taking six errors in 28 shots. The Union's Maggie is back for Rotation with the blue cue here. Maggie had some lucky bounces early, but took her time late to end on 26 shots and two errors. Maggie will go again with the purple cue in 15-ball. Maggie didn't have much of a difference this time, taking three errors in 26 shots. Oceanside Waves sophomore Rocky ends the day in Rotation with the red cue. Rocky zipped through the game in only 22 shots with one error. 

Tomorrow, qualifiers ends on Super Sunday, with 54 players taking on the last 60 games of the first portion of the season.

Tournament XI Qualifiers - Day 32

A late start won't impact today's action, as we continue down the home stretch of qualifying. First up...

Everton Eagles veteran Puff III plays 15-ball with the blue cue. Puff III made a remarkable effort to avoid errors in the appearance, and she ended at 25 shots. North Modernistic Nighthawks captain Peach also plays 15-ball, but with the silver cue. Peach wasn't very good early on, and her luck was bad late as she couldn't corral the 15 on a combo near the top right. She finished with 31 shots and three errors. Apex Wonders veteran Cowzart keeps things rolling in 15-ball with the red cue. Cowzart took two errors in the game, but he cut a 5-15 combination to the top left as a double-pot to end with a remarkable 12 shots. Pacific Volcanoes veteran Leonette keeps the red cue active in 15-ball. Leonette was spectacular and creative early on, and a cut on the 4 to the bottom left turned into a double-pot as the 15 drifted into the top side for 9 shots and no errors. Apex Wonders rookie Blair goes 5th today, using the purple cue in 15-ball. Blair had a good start, but faded in the middle. Two errors and 27 shots later, he was done without too much damage. 

Zenith Skywatchers veteran Bells leads off group two with the blue cue in 15-ball. Bells was very quick on offense and took just one error before finishing an 11-15 combination to the bottom right for 18 shots. Commerce Tradewinds youngster Rosemary also uses the blue cue in 15-ball. Rosemary had three errors, some avoidable, but she closed at 20 shots with a 7-15 combination to the bottom right. Harrison Specters newcomer Esmeralda is drawn 8th today, playing 13-ball with the blue cue. Esmeralda took one error but otherwise cruised with good positioning to end at 21 shots. Viewpoint Sound Meteors veteran Dani is 106th to finish qualifying as she plays Accuracy with the blue cue. Dani put up a decent 19 shots and no errors in the game and totaled 158 shots and 12 errors overall. Stonebridge Wolves strongman Hershey ends the group with the red cue in Rotation. Hershey dealt with a poor distribution fairly well, closing in 25 shots and three errors thanks to a late surge. 

Group three begins with Pearl Surfers co-captain Watermelon shooting 15-ball with the blue cue. Watermelon saw a late hit into the cluster on the break rattle the 15 free toward the top left. It stopped short, but she made a 1-15 combination for 1 shot and no errors. The Specters' Esmeralda returns for Rotation with the silver cue in today's 12th game to get back on her playing pace. Esmeralda struggled on the 7, leading to an inflated score of 32 shots and three errors. Victoria Spurs veteran Sage steps up for 15-ball with the red cue. Sage pushed the 15 toward the bottom left in the middle of the game, but still needed 21 shots and one error to finish it off. Another Spur, the veteran Strawberry, takes up the silver cue for Rotation. Strawberry had some good positioning, although loose shooting gave her three errors in 24 shots. Modernistic Union newcomer Quincy activates the green cue in 15-ball. Quincy kept one eye on the 15 throughout the game but couldn't pick it up early, ending in 29 shots with two errors. 

The fourth batch kicks off with Infinity Torpedoes star Fuchsia playing Accuracy with the red cue as the 107th qualifying finisher. Fuchsia brought plenty of skill to finish in 15 shots and no errors, and her totals were 154 shots and 10 errors. Golden Pilots captain Valencia follows as the 108th player to finish, using the silver cue in Accuracy. Valencia didn't miss, making a ball on the break and finishing in 14 shots with no errors. She had 168 shots and 9 errors during her qualifying run. Today's 18th player is Eastside Sharks sophomore Toki, who plays 15-ball with the red cue. Toki took one early error, but finished at 11 shots with a 7-15 combination to the bottom left. Infinity Torpedoes veteran Shelley also plays 15-ball, but with the green cue. Shelley's hot start was tarnished by a double-error, but she still closed with 23 shots. Apex Wonders rookie Maren finishes the group with the silver cue in 15-ball. Some good plays early on were overwhelmed by a slower finish, which saw Maren take two errors to end at 26 shots. 

The fifth group gets going as Boston Swifts captain Sweetheart uses the silver cue in 15-ball. Sweetheart enjoyed brilliant pace, and even one error for a scratch couldn't stop her from finishing in 19 shots. Stonebridge Wolves newcomer Dewey will also play 15-ball, using the purple cue. Dewey had a slow start but finished better and took three errors in 23 shots. Viewpoint Sound Meteors star Princess tries the green cue for her game of 15-ball. Princess took three errors and needed 25 shots to finish after a late flub on the 15. Pacific Volcanoes newcomer Smokey follows up in Rotation with the purple cue. Smokey had three errors that disrupted his rhythm and pushed him up to 31 shots for the game. Swordpoint Blades newcomer Stephanie keeps the purple cue active in Accuracy as the 109th qualifying finisher. Stephanie started a little slow and needed 20 shots to complete the outing with no errors. She had 168 shots and 15 errors overall. 

The sixth set is underway with the 110th qualifying exit, as the Modernistic Union's Puff I uses the purple cue in Accuracy. Puff I had no trouble in this game, needing only 16 shots and no errors to give herself totals of 169 shots and 13 errors. Archtown Arrows sophomore Greg is 111th to complete qualifiers, using the blue cue in Accuracy. Greg had perhaps the worst qualifier in this event's history, needing 30 shots and two errors to finish. His totals ballooned to 175 shots and 10 errors. Maplewood Lumberjacks veteran Summer completes qualifying 112th by speed, using the red cue in Accuracy. Summer did significantly better with 17 shots and one error in the game for totals of 176 shots and 13 errors. Golden Pilots veteran Max shoots Accuracy with the silver cue as the 113th player done qualifying. Max gambled on a late kick shot and won, ending at 18 shots and no errors. His qualifying totals were 163 shots and 15 errors. The 30th player of the day is Viewpoint Sound Meteors captain Hoot, who plays Rotation with the red cue. Hoot had some tough positions early on, but ended up with only two errors in 28 shots. 

Set seven opens with Freedom Cascades captain Stinky playing Accuracy with the red cue as the 114th player to finish qualifying. Stinky was on the fringe of clean play, but took no errors in 15 shots to end his qualifying run with 167 shots and 6 errors. Web City Spiders captain Jack goes 32nd today with the silver cue in 15-ball. Jack somehow avoided errors and closed at 14 shots with a 9-15 combination to the top left. Capital City Sharpshooters rookie Ellie also plays 15-ball, but with the blue cue. Ellie took a couple of errors but finished early with a 9-15 combination to the top left to close on 16 shots. Midland Predators captain Shawn takes up the green cue for 15-ball. Shawn couldn't find an early exit, settling for 28 shots and three errors in the game. Pronger Tridents veteran Prism rounds out the group with the silver cue in Accuracy as the 115th qualifying finisher. Prism took a couple of errors and needed 22 shots to finish the game. She had 174 shots and 11 errors overall. 

Harrison Specters captain Twinkie II is 116th to close her qualifiers, using the purple cue in Accuracy. Twinkie II needed just 16 shots and no errors to get through the game. Overall, she had 159 shots and 12 errors. Whitewater Shores star Katharine is up for Rotation with the blue cue in today's 37th game. Katharine navigated some difficult plays well, taking only one error in 20 shots. Infinity Torpedoes star Fluffina also plays Rotation, but with the purple cue. Fluffina kept things moving quickly with one error in 21 shots in a good game. Southern Monarchs newcomer Lorde tries the red cue in Accuracy as the 117th player to finish qualifying. Lorde turned a bad break into a good game in 17 shots and no errors. She had 171 shots and 10 errors overall. Wrapping up the batch, Pronger Tridents veteran Potter plays 15-ball with the purple cue. Potter couldn't get anything right early on, racking up four errors in 34 shots. 

Group nine starts with Harrison Specters newcomer Snuggle playing 15-ball with the green cue. Snuggle took an early error but finished with 6 shots on a 4-15 combination to the top side. Todavía Stills star Sierra also uses the green cue in 15-ball. Sierra struggled a bit early on and took four errors before finishing on 35 shots. Freedom Cascades strongman Nikolai plays Rotation with the blue cue next. Nikolai had terrible positioning from the 4 onward, requiring five errors and 31 shots to finish the outing. Eastside Sharks sophomore Maison is 118th to exit qualifying as he plays Accuracy with the silver cue. Maison took two errors and 18 shots in the game, for totals of 173 shots and 16 errors. Finishing the set, Maplewood Lumberjacks veteran Whiskers shoots 15-ball with the red cue. Whiskers made a mess of things with five error and 29 shots, destroying her game with a bad break. 

The final group commences with Terrace City Knights rookie Anna playing 15-ball with the green cue. Anna took just one error in the appearance and finished with 22 shots. Commerce Tradewinds newcomer Luigi is the 119th player done with qualifying as he plays Accuracy with the red cue. Luigi took no errors in a crisp 17 shots, giving him 170 shots and 9 errors overall. Freedom Cascades newcomer Frosty goes 48th today, using the green cue in Rotation. Frosty struggled early on but only took two errors, allowing her to salvage the game at 29 shots. Everton Eagles veteran Vincent is the 120th player done with qualifying as he shoots Accuracy with the blue cue. Vincent flailed around too much at the start and ended up with 20 shots and no errors in the game. His totals were 153 shots and 6 errors. Today's finale is 15-ball with the green cue for Terrace City Knights veteran Jennifer. An ugly four errors throughout the game had Jennifer ticketed for doom until she made the 6-15 combination at the top right to end on 24 shots. 

Four players still have four games on their docket, which will likely be trimmed tomorrow in the penultimate day.

Tournament XI Qualifiers - Day 31

We're very close to the home stretch. Anyone playing 13-ball or Rotation today will be ineligible for a guaranteed day off. We begin with...

Westside Rockers mainstay Goatee playing Accuracy with the red cue as the 85th player to finish qualifying. Goatee took no errors in 19 shots for a solid game, and she finished with 180 shots and 12 errors overall. Swordpoint Blades newcomer Mams steps in with the silver cue in 15-ball. Mams managed the game well despite three errors, and she ended in 20 shots. Pronger Tridents star spot draws in for 15-ball with the purple cue. Spot got a huge bailout, as he struggled from the start with three errors. A kick on the 6-9-15 combination deflected to the top right off the 10 to finish his game in 21 shots. Oceanside Waves newcomer Patches goes 4th today with the red cue in Rotation. Patches had a couple of struggles with three errors in 23 shots. Terrace City Knights veteran Jennifer closes the group with the green cue in Rotation. A slower start didn't help Jennifer, but her late play was good enough to end at 27 shots and two errors. 

The second group leads off with Royal Crowns veteran Jake using the purple cue in Accuracy as the 86th qualifying finisher. Jake lacked precision in the middle of his game, needing 22 shots with no errors to finish. He had 166 shots and 12 errors throughout his qualifying run. Freedom Cascades strongman Nikolai tries to figure out the purple cue in 13-ball. Nikolai scratched on the break but commanded his positioning after that to close in 21 shots. Pacific Volcanoes veteran Twinkie I is 87th to finish qualifying as she plays Accuracy with the red cue. Twinkie I posted 17 shots and no errors in the game for totals of 166 shots and 9 errors overall. Southridge Defenders rookie Ingrid goes 9th today, using the silver cue for 15-ball. Ingrid escaped in 22 shots and two errors with a deflection off the 11 to sink the 15 at the bottom left. Pacific Volcanoes newcomer Smokey uses the green cue in 13-ball to end the batch. Smokey demonstrated patience with his positioning to end on 20 shots and no errors. 

Group three begins as Diamond Gems captain Shadow plays 15-ball with the silver cue. Shadow had a poor break that led to three errors and 30 shots in his game. Apex Wonders rookie Maren keeps the silver cue active for Rotation. Maren got through her game fairly well with 28 shots and one error. More Rotation follows as Commerce Tradewinds captain Taylor S. shoots with the green cue in today's 13th game. Taylor S. needed 29 shots and one error to get through her appearance, getting sloppy at the end of her game. Viewpoint Sound Meteors star Princess activates the blue cue for Rotation. Princess didn't get much off of the break and ended up taking three errors in 30 shots for the game. Diamond Gems star Debby finishes the group with the blue cue in 13-ball. Debby had to do some late positioning to finish with no errors in 23 shots. 

North Modernistic Nighthawks veteran Gizmo is the 88th player to finish qualifying as he plays Accuracy with the purple cue. Gizmo made a pair on the break, but his play slipped to 18 with no errors by the end. He had 151 shots and 10 errors overall. Pearl Surfers co-captain Neopolitan is 89th to finish qualifying as she plays Accuracy with the green cue. Neopolitan was error-free in 17 shots, a good performance to end her run at 170 shots and 9 errors. More Accuracy sees Freedom Cascades rookie Blake use the blue cue as the 90th player to finish qualifying. Blake finished in 18 shots with one error, as a surge in the middle was wiped out by a slow finish. She had 181 shots and 17 errors overall. The 19th player to shoot today is Web City Spiders newcomer Kodiak, who plays Rotation with the silver cue. Kodiak too often settled for contact and ended up with only three errors in 35 shots. Midland Predators captain Shawn rounds out the group with the red cue in Rotation. Shawn couldn't make his early play last, ending up with 27 shots and one error. 

The 21st player called today is Southridge Defenders captain Bianca, who shoots 15-ball with the silver cue. Bianca couldn't get any magic to surface, ending up with 29 shots and three errors instead. The 91st player done with qualifying is Southern Monarchs veteran Dominic, who uses the purple cue in Accuracy. Dominic couldn't get himself on track after a lackluster break, ending with 23 shots and one error. He had 175 shots and 10 errors overall. Finishing qualifying 92nd by speed, Infinity Torpedoes captain Smudge uses the blue cue in Accuracy. Smudge took one error for a scratch but cruised to 17 shots, giving her totals of 169 shots and 12 errors. Royal Crowns veteran Brownie goes next with the purple cue in 15-ball. Brownie had three errors, but a quick shooting pace helped her finish in 21 shots. Swordpoint Blades veteran Bandit also uses the purple cue in 15-ball. Bandit recklessly picked up five errors, but a 12-15 combination to the bottom left helped him end at 25 shots. 

Commerce Tradewinds star Solaris is the 93rd player to finish qualifying as he uses the silver cue for Accuracy. Solaris embarrassed himself again with a league-worst 25 shots and an error in the game. His qualifying totals were 183 shots and 16 errors. Everton Eagles star Cleo is 94th to finish qualifying, using the green cue in Accuracy. Cleo took 19 shots and no errors in the game to put herself at 135 shots and 4 errors overall. Central Warriors star Noelle uses the blue cue in 15-ball in today's 28th game. Noelle worked her way to a 6-7-15 combination to the top left to end on 17 shots and one error. Modernistic Union captain Ms. Puppy plays Accuracy with the green cue as the 95th player to finish qualifying, which means half of the league is done after her appearance. Ms. Puppy wasted little time with a pair on the break and a double-pot late helping her end with 16 shots and no errors. Her totals were 154 shots and 12 errors. Swordpoint Blades captain Dreamy plays 15-ball with the purple cue to wrap up the group. Dreamy had poor positioning and took five errors among 35 shots to finish her appearance. 

The seventh set opens with Harrison Specters newcomer Puff II playing 15-ball with the red cue. Puff II took one error on a failed jump shot, and closed at 23 shots in the game. Capital City Sharpshooters rookie Ellie draws in 32nd today with the green cue in Rotation. Ellie took a pair of errors and finished slowly at 27 shots. Pacific Volcanoes mainstay Ms. Kitty exits qualifying 96th, using the blue cue in Accuracy. Ms. Kitty took no errors and 18 shots in her game, giving her totals of 159 shots and 9 errors. Infinity Torpedoes star Fluffina keeps the blue cue active for her 13-ball game. Fluffina played cautiously to stick at just one error in 24 shots. Boston Swifts newcomer Sydney S. ends the batch with the green cue in Accuracy as the 97th player done qualifying. Sydney S. didn't do very well from the start, needing 22 shots with no errors to finish. Her qualifying run ended at 183 shots and 10 errors. 

Group eight starts with Capital City Sharpshooters veteran Missy playing Rotation with the silver cue. Missy wasn't always sharp, but she took just two errors in 25 shots. Web City Spiders veteran Waluigi is the 98th player to finish qualifying, and he'll use the purple cue in Accuracy. Waluigi took one late error for a scratch before ending at 18 shots. He had 187 shots and 12 errors overall. North Modernistic Nighthawks strongman Lionel is done with qualifying 99th, using the green cue in Accuracy. Lionel took a late error with a scratch and ended up at 19 shots. He finished with 181 shots and 15 errors in total. Westside Rockers rookie Carly keeps the green cue active in 15-ball. Carly had a smooth attack and took only one error before finishing at 21 shots with a 13-15 combination to the top right. Ending the group, Atlantic Pirates captain Delila plays Accuracy with the red cue, becoming the 100th player to exit qualifying. Delila had one error for a scratch on the break, and she closed the game at 18 shots. Her totals were 152 shots and 8 errors. 

Maplewood Lumberjacks captain Diddley is the 101st player done with qualifying, and he'll shoot Accuracy with the purple cue. Diddley made a pair on the break but faltered in the middle to end on 19 shots and no errors. Overall, he had 169 shots and 9 errors. Todavía Stills newcomer Hughbert exits qualifying 102nd with the green cue in Accuracy. Hughbert butchered his game early, then took one error and surged to end on 23 shots. He totaled 193 shots and 9 errors. Harrison Specters newcomer Esmeralda plays 12-ball with the purple cue, the last player in the event. Esmeralda looked rusty and needed five errors and 27 shots to finish the turn. Terrace City Knights captain Kiwi draws in for the 103rd Accuracy game, using the blue cue to finish qualifying. Kiwi handled things fairly well, ending with 19 shots and no errors in the game for totals of 157 shots and 4 errors. Zenith Skywatchers veteran Bells goes 45th today with the green cue in Rotation. Bells took a couple of errors but needed just 24 shots to finish the game. 

The final group commences with Atlantic Pirates sophomore Buddy shooting Accuracy with the purple cue as the 104th player to finish qualifying. Buddy was nearly great but settled for a very good 16 shots and no errors, giving him 187 shots and 18 errors overall. Commerce Tradewinds youngster Rosemary is up for Rotation with the silver cue. Rosemary was unimpressive with three errors early on before closing at 29 shots. Eastside Sharks newcomer Rudolph keeps the silver cue active in Accuracy as the 105th player to finish qualifying. Rudolph kept things in front of him and ended with 17 shots and no errors. His overall numbers were 173 shots and 17 errors. Stonebridge Wolves rookie Lindsay takes up the silver cue for 15-ball. Lindsay took two errors on a failed jump that potted a ball illegally, but she made a 3-15 combination to the bottom left to end at 7 shots. Today's finale sees Maplewood Lumberjacks star Whiskers play Rotation with the green cue. Whiskers had a wretched break and needed four errors in 29 shots to finish. 

We've got just 160 games left for the next three days. Of those, there are 85 players still left to finish, and no one has more than four games remaining.

Tournament XI Qualifiers - Day 30

We will resume qualifying today despite yesterday's fiery mess of action. Going first today...

Maplewood Lumberjacks veteran Summer shoots 15-ball with the blue cue. Summer had a good start, but couldn't command play later on, ending up at 28 shots with four errors. Modernistic Union veteran Puff I also plays 15-ball, using the purple cue. Puff I displayed control despite an early double-error. She finished at 23 shots and three errors for the game. Victoria Spurs veteran Sage brings the blue cue back for Rotation. Sage took one early error for illegal contact and settled in for 23 shots. Diamond Gems star Debby is 4th today, using the green cue for 12-ball. Debby handled things well in this appearance, closing at 21 shots with one error, which actually helped her positioning. Lighton Prestige sophomore Angelica ends the group with the green cue in Rotation. Angelica lost track of which ball to aim at, costing her two errors, and a late fade put her at 26 shots. 

The second group gets going with Oceanside Waves sophomore Rocky playing 13-ball with the purple cue. Rocky had some tough moments, but he took only one error in 23 shots to finish the outing. Another Wave, the newcomer Patches, shoots 13-ball with the red cue. Patches made three balls on the break and kept rolling after that to end with just 18 shots and no errors. Eastside Sharks sophomore Toki goes 8th today, using the purple cue in Rotation. Toki started and finished well, but took two errors in the middle that forced him to 25 shots. Terrace City Knights rookie Anna also plays Rotation, but with the blue cue. Anna made three balls on the break and wasted that good start with two errors and a couple of chases. She finished with 29 shots. More Rotation closes the group as Swordpoint Blades veteran Stealth takes up the red cue. Stealth was solid despite some tough positioning, ending with 28 shots and two errors in the game. 

Web City Spiders captain Jack will keep it going in Rotation with the purple cue. Jack kept it clean with no errors in 24 shots. Oceanside Waves captain Celestia keeps the purple cue active for Accuracy as the 75th player to exit qualifying. Celestia refused to miss in this appearance, clearing the rack in 14 shots and no errors. Her totals were 165 shots and 10 errors. Eastside Sharks sophomore Maison shoots 13th today, using the red cue in 15-ball. Maison was a little sloppy at times, needing three errors in 27 shots to finish. Pronger Tridents veteran Prism also plays 15-ball, using the green cue. Prism made three balls on the break and kept up a good pace to finish in 21 shots with one error. Modernistic Union newcomer Quincy returns to the table one day after his 13-ball meltdown, using the green cue in Rotation this time. Quincy had five errors in an erratic attempt, but he finished with only 23 shots. 

Group four is underway as Harrison Specters rookie Bucco plays 12-ball with the silver cue. Bucco had a great start, but made some mistakes later on. He finished in 21 shots with one error. Golden Pilots veteran Max is 17th today, shooting 15-ball with the red cue. Max made a mess of his positioning and ended up with four errors, but a 7-15 combination to the bottom right bailed him out at 17 shots. Infinity Torpedoes star Fuchsia draws in for 15-ball with the purple cue. Fuchsia closed her appearance quickly with a 6-15 combination to the bottom side for 6 shots and no errors. Oceanside Waves sophomore Megan completes her qualifying 76th by speed as she uses the purple cue in Accuracy. Megan took control very quickly and ended her game in 17 shots with no errors, for totals of 165 shots and 10 errors throughout her qualifiers. Viewpoint Sound Meteors veteran Dani picks up the red cue for 15-ball to seal the group. Dani didn't have the best of performances this time, needing three errors in 26 shots to finish. 

Batch five leads off with North Modernistic Nighthawks enforcer Cheddar playing 13-ball with the silver cue. Cheddar wasn't able to maintain control throughout the game, taking two errors and 30 shots. Another Nighthawk, the captain Peach, is up for Rotation with the blue cue. Peach had a bad break and needed 29 shots with four errors to get through her appearance. Capital City Sharpshooters rookie Kelsea is next with the purple cue in 12-ball. Kelsea got through the appearance swiftly with 16 shots and no errors on her ledger. Apex Wonders rookie Blair is next with the blue cue in Rotation. Blair got off to a great start, then faded to 27 shots and one error at the end. Pacific Volcanoes veteran Leonette also uses the blue cue in Rotation for today's 25th game. Leonette took three errors early on, but calmed down and closed the game in 24 shots. 

The sixth set begins as Pronger Tridents veteran Potter uses the purple cue for Rotation. Potter started well, took three errors in the middle, and surged to end in 24 shots. Royal Crowns sophomore Sunshine is the 77th to finish qualifying, using the blue cue in Accuracy. Sunshine did poorly with two errors and 22 shots in the game, putting him at 179 shots and 16 errors overall. Whitewater Shores veteran Marsell follows with the green cue in Accuracy as the 78th player done with qualifying. Marsell was a little shaky at times, leading to him needing 20 shots with no errors to finish the game. Overall, he had 171 shots and 14 errors. Terrace City Knights star Melissa keeps the green cue active in 15-ball. An unsteady start led to a great finish for Melissa, who had just one error in 25 shots. Midland Predators veteran Rainmane closes her qualifiers 79th by using the green cue in Accuracy. Rainmane took one error for an early scratch and ended up with 18 shots in the game. Her qualifying totals were 168 shots and 10 errors. 

Set seven opens with Everton Eagles veteran Vincent shooting 15-ball with the red cue. Vincent cleared the rack in 20 shots with one error, thanks to his sinking of three balls on the break. Web City Spiders veteran Nibbles keeps the red cue active in Rotation. Nibbles took a couple of errors and struggled early on, but finished the game in 28 shots. Lighton Prestige veteran Shiny goes 33rd today with the green cue in 15-ball. Shiny escaped relatively easily, taking one error but finishing on a 2-15 combination to the bottom left for 4 shots. Web City Spiders newcomer Kodiak is ready to go in 13-ball with the silver cue. Kodiak struggled with positioning and execution, needing 29 shots with three errors to finish. Tysini Hummingbirds star Sarah uses the silver cue in Accuracy as the 80th player to finish qualifying. Sarah took one error in 17 shots during this game, and her qualifying totals were 177 shots and 13 errors. 

The eighth group starts as Commerce Tradewinds hotshot Rosemary uses the green cue for 13-ball. Rosemary had good positioning but poorer execution. A little luck helped her finish in 22 shots with only one error. Westside Rockers veteran Chimpy is 37th to shoot today and 81st to finish qualifying as he uses the blue cue in Accuracy. Chimpy took one error for a scratch and finished on 19 shots in the game. Overall, he had 167 shots and 11 errors. Tysini Hummingbirds star Charli also plays Accuracy, using the purple cue as the 82nd player to finish. Charli took just 15 shots and no errors in the game to end her qualifying run at 162 shots and 8 errors. Harrison Specters captain Twinkie II is next up with the red cue in 15-ball. Twinkie II took a couple of errors for scratches, but a 12-15 combination to the bottom left ended her game at 19 shots. Modernistic Union veteran Sydney C. finishes qualifiers 83rd by speed, using the red cue in Accuracy. Sydney C. took no errors but had a shaky start and ended up with 20 shots, giving her overall totals at 187 shots and 12 errors. 

Going 41st today, Commerce Tradewinds captain Taylor S. plays 13-ball with the purple cue. Taylor S. cruised to 21 shots with no errors in the appearance. Midland Predators veteran Americus keeps the purple cue active to play Rotation. Americus had two errors but lost control late and ended up with 31 shots for the game. Apex Wonders veteran Cowzart sticks with Rotation but uses the green cue here. Cowzart made three balls on the break and took just one error in 20 shots. Golden Pilots captain Valencia also uses the green cue as she plays 15-ball. Valencia took four errors in a challenging game, then ended at 25 shots with a deflection off the 11 to get the 15 in the top left. Southern Monarchs newcomer Lorde wraps up the group with the red cue in 15-ball. Lorde was quick to strike, and she played through her two errors to end on 22 shots. 

The final group commences with Stonebridge Wolves newcomer Dewey playing Rotation with the green cue. Dewey deserved better than the 27 shots and one error he had, as his pace was good but he faltered late. Freedom Cascades newcomer Frosty is up for 13-ball with the silver cue. Frosty made use of her positioning early, but couldn't keep her performance up late. She ended with 26 shots and two errors. Harrison Specters newcomer Snuggle is the 48th player called today, playing Rotation with the green cue. Snuggle took a couple of errors and ended at 29 shots as his hot start didn't hold up. Boston Swifts newcomer Tigerette uses the purple cue in Accuracy as the 84th player to finish qualifying. Tigerette was nearly historically good early on, but a skid in the middle cut her down to a still-great 15 shots with no errors. She had totals of 148 shots and 14 errors. Southern Monarchs rookie Gabby ends the day in Rotation with the red cue. Gabby made four balls on the break and finished at 21 shots and one error. 

That's all for today's action. We're down to four days remaining in qualifiers.