Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 13

We're back for another day of games, leading off with...

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Nibbles v. Maren. The red cue starts the day in 9-ball. Web City's Nibbles struggled in game 1, and Apex's Maren was able to cash in a pair of three-ball runs, the latter earning her the win and 1-0 series lead. The Wonders' Maren had a bit more trouble in game 2, taking a couple of errors and missing the 9 at the bottom side late. The Spiders' Nibbles wasn't sharp either, but he got the win to tie the series at 1. Nibbles finished things quickly in game 3, making a 2-9-6 combination and a 2-9 combination to the bottom left for the win. Nibbles beat Maren 2-1 in the series.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Whiskers. The green cue tags in for a 7-ball series. Neither player was very fast at the start. Maplewood's Whiskers got the upper hand in game 1 with a three-ball run-out to beat Westside's Misty for the 1-0 series lead. A little luck went to the Rockers' Misty in game 2, as her just-barely-made-it moment on the 5 at the top left ignited a three-ball run-out to beat the Lumberjacks' Whiskers. This tied the series at 1. Misty went empty on the game 3 break but left Whiskers with nothing to aim at. Misty then ran the table on her second turn for the win and 2-1 series win.

Intel Center, Diamond: Debby v. Bandit. The red cue is back in action with Rotation. Diamond's Debby made a four-ball run off the break in game 1, and she went unchallenged for an 8-0 win as Swordpoint's Bandit fell flat. Debby holds a dominant 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Bandit put in a much better effort in game 2 and even held the lead at one point. The Gems' Debby didn't tolerate it, rallying on a four-ball run-out for the 8-6 win to seal the series at 2-0. Debby made easy work of game 3, winning 8-3 to sweep Bandit 3-0 in the series.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Molly v. Buddy. Sophomores tangle in 15-ball with the blue cue. Southern's Molly had a foul for illegal contact early in game 1, and Atlantic's Buddy turned it into a 4-15 combination to the bottom left two shots later. Buddy leads the series 1-0 after that quick win. The Pirates' Buddy had a bit of offense in game 2, but the Monarchs' Molly surged on a late six-ball run. She missed on the 10, but Buddy failed to make the 15 before Molly banked it to the bottom right for the win. The series is tied at 1. In game 3, Buddy's hard-hitting contact ended up undoing a good performance, as he missed the 13 late. Molly settled her offense to get a win and that gave her the series at 2-1.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Smokey v. Diddley. The purple cue activates with a 10-ball set. Pacific's Smokey had a few unfortunate bounces in game 1, which led to Maplewood's Diddley picking off the 10 for the win after Smokey's four-ball run. Diddley owns a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Smokey didn't enjoy any extra luck in game 2, as he scratched when he sank the 9. The Lumberjacks' Diddley made no mistake on the 10 at the bottom left for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Diddley had a strong finish in game 3 as well, making a five-ball run-out to finish off the 3-0 series sweep as Smokey couldn't get going.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Wario v. Bianca. The strongman and the captain for the Defenders clash in 13-ball with the red cue. Wario scratched on the break in game 1, but he bounced back later. Bianca couldn't sink her last ball, and Wario made a pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. Wario made a mess of game 2 with a scratch and an overfill on the break. The fouls didn't stop there, as a late overfill and a missed contact gave Bianca enough room to pick up the win and tie the series at 1. Bianca had chances to make a comeback again in game 3, but she butchered good positioning while Wario picked up the win at the top left. Wario took the series 2-1 and will play in the first round.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sally v. Precious. A captains' battle in Accuracy goes with the green cue. Archtown's Sally had a slight skid in game 1, but Pronger's Precious tailed off late. Sally was able to hang onto the lead at 2-4 for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Sally was almost perfect in game 2, but she missed on the last ball in regulation and scratched on the overtime break. The Tridents' Precious held true both times to earn the 1-2 win to tie the series at 1. Sally held her own initially in game 3, but a pair of misses in middle allowed Precious to grab and hold a 1-3 lead to the end. Precious won the series 2-1.

Intel Center, Diamond: Salmo v. Dreamy. The blue cue is back for 7-ball. Diamond's Salmo looked stronger at first in game 1, but a late scratch allowed Swordpoint's Dreamy to flex some muscle on the final pair. Dreamy's win put her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Gems' Salmo cruised through the middle of game 2, but he missed on the 6. The Blades' Dreamy had no such problems in making the final pair again for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Salmo avoided the sweep in game 3, answering a four-ball run from Dreamy with a three-ball run-out of his own. Dreamy still took the series 2-1.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Boots v. Sarah. In 9-ball, the red cue takes a turn. Pearl's Boots got lucky to win game 1, as Tysini's Sarah finished a three-ball run-out but scratched just after the 9 caromed into the bottom right. Boots holds a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Sarah couldn't keep any consistency in her play in game 2, leading to lots of misses. The Surfers' Boots enjoyed cleaning up some shots, mostly on the 9 at the bottom right to seal the series at 2-0. Sarah's cut on the 9 at the end of game 3 came up short, and Boots buried it at the bottom left to finish a 3-0 series sweep.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Snuggle v. Mr. Snowman. Prime club-mates duke it out in Accuracy with the purple cue. Harrison's Snuggle had a double-pot early and avoided trouble until he had a firm grip on the lead in game 1. Apex's Mr. Snowman sputtered out late, and Snuggle won 1-4 for the 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Snuggle completely unraveled in game 2, skidding out of control while the Wonders' Mr. Snowman pulled the strings to get a 2-3 win. This tied the series at 1. Game 3 was a sprint of a game, with Snuggle making a misplay on the final pair to fall behind. Mr. Snowman locked in a 0-1 win and took the series 2-1.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Graham v. Briana. The blue cue retires for the day after 7-ball. Central's Graham had a decent start in game 1, but it was Queens' Briana who broke loose at the end on a four-ball run-out. Briana owns a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Graham took over with a four-ball run in the middle of game 2. The Flames' Briana nearly fired back but missed the 7, and Graham collected it at the top right for the win to tie the series at 1. Graham needed just two shots in game 3, as he made a pair on the break and added the 1 in the bottom side and the 7 in the bottom right on his next shot. Graham beat Briana 2-1 in the series.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Boots v. Solaris. This North Division battle is in 15-ball with the purple cue. Pearl's Boots had a solid start to game 1, but she couldn't work up any offense at the end. Commerce's Solaris showed some creativity with a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Solaris found a seven-ball run in game 2, but he didn't get back to the table after missing on the 9. The Surfers' Boots executed a five-ball run-out capped by double-potting the 13 to the bottom left and the 15 to the top left for the win. The series is tied at 1. Boots had a chance to get the win in a tense game 3, but she scratched as she sent the 15 to the bottom right to gift the win to Solaris. The 2-1 series win also favored Solaris.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Shaggy v. Midnight. Another North Division meeting goes in 12-ball with the red cue. Whitewater's Shaggy made a four-ball run off the break in game 1 and had no trouble shutting out Apex's Midnight. The Shores' Shaggy nearly had a repeat effort in game 2, again starting with a four-ball run. This time, the Wonders' Midnight took away Shaggy's relief valve at the bottom right. Shaggy couldn't get an angle on her last ball, and Midnight eventually made a four-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Midnight went empty on the game 3 break, and two turns later, Shaggy made a five-ball run-out for the win with brilliant execution. Shaggy took the fiery series 2-1.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Katharine. More 12-ball sees the silver cue in its lone outing of the day. Golden's Strut got onto his last ball in game 1, but he wasn't able to make contact with it. Instead, the ball-in-hand turned into a six-ball run-out for Whitewater's Katharine, who grabbed a 1-0 series lead with the frenzy offense. The Shores' Katharine enjoyed a hot start to game 2, but positioning for her last ball was too slow. The Pilots' Strut took his turn for a comeback with a four-ball run-out this time, earning the win to tie the series at 1. Strut made one of each and scratched on the game 3 break, but he took solids for the positioning. Katharine wasn't able to get organized as Strut played aggressive in his win for the 2-1 series win.

Porsche Events Center, Zenith: Bells v. Rainmane. The day ends with the green cue in 9-ball. Midland's Rainmane aimed to shoot hard without much care of direction, but Zenith's Bells made a savvy deflection off the 4 to pot the 9 in the bottom left. Bells holds the series lead at 1-0. The Skywatchers' Bells again went quickly in game 2, depositing a 1-2 combination to the bottom left before making the 1-9 combination in the top left to seal the series at 2-0 over the Predators' Rainmane. In game 3, Bells went empty on the break and Rainmane cut a shot off the 1 to sink the 9 at the top left for her lone win. Bells still won the series 2-1. 

One of the fastest days of the season is done. Things look good for Day 14 going without a hitch Friday.

Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 12

We're back after a day off, ready to play a full slate. First up...

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Charli v. Nightfur. The blue cue starts the day in 15-ball. Tysini's Charli had dominant stretches of offense, but fell to Zenith's Nightfur converting the final pair in game 1. Nightfur leads the series 1-0. The Skywatchers' Nightfur was a bit bolder on offense in game 2, but she missed a play on the 12 near the end. The Hummingbirds' Charli stepped up for a 12-15 combination to the bottom left to win the game and tie the series at 1. Charli made a mess of the ending of game 3, allowing Nightfur to pick up the final pair for the win and 2-1 series win.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Kelsea v. Esmeralda. The silver cue takes a turn in Rotation. Harrison's Esmeralda had a three-ball run early in game 1, but Capital City's Kelsea surged the rest of the way to take an 8-4 win. Kelsea holds a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Kelsea kept her attack strong in game 2, and the Specters' Esmeralda didn't make any progress on the scoreboard. Kelsea won 8-4 again to clinch the series at 2-0. Kelsea took it easy in game 3, and Esmeralda took advantage of that for an 8-1 win. Kelsea advanced to the first round with a 2-1 series win.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Kacey v. Precious. Along to 13-ball with the red cue. A close battle in game 1 saw Royal's Kacey get a nice start, but Pronger's Precious battled back to win with a four-ball run-out. Precious owns a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Precious overfilled at the top right late in game 2, and the Crowns' Kacey rallied on a four-ball run before missing the 8. Kacey's only flaw was leaving a perfect position for Precious to make two shots for the win that sealed the series at 2-0. Kacey was a little better in game 3, winning on a three-ball run-out as Precious got her positioning tangled. Precious still took the series 2-1.

Intel Center, Diamond: Debby v. Roxy. Back in 15-ball, the blue cue cycles in between South Division rivals. Diamond's Debby struggled at the ends of the game, as Southridge's Roxy executed four-ball runs to start and close game 1 with a win. Roxy is ahead 1-0 in the series. The Defenders' Roxy had a bad break in game 2, and the Gems' Debby nearly suffered when she scratched on a cluster-buster that almost potted the 15. Debby showed control later, double-deflecting off the 3 and the 8 to tap the 15 to the top left for the win to tie the series at 1. Debby struck out of nowhere in game 3, making an 8-15 combination from range to the bottom right to beat Roxy 2-1 in the series.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Jennifer v. Nikolai. The green cue activates with this 10-ball series. Terrace City's Jennifer had most of the early offense in game 1, but Freedom's Nikolai made a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Jennifer wasn't able to make anything of an even split of offense in game 2. The Cascades' Nikolai barely made his shot on the 10, as it dribbled into the top left to secure the series at 2-0. Jennifer avoided the sweep with a five-ball run-out to conclude game 3, which left Nikolai with a 2-1 series win.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Sierra. A venue doubleheader concludes with the blue cue in 9-ball. Terrace City's Kiwi fell apart after a missed contact on the 4. Todavía's Sierra took over for a four-ball run-out, deflecting off the 7 to drive the 9 to the bottom left for the win. Sierra leads the series 1-0. The Stills' Sierra made a three-ball run-out in game 2, but this was much more her work than a failure by the Knights' Kiwi. Sierra finished by banking the 9 to the top side to clinch the series at 2-0. Kiwi managed to avoid the sweep with a three-ball run-out in game 3, which included a pair of banks. Sierra still won the series 2-1.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Bucco v. Spot. The silver cue is done for the day after 10-ball between East Division rivals. Harrison's Bucco pushed his way to a win in game 1 with a six-ball run-out, stunning Pronger's Spot after a slow start. Both players illegally potted balls in game 2, but a late one from the Specters' Bucco saw the Tridents' Spot choose to defer possession. Bucco then missed contact, and Spot made the final pair for the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Bucco struggled to strike at critical times. Spot ended up winning with four balls over his last two turns to take the 2-1 series win.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Molly v. Angelica. Sisters and West Division rivals battle in Accuracy with the red cue. Southern's Molly let a lead slip away in game 1 as Lighton's Angelica gave all she had to get to overtime. Angelica then missed her second shot in overtime, and Molly won 4-5 for the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Angelica again trailed late, but got the Monarchs' Molly to miss late. Angelica then followed her last shot into the pocket, the scratch giving Molly all she needed to win 2-3 to clinch the series at 2-0. Molly turned perfect in game 3, and Angelica came up short despite staying close for much of the game. Molly swept the series 3-0.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Graham. Another Accuracy series uses the blue cue. Central's Graham had a rough middle of game 1, and his strong finish didn't stop Golden's Strut from earning a 1-2 win. Strut leads the series 1-0. The Pilots' Strut had a similar start to game 2, but he unraveled later. The Warriors' Graham kept things close and held on late to earn the 2-3 win, which tied the series at 1. Graham kept things close until the end of game 3, making a mess with two misses late. Strut scratched on his last shot, but he won 2-3 anyway and took the series 2-1 in the process.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Jane v. Cobalt. More Accuracy features the green cue. Stonebridge's Jane stayed perfect in game 1 to earn a 0-2 win over Viewpoint Sound's Cobalt, who couldn't keep that pace. Jane is up 1-0 in the series. Both players stayed perfect deep into game 2, but the Wolves' Jane botched a late shot and the Meteors' Cobalt held on for the 0-1 win. The series is tied at 1. Another close battle emerged in game 3, and Jane nearly had it until she missed on the last ball. Cobalt left her nothing for the overtime break, and Jane went with a soft break, but Cobalt blasted in one ball for the 2-3 win and 2-1 series win.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Sydney C. v. Pauline. The run of Accuracy ends with the red cue. Modernistic's Sydney C. was strong in game 1, but a miss on the final ball allowed Queens' Pauline to swoop in for a 1-2 win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Union's Sydney C. had a chance to force overtime in game 2, but she missed on the last ball again. The Flames' Pauline converted it to get the 2-3 win, securing the series at 2-0. Sydney C. had a good finish in game 3, baiting Pauline into a miss to force overtime. Pauline's break in overtime was empty and Sydney C. won 2-3, but Pauline took the series 2-1.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Diddley v. Kacey. The visitor's second series today is in 9-ball with the red cue. Maplewood's Diddley made a pair in game 1, but Royal's Kacey answered on a three-ball run and a 5-9 combination on her second turn to get the win. Kacey leads the series 1-0. The Lumberjacks' Diddley went all-in early in game 2 and scratched. The Crowns' Kacey took the 9 to the bottom left with a deflection off the 1 to claim the series at 2-0. After numerous close calls, Kacey eventually made an 8-9 combination to the top left to complete the 3-0 sweep over Diddley.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Sydney C. v. Maggie. Union teammates collide in 7-ball with the blue cue. Sydney C. went empty on the break, and Maggie didn't like the distribution, so she ended game 1 early with a 1-7 combination at the bottom right. Maggie leads the series 1-0. Maggie didn't have the same quick-finish mentality for game 2, and Sydney C. was able to pick up a pair at the end for the win instead. The series is tied at 1. Sydney C. made a pair on the break and a pair at the end, blocking off a three-ball run from Maggie. Sydney C. took game 3 for a 2-1 series win.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Dominic. The purple cue's lone series today is in Accuracy. Southern's Dominic fell behind early in game 1, and Central's Twilight didn't budge enough to change the result. Twilight won 1-2 and grabbed a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight was a little less impressive in game 2, and a mid-game skid allowed the Monarchs' Dominic to clamp down on the lead. Dominic won 1-3 in the game and tied the series at 1. Dominic didn't find much success in game 3, and Twilight closed things up early with a triple-pot along the top rail thanks to two great deflections. Twilight won 2-4 and took the series 2-1.

Apple Center, Todavía: Sierra v. Molly. Both players play their second series to end the day in 13-ball with the green cue. Todavía's Sierra had a good start to game 1, but she wasn't able to bring it home after a couple of scratches. Southern's Molly was relentless and effective in the win, earning a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Sierra had the upper hand in game 2, but an aggressive play sank a ball that got the Monarchs' Molly out of trouble. Molly then made the final pair on her next turn to claim the win and seal the series at 2-0. Molly couldn't quite find control in game 3, so the win went to Sierra once she got her positioning sorted out. Molly settled for a 2-1 series win. 

All scheduling remains tentative after a lengthy day.

Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 11

The latest action from Tournament XI is ready, beginning with...

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Snuggle v. Rudolph. A current Specter meets a former one for Rotation with the green cue. Eastside's Rudolph led for much of game 1, but a big rally from Harrison's Snuggle at the end earned the host an 8-6 win. Snuggle took the 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Snuggle didn't mess around in game 2, winning in two turns, including a seven-ball run-out on the latter. Snuggle beat the Sharks' Rudolph 8-0 in the game to seal the series at 2-0. Snuggle had a decent start in game 3, but Rudolph took control with a six-ball run. Rudolph won 8-4 to avoid the sweep as Snuggle advanced on a 2-1 series win.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Frosty v. Sydney S. Another Rotation series goes with the green cue as it exits the day. A back-and-forth game 1 ended up going to Freedom's Frosty, who made a three-ball run-out to pull away with an 8-6 win despite a strong middle from Boston's Sydney S. Frosty leads the series 1-0. The Cascades' Frosty took the lead early in game 2, and this time she held that advantage over the Swifts' Sydney S. throughout. Frosty closed with an 8-4 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Frosty completed the series sweep in game 3 with a solid 8-5 win over Sydney S.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Tigerette v. Autumn. A South Division battle is on in 13-ball with the blue cue. Diamond's Autumn led for much of game 1 until Boston's Tigerette made a three-ball run. A close finish saw Tigerette add the final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Tigerette was solid to start game 2, but the Gems' Autumn overcame a scratch with a five-ball run. Positioning favored Autumn, who made the last pair easily for the win to tie the series at 1. Autumn found her groove in game 3 as well, especially over her last two turns. Tigerette couldn't get her offense going, and Autumn won on a three-ball run-out to take the series 2-1.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Jennifer v. Chris. Club-mates tangle in 12-ball with the silver cue. Capital City's Chris had the right positioning but weak execution in game 1, allowing Terrace City's Jennifer enough time to grab the win. Jennifer holds a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Jennifer was solid in game 2, but she had a couple of scratches that slowed her down. At the end, it was a race to the finish that the Sharpshooters' Chris won when he cut his last ball to the top left to tie the series at 1. Chris made a mess of his offense in game 3 and needed an attack late, but couldn't string shots together. Jennifer took over and put the 15 in the top right for the win and 2-1 series win.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Puff III v. Dusky. The East Division gets the spotlight in 10-ball with the red cue. Everton's Puff III held much of the offense in game 1, finishing with an 8-10 combination to the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead over Atlantic's Dusky. In game 2, the Pirates' Dusky put in a better start, but didn't get a chance to finish it off. The Eagles' Puff III fired back with a well-played six-ball run-out for the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Puff III led off game 3 with a five-ball run, but Dusky struck back with a five-ball run-out on her lone turn to get the win. Puff III settled for a 2-1 series win.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Andrew v. Lionel. The red cue goes again in Rotation. North Modernistic's Lionel paced the attack slowly early in game 1, but his scratched changed the game. Freedom's Andrew rattled off a seven-ball run-out for the 8-4 win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Andrew again pulled in chunks of offense at a time. He capitalized on two errors by the Nighthawks' Lionel to earn an 8-3 win this time. Andrew secured the series at 2-0. Lionel finally put it all together in game 3 to pick up an 8-4 win, but Andrew was able to get into the first round on a 2-1 series win.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Carly. The silver cue cycles in for 7-ball. Golden's Strut played too loosely in game 1, allowing Westside's Carly to capitalize on his mistakes. Carly took the 7 to the top side from ball-in-hand after Strut scratched, and Carly has a 1-0 series lead. Another choppy battle emerged in game 2, with the Rockers' Carly eventually sinking the 7 to the bottom right for the win and 2-0 series lead over the Pilots' Strut. Carly had a triple-pot in game 3, but she couldn't cash in at the end. Strut made a pair at the end to dodge a sweep, but he still lost the series 2-1 to Carly.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Shadow. The silver cue stays up for this 15-ball set. Stonebridge's Hershey gave away possession early with a pair of scratches. Diamond's Shadow dominated the offense and earned the win with a three-ball run-out for a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Shadow had a good break in game 2. The Wolves' Hershey had some early plays, but Shadow pulled down a win with a 4-15 combination to the top side to seal the series at 2-0. Hershey went all-out in game 3, attempting to avoid the sweep, but he missed a kick on the 15. Shadow sent it to the bottom right for the 3-0 series win.

Intel Center, Diamond: Salmo v. Acorn. The red cue is done after this 10-ball series. Diamond's Salmo made a pair on the break and a three-ball run-out at the end to cut off a strong counterattack from Lighton's Acorn in game 1. Salmo's win gave him a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Salmo had a three-ball run late in game 2, only to scratch as it ended. The Prestige's Acorn took the free look at the 10 to the top left, and his win tied the series at 1. Salmo capitalized late in a close game 3, as Acorn couldn't sink the 9. Salmo made the final pair and advanced with a 2-1 series win.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Daisy v. Pauline. Club-mates battle in 13-ball with the purple cue. Game 1 saw Oceanside's Daisy make one of each on the break. Queens' Pauline pushed, but a four-ball run by Daisy in the middle set her on course for the win to start the rivalry series ahead 1-0. The Waves' Daisy had a scratch on the game 2 break and struggled at times to keep up. The 8 blocked both players for some time at the bottom left until Daisy jarred it loose. This only opened it up for the Flames' Pauline to make a pair later for the win, which tied the series at 1. Game 3 went down to the wire as both players made runs and missed on the 8. Daisy made it on her second try at the top left, beating Pauline 2-1 in the series.

Apple Center, Todavía: Hughbert v. Lionel. The visitor's second series today is in 9-ball with the purple cue. Some sloppy play early on gave way to North Modernistic's Lionel positioning himself well on a three-ball run-out to beat Todavía's Hughbert. Lionel owns a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Hughbert baited the Nighthawks' Lionel into a scratch late in game 2, and that made a big difference. Hughbert made the final pair from ball-in-hand for the win to tie the series at 1. Hughbert began game 3 on a six-ball run, including a triple-pot of the 1 to the top left, the 5 to the bottom side and the 8 to the bottom left. He added the last three balls over two turns to beat Lionel for a 2-1 series win.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Boots v. Leonardo. The blue checks out after 12-ball. Pearl's Boots had a good break on solids, but couldn't get anything else going in game 1. Diamond's Leonardo made a four-ball run and a pair on consecutive turns to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Leonardo saw his fortunes turn in game 2, with a solid start and nothing on later turns. The Surfers' Boots made it quick with a five-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Leonardo will rue a late scratch in game 3 that set him just a shot back of where he needed to be. Boots pulled off her final pair just in time to win the series 2-1.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Yekaterina v. Mario. The silver cue takes a turn in 15-ball. Victoria's Yekaterina was fast on the attack at the start and the end of game 1. She won on a three-ball run-out as Queens' Mario struggled with possession. Yekaterina leads the series 1-0. The Spurs' Yekaterina took a step back on offense in game 2, and the Flames' Mario was there to fill the gap effectively. Mario picked off the 15 at the top right for the win, tying the series at 1. Mario started with a four-ball run in game 3, but he couldn't sustain that level of offense. Yekaterina was also quick and won with a three-ball run-out to take the series 2-1.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Rachel v. Hughbert. In 10-ball, the purple cue is up. Whitewater's Rachel had a missed contact late in game 1 after an uninspiring attack to that point. Todavía's Hughbert wasn't a lot better, but he made a pair at the end for a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Hughbert didn't make much improvement in game 2, but he buried a 6-10 combination to the top left to beat the Shores' Rachel. Hughbert sealed the series at 2-0. Hughbert faltered in game 3, and Rachel put in her best effort with a four-ball run-out for the win. Hughbert settled for a 2-1 series win to get into the first round.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Briana. The silver cue ends the day with Accuracy. Central's Dustin nearly fell apart in game 1, but he held it together long enough to bury Queens' Briana with a deficit. Dustin won 1-5 and took a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Briana kept things close in regulation in game 2, but she missed both of her shots in overtime. The Warriors' Dustin closed it out with a 3-4 win to secure the series at 2-0. Dustin kept control in game 3, while Briana slowly unraveled again. Dustin won 1-4 and took the series in a 3-0 sweep. 

Day 12's schedule is tentatively set for Tuesday, but may slide to Wednesday if necessary.

Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 10

We're ready to play a new day to begin the second half of the Play-In Round. First up...

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Neopolitan. The purple cue starts the day in 13-ball. Pearl's Neopolitan was a touch better in game 1, beating Southern's Dominic to the top side. Neopolitan then made the 8 to the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Dominic led for much of game 2, but a late foul by the Surfers' Neopolitan helped him keep control. Dominic kicked in his last stripe at the bottom side and made the 8 cleanly at the top left for the win to tie the series at 1. Dominic made two solids on the break and parlayed that into a five-ball run. That was enough to keep Neopolitan at bay, as she never caught up before Dominic earned the win for a 2-1 series win.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Kacey v. Nibbles. The red cue is up next in Rotation. Royal's Kacey couldn't get anything going in game 1, while Web City's Nibbles had a four-ball run-out at the end for an 8-1 win and the 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Nibbles jumped out to a solid lead in game 2. The Crowns' Kacey battled back with a three-ball run, but Nibbles answered with a three-ball run-out for the 8-3 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Game 3 saw Kacey use a four-ball run to get the lead, only to fade from there. Nibbles ultimately won 8-5 with a three-ball run-out, and he swept the series 3-0.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Bright v. Prism. The green cue checks in with a 9-ball series. Pearl's Bright had the better offense late in game 1, but he scratched while sinking the 8. Pronger's Prism took the free shot on the 9 for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Prism made three balls on the break and a late pair, but she missed on the 9. The Surfers' Bright cut it to the bottom left to win game 2, tying the series at 1. It was a close battle in game 3, but Bright was able to sink the final pair after Prism peaked too early. Bright won the series 2-1 and will play in the first round.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Bells. A South Division battle goes in 13-ball with the blue cue. Golden's Dusty had a positive start on stripes, but Zenith's Bells answered with a four-ball run and some defense. Bells held on long enough to earn the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Skywatchers' Bells started game 2 on a five-ball run, and the Pilots' Dusty wasn't able to answer it. Bells was patient late and earned her win to seal the series at 2-0. Dusty was motivated to avoid the sweep in game 3, and she paced her offense well despite a good start from Bells. In the end, Dusty's win cut Bells' series win to 2-1.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Kodiak v. Cheddar. More 13-ball features the silver cue. North Modernistic's Cheddar had good offense early in game 1, but Web City's Kodiak pulled ahead late. He then made the final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Kodiak put in a big defensive effort in game 2, but he wasn't able to corral the 8 on his lone chance. The Nighthawks' Cheddar finished a well-earned win here to tie the series at 1. Kodiak had a decent start after Cheddar's empty break in game 3, but Cheddar made a seven-ball run-out on her second turn for the win. Cheddar took the series 2-1.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Precious. The silver cue stays active in 7-ball between club-mates. Infinity's Fluffina scratched on the break and Pronger's Precious answered with a pair. Fluffina then rallied for a four-ball run-out and a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Precious couldn't pick up much more offense in game 2, as the Torpedoes' Fluffina dominated and won with a three-ball run-out. Fluffina's win secured the series at 2-0. Fluffina had some success in game 3, but Precious got the win on a four-ball run-out. Fluffina settled for a 2-1 series win.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Rocky v. Juno. The silver cue is done for the day after this 9-ball set. Stonebridge's Juno had a missed contact foul near the end of game 1. From ball-in-hand, Oceanside's Rocky made a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Wolves' Juno had a similar ending in game 2, as she missed contact on the 5. The Waves' Rocky picked up another three-ball run-out to get the win and seal the series at 2-0. Rocky wasn't able to get a strong finish in game 3, allowing Juno to pick up her lone win with the 9 at the top left.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Greg v. Jennifer. The green cue is back for 13-ball. Archtown's Greg overfilled the top left on the break, giving Terrace City's Jennifer some time to generate offense. Greg rallied with a four-ball run to get back in game 1, then finished with a crisp pair to go up 1-0 in the series. The Knights' Jennifer used a four-ball run to catch up in game 2, but lost her momentum on her last ball. The Arrows' Greg had time to scratch, sink a ball at the top left and make the 8 to the top right on separate turns, which gave him the series at 2-0 over Jennifer. Greg played from behind for most of game 3, but he sank the 8 illegally near the end to gift Jennifer her lone win. Greg advanced on a 2-1 series win.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Brownie. Veterans clash in 8-ball with the red cue. Pacific's Ms. Kitty started well and never backed down against Royal's Brownie in game 1. Ms. Kitty won with a pair at the end for a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Brownie had a chance to strike early in game 2 after the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty scratched on the break. Brownie took it easy, and Ms. Kitty bounced back later to win with a four-ball run-out. This clinched the series for Ms. Kitty at 2-0. Ms. Kitty had nothing working in game 3, as Brownie dominated the finale to get her lone win. Ms. Kitty heads to the first round on a 2-1 series win.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Rudolph v. Valencia. The blue cue gets a turn in 8-ball. Golden's Valencia enjoyed a slightly better pace than Eastside's Rudolph in game 1. Valencia was able to bring it home with the 8 at the bottom right for the 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Valencia had a scratch on the game 2 break, and she never recovered. The Sharks' Rudolph was decent on offense and didn't face much pressure to earn the win to tie the series at 1. Valencia had a good start in game 3, but couldn't finish it off with her run ending on three balls. Rudolph made a pair at the end for the win to take the series 2-1.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Ellie. The purple cue exits the day in 7-ball. Capital City's Ellie had a slight possession edge in game 1, but Oceanside's Celestia sniped the last pair of shots for the win. Celestia owns a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia again started a bit slow, but she also missed on the 7 in game 2. The Sharpshooters' Ellie cut the winning shot to the bottom right, tying the series at 1. Ellie kept it rolling in game 3, narrowly making the 5 to set up her finishing push on the 6 and 7 to the left corners. She beat Celestia 2-1 in the series.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Strawberry v. Blair. The blue cue goes again in 13-ball. Victoria's Strawberry fought hard to get onto the 8 in game 1, only to miss contact on a cut from a tough angle. This allowed Apex's Blair to sink it from ball-in-hand for the win and 1-0 series lead. A little defense went a long way for the Spurs' Strawberry, who successfully cut off all the exit strategies the Wonders' Blair could imagine. Strawberry then made a pair at the end for the win to tie the series at 1. Blair had a late scratch as he tried to keep up in game 3. Strawberry made a pair off of it eventually and got the win, taking the series 2-1.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Cubby v. Ruby. The red cue is done for the day after 10-ball. Both players hounded the 10 early in game 1. Archtown's Cubby failed on a 3-10 kick combination, while Todavía's Ruby made a deflection off the 3 to sink the 10 in the top left on the next shot. Ruby leads the series 1-0. A chaotic cluster in game 2 led to the Arrows' Cubby narrowly missing the 10 at the bottom left. The Stills' Ruby tapped it down for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Ruby had most of the offense after starting game 3 with a three-ball run. Cubby had a chance on the 10 again, but left it short of the top left, and Ruby cleaned it up to finish her 3-0 series sweep.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Cheddar v. Hughbert. The host's second series of the day is in 15-ball with the green cue. Neither player really took control in game 1, but it was a scratch on the 14 from Todavía's Hughbert that cost him the game. North Modernistic's Cheddar took the freebie on the 15 for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Hughbert was creative on offense early in game 2, but his win came when the Nighthawks' Cheddar scratched as she made the 15. In game 3, Hughbert began with a five-ball run, but his offense fell off after that. Cheddar made the final pair to take the series 2-1.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Quincy v. Misty. The day ends with the blue cue in 8-ball between North Division rivals. Westside's Misty had a good start to game 1, but Modernistic's Quincy provided a two-pronged counterattack, winning on a brilliant four-ball run-out. Quincy leads the series 1-0. The Union's Quincy committed a blunder in game 2 on the opening turn. He tried to bank a shot on a stripe, but instead sent the 8 into the top side prematurely. This gifted a win to the Rockers' Misty and tied the series at 1. Misty couldn't get anything right in game 3, allowing Quincy to dominate the offense in the decisive win. Quincy won the series 2-1. 

Rest continues to be a critical factor for play in this Play-In Round. As such, Day 11 could occur on any of the next three days.

Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 9

We're back in action after two days off, and we'll start with...

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Kodiak. The silver cue starts the day in Rotation. Game 1 was incredibly slow for both players. Commerce's Rosemary just missed a chance to win at the end, and Web City's Kodiak stepped up for the final pair in an 8-7 win. Kodiak leads the series 1-0. The Spiders' Kodiak lost control in game 2, finding almost no offense and fouling when he did. The Tradewinds' Rosemary was still chippy but got an 8-1 win to tie the series at 1. Rosemary pulled it together in game 3, grabbing an 8-4 win as Kodiak was slow to get back on track with his offense. Rosemary won the series 2-1 and will play in the first round.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Rudolph v. Sleepy B. The purple cue's lone series is in 15-ball. Eastside's Rudolph found a five-ball run late in game 1, but he couldn't make it stand. He missed on the 15 and Archtown's Sleepy B. poached the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Sleepy B. had some chaotic offense early in game 2, but it was a faster game. The Sharks' Rudolph got on track and took a four-ball run-out at the end to tie the series at 1. Rudolph picked up a three-ball run-out in game 3 after a close battle with Sleepy B. throughout the decisive game. Rudolph won the series 2-1.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Smokey v. Shawn. The red cue takes a turn in 8-ball. Pacific's Smokey got off to a big start with a six-ball run, but a scratch ruined his performance. Midland's Shawn rallied back with his own six-ball run and beat Smokey to the 8 for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Shawn lost his command late in game 2, and the Volcanoes' Smokey was there to pick up some offense and earn the win. This tied the series at 1. Smokey made two stripes and a solid when he scratched on the game 3. He left things even, but Shawn's offense sputtered after that. Smokey bounced back to win on a three-ball run-out for the 2-1 series win.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Solaris v. Summer. Also in 8-ball, the blue cue is used. Commerce's Solaris had the lead from the start of game 1 when he made a pair of stripes. Maplewood's Summer was steady but too slow, as Solaris made a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Solaris looked good with a four-ball run in game 2, but the comeback effort ended with a miss on the 8. The Lumberjacks' Summer fired back with a four-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Summer thought she had game 3 on a bank of the 8, but she missed to end a four-ball run. Solaris shot back with a five-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Cheddar v. Sparkles. The green cue activates for 12-ball. North Modernistic's Cheddar was a turn behind the pace in game 1, as Golden's Sparkles got set up and made her final pair just as Cheddar was lining up the presumptive counterattack. Sparkles leads the series 1-0. The Nighthawks' Cheddar was better in game 2, but two scratches near the end ruined her effort. The Pilots' Sparkles kept herself steady throughout for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Cheddar avoided the sweep with a solid performance in game 3, just outplaying Sparkles, who wound up with a 2-1 series win.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Summer v. Gal. The green cue stays up in 7-ball. Maplewood's Summer made the 2 to the bottom left and the 7 to the top right on a strong break in game 1. She took a 1-0 series lead over North Modernistic's Gal. The Lumberjacks' Summer had to put in a bit more work in game 2, but she emerged with the win on a three-ball run-out as the Nighthawks' Gal struggled to generate offense. Summer's win sealed the series at 2-0. Gal put up more of a fight in game 3, but Summer still made the final pair for the win, sweeping the series 3-0.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Sweetheart v. Chris. These two captains meet for the second consecutive day with the green cue in 13-ball. Boston's Sweetheart gambled on a play on the 8 and scratched in game 1. Capital City's Chris took the final pair from there to get the win and 1-0 series lead. Another ill-timed scratch in game 2 set the Swifts' Sweetheart too far back to recover. The Sharpshooters' Chris made three balls this time for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Chris couldn't quite close out game 3, leaving the 8 aboard the table. Sweetheart struck with a five-ball run-out for the win to avoid the sweep in a 2-1 series.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Snuggle v. Mr. Snowman. Prime club-mates battle in 13-ball with the red cue. Apex's Mr. Snowman worked a three-ball run-out at the end of game 1 for the win after Harrison's Snuggle never really recovered from an early scratch. Mr. Snowman holds a 1-0 series lead. The Wonders' Mr. Snowman looked in control to start game 2, but the Specters' Snuggle made a perfect move between defense and offense. Snuggle surged on a four-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Snuggle made one of each on the break in game 3, and chose to play solids. This was the right choice for him, as the positioning worked out and he easily beat Mr. Snowman for the 2-1 series win.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Cubby v. Kayla. A 9-ball series is up with the silver cue. Archtown's Cubby made a four-ball run-out on his second turn in game 1, with a hard bank on the 3 to the bottom right combined with a deflection to drive the 9 to the top left for the win. Royal's Kayla missed her only shot as Cubby took a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Kayla was more involved in game 2 with a late three-ball run, but she missed her lone chance on the 9. The Arrows' Cubby buried the winning shot at the bottom right to secure the series at 2-0. Kayla had a good push in game 3 to get the 9 down behind the 7, but she scratched on the play. This gifted Cubby the win and a 3-0 series sweep.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Daisy v. Dusty. The blue cue exits the day after this Accuracy series. Oceanside's Daisy made a couple of double-pots in game 1, and she maintained brutal efficiency to beat Golden's Dusty 0-1 in the opener. Daisy holds a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Daisy remained perfect in game 2, going at a fairly normal pace in her 0-3 win over the Pilots' Dusty. Daisy clinched the series at 2-0. Daisy took her first miss of the series in game 3, a late slip-up that didn't prevent her from pulling off a 3-0 series sweep with a 1-3 win over Dusty.

Intel Center, Diamond: Autumn v. Max. The silver cue is done after a 9-ball series. Diamond's Autumn had the better offense in game 1, making the last five balls over two turns to get the win and 1-0 series lead over Golden's Max. The Gems' Autumn chipped in some offense early, but the Pilots' Max wrangled possession away in the middle of game 2. Max then wove a five-ball run-out at the end for the win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 didn't have much going right on either side in a close battle. Autumn eventually picked off the 9 banked to the top right after she botched her intended shot. She beat Max 2-1 in the series to advance to the first round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stinky v. Gal. The visitor's second series today uses the green cue in 13-ball. North Modernistic's Gal had a positive start in game 1, but she couldn't finish it off. Freedom's Stinky rallied with a three-ball run-out to grab the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Stinky faltered badly in game 2, settling for desperate defense at the end. The Nighthawks' Gal got past him easily and kicked the 8 to the top right for the win, which tied the series at 1. Gal had an explosive break in game 3, and Stinky's first turn saw him make one of each as well. After both players got on track, Stinky's positioning was better and he earned the win for a 2-1 series win.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Vincent v. Salmo. The red cue draws in for 9-ball. Game 1 was destined to end early after both players missed their first try at a 4-9 combination. Everton's Vincent got it right the second time at the top left, earning the win and 1-0 lead in the series over Diamond's Salmo. The Eagles' Vincent took an early error in game 2 and the Gems' Salmo turned it into a four-ball run. On his next turn, Salmo sent the cue into the top left after the 8, and Vincent took the win from ball-in-hand to secure the series at 2-0. Game 3 was a slow one, but it ended the same as the others, as Vincent buried the 9 in the top left to beat Salmo again and take the series 3-0.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Sunshine v. Buddy. The red cue goes again in 13-ball. Royal's Sunshine made one of each suit on the game 1 break but also scratched. Atlantic's Buddy was given solids, but he gave Sunshine a stripe on his first turn. Sunshine handled the rest with a brilliant six-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Buddy was much more defensive in game 2, but the Crowns' Sunshine defied it with two banks on his three-ball run-out for the win. Sunshine's sublime shooting clinched the series for him at 2-0. Buddy had all the positioning in the world in game 3, but he waited until late for a four-ball run and then botched his shot on the 8. Sunshine picked it up at the top right to complete a 3-0 series sweep.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Starlight v. Briana. Two energetic players end the day with the red cue in 12-ball. Pacific's Starlight put up a good defensive resistance in game 1, but Queens' Briana eventually broke through with a pair for the win. Briana leads the series 1-0. The Flames' Briana sank three stripes on the break, giving herself a huge boost. The Volcanoes' Starlight made it close, but Briana cut the 11 to the bottom right at the end for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Briana took her time but ended up finishing a sweep in game 3 with the slow offense, as Starlight was all out of sorts. Briana swept the series 3-0. 

The Play-In Round is half over, and it should continue on Sunday.

Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 8

We return to action today with another full slate. First up...

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Molly v. Peach. The blue cue gets the opening series in 8-ball. North Modernistic's Peach had a great start to game 1 and did just enough to hold off a rally from Southern's Molly at the end. Peach holds a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Peach was kept quiet early in game 2, but the Monarchs' Molly didn't take a convincing lead. Peach rallied on an eight-ball run-out for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Peach wasn't able to support her five-ball run early in game 3, as Molly fought back and grabbed a win. Peach took the series 2-1.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Jane v. Gabby. Young opponents meet in 13-ball with the silver cue. Stonebridge's Jane had problems with her positioning, and Southern's Gabby quickly exploited that. Gabby took game 1 with a three-ball run-out for a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Jane had a five-ball run early in game 2, but she ended up falling short with a chase on her last stripe. The Monarchs' Gabby also overcame a scratch to pick up the win with a pair at the end, which sealed the series at 2-0. Jane had a good attack early in game 3, but Gabby replied with a six-ball run-out, a perfectly executed sequence that allowed the visitor to sweep the series.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Sparkles v. Panda. Club-mates battle in 10-ball with the blue cue. Everton's Panda displayed good movement on the cue ball, especially as he worked a four-ball run-out to win game 1 for a 1-0 series lead over Golden's Sparkles. The Pilots' Sparkles went all in for a deflection play on the 10 at the top left to start game 2, but she left it hanging. On his second shot of the game, the Eagles' Panda converted the 1-10 combination for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Panda couldn't find any early magic in game 3, but Sparkles avoided the sweep with a 4-10 combination to the bottom left. Panda settled for a 2-1 series win.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Luigi. The green cue activates for a 12-ball series. Commerce's Luigi was better early in game 1, but he faltered in the middle after giving away a ball to Infinity's Fluffina. A couple turns later, Fluffina made a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fluffina made one of each on the break in game 2, and turned that into a four-ball run on stripes. The Tradewinds' Luigi battled back a bit, but Fluffina made her final pair for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Luigi had better positioning in game 3, helping him dodge a sweep as he kept Fluffina at bay. Fluffina advanced on a 2-1 series win.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stinky v. Omari. More 12-ball follows, this time with the blue cue. Freedom's Stinky stayed a step ahead even with an overfill on the break in game 1. Zenith's Omari had some threatening offense but couldn't cash in late, and Stinky took the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Skywatchers' Omari improved his play early in game 2, but he got blocked at the end. The Cascades' Stinky made a clutch defensive move at the top right, eventually setting himself up to win with a pair, which clinched the series at 2-0. Stinky didn't have the right positioning to finish off game 3, as Omari made a three-ball run-out for his lone win. Stinky moves to the first round after a 2-1 series win.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Summer v. Valencia. The red cue joins the party in 10-ball. Maplewood's Summer had the better play in game 1 and won with a 7-10 combination to the bottom left after Golden's Valencia had a loose shot on the 7. The Pilots' Valencia had better plays in game 2, but illegally potting the 7 wasn't one of them. After a scramble for control, the Lumberjacks' Summer made the last two shots for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Summer completed the sweep in game 3, starting with a three-ball run and adding a four-ball run-out as Valencia struggled on offense.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Taylor S. v. Easter. Captains clash in 7-ball with the purple cue. Commerce's Taylor S. had a controversial play to extend her game 1 run to four balls. She was allowed to shoot at the 2, but couldn't sink it. Todavía's Easter then double-kissed the 2-7 bank combination into the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Easter had a six-ball run in game 2, but it ended with her giving away the win. She made the 5-7 combination to the bottom left and scratched on the same play, allowing the Tradewinds' Taylor S. to tie the series at 1 without taking a shot. Taylor S. left nothing to chance in game 3, making the 5 and 7 on the break to claim the 2-1 series win over Easter.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Ice Cream v. Lorde. The silver cue is done for the day after this 10-ball series. Southern's Lorde made a 2-10 combination early in game 1, but also scratched on the play, denying her the early win. Boston's Ice Cream had modest offense, but Lorde made the final pair, earning the win and 1-0 series lead anyway. The Swifts' Ice Cream illegally sank the 5 but retained possession on the play. She then missed contact on the 7, which allowed Lorde to take the 7-10 combination as a double-pot to the top left for the win. Lorde secured the series at 2-0 with this win. Lorde faltered with a scratch on the 9 in a close game 3 battle. Ice Cream took the 10 for free from ball-in-hand to avoid the sweep, but Lorde won the series 2-1. This was Ice Cream's 100th unique opponent.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Daisy v. Twinkie I. In another 10-ball series, the blue cue is used. Oceanside's Daisy found a lot of offense in game 1, working well both early and late. She closed on a four-ball run-out to beat Pacific's Twinkie I for a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I remained inefficient on offense in game 2, as the Waves' Daisy picked up the last four balls over two turns to get the win. Daisy secured the series at 2-0. Daisy didn't get much right in game 3, as Twinkie I made a six-ball run and then added the last pair over the following two turns. Daisy still won the series 2-1 to get into the first round.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Maison v. Nibbles. The red cue checks out with 15-ball. Eastside's Maison had a large chunk of the offense in game 1, but he came up short in the end. Web City's Nibbles picked off the 15 at the top side on a bank to earn a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Maison put up another good effort in game 2, but he couldn't finish this one either. The Spiders' Nibbles ended up with the win when he converted the 15 on his second try, sealing the series at 2-0. In game 3, it was all Nibbles at the end. He made a seven-ball run and followed up with a three-ball run-out to complete the 3-0 series sweep over Maison.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Chicky Phil v. Sierra. This series features the purple cue in 7-ball. Midland's Chicky Phil made three balls on the break in game 1 and followed up with a four-ball run-out on his next turn to beat Todavía's Sierra. Chicky Phil owns a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Sierra was a little more involved in game 2, but the Predators' Chicky Phil still finished with a pair of shots for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Chicky Phil completed the sweep in game 3 with a three-ball run from the break and a 6-7 bank combination to the bottom left at the end.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Puff III v. Debby. Veterans meet in 9-ball with the blue cue. Everton's Puff III enjoyed more of the offense in game 1, while Diamond's Debby made a move late but came up short. Puff III deposited the 9 in the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Debby had a chance for a push at the end of game 2, but her last turn ended in a scratch. The Eagles' Puff III made the final pair from ball-in-hand to earn the win and 2-0 series lead. Puff III was solid again in game 3, but Debby won on a three-ball run-out capped by an 8-9 combination to the top right. Puff III still won the series 2-1.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Puff II v. Maison. The purple cue is back for 8-ball. Momentum shifted often in game 1, with Eastside's Maison making a six-ball run that Harrison's Puff II answered with a four-ball run. Maison then took the 8 just in time to get the win and 1-0 series lead. A much tighter game 2 battle saw the Sharks' Maison stumble a couple of times. The Specters' Puff II was steadier and made the 8 at the top side for the win, tying the series at 1. Puff II went on a deep five-ball run to keep things close after Maison's hot start in game 3. Maison couldn't finish on his last ball, and Puff II got the win for a 2-1 series win.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Sweetheart v. Chris. These two captains meet for the first of two consecutive days, playing 9-ball with the green cue. Capital City's Chris brought game 1 to a sudden finish when he double-potted the 6 and 9 to the left corners for the 1-0 series lead over Boston's Sweetheart. The Sharpshooters' Chris nearly won it early in game 2, but instead saved his offense for a late four-ball run-out capped at the top side. He clinched the series at 2-0 as the Swifts' Sweetheart struggled to get going. Sweetheart avoided the sweep with a spark of a three-ball run-out at the end of game 3. Chris settled for a 2-1 series win to advance.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Dreamy v. Greg. Ending the day, the purple cue is in 10-ball. Swordpoint's Dreamy pieced together a six-ball run to start game 1. Archtown's Greg illegally potted the 7, but Dreamy deferred possession. It was a mistake, as Greg made three more shots for the win and 1-0 series lead. Legal shots were rare in game 2, as both players had multiple uncalled plays. The Blades' Dreamy suffered again from what's being described as top side fade, leading to a late scratch. The Arrows' Greg took the ball-in-hand for an 8-10 combination at the bottom side to seal the series at 2-0. Dreamy couldn't catch a bounce in game 3, suffering another defeat as Greg made a three-ball run-out for the 3-0 series sweep. 

That's it for today. Tournament play is questionable for tomorrow -- if it plays, it'll be the halfway mark of the Play-In Round.

Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 7

We'll go with another full day today. We begin with...

Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Strut. South Division rivals clash in 8-ball with the green cue to lead things off. Golden's Strut held the lead early on, but a scratch stalled him out. Royal's Jake won within the next two turns to take a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Strut got down to the 8 in game 2, but he couldn't bring it home this time either. The Crowns' Jake made a three-ball run-out for the win and clinched the series at 2-0. In game 3, Jake had a chance to get the sweep but got sloppy near the end. Strut wasn't much better but he was able to win. Jake took the series 2-1.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Chimpy v. Dustin. The green cue stays active in 13-ball. Westside's Chimpy got shut out in game 1, as Central's Dustin commanded the game quickly. Dustin finished with a bank of the 8 to the bottom left through traffic, earning a 1-0 series lead in style. The Rockers' Chimpy made a four-ball run early in game 2, then coasted to the finish. The Warriors' Dustin applied pressure late but choked on his one chance at the 8, which Chimpy then converted to the bottom left. The series is tied at 1. Dustin had the right positioning for a moment in game 3, but he missed a shot. Chimpy put him in a tough spot, and Dustin illegally sank the 8 on the next turn to gift the game and the series away. Chimpy won the series 2-1. This was Dustin's 100th unique opponent.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Blake v. Bear. The purple cue draws in for Rotation. Freedom's Blake had a turn in the middle of game 1 that gave her control, and Commerce's Bear couldn't keep up. Blake won 8-5 to take a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Bear had a lead at one point in game 2, but he let it slip as the Cascades' Blake answered on a three-ball run. Blake eventually finished with an 8-4 win to secure the series at 2-0. Bear got a little redemption in game 3 with a four-ball run to take the lead. Blake made a pair, but Bear immediately replied with a pair to win 8-3. Blake took the series 2-1.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Patches v. Dreamy. More purple cue action comes in 15-ball. Oceanside's Patches couldn't gain control on offense, and that led to some chances for Swordpoint's Dreamy. At the end of game 1, Dreamy made the 15 for the win and 1-0 series lead after a bad miss from Patches. The Blades' Dreamy went empty on the game 2 break, and the Swifts' Patches turned a failed bank on the 1 into sinking the 15 at the top left on her lone shot. Patches tied the series at 1. Dreamy fouled late in game 3 as her shot on the 9 failed. Patches converted the 10-15 combination with a deflection off the 9 to get the win, earning a 2-1 series win.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Kitty v. Dewey. The blue cue activates in 9-ball. Midland's Kitty had the better play in game 1. Both players rattled the 9 out on their first looks, but Stonebridge's Dewey didn't get a second try after Kitty buried it to the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Kitty was poor to start game 2, and it cost her when the Wolves' Dewey jammed a shot off the 1 that deflected the 9 into the bottom left and the 6 into the top left. The series is tied at 1. Dewey had a chance on the 9 in game 3, but he couldn't pick it up. Kitty made it to the bottom left for the win and 2-1 series win.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Bear v. Jake. Both players get a second series today, playing Accuracy with the purple cue. Commerce's Bear scratched on the break and took a few turns to get on track. Royal's Jake had just one scratch and plenty of good luck in game 1 for his 1-5 win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Jake had a little trouble in the middle of game 2, and that led to the Tradewinds' Bear holding steady to earn a 1-2 win. This tied the series at 1. Jake made a double-pot in game 3 to give Bear the last-shot advantage. Bear squandered this by falling behind on the last ball, and Jake made it for a 1-2 win to take the series 2-1.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Rosalina. The red cue's lone appearance is in 8-ball. Victoria's Rosalina struck first in game 1, but Pronger's Precious fought it off with an eight-ball run-out on her third turn. Precious' win put her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Spurs' Rosalina made a four-ball run in game 2, but that came sandwiched between the Tridents' Precious opening the game on a five-ball run and closing it with a three-ball run-out. Precious didn't get much offense in game 3 as Rosalina made a seven-ball run early on. Two turns later, Rosalina got the win to avoid the sweep in Precious' 2-1 series win.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Hoot v. Sally. Captains collide in 7-ball with the green cue. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot made the 2 and the 7 to the left corners on the game 1 break to earn a quick 1-0 series lead over Archtown's Sally. The Meteors' Hoot scratched on his first turn in game 2. The Arrows' Sally replied with a three-ball run, but she missed on the 4, and Hoot had a three-ball run-out for the win. This secured the series at 2-0 for Hoot. In game 3, Hoot needed only two shots to get the win with a 1-7 combination at the bottom right as he completed the 3-0 sweep over Sally.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sugar v. Dusky. More 7-ball features the blue cue. Tysini's Sugar had the better offense in game 1, taking the win over Atlantic's Dusky with a three-ball run-out. Sugar leads the series 1-0. The Hummingbirds' Sugar worked a three-ball run late in a sloppy game 2, but she missed a long shot on the 7. The Pirates' Dusky picked it off at the end for the win, tying the series at 1. Dusky had a poor first turn in game 3, but she made a four-ball run-out later to get the win and a 2-1 series win over Sugar.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Molly v. Sleepy B.: In 9-ball, the purple cue takes a turn. Southern's Molly scratched on the game 1 break, but Archtown's Sleepy B. had a scratch on the 7 near the end. Molly took the 9 from ball-in-hand for an easy win and 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Molly had her fair share of offense in game 2, but double-potting the 7 and 8 to the bottom side and bottom right left her no angle on the 9. She missed, and the Arrows' Sleepy B. sent it to the top right for the win to tie the series at 1. Sleepy B. had an unfortunate scratch in game 3, as that led to Molly working a six-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win. Molly took the series 2-1.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Snowball v. Nightfur. Back in 8-ball, the green cue cycles in. Westside's Snowball opened game 1 with a five-ball run on stripes. Zenith's Nightfur fired back with a three-ball run and a four-ball run-out on consecutive turns to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Skywatchers' Nightfur started slow again in game 2, but answered with a six-ball run. The Rockers' Snowball responded this time with a five-ball run-out, including a gutsy cut on the 8 to the bottom right to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was the closest of them all, which saw Nightfur get down to her last ball before Snowball made a three-ball run-out for the win. Snowball won the series 2-1.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stinky v. Fuchsia. The purple cue is done for the day after this 7-ball set. Freedom's Stinky went empty on the game 1 break, and Infinity's Fuchsia missed her attempt at an early finish. Stinky then ran the table on his second turn to earn the win and 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fuchsia continued to waste limited chances on offense, with two misses in game 2. These led to a three-ball run and a four-ball run-out for the Cascades' Stinky, who sealed the series at 2-0 with the win. Fuchsia did better on offense in game 3, making a pair of shots at the end to earn the win. Stinky still advanced to the first round with a 2-1 series win.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Mario. A burgeoning rivalry plays in 10-ball with the silver cue. Web City's Jack had his looks early in game 1, but he was too aggressive late. Queens' Mario nabbed the 10 cleanly and took the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Mario had the better play in game 2, but he couldn't corral the 10 at the end on a bank attempt. The Spiders' Jack plucked it at the top right and earned the win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 was pretty tight as both players refused to budge much. Jack held his ground better in the end with four of the last five balls to earn the win and 2-1 series win over Mario.

Apple Center, Todavía: Pedey v. Starlight. West Division rivals battle with the silver cue in 7-ball. Todavía's Pedey posted a four-ball run early in game 1 and then added a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead over Pacific's Starlight. In game 2, the Volcanoes' Starlight made a six-ball run on her first turn, but couldn't get a play on the 7. The Stills' Pedey stole the win with a snipe to the top left, securing the series in his favor at 2-0. Pedey had a lucky bounce early in game 3, but he couldn't cash it in later as Starlight finished strong to get her lone win. Pedey advanced on a 2-1 series win. This was Starlight's 100th unique opponent.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Gabby. The green cue closes the day in 9-ball. Southern's Gabby had some positive moments in game 1, but her finishing wasn't there, and Harrison's Twinkie II took the final pair after Gabby scratched. Twinkie II leads the series 1-0. The Specters' Twinkie II put in a similar effort in game 2, but the Monarchs' Gabby stepped up her game this time. Gabby finished with a four-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Twinkie II wasn't able to make a shot in game 3, as Gabby made a trio of three-ball runs for the win and 2-1 series win. 

We should be back for more action tomorrow.

Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 6

After a couple of days off for rest, Tournament play returns today. We begin with...

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Kelsea. The opening series has the green cue in Accuracy. Capital City's Kelsea kept up early in game 1, but faded late as Boston's Gradley refused to budge. Gradley won 1-4 and took a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 had some chaotic play, but the Swifts' Gradley stayed calm and picked up a 2-5 win over the Sharpshooters' Kelsea this time. Gradley clinched the series at 2-0. Kelsea turned it around with a strong game 3, beating Gradley 1-5 to avoid the sweep in a 2-1 series.

Sony Center, Queens: Briana v. Kelsea. The visitor finishes a road doubleheader in 8-ball with the blue cue. Capital City's Kelsea picked up the pace in game 1, but faded late as Queens' Briana applied pressure. Briana slipped later and Kelsea held on for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Briana got onto the 8 in game 2, but she left it near the top left. The Sharpshooters' Kelsea responded on a three-ball run-out for the win, pulling off a comeback for the win and 2-0 series lead. Game 3 saw Kelsea unravel a six-ball run early on. Briana made it close at the end, but Kelsea held on for the win and 3-0 series sweep. Kelsea heads to the first round.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Taylor S. The purple cue activates in 10-ball. Boston's Gradley made a few too many mistakes in game 1, and Commerce's Taylor S. cleaned up with the 10 cut to the top right at the end. Taylor S. holds a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Gradley sank the 1 in an uncalled pocket in game 2, and the Tradewinds' Taylor S. deferred possession back to him. Gradley then cut a 2-10 combination to the top left as intended for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was pretty close, but Gradley couldn't finish it off with a miss on the 9. Taylor S. stepped in to make the final pair for the win and 2-1 series win.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Starlight v. Goldy. A captains' battle goes in 10-ball with the silver cue. Pacific's Starlight fumbled possession with a missed contact in the middle of game 1. Everton's Goldy made a four-ball run but missed on the 10, and Starlight buried it to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Volcanoes' Starlight had a five-ball run in game 2, but she sank the 10 illegally and missed it on a second try. The Eagles' Goldy picked it off at the top side for the win to tie the series at 1. Goldy rattled off a four-ball run-out in game 3 after a close battle with Starlight early. This gave Goldy a 2-1 series win.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sally v. Omari. The green cue returns for some 8-ball. Archtown's Sally quickly got onto the 8 in game 1, but Zenith's Omari successfully stalled her with defense until he could catch up. Omari won with a bank of the 8 to the bottom left for a 1-0 series lead. The Skywatchers' Omari took the lead early in game 2 and never let go. The Arrows' Sally couldn't overcome the deficit before Omari sent the 8 to the top left, which clinched the series for him at 2-0. Sally jumped ahead of Omari in game 3, eventually finishing with a win to dodge the sweep. Omari instead advanced on a 2-1 series win.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sugar v. Jack. The purple cue cycles in with Accuracy. Tysini's Sugar made a ball on the game 1 break, but she faltered late. Web City's Jack was steady enough at the end to win 2-3, going up 1-0 in the series. The Spiders' Jack was once again solid in game 2, while the Hummingbirds' Sugar lost her pace early on. Sugar never tasted the lead as Jack won 2-4, sealing the series for him at 2-0. Sugar avoided the sweep in game 3, going nearly perfect until a late miss left her with a 1-2 win. Jack won the series 2-1 overall.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Maggie. The silver cue takes a turn in 12-ball. Modernistic's Maggie was excellent at defense in game 1, baiting Victoria's Spice into a pair of missed contact plays. Maggie made three balls from that, earning the win and 1-0 series lead. The Union's Maggie began game 2 with a four-ball run, but she couldn't line up for her final shot at the top side. The Spurs' Spice chipped back slowly and ended up with the win to tie the series at 1. Maggie looked good with a four-ball run early in game 3, but positioning prevailed for the Spurs' Spice. She kicked a shot on the 14 at the top right to ignite a five-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Ice Cream v. Paps. A South Division rivalry is next, using the red cue in 15-ball. Boston's Ice Cream didn't find much joy in game 1, as Zenith's Paps posted three notable runs, the last of which earned him a win. Paps leads the series 1-0. The Skywatchers' Paps remained strong on offense in game 2, even as the Swifts' Ice Cream got more involved. Ice Cream missed her chance on the 15 and Paps converted it to seal the series at 2-0. Paps put the 15 near the top left on the game 3 break, but he never got to finish it. Ice Cream made a 4-15 combination to avoid the sweep as Paps advanced on a 2-1 series win.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Cubby v. Omari. The silver cue exits after this 13-ball series. Zenith's Omari had a solid comeback effort in game 1, but he scratched near the end. Archtown's Cubby stepped up to earn the win and 1-0 series lead over his former teammate from last season. The Skywatchers' Omari got onto the 8 in game 2, but his positioning was poor after a four-ball run. He ended up gifting a ball to the Arrows' Cubby, who made his next pair of shots for the win. Cubby clinched the series at 2-0. Cubby made a ball to the top side early in game 3, but it was a five-ball run that established him as the runaway winner. He added the 8 to the top left for a 3-0 series sweep over Omari.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Bandit v. Greg. The blue cue is done after an Accuracy series. Swordpoint's Bandit slipped in the middle of game 1, and that led to an easy win for Archtown's Greg. He took the 1-0 series lead with a 2-4 win. The Arrows' Greg made a pair on the break but didn't improve in game 2. His two misses stuck him with a loss as the Blades' Bandit tightened his shooting for a 1-2 win to tie the series at 1. Greg held the lead throughout game 3, but lost control at the end. This created overtime, where Greg missed on his second shot and Bandit converted for a 4-5 win to take the series 2-1.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Ingrid v. Autumn. In 7-ball, the purple cue gets a look between South Division rivals. Southridge's Ingrid made a pair on the break and a pair on her final turn of game 1 for the win and 1-0 series lead over Diamond's Autumn. The Gems' Autumn struggled again in game 2, but the loss was still unlucky, as the Defenders' Ingrid deflected off the 5 to sink the 7 at the top left. The 5 also caromed into the top side for a double-pot, giving Ingrid the series at 2-0 with some style points. Game 3 saw Ingrid suffer a scratch early on. Autumn picked up some offense, but Ingrid closed with a four-ball run-out to complete the 3-0 series sweep.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Quincy v. Sydney C. A pair of Union players battle in 15-ball with the green cue. Quincy had a good start in game 1, but Sydney C. took over towards the end. Sydney C. prevailed with a four-ball run-out to earn a 1-0 series lead. Both players lost a bit of pace in game 2, but it was worse for Sydney C. Quincy instead picked things up later, winning on an 11-15 combination to the top right to tie the series at 1. Quincy had some moments in game 3, but he wasn't consistent enough. At the end, Sydney C. sniped the 15 to the bottom left for the win and 2-1 series win.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Sweetheart v. Bianca. Another South Division battle uses the red cue in 10-ball. Boston's Sweetheart popped off at the end of game 1 with a six-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead over Southridge's Bianca. The Swifts' Sweetheart had some good offense in the middle of game 2, but the Defenders' Bianca converted on a 6-10 combination to the bottom left to get the win. This tied the series at 1. Sweetheart retook control of the offense in game 3 with a six-ball run and a pair on the next turn for a dominant win over Bianca. Sweetheart won the series 2-1 to get into the first round.

Sony Center, Queens: Mario v. Josie. The red cue's day ends in 7-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Josie picked up a four-ball run-out after a slow start for both her and Queens' Mario in game 1. Josie leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Josie sank the 5 to the bottom left on the break, then followed up with a 1-7 combination to the bottom right for the win and 2-0 series lead over the Flames' Mario. In game 3, Josie seemed fine at the start, but couldn't find much offense at the end. Mario nabbed the 7 to the top right for the win, leaving Josie with a 2-1 series win.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Blaze v. Leonette. Ending the day, the purple cue is used in 12-ball between West Division players. Infinity's Blaze tried to make a comeback in game 1, but he couldn't sink his last ball. Pacific's Leonette made a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Leonette spent a long time trying to sink her last ball in game 2, but she instead scratched. The Torpedoes' Blaze then cashed in with a pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Blaze kept his offense strong in game 3, finishing with a bank to the top right to beat Leonette 2-1 in the series. 

That's it for today's games. We're still battling a bit of fatigue so consider the remainder of this week as a tentative continuation of the schedule.