Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 18

We're set to close out the Play-In Round today. It will also be a day off for the purple cue. Leading off...

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Nibbles v. Leonardo. The red cue gets the start today in Accuracy. Web City's Nibbles had a good start in game 1, but it went to waste as he fell apart late. Diamond's Leonardo steadied himself and earned a 3-4 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Nibbles was better in game 2 but couldn't get any separation near the end. The Gems' Leonardo stayed closed and then grabbed a 2-3 win when Nibbles missed on the last ball. This secured the series for Leonardo at 2-0. Leonardo couldn't close out game 3, faltering late as Nibbles took a 1-3 win. Leonardo won the series 2-1 to get to the first round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Bright. The red cue goes again in Accuracy. Capital City's Chris was nearly perfect in game 1, grabbing a 1-4 win against a shaky effort from Pearl's Bright. Chris leads the series 1-0. The Sharpshooters' Chris had a close battle in game 2, and it went to overtime when the Surfers' Bright failed to secure the win. In overtime, Bright missed on the break and Chris converted for a 2-3 win to seal the series at 2-0. Chris couldn't complete the sweep, taking a 1-3 loss to Bright in game 3, but Chris advanced on a 2-1 series win.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Neopolitan v. Sweetheart. A captains' battle in 7-ball uses the green cue. A back-and-forth game 1 saw Boston's Sweetheart lose her angle on the 7 late and leave it just short of the top right. Pearl's Neopolitan made the tap-in for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Sweetheart left shots on the table in game 2, and the Surfers' Neopolitan happily knocked them down for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Neopolitan didn't slow down in game 3, making a productive play for the 6-7 combination to the top right to sweep Sweetheart 3-0 in the series.

Sony Center, Queens: Violetta v. Taylor S. The marquee matchup of the day is in 12-ball with the blue cue. Queens' Violetta started with a modest attack, then potted a four-ball run with a good setup on her last ball. Commerce's Taylor S. couldn't keep up, and Violetta won game 1 for a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. got close to a win in game 2, but she couldn't sink her last shot at the top side. The Flames' Violetta fought her off with defense and took the win to secure the series at 2-0. Taylor S. refused to go quietly in game 3, making a three-ball run-out for the win to avoid the sweep. Violetta settled for a 2-1 series win to get herself in the first round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Sunshine v. Twinkie II. The silver cue checks in for 8-ball. Royal's Sunshine was strong in game 1, rattling off a six-ball run-out for the quick win over Harrison's Twinkie II. Sunshine has a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Sunshine had some pop on his game 2 break, but the Specters' Twinkie II found a groove for a seven-ball run-out. She ended with a jump on the 8 at the top left for the win to tie the series at 1-1. Twinkie II rallied with a six-ball run from the break, but she also gave up some collateral damage in game 3. Sunshine then fought back on a seven-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Puff I v. Maison. In 7-ball again, the red cue gets a look. Eastside's Maison had a scratch after making the 2 in game 1. Modernistic's Puff I locked in after that, making a five-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. A more even game 2 saw the Union's Puff I look a little choppy on offense. This worked for the Sharks' Maison, who buried the final pair for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 looked similar to the one before, right down to the result as Maison made a pair in the end for the win over Puff I. Maison took the series 2-1.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Chimpy v. Briana. The silver cue is back for this 10-ball set. Queens' Briana had a miss on the 3 in game 1, and that was cleaned up by Westside's Chimpy, who then made a 4-10 combination to the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Chimpy had some moments in game 2, but the Flames' Briana was stronger with a four-ball run and a pair at the end for the win. The series is tied at 1. Briana found a six-ball run in game 3, but her late play was lackluster, and Chimpy made the final pair for the win. Chimpy won the series 2-1.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Neopolitan v. Chicky Phil. A venue doubleheader starts with the blue cue in 10-ball. Midland's Chicky Phil wasn't very creative in game 1, and that led to Pearl's Neopolitan making a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Neopolitan had a huge possession advantage in game 2, but her four-ball run ended with a miss on the 10. The Predators' Chicky Phil tapped it in to the top right for the win to tie the series at 1. Chicky Phil held his own again in game 3 until he could strike a 5-10 combination to the bottom left for the win and 2-1 series win over Neopolitan.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Boots v. Kelsea. The venue doubleheader ends with the red cue in 7-ball. Both players started game 1 with three-ball runs, but Capital City's Kelsea missed on the 7. Pearl's Boots made no such mistake to earn the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Kelsea had a four-ball run on her first turn in game 2, but her miss on the 5 allowed the Surfers' Boots to shoot back with a three-ball run-out. Boots' timely offense clinched the series in her favor at 2-0. Boots didn't get anything from game 3, as Kelsea deflected off the 3 to make the 7 at the bottom left to close a four-ball run-out. Boots settled for a 2-1 series win. This was Boots' 100th unique opponent.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Stealth. The blue cue is done for the day after 15-ball. Both players had their looks in game 1, but Infinity's Smudge missed the 15 at the bottom side. Swordpoint's Stealth converted it for the win and 1-0 series lead in a close battle. The Blades' Stealth was clutch in game 2, sparking a six-ball run-out with a double-pot before ending it on a bank of the 15 to the bottom side. This win clinched his series at 2-0 over the Torpedoes' Smudge. In game 3, Stealth didn't have as much fun on offense. Smudge was able to pick up some pieces and earn a win with a four-ball run-out to give Stealth just a 2-1 series win.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Kacey. More 15-ball sees the red cue in action. A fast-paced game 1 saw Viewpoint Sound's Dani take a brutal miss on the 13. Royal's Kacey made it and a 14-15 combination to the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Dani lost control late in game 2 with a miscue and a scratch. The Crowns' Kacey hadn't been great, but she picked up the final pair for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Another slow-moving game 3 saw Dani eventually deflect off the 7 to scoop up the 15 at the bottom left. Kacey took a 2-1 series win to get into the first round.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Melissa v. Jake. The red cue stays on for this 9-ball series. Terrace City's Melissa had a slow start, but ended a three-ball run-out with an 8-9 combination to the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead over Royal's Jake. The Crowns' Jake was a bit more involved in game 2, but he had a late miss on the 9. The Knights' Melissa buried it on a shot to the top right for the win, securing the series for herself at 2-0. Melissa had a four-ball run in game 3, but it got away from her on a scratch. Jake made the final pair from ball-in-hand to dodge the sweep as Melissa took the series 2-1.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Wario v. Lorde. The red cue checks out after Rotation. Southern's Lorde started well, but too many shots were a half-inch wide of the target and her frustration boiled over. Southridge's Wario swooped in for an 8-7 win and 1-0 series lead after game 1. The Defenders' Wario couldn't get much going early in game 2. The Monarchs' Lorde took a big lead on a five-ball run, then closed it out with an 8-5 win in the end to tie the series at 1. Lorde made a push early in game 3 to establish the lead, then capitalized later with a pair for another 8-5 win over Wario. Lorde won the series 2-1 to move into the first round.

Intel Center, Diamond: Shadow v. Frosty. The silver cue wraps up its round in Accuracy. Diamond's Shadow brought heat right from the start, staying perfect in game 1 for a 0-2 win over Freedom's Frosty. Shadow leads the series 1-0. The Gems' Shadow couldn't maintain a lead in game 2, with a late miss forcing overtime. There, Shadow missed his second shot on the extra rack, and the Cascades' Frosty converted for a 3-4 win to tie the series at 1. Shadow had few options after wasting his lead in game 3, so he opted for defense. It didn't work, as Frosty banked the last ball in for a 2-3 win and 2-1 series win.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Dusky v. Blake. The round ends with the green cue in 15-ball. Atlantic's Dusky had a slight edge on offense in game 1, but her miss on the 15 left it too close to the bottom side. Freedom's Blake knocked it in for the easy win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Blake struggled to get much offense going in game 2, but she only needed to pick up a shot at the end after the Pirates' Dusky ended a four-ball run with a miss on the 15. Blake clinched the series at 2-0. Blake got another gift as Dusky scratched to end a three-ball run late in game 3. Blake swept the series 3-0 and earned the last ticket to the first round. 

We're set for at least a week-long break for administrative duties. The earliest possible resumption date is June 4, although it's likelier to be later than that.

Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 17

Another day of games is set to be played. First up...

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Cobalt v. Maggie. The green cue starts the day in 10-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Cobalt didn't find much joy in game 1, and an illegally potted 8 allowed Modernistic's Maggie to bank the 10 to the top right for the win. Maggie leads the series 1-0. The Union's Maggie had an unimpressive break in game 2. She struggled early, and the Meteors' Cobalt capitalized with a deflection off the 2 to sink the 10 in the top left for the win, tying the series at 1. Cobalt had a good break in game 3, but his missed contact on the 2 was costly. Maggie made it, then deflected off the 3 to sink the 10 at the bottom left for her 2-1 series win.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Anna v. Hughbert. The blue cue checks in with 13-ball. Both players left shots on the table in game 1, but Terrace City's Anna recovered well with a four-ball run-out while Todavía's Hughbert could only settle for positioning. The Knights' Anna opened game 2 on a five-ball run, leaving no chance for the Stills' Hughbert, who put up a good fight but couldn't catch up. Anna sealed the series at 2-0 with her win. In game 3, Anna had a tough distribution off the break, but she performed better than Hughbert. Anna closed the 3-0 series sweep with a five-ball run-out.

Apple Center, Todavía: Ruby v. Toki. The purple cue gets a turn in 13-ball as well. Todavía's Ruby had a good attack early in game 1, but Eastside's Toki did just enough defensively to hold her off. Toki then turned defense into offense to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Toki took solids on the break in game 2. The Stills' Ruby frustrated him a bit on defense, but Toki was sharp enough to get the win to seal the series at 2-0. Ruby failed to pull off a difficult trick shot in game 3, and Toki was able to pick up the win from ball-in-hand. Toki swept the series 3-0.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Leonette v. Dusty. The green cue cycles in for a 9-ball set. Golden's Dusty picked up a four-ball run early in game 1, but faltered later with a couple of misses. Pacific's Leonette tapped the 9 into the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Dusty again posted a good start in game 2, but her miss on the 7 was it for her offense. The Volcanoes' Leonette responded on a three-ball run-out for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Dusty finally got her evasive win in game 3 with a four-ball run-out after Leonette faltered in the middle. Leonette took the series 2-1.

Porsche Events Center, Zenith: Omari v. Solaris. The silver cue is up in Accuracy. Zenith's Omari didn't make many mistakes, but Commerce's Solaris posted a perfect effort in game 1 for the 0-2 win and 1-0 series lead in a close battle. The Tradewinds' Solaris scratched on the break in game 2, and he never really got back into it. The Skywatchers' Omari had one miss on a miscue, but he won 1-3 to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was tight up until the end. Both players missed late in regulation, but Solaris' skid continued on his first two shots of overtime until Omari finally made a ball to win 2-3. Omari took the series 2-1.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Chimpy v. Cheddar. North Division rivals tangle in Accuracy with the blue cue. Westside's Chimpy made a ball on the break in game 1 and didn't give up an inch after that in his 0-2 win over North Modernistic's Cheddar. Chimpy leads the series 1-0. The Rockers' Chimpy wasn't as dominant in game 2, but he still got the win by a 2-4 score as the Nighthawks' Cheddar failed to put in a good effort. Chimpy clinched the series at 2-0. Cheddar had a nightmarish game 3, missing far more than she made in Chimpy's 3-11 win to complete a 3-0 series sweep.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Blair v. Dominic. The red cue is up for 12-ball. Apex's Blair led for much of game 1, but he just couldn't finish his last shot at the bottom right. Southern's Dominic went all-in on his winning turn and it worked for a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Dominic tried to play through removing defense of the Wonders' Blair, but Dominic missed on his last shot. Blair had no trouble sinking the 6 at the bottom left for the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Dominic had two scratches that played to within the margin of victory for Blair in a close battle. Blair took the series 2-1 to get into the first round.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Nikolai. In Rotation, the blue cue is back. Freedom's Nikolai took the early lead, lost control to Golden's Strut in the middle, and then bounced back at the end. Nikolai made the last two shots for an 8-6 win and 1-0 series lead. A slow start in game 2 came to an end with a five-ball run by the Cascades' Nikolai. The Pilots' Strut got a couple of shots back, but Nikolai closed with an 8-6 win again to secure the series at 2-0. Nikolai couldn't get going in game 3 until he was far behind. Strut took advantage of it and grabbed an 8-5 win to avoid the sweep, but Nikolai advanced on a 2-1 series win.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Blake v. Sally. The blue cue stays in action for some 9-ball. A chippy game 1 saw both players struggle to form a run. Freedom's Blake fell short with a miss on the 9 at the end, and Archtown's Sally tapped it to the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Sally had a scratch as she made the 5 in game 2. The Cascades' Blake replied with a three-ball run and a miss on the 9, which Sally then cut to the top left for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Blake again came up short on the 9 in game 3, a recurring theme as Sally knocked in another easy shot for the win and 3-0 series sweep.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Megan v. Americus. The purple cue is done for the day after a Rotation series. Oceanside's Megan was off to a good start in game 1, and Midland's Americus only offered a small challenge. Megan fended it off in an 8-3 win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Waves' Megan got a couple of favorable refereeing decisions in game 2, which left the Predators' Americus visibly angry. In the end, Megan held on for an 8-5 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Megan was merciless in game 3, attacking in just a handful of turns for an 8-0 win over Americus. Megan swept the series 3-0 to get into the first round.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Slinks v. Sydney C. More Rotation sees the blue cue finish its day. Tysini's Slinks made a three-ball run off the break and cruised to an 8-2 win over Modernistic's Sydney C. in game 1. Slinks leads the series 1-0. The Union's Sydney C. didn't stand a chance in game 2 either. The Hummingbirds' Slinks made a pair on the break and played the bounces quite well in another 8-2 win to secure the series at 2-0. In game 3, Slinks went empty on the break and Sydney C. enjoyed some good fortune to pick up an 8-4 win. Slinks advanced to the first round on a 2-1 series win.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Valencia. The silver cue is back for a 9-ball set. Lighton's Shiny flubbed her shot on the 9 in game 1, nearly getting it to fall at the top right after aiming for the top left. Golden's Valencia won the sloppy game on a tap-in for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw the Pilots' Valencia scratch on the break, and she didn't get many more looks. The Prestige's Shiny had a five-ball run and added a late pair for the win to tie the series at 1. Early in game 3, Shiny brought about a sudden end with a 2-8 combination to the bottom left that caromed the 9 to the top right. Shiny beat Valencia 2-1 in the series.

Apple Center, Todavía: Pedey v. Leonardo. Former teammates clash in 13-ball as the silver cue exits the day. Diamond's Leonardo executed his plan well in game 1, weaving through the rack on solids and easily besting Todavía's Pedey for a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Leonardo silenced the crowd on the game 2 break, blasting the 8 into the top left for an instant win to clinch the series at 2-0. Neither player put in much of an effort to entertain in game 3. Leonardo let it slip away as Pedey finished strong for his only win in the 2-1 series.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Americus v. Quincy. The green cue checks out with 13-ball. Midland's Americus couldn't sink her last ball in game 1, and Modernistic's Quincy rallied with four balls over two turns at the end for the win. Quincy leads the series 1-0. The Union's Quincy needed a big run in game 2 but came up short after the Predators' Americus set up her finish. Americus converted the 8 to the bottom left for the win to tie the series at 1. Americus and Quincy battled hard in a tight game 3, but Americus fouled late to set up Quincy's three-ball run-out for the win. Quincy heads to the first round after a 2-1 series win.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Salmo. Back where it started today, the red cue ends it in 12-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Dani posted a five-ball run after a scratch on the break in game 1. This forced Diamond's Salmo to defend, and he did so perfectly, eventually turning around for the win and 1-0 series lead. Despite a scratch on the game 2 break, the Gems' Salmo pushed well later on. The Meteors' Dani couldn't get anything to line up as Salmo clinched the series at 2-0 with another win. Dani again stalled out in the set-up phase of game 3, while Salmo breezed by her for the win and 3-0 series sweep. 

We'll end the Play-In Round tomorrow and then take a week off administrative duties.

Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 16

We're ready to go with another day. First up...

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Rosalina v. Slinks. The red cue starts the day in 10-ball between West Division rivals. Tysini's Slinks pushed with a four-ball run and a three-ball run on consecutive turns, but she missed on the 10 at the top side. Victoria's Rosalina buried it for a lucky win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Rosalina hammered a five-ball run before her scratch in game 2. The Hummingbirds' Slinks fired back on a five-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Fortunes reversed again in game 3, as Slinks ended a four-ball run with a scratch. Rosalina made a four-ball run-out on the next turn to get the win and 2-1 series win.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Puff I v. Citrus. The green cue gets the second series in 8-ball. Lighton's Citrus made a push late in game 1, but Modernistic's Puff I was able to capitalize on her opening five-ball run with a strong finish. Puff I holds a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Puff I skidded at the start of game 2, and she didn't take advantage of the Prestige's Citrus showing some generosity. Citrus closed the win with a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Puff I was able to bait a couple of scratches for Citrus in game 3. At the end, Puff I made a three-ball run for the win and 2-1 series win.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Angelica v. Bianca. The silver cue checks in here for 15-ball. Both players produced some interesting shots and lucky bounces in game 1. Lighton's Angelica had a few more than Southridge's Bianca, and Angelica won with a deflection off the 14 to clip the 15 into the bottom left for a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Angelica posted a solid performance in game 2, but a pair of five-ball runs lifted the Defenders' Bianca to the win. The series is tied at 1. Game 3 was a little tighter than the last two, with Angelica ending on a double-pot of the 12 to the top side and the 15 to the bottom left for the 2-1 series lead over Bianca.

Porsche Events Center, Zenith: Bells v. Maren. An expansion derby features the green cue in 12-ball. Zenith's Bells struck early but also suffered a scratch in game 1. Apex's Maren struggled to get a push on offense, and Bells recovered with a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Skywatchers' Bells pushed her way into better positioning in game 2, only to miss contact on her last ball. The Wonders' Maren made her last shot from ball-in-hand for the win to tie the series at 1. Bells again pushed through Maren's defense in game 3, but this time led to Bells getting the win with a shot at the bottom right. She took the series 2-1.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sarah v. Hoot. The blue cue gets a look next in 10-ball. After a slow start in game 1, Tysini's Sarah ripped a nine-ball run-out with expertise and ease, taking a 1-0 series lead over Viewpoint Sound's Hoot. The Hummingbirds' Sarah tried to pull off a similar effort in game 2, but she settled for two small runs. This allowed the Meteors' Hoot to fire back on a three-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1. Hoot sank the 8 illegally in game 3, but it still took a little defense for Sarah to pick up the win and 2-1 series win in a close battle.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Vincent v. Ruby. The blue cue's last series of the day is in Accuracy. Everton's Vincent missed first, but he limited the damage well after that while Todavía's Ruby fell apart. Vincent grabbed a 1-4 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Ruby had some good moments in game 2, but again couldn't finish it off. The Eagles' Vincent held his ground and came up with a 2-3 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Vincent didn't have the right touch in game 3, fading to a 2-5 loss to Ruby as she avoided the sweep. Vincent settled for a 2-1 series win.

Intel Center, Diamond: Shadow v. Toki. A star and a sophomore battle in 10-ball as the green cue exits. Diamond's Shadow was a touch off throughout game 1, especially on a late scratch. Eastside's Toki capitalized with a slow offense to get the win and 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Shadow found his groove in game 2 with a six-ball run, but he hit the 10 wide of the bottom right. The Sharks' Toki made no mistake to bury it, with his win sealing the series at 2-0. Shadow struck quickly in game 3, deflecting a shot off the 3 to drive the 10 to the bottom left for his lone win. Toki advanced to the first round on a 2-1 series win.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Charli v. Juno. The red cue is back for Rotation. Tysini's Charli took an early lead with a pair on the break in game 1. She faltered in the middle and allowed Stonebridge's Juno to get close, but Charli pulled back for an 8-7 win and 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Juno had some moments again in a tight game 2, but the Hummingbirds' Charli fought it off with a three-ball run-out for an 8-5 win. Charli secured the series at 2-0. Juno pulled off a stronger attack in game 3, gathering enough offense for an 8-3 win. Charli settled for a 2-1 series win.

Intel Center, Diamond: Autumn v. Peach. The silver cue cycles in for a 15-ball set. The Gems' Autumn had a positive start in game 1 and maintained a possession edge, but missed the 15 late. North Modernistic's Peach buried it at the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Peach had to weather a tough middle in game 2 as the Gems' Autumn applied pressure. Peach broke through with a seven-ball run-out for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Autumn showed up stronger at the end of game 3 to deny Peach a chance at the sweep as the visitor won the series 2-1.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Goldy. East Division captains tangle in 8-ball with the purple cue. Everton's Goldy carved out a massive seven-ball run on her first turn in game 1. Web City's Jack didn't make a ball, and Goldy banked the 8 to the top side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Goldy made one of each on the game 2 break but couldn't dominate on solids like she did before. At the end, the Spiders' Jack sniped the win on a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Goldy tried to go full defense under pressure in game 3, but Jack made seven balls over his first two turns and had little trouble adding the 8 for a 2-1 series win.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Graham v. Neopolitan. Another 8-ball series uses the purple cue. Central's Graham maintained an edge in game 1, and his defense with the 8 resulted in Pearl's Neopolitan potting it too early for the automatic loss. Graham owns a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Graham tried to keep the pace in game 2, but his plan to get better positioning on the 8 backfired when he missed his last ball at the top side. The Surfers' Neopolitan had an easy tap-in on the 8 at the top right for the win to tie the series at 1. Graham tried to play defense in game 3, but Neopolitan was persistent enough to beat him to the finish to take the series 2-1.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Puff II v. Maren. The purple cue continues in 7-ball. Harrison's Puff II did alright in game 1, but it was Apex's Maren who sank the final pair of shots for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Puff II looked good again early in game 2, but she couldn't finish this effort either. The Wonders' Maren again made a pair at the end to seal the series at 2-0. Maren tried to get the right touch late in game 3, but she couldn't put the 7 down. Puff II kicked it into the top side for the win, while Maren advanced to the first round on a 2-1 series win.

Intel Center, Diamond: Shadow v. Shiny. The purple cue is done after one more 8-ball set. Diamond's Shadow made one of each on the break, but his offense stalled out later in game 1. Lighton's Shiny was effective at finding her shot, and she went mostly unchallenged for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Shiny went empty on the game 2 break, and the Gems' Shadow took stripes. After a tight start, Shadow got loose on a five-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Shiny held the lead for much of game 3, but Shadow's defense was just enough to stall her out. Shadow took the win and the 2-1 series win.

Porsche Events Center, Zenith: Nightfur v. Omari. A pair of Skywatchers battle in 7-ball with the red cue. Omari made a push in the middle of game 1 with a three-ball run, but his miss on the 6 led to Nightfur making the final pair for the 1-0 series lead. In game 2, both players started slow. Omari didn't get a chance to recover, as Nightfur rattled off a five-ball run-out for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Nightfur stayed hot to start game 3 with a five-ball run, but she missed on the 6. Omari got lucky to make the final pair for his lone win, while Nightfur advanced on a 2-1 series win.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Taylor S. v. Stealth. The silver cue closes the day in 8-ball. Commerce's Taylor S. couldn't keep momentum after a decent start. Swordpoint's Stealth took his time on offense and still easily got the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Stealth couldn't recapture his form in game 2, and a costly miss near the end allowed the Tradewinds' Taylor S. an easy pair of shots for the win. The series is tied at 1. Taylor S. posted some offense early and kept Stealth at bay long enough to win game 3. Taylor S. took the series 2-1. 

Return week continues tomorrow.

Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 15

As promised, we're back in action on a Tuesday. First up...

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Panda v. Bianca. The green cue starts the day in 12-ball. Southridge's Bianca couldn't find any control in game 1, while Everton's Panda methodically worked his way to a win. Panda leads the series 1-0. The Eagles' Panda had poorer positioning in game 2, and the Defenders' Bianca was able to navigate it quite well at the end with her final pair of shots. Bianca's strong finish tied the series at 1. Panda recovered well in game 3, with positioning in his favor once Bianca got rid of her defense. Panda made a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Sage v. Marsell. The blue gets the second series today, playing 7-ball. Victoria's Sage had a hot start in game 1, but she didn't take advantage of a scratch by Whitewater's Marsell. After Sage's miss on the 4, Marsell made a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Sage had a couple of chances to take control in game 2, but she wasted both of them. The Shores' Marsell made the last four balls over two turns for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Marsell continued to play well in game 3, taking a three-ball run-out this time after Sage scratched on an illegal contact play. Marsell swept the series 3-0.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Lionel v. Dusty. Veterans clash in 15-ball with the green cue. Too many missed contacts hurt North Modernistic's Lionel in game 1. Golden's Dusty won on a ball-in-hand deflection off the 8 to sink the 15 at the bottom left for a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Lionel botched the finish of game 2, scratching to end a late three-ball run. The Pilots' Dusty made no mistake from ball-in-hand on the 15, sinking it at the bottom left to secure the series at 2-0. Lionel lost control completely in game 3, allowing Dusty to make a six-ball run and add more on her last two turns for the win. Dusty swept the series 3-0.

Porsche Events Center, Zenith: Paps v. Marsell. The purple cue checks in for an 8-ball series. Zenith's Paps started game 1 on a five-ball run, but he had to hang on as Whitewater's Marsell came up a little short at the end. Paps cut the 8 to the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Skywatchers' Paps didn't get as much out of his break in game 2, which slowed his offense. The Shores' Marsell capitalized on that with a four-ball run-out at the end for the win, tying the series at 1. Paps was unable to make a big push in game 3, and Marsell played steady, winning on a three-ball run-out for a 2-1 comeback series win.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Blair v. Potter. The purple cue is done for the day after his 15-ball set. Apex's Blair had a chance to take control of game 1, but missed on the 13 from ball-in-hand. Pronger's Potter followed up with a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. Both players saw an uptick in pace, as the Tridents' Potter made four balls on his first two shots and the Wonders' Blair added a three-ball run. They slowed a bit later, but Blair had a bad miss on the 14 and Potter struck the final pair for the win. Potter secured the series at 2-0. Potter couldn't bring home a sweep in game 3, battling closely at the end before Blair made the final pair. Potter settled for a 2-1 series win.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Luigi v. Jennifer. The red cue's only series of the day is in 8-ball between North Division rivals. A slow start turned into a fast battle in game 1. Terrace City's Jennifer just missed on the 8 before Commerce's Luigi delivered a four-ball run-out for a win and 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Luigi scratched on the break in game 2, and the Knights' Jennifer turned that into a seven-ball run before missing on the 8. Luigi then fired back with an eight-ball run-out for a dramatic win to clinch the series at 2-0. Luigi couldn't piece together an epic run in game 3, and Jennifer held on long enough to get the win. Luigi advanced to the first round with a 2-1 series win.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Isabella. Club-mates collide in Accuracy with the silver cue. Lighton's Spirit was dominant early on in game 1 and a little lucky to fend off a late challenge from Atlantic's Isabella. Spirit picked up a 1-3 win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Pirates' Isabella held her own for a bit in game 2, but dropped off in the middle while the Prestige's Spirit marched to perfection in a 0-3 win. Spirit sealed the series at 2-0. Spirit showed no mercy in game 3, playing hard right to the end with only one miss again in a 1-2 win to finish off the 3-0 series sweep over Isabella.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Juno v. Oreo. Experienced veterans tangle in 13-ball with the silver cue. Stonebridge's Juno had a positive start, but she couldn't line up her finishing push. Terrace City's Oreo got away with a slow finish of her own for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Oreo had a four-ball run early in game 2, and that made it easier for her to play later. The Wolves' Juno failed to catch up before Oreo stormed away on a three-ball run-out for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Oreo stepped back a bit in game 3, which was a more challenging game on both sides. Juno prevailed with the win to avoid the sweep, but Oreo still won the series 2-1.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Jennifer v. Tigerette. The green cue cycles in for Rotation. Boston's Tigerette didn't have the smoothest game 1, but she was able to pick up an 8-5 win after Terrace City's Jennifer struggled with possession. Tigerette leads the series 1-0. The Swifts' Tigerette couldn't get anything going in game 2, as the Knights' Jennifer applied immediate pressure this time. Jennifer was able to close out the 8-1 win with a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Jennifer figured things out in the middle of game 3 with a commanding four-ball run. Tigerette couldn't get a response, and Jennifer won 8-3 to take the series 2-1.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Peach. North Division rivals clash in 13-ball with the blue cue. Viewpoint Sound's Dani struggled to get clear looks, but North Modernistic's Peach butchered the end of game 1. Dani took the 8 at the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Peach found a breakthrough on a three-ball run in game 2, leaving the Meteors' Dani scrambling to catch up. Peach held her ground and got the win to tie the series at 1. Dani had a positive start in game 3, but it went to waste as Peach commanded better positioning on solids to get the win. Peach took the series 2-1.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Sydney S. v. Snowball. The green cue goes again in 15-ball. Boston's Sydney S. had eight balls over her final two turns of game 1, but she missed the 15 in embarrassing fashion. Westside's Snowball poached the win and took a 1-0 series lead. Redemption came for the Swifts' Sydney S. in game 2, as she made a four-ball run to change the pace of the game. The Rockers' Snowball later committed a scratch, and Sydney S. made the final pair for the win to tie the series at 1. Sydney S. didn't string much together in game 3, but her miss on the 12 cost her the series. Snowball worked a three-ball run-out for the win to take a 2-1 series win.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Andrew. The blue cue is back for 13-ball. Golden's Strut stayed a step ahead of Freedom's Andrew throughout game 1. This made it easier for Strut to sink the 8 to the top left at the end for a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Andrew pulled off a good run of defensive positioning in game 2, blocking the Pilots' Strut from making a late push. Andrew then converted when he could for the win, tying the series at 1. Defense again played a key role for Andrew in game 3, as he stalled out Strut's offense. Andrew sank the 8 on a bank to the bottom left for the win to earn a 2-1 series win.

Sony Center, Queens: Crystal v. Dominic. More blue cue action goes in 7-ball. Queens' Crystal took no time at all to win game 1, getting a lucky bounce on the break for the 1-0 series lead over Southern's Dominic. The Monarchs' Dominic had a three-ball run in game 2, but it went to waste when he missed on the 5. The Flames' Crystal bounced back to pot the final pair for the win, securing the series at 2-0. Crystal completed the sweep in game 3 as Dominic couldn't adjust to a slow finish. Crystal swept the series 3-0.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Summer v. Twinkie I. The blue cue checks out after a 15-ball series. Maplewood's Summer did a lot of work with a run over the middle of game 1. Pacific's Twinkie I nearly stole the win, but missed on the 15 that Summer tapped in at the bottom left for a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I found more luck in game 2 with a six-ball run, but couldn't finish the game. The Lumberjacks' Summer instead made a three-ball run-out on the next turn for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Twinkie I had a push in the middle of game 3, but Summer made four of the last five balls for the win and 3-0 series sweep.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Blair. North Division rivals end the day in 9-ball with the green cue. Apex's Blair had a four-ball run early in game 1, but Westside's Misty stalled him out and then won on a four-ball run-out of her own. Misty holds a 1-0 series lead. The Wonders' Blair had everything he needed to take game 2, but he flubbed his look at the 9. The Rockers' Misty cleaned it up at the bottom left for the win to take the series at 2-0. Misty couldn't keep control in game 3, leading to a tough loss as Blair picked off a three-ball run-out. Misty still took the series 2-1. 

We'll continue the action tomorrow with another full slate of games.

Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 14

After a two-month break due to fatigue, we return with a full slate for the last five days of the Play-In Round. First up...

Ford Forum, Pronger: Avril v. Snowball. The purple cue draws in first today with Rotation. Westside's Snowball found a three-ball run early in game 1, but Pronger's Avril did well to keep things close. In the end, Snowball made a pair for an 8-6 win and 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Snowball had a bit more trouble with scratches in game 2, which led to more offense for the Tridents' Avril. The result was Avril taking an 8-4 win to tie the series at 1. Avril led off with a four-ball run in game 3, but she couldn't bring it home. Snowball capitalized on Avril's scratch and made a seven-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for an 8-6 win. Snowball is into the first round on a 2-1 series win.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Lindsay. More Rotation is on the way with the silver cue in action. Terrace City's Oreo had a couple of looks at a comeback in game 1, but Stonebridge's Lindsay held true well enough for an 8-5 win and 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Oreo did not roll over in game 2, dominating from her first turn with a seven-ball run. The Wolves' Lindsay couldn't strike on her few turns, and Oreo grabbed an 8-0 win to tie the series at 1. Oreo showed little mercy in game 3, dominating again from the start on a four-ball run. Lindsay failed to score, and another 8-0 shutout put Oreo in the first round on a 2-1 series win. This was Oreo's 100th unique opponent.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Citrus v. Goatee. The purple cue returns to the table with 10-ball. Lighton's Citrus controlled the pace of play early on, using defense to find success in game 1. She left it open late, and Westside's Goatee struck for a three-ball run-out, earning a 1-0 series lead with the win. The Rockers' Goatee looked good in game 2, but she deferred possession after the Prestige's Citrus made the 8 on an uncalled shot. Citrus then cut the 9 to the top left and added the 10 at the bottom side for the win to tie the series at 1. Citrus struck for a three-ball run off the break before Goatee responded with a pair in game 3. Citrus fired back on a five-ball run-out for a commanding win and a 2-1 series win to get her into the first round.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Gabby v. Easter. West Division rivals clash in 15-ball with the blue cue. Todavía's Easter didn't make much good contact in game 1, leading to Southern's Gabby picking up a 5-15 combination at the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Easter bounced back after a slow start in game 2, beating the Monarchs' Gabby on a four-ball run-out. This win for Easter tied the series at 1. Gabby couldn't gain any traction late in game 3 as Easter pulled away with a four-ball run-out for the win. Easter took the series 2-1.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Taylor M. v. Prism. The silver cue takes a turn in Accuracy for the 200th series of the round. Eastside's Taylor M. did just about everything right in game 1, but she missed on the overtime break. Pronger's Prism made no mistake to close out a 1-2 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Taylor M. appeared to be in trouble early in game 2, but she buckled down and earned a 2-3 win when the Tridents' Prism fell apart late. The series is tied at 1. Prism again took an early lead in game 3, but couldn't make it last with two misses in the middle. Taylor M. finished strong for a 1-2 win to take the series 2-1.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Ingrid. The silver cue stays on for 12-ball between South Division rivals. Southridge's Ingrid wasted a huge lead in game 1, scratching on her last ball. Boston's Gradley clawed all the way back for the win that put him ahead 1-0 in the series. The Swifts' Gradley overfilled at the bottom left, killing his chance of keeping the lead in game 2 after an energetic start. The Defenders' Ingrid was efficient with positioning and took the win to tie the series at 1. Gradley didn't start well in game 3, and Ingrid wove her way to a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Shawn v. Neopolitan. The purple cue is on board with 9-ball. Both players left shots on the table, but Midland's Shawn fouled with illegal contact late. Pearl's Neopolitan took the final pair from ball-in-hand for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Neopolitan was the one to flub a late shot, missing the 8 at the bottom left in game 2. The Predators' Shawn recovered to sink the final pair for the win, tying the series at 1. Shawn botched a shot at the 9 near the bottom left in game 3, and that would cost him the series when Neopolitan converted it. Neopolitan took a 2-1 series win.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Marissa v. Max. The silver cue is back for this 8-ball battle. Maplewood's Marissa started with a three-ball run and added a four-ball run later that ended in a scratch. After that, Golden's Max lost game 1 by sinking the 8 illegally to gift the 1-0 series lead to Marissa. The Lumberjacks' Marissa came up empty on the game 2 break, and the Pilots' Max took a three-ball run on stripes. He continued to surge later and came up with the win, tying the series at 1. Marissa came roaring back in game 3 with a seven-ball run before Max could get a ball down. Marissa won two turns later with an easy look at the 8 to send her to the first round on a 2-1 series win.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Smokey. In Rotation, the purple cue gets its last turn of the day. Harrison's Twinkie II made a ball on the break, but Pacific's Smokey took over after that. In the end, Smokey earned an 8-3 win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Volcanoes' Smokey took a commanding lead after two turns in game 2. The Specters' Twinkie II tried to fight back, but Smokey answered on a three-ball run-out for an 8-2 win to seal the series at 2-0. Smokey didn't let up in game 3, dominating again en route to an 8-1 win and 3-0 series sweep over Twinkie II.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Andrew. The green cue's only appearance comes in Accuracy. The only mistake for Whitewater's Marsell was a scratch in game 1. Freedom's Andrew couldn't keep the game tied, and Marsell won 1-2 to go ahead 1-0 in the series. Game 2 went much the same, the only difference being the Shores' Marsell took his scratch on the break. The Cascades' Andrew again faltered late and Marsell scooped up a 1-2 win to secure the series at 2-0. Marsell was unable to keep the same style of play, falling behind early in the game 3 as Andrew picked up a 1-2 win of his own. Marsell heads to the first round on a 2-1 series win.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Patches. A pair of Waves teammates clash in 12-ball as the silver cue exits the day. Celestia had a promising start on solids, but Patches bounced back on stripes in game 1. Celestia missed her chance for a late run and Patches made her last pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 took a more strategic turn, as Patches needed a multi-ball run while Celestia tried to position her last ball. Celestia won in the end, tying the series at 1 when she put the 7 in the bottom left. Celestia again took strong positioning in game 3, blocking off Patches late to secure the win. Celestia heads to the first round on a 2-1 series win.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Twinkie III v. Rosalina. Former teammates meet in 12-ball with the blue cue. Victoria's Rosalina applied pressure early and got Whitewater's Twinkie III to overfill the bottom side late in game 1. Rosalina then sank her last shot at the top right for a 1-0 series lead with the win. The Spurs' Rosalina didn't have world-beating offense in game 2, but her defense held off the Shores' Twinkie III just long enough. Rosalina took the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Rosalina showed a little less interest in game 3, making a couple of mistakes that allowed Twinkie III to avoid the sweep. Rosalina advanced to the first round on a 2-1 series win.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Peach v. Yekaterina. The blue cue is done for the day after this Rotation set. After a slow start, North Modernistic's Peach pushed on a four-ball run pull ahead in game 1. She missed on the 14, and Victoria's Yekaterina fought back for an 8-7 win to go up 1-0 in the series. The Spurs' Yekaterina stormed ahead on a six-ball run to open game 2. The Nighthawks' Peach got one back, but Yekaterina made three more, including a double-pot at the end for a 9-1 win to seal the series at 2-0. Game 3 was a battle of runs, as Yekaterina took control with a five-ball run, Peach answered with four straight and Yekaterina bounced back with a three-ball run-out for the 8-6 win. Yekaterina swept the series 3-0.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Anna v. Dusty. The red cue jumps in with 8-ball. Terrace City's Anna scratched on the game 1 break but still overcame it with pace in a win over Golden's Dusty. Anna holds a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Anna had another good start in game 2, but the 8 just evaded her. The Pilots' Dusty held on after a scratch and made a four-ball run-out on the next turn for the win to tie the series at 1. Anna had to push with a three-ball run in a close game 3, but Dusty fired back on a three-ball run-out on the next turn. Dusty won the series 2-1 to get into the first round.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Megan v. Lily. The day's finale uses the red cue in 15-ball. Oceanside's Megan blasted a four-ball run off the break and followed up with an eight-ball run-out in a dominant game 1 win over Eastside's Lily. Megan leads the series 1-0. The Waves' Megan had another good start in game 2, but the Sharks' Lily found a bit more joy in the middle. At the end, Megan was back with a three-ball run-out for the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Megan delivered again in a slower game 3, as Lily lost control near the end. Megan's 3-0 series sweep sends her to the first round. 

We're back, although this will only last for a week before an administrative break ahead of the first round. After that, however, should be a fun-filled summer of action.