Tournament XI - First Round Day 48

The First Round finale is today, playing at a special later scheduled time. First up...

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Buddy v. Bandit. The blue cue will start in 8-ball today. Swordpoint's Bandit had a strong start in game 1, but Atlantic's Buddy replied with a six-ball run to pull even. Buddy finished the game when Bandit couldn't make the 8, and it was Buddy who took the initial 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Buddy was a little stronger early in game 2, but he didn't need to be. The Blades' Bandit ended up giving away the series when a deflection collected the 8 prematurely at the bottom right, gifting Buddy a win to clinch the series at 2-0. Bandit again squandered his offense in game 3, letting Buddy make a big comeback in game 3 to finish a 3-0 series sweep. Buddy will visit Whitewater Shores captain Shaggy in the second round with one of his three advancing bids, while Bandit has four going forward.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Princess v. Nikolai. The red cue is next up, playing in 7-ball. Freedom's Nikolai was a little off with his offense in game 1, and Viewpoint Sound's Princess cleaned it up with a pair at the end for the win. Princess leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Princess was a little slow on offense to start game 2, and the Cascades' Nikolai cashed in on that with a five-ball run-out. Nikolai's surge tied the series at 1. Princess didn't stay down long, as Nikolai made two balls on the break but Princess replied with a four-ball run-out for the win. Princess took the series 2-1 and will host the Victoria Spurs' Strawberry in the second round. Princess carries five bids forward to Nikolai's two. 

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Steven v. Patches. The purple cue goes next with a 15-ball series. Oceanside's Patches showed off some creativity in game 1 with a jump shot and a few glancing kicks, but she couldn't finish the effort. Atlantic's Steven made a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead in a close battle. The Pirates' Steven got some offense early in game 2, but the Waves' Patches made a five-ball run-out ending with a 7-15 kick combination to the bottom right for the win. This tied the series at 1 in highlight-reel fashion. Patches had her moments again in game 3, winning a possession battle on the 4 to generate offense. Steven kept it close, but Patches sealed the win on a four-ball run-out to take the 2-1 series win. In the second round, Patches visits the Victoria Spurs' Rosalina with one of her six advancing bids.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Kayla v. Lionel. The green cue draws in for this Accuracy set. It wasn't the prettiest of games, but Royal's Kayla maintained a lead and beat North Modernistic's Lionel 4-6 in game 1 for the 1-0 series lead. Play did not improve in game 2, as the Crowns' Kayla wasted a noticeable lead to drop into a tie with the Nighthawks' Lionel. It required overtime to settle, where Kayla missed on the break and Lionel converted for a 4-5 win to tie the series at 1. Kayla finally buckled down in game 3, playing the best performance of the series in a 1-4 win to beat Lionel 2-1 in the series. Kayla will host Whitewater Shores rookie Rachel in the second round. Kayla will have five bids going forward, while Lionel takes two.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Klaus v. Snowball. The purple cue returns for Rotation. Central's Klaus grabbed the initial lead in game 1, then weathered a comeback push from Westside's Snowball before winning on a four-ball run-out for the 8-4 result. Klaus leads the series 1-0. Another tight start saw the Rockers' Snowball get a small edge in game 2. The Warriors' Klaus kept it close, but Snowball was able to build an 8-5 win to tie the series at 1. Klaus held a lead late in game 3, but he wasn't able to stop Snowball from rallying on a five-ball run-out for the 8-6 win. Snowball took the series 2-1 and will get a big series versus Central Warriors captain Twilight in the second round. Snowball has seven advancing bids to Klaus' five.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Diddley v. Jack. East Division captains battle in 12-ball with the purple cue in its round finale. Maplewood's Diddley had a good start to game 1, but went too strong on a miss on his last ball. Web City's Jack quickly replied with a three-ball run and set himself up to win on the next turn for a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Jack had a fantastic start to game 2, making a five-ball run on solids after sinking one of each on the break. The Lumberjacks' Diddley had nothing in response, and Jack cut his last ball perfectly to the top right for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Diddley had a little more positioning in game 3, but Jack pulled off a brilliant 13-3-11 combination followed by a bank of the 13 to the bottom right at the end to get the win and 3-0 series sweep. Jack's dominant stretch got him into the second round for a visit versus Terrace City Knights star Oreo. Both players carry five bids forward.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stripes v. Mario. The blue cue gets a turn in Rotation between South Division rivals. Southridge's Stripes played a little better early on and fended off a push from Queens' Mario at the end of game 1. Stripes won 8-5 and owns a 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Stripes didn't do well after early errors in game 2. The Flames' Mario took a large lead, gave it all back and then snagged an 8-7 win at the end to tie the series at 1 in a thriller. A back-and-forth game 3 saw Stripes take an early lead that Mario stole away on a four-ball run. Stripes replied with a four-ball run-out, ending with a kick on the 13 to the bottom left for the 8-6 win to take a 2-1 series win. Stripes has three bids going forward, while Mario has two.

Sony Center, Queens: Crystal v. Kodiak. The silver cue's lone series today is in 9-ball. Both players had their eyes on the 9 from the start of game 1. Queens' Crystal let it negatively impact her offense more, while Web City's Kodiak used the 6 as a deflector to drive the 9 into the bottom left at the end, with the 6 falling in the top side for the double-pot. Kodiak holds a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Crystal sped up the process in game 2 with a 4-9 kick combination to the bottom left, a stunningly fast finish to tie the series at 1 versus the Spiders' Kodiak. Crystal got into positioning trouble again in game 3, and Kodiak made a 3-9 combination to the bottom left for a quick win and 2-1 series win. Kodiak will visit Eastside Sharks sophomore Maison in the second round with one of his three bids, while Crystal owns four bids going forward.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Steven v. Avril. A pair of East Division foes play 9-ball with the blue cue. Pronger's Avril wanted the chance to attack, but she wasted a late one in game 1 by scratching. Atlantic's Steven made the final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Steven tried to get creative in game 2, shooting on the 2 and getting the 9 to drop in the bottom side, but he scratched at the top side. This gifted the win to the Tridents' Avril, and in turn tied the series at 1 game apiece. Steven began game 3 on a three-ball run, but it was a tight battle that saw Avril close on a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win. Avril will host Diamond Gems veteran Leonardo in the second round. Avril has four bids advancing compared to Steven's three.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Daisy v. Boots. To the North Division for more 9-ball with the red cue. A brutal late scratch from Oceanside's Daisy made it an easy finish on the 9 from ball-in-hand for Pearl's Boots. This gave Boots a 1-0 series lead after game 1. The Waves' Daisy didn't get a chance to redeem herself, as the Surfers' Boots made the 9 in the bottom left on the break in game 2, sealing the series at 2-0. Boots had a decent effort in game 3, but Daisy was able to sneak in at the end and grab the win. Boots settled for a 2-1 series win, which sets her up to visit the Pronger Tridents star Spot in the second round. Boots has five advancing bids to Daisy's three.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Wings v. Sunshine. The blue cue is up for Accuracy. Pearl's Wings fell behind late in game 1 and didn't get a chance to keep the game tied as Royal's Sunshine snagged a 3-4 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Wings had a shaky performance in game 2 as well, and this time saw the Crowns' Sunshine put some distance between the two players. Sunshine clinched the series at 2-0 with a 1-4 win. Sunshine had a good start to game 3 but fell behind. He dragged Wings down to force overtime, but missed on his overtime break, and Wings won 3-4. Sunshine's 2-1 series win puts him into the second round on the road versus Atlantic Pirates mainstay Steven. Sunshine has four bids in the next round to Wings' two.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Gabby v. Debby. The red cue plays a Rotation set. Diamond's Debby had a solid start, but lost the pace as Southern's Gabby made a four-ball run. Gabby took her time to finish off an 8-6 win, going ahead 1-0 in the series despite some shaky play. The Monarchs' Gabby had a better start in game 2, but couldn't keep it going once the Gems' Debby got a grip on a six-ball run-out. Debby's massive surge gave her an 8-5 win to tie the series at 1. Debby continued to enjoy a pacey attack in game 3, while Gabby tried and failed to hang on. Debby won 8-4 and took the series 2-1 to get into a second round series versus Gabby's Monarchs teammate Molly. Gabby has three remaining bids.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fuchsia v. Debby. The visitor completes her road doubleheader in 12-ball as the green cue makes an exit. Methodical positioning was the theme in game 1, with both players taking their time. Infinity's Fuchsia transitioned to execution much better, easily picking up the win for a 1-0 series lead over Diamond's Debby. Play switched to an execution-based battle in game 2, which saw the Gems' Debby weave her way to a five-ball run-out while the Torpedoes' Fuchsia had to watch. Debby's surge tied the series at 1. Debby made one of each on the game 3 break and chose to play stripes. This worked out, as Fuchsia had to foul to free up her positioning, and Debby made a pair for the win on the next turn. Debby won the series 2-1 and will visit Westside Rockers newcomer Snowball in the second round. Both players have four bids moving forward.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Prism v. Bucco. The blue cue's finale is in 7-ball in the East Division. Pronger's Prism struggled from the start of game 1, and Harrison's Bucco cashed in on that with a five-ball run-out for the win. Bucco owns a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw neither player enjoy a smooth offense, but the Specters' Bucco remained clearly more engaged than the Tridents' Prism. Bucco sniped the 7 to the bottom left at the end for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Prism fouled late in game 3, ruining her chance of salvaging a result as Bucco took the 7 to the top left on a free shot. Bucco swept the series 3-0 and will travel to face Pearl Surfers veteran Wings in the second round with one of his five advancing bids. Prism takes four bids forward.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Lindsay v. Acorn. The round ends with the red cue in 9-ball. Stonebridge's Lindsay accidentally hit the 1 a little lightly in game 1, setting up Lighton's Acorn for a 1-9 combination to the top left. Acorn took a quick 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Acorn opened with a four-ball run in game 2, but the Wolves' Lindsay had a three-ball run near the end before she missed on the 9. Acorn made the 9 at the top right for the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Acorn brought another quick finish in game 3, shooting off the 1 with a tiny deflection to put the 9 in the top left. Acorn swept Lindsay 3-0 in the series, and he'll host the Web City Spiders' Nibbles in the second round. Acorn has three bids going forward, compared to Lindsay's five.

That's it for the First Round. The league will take a break until Friday, August 6, for administrative duties and rest.

Tournament XI - First Round Day 47

The penultimate day of the First Round is here, and we'll begin with...

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Lindsay v. Angelica. The silver cue makes the start today in 15-ball. Lighton's Angelica had a close call when she potted the 7 and bumped the 15 toward the top right in the middle of game 1. It didn't work, and Stonebridge's Lindsay won a shot later with a deflection off the 8 to push the 15 down for the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Angelica looked a bit more composed in game 2, while the Wolves' Lindsay had a shaky form on offense. Angelica was able to make the final four balls over two turns to grab the win that tied the series at 1. Another bad break left little for Angelica to work with early on. Lindsay chipped in offense as she could and took the win on a three-ball run-out for a 2-1 series win. Lindsay will host Boston Swifts captain Sweetheart in the second round. Angelica has three bids moving forward.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Klaus v. Sleepy B. The purple cue enters for an East Division battle in 7-ball. Central's Klaus scratched on the break in game 1, and that left a 1-7 combination lined up for Archtown's Sleepy B. to make on her lone shot. Sleepy B. holds a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Sleepy B. couldn't get her offense going in a full-term game 2. The Warriors' Klaus had less of a problem in that regard, sinking a five-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. A choppy game 3 saw neither player truly able to take control. Klaus did what he could and got the win late on a shot of the 7 to the bottom side to beat Sleepy B. 2-1 in the series. Klaus will play host to his captain, the Warriors' Twilight, in the second round. Sleepy B. has just one advancing bid.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Puff II. Another divisional match uses the silver cue in 12-ball to end the venue doubleheader. Harrison's Puff II carved out a five-ball run in game 1 and had decent positioning at the bottom side. Central's Noelle couldn't handle the pressure, and Puff II earned the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Puff II had rather poor positioning late in game 2, and her error trying to free up the 13 led to the Warriors' Noelle finishing a strong win with a pair of shots. The series is tied at 1. Noelle was too passive at the start of game 3, letting Puff II quickly get down to her last ball. Noelle's comeback fell short, and Puff II won the series 2-1 to earn a trip to Todavía to face the Stills captain Easter in the second round. Both players have five advancing bids.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Solaris v. Leonette. The green cue enters the mix in 9-ball. Commerce's Solaris couldn't maintain control in a slow game 1, as his late scratch gave Pacific's Leonette a three-ball run-out for free. Leonette owns a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Solaris refused to go quietly in game 2, pressuring the Volcanoes' Leonette all around the table. Solaris picked up the win with a pair at the end to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Leonette had some positive moments and Solaris was a little less successful. At the end, Leonette kicked in the 7 to the bottom left and added the 9 on the next shot for the 2-1 series win. Leonette is set to visit the Southridge Defenders' Wario in the second round. Leonette has three bids going forward, while Solaris takes four.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Shaggy. A captains' battle in 12-ball uses the red cue between North Division rivals. Whitewater's Shaggy pushed a four-ball run early in game 1, and Modernistic's Ms. Puppy couldn't make the shift from offense to defense. Shaggy easily took the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Ms. Puppy was too slow on offense but too fast in removing her defense from the bottom left in game 2. The Shores' Shaggy had a big run and finished with the 7 from ball-in-hand to the bottom left for the win to seal the series at 2-0. In game 3, Ms. Puppy leveraged her better positioning into a win while Shaggy struggled to get anything lined up. Shaggy still won the series 2-1 and will visit Royal Crowns sophomore Sunshine in the second round. Both players go forward with six bids.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Vladimir v. Delila. East Division foes battle in 10-ball with the green cue. Atlantic's Delila opened with a three-ball run in game 1, but Maplewood's Vladimir answered on a five-ball run and added the 10 later for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Vladimir looked all out of sorts in game 2, although the Pirates' Delila was little better. Delila got the win with a late pair of shots, tying the series at 1. Another slow-moving game 3 saw Vladimir bring about a sudden finish when he made the 2 to the bottom right and got the 10 to carom into the top side. Vladimir beat Delila 2-1 in the series and will visit Pronger Tridents veteran Prism in the second round with one of his three advancing bids.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Quincy v. Oreo. Former teammates clash in Accuracy with the purple cue. After taking one miss each in regulation in game 1, the two players combined to make one of six shots in overtime. That make was from Terrace City's Oreo, who won 3-4 over Modernistic's Quincy for the 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Oreo trailed for much of game 2, but the Union's Quincy had a late miss to end regulation tied. It was a short hope for Oreo, who missed on the overtime break and lost 1-2 when Quincy converted for the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Quincy suffered a late scratch, but Oreo butchered the play from ball-in-hand right after that. Quincy won 1-2 again and took the series 2-1 to earn the right to host the Apex Wonders' Mr. Snowman in the second round. Both players have four bids going forward.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Stealth v. Ingrid. The purple cue stays on for 7-ball. Swordpoint's Stealth was a little shaky to start game 1, and Southridge's Ingrid capitalized with a four-ball run-out to earn the win and 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Stealth had all the offense in game 2, with a four-ball run on his first turn and a three-ball run-out after the Defenders' Ingrid was unable to get control on offense. Stealth's win tied the series at 1. A more competitive game 3 still saw Stealth go clutch at the end for a three-ball run-out to beat Ingrid. Stealth won the series 2-1 and will host Boston Swifts newcomer Sydney S. in the second round with one of his five advancing bids. Ingrid has three bids going forward.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Taylor S. A huge captains' battle in the North Division goes with the red cue in Accuracy. Westside's Misty held the lead for much of game 1, but she faltered late and again on the overtime break. Commerce's Taylor S. held on just long enough for a 1-2 win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. had a great start to game 2, but she faltered twice just after the midpoint. The Rockers' Misty was also perfect to that point, and she stayed that way in her 0-2 win to tie the series at 1. Misty was perfect deep into game 3 as well, but she unraveled right at the end while Taylor S. cleaned up the scraps for a 1-3 win. Taylor S. took the series 2-1 and will host Southern Monarchs sophomore Molly in the second round. Taylor S. has four bids going forward compared to Misty's three. This was Misty's 100th unique opponent.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Greg v. Lindsay. The silver cue makes its exit after 8-ball. Archtown's Greg didn't make game 1 easy on himself, scratching twice to hurt his momentum. Stonebridge's Lindsay got down to the 8 but couldn't put it away, and Greg made a pair for the win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Arrows' Greg had a six-ball run in game 2, but it was sandwiched between a pair of four-ball runs for the Wolves' Lindsay, who used her surge to get the win. The series is tied at 1. Lindsay made one of each on the break in game 3, and she elected to play stripes. It didn't look like a great choice as Greg controlled the early pace, but Lindsay recovered with a four-ball run-out for the win. Lindsay took the series 2-1 and will visit the Central Warriors' Noelle in the second round. Greg has three advancing bids.

Porsche Events Center, Zenith: Nightfur v. Kodiak. The green cue gets a look in Accuracy in its daily finale. Zenith's Nightfur had an uneven start to game 1, and she didn't improve much as it went along. Web City's Kodiak was unchallenged in a 2-5 win to earn the initial 1-0 series lead. The Skywatchers' Nightfur played a more even performance in game 2, but she wasn't able to keep it going late. A pair of misses from Nightfur allowed the Spiders' Kodiak to claim a 2-4 win to clinch the series at 2-0. In game 3, neither player had much interest in playing competitively. Kodiak was able to grab a 3-5 win despite a late skid, completing his 3-0 series sweep over Nightfur. Kodiak is set to visit the Everton Eagles' Cleo in the second round. Nightfur will have three bids going forward.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Bucco v. Jake. The purple cue checks out after Accuracy. Royal's Jake slipped up in the middle of game 1, and Harrison's Bucco showed him no mercy. Bucco closed out a 1-3 win for the 1-0 series lead in good form. In game 2, both players kept close at the start. It was a competitive battle, but the Specters' Bucco again prevailed as the Crowns' Jake faded late. Bucco's 1-3 win this time sealed the series at 2-0. Jake couldn't get anything right in game 3, and Bucco was perfect in a 0-6 win to complete a 3-0 series sweep. Bucco is set to host the Atlantic Pirates' Buddy in the second round. Jake will carry three bids forward.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Mr. Snowman v. Dusty. The red cue is done after this 8-ball series. Apex's Mr. Snowman did all he could on offense early, but errors and misses late allowed Golden's Dusty to pull back on a run and ultimately snag the win. Dusty holds a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Dusty again had a slower start in game 2, and this time she had to pay for it. The Wonders' Mr. Snowman took a run and then pieced together some offense with a kick on the 8 to the top side ending his win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Mr. Snowman had the lead and the positioning, but his forward spin on the 8 saw him scratch as he made it, gifting the win and 2-1 series win to Dusty. In the second round, Dusty will visit Atlantic Pirates captain Delila with one her two advancing bids, while Mr. Snowman carries three bids forward. 

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stripes v. Delila. The blue cue enters the action for 13-ball. Pace was no problem in game 1, as Atlantic's Delila started well. Southridge's Stripes stormed back on a five-ball run, and she cleaned up the 8 at the top left on the next turn for a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Delila again struck first in game 2, but the Defenders' Stripes thrived with a three-ball run in response. Stripes kept up the pace later, and Delila's missed contact at the end allowed Stripes to get the win and secure the series at 2-0. Positioning played out fairly even in game 3, but Delila had a little more on offense this time and snagged her lone win. Stripes took the series 2-1 to line up a hosting position versus Eastside Sharks newcomer Rudolph in the second round. Delila has six bids going forward.

Sony Center, Queens: Mario v. Peach. A huge marquee series ends the day in 13-ball with the blue cue between the closest of club-mates. Differing approaches in game 1 saw North Modernistic's Peach take the side pockets first while Queens' Mario worked the corners. As they switched over, Peach took control and ended up easily winning for a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Peach had to play from behind again in game 2, but this time, her positioning wasn't great. The Flames' Mario made a savvy move late to help extend his four-ball run-out long enough to get the win that tied the series at 1. Peach jumped out to a lead in game 3, and that left Mario with too much to do and too little time to get it done. Mario closed the gap well, but Peach easily won for a 2-1 series win and a trip to Maplewood to face the Lumberjacks' Marissa in the second round with one of her four advancing bids. 

We'll end the First Round tomorrow in what should be a rather quick set of series.

Tournament XI - First Round Day 46

First Round action continues today, beginning with...

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Graham. The red cue makes the start today in 13-ball. Oceanside's Celestia started game 1 with a five-ball run, and that put Central's Graham in a bad position early. Celestia needed little extra time to make her final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Graham put up a much better fight in game 2, but he missed a shot near the end on the 8. The Waves' Celestia sank the 6 to the bottom side and the 8 to the top left for the win to clinch the series at 2-0 in a small comeback win. Celestia had to work a little harder for the win in game 3, but she made a four-ball run-out at the end to complete her 3-0 series sweep over Graham. Celestia will visit Westside Rockers captain Misty in the second round. Celestia takes six bids forward while Graham has two left.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Peach. North Division stars battle in 8-ball with the blue cue. Whitewater's Katharine made one of each on the break and took stripes. North Modernistic's Peach worked well on solids, but she missed the 8 before Katharine won on a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Katharine rallied on a seven-ball run in game 2, putting late pressure on the Nighthawks' Peach. In response, Peach made a four-ball run but missed her last solid before Katharine put the 8 away at the bottom left to seal the series at 2-0. Katharine continued to play well in game 3, making strong bursts of offense and recovering from a miss on the 8 to bank it in at the bottom left on her next turn. Katharine swept Peach 3-0 in the series, and she'll go on to host Apex Wonders rookie Maren in the second round.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Cowzart v. Daisy. Another North Division tangle comes in 10-ball as the blue cue exits for the day. Apex's Cowzart had a solid start to game 1, but he wasn't able to finish it. Oceanside's Daisy won on a three-ball run-out, including an off-hand bank of the 10 to the bottom right for the 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Daisy scratched on the break and spent the rest of the time playing from behind. The Wonders' Cowzart was good at the end on a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Cowzart didn't get much offense in game 3, struggling with his aim. Daisy picked up the win and took a 2-1 series win, earning a trip to Del Sur to visit Southern Monarchs sophomore Molly in the second round. Cowzart still has five bids moving forward.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Anna v. Twilight. The silver cue is ready to go in 9-ball. It took some time for either player to get comfortable in game 1, but it was Central's Twilight who did with a six-ball run-out to take the win and 1-0 series lead over Terrace City's Anna. The Warriors' Twilight had the better looks on offense in game 2, working well with an early pair and a three-ball run-out while the Knights' Anna was limited to the middle of the game. Twilight secured the series at 2-0 with this win. Anna was cruelly denied the win in game 3 after making an eight-ball run and missing on the 9. Twilight cleaned up at the top left for the 3-0 series sweep that sets her up to visit Westside Rockers newcomer Snowball in the second round with one of her five advancing bids. Anna carries two bids forward.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Klaus v. Gal. The red cue cycles in for a 10-ball set. North Modernistic's Gal had her chances in game 1, but she scratched while potting the 8 at the top left. Central's Klaus took the 10 from ball-in-hand for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Gal kept her season alive in game 2, weathering a couple of bursts from the Warriors' Klaus before sinking a three-ball run-out. Gal's win tied the series at 1. Klaus had no finishing touch in game 3, and Gal converted a four-ball run-out to win the series 2-1. She'll host Boston Swifts captain Sweetheart in the second round with her lone remaining bid.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Shelley v. Stripes. The green cue gets a turn here in 15-ball. Infinity's Shelley won game 1 in two shots, sinking the 14 to the top left on the break and the 1-15 combination deflected off the 3 to the bottom left right after. Shelley leads Southridge's Stripes 1-0 in the series. The Defenders' Stripes didn't get to shoot in game 2 either. The Torpedoes' Shelley made the 9 and 14 to the top corners on the break and banked a 1-15 combination to the bottom right to secure the series at 2-0. Shelley scratched on the game 3 break, allowing it to play out more normally. Stripes enjoyed her first look at the table, making a late five-ball run and adding the 15 a turn later for her lone win. Shelley won the series 2-1 and will visit Pacific Volcanoes mainstay Ms. Kitty in the second round with one of her five advancing bids.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Nikolai. Another green cue series is on in 10-ball. Commerce's Rosemary opened with a nice four-ball run in game 1, then experienced a drop-off in quality. Freedom's Nikolai didn't pick up the pace, and Rosemary won on a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. Another tight contest in game 2 saw the Tradewinds' Rosemary again slip out of form. The Cascades' Nikolai wasn't much better until he potted a 7-10 combination to the bottom left for the win to tie the series at 1. Neither player was able to take control in game 3. The ending came suddenly as Rosemary made the 10 to the top left after Nikolai couldn't sink it. Rosemary won the series 2-1 and will host the Central Warriors' Dustin in the second round with one of her two advancing bids.

Intel Center, Diamond: Salmo v. Midnight. The green cue stays up for Accuracy. Near perfect play early on gave way to Apex's Midnight stumbling to the finish while Diamond's Salmo held his ground well enough for a 1-3 win in game 1. Salmo owns a 1-0 series lead. The Wonders' Midnight fell apart in game 2, as she led by two shots but was dragged into a tie at the end of regulation. Midnight missed on the overtime break, and the Gems' Salmo picked up a 3-4 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Midnight mailed in her last effort in game 3, as Salmo walked away with a rather easy 2-7 win to complete the 3-0 series sweep. Salmo will host Pronger Tridents captain Precious in the second round. Salmo will take three bids forward while Midnight has five.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Hoppy v. Maison. The red cue returns for 12-ball. Archtown's Hoppy had a fairly simple game 1, striking early and leaving Eastside's Maison with poor positioning the rest of the way. Hoppy closed out the win with a late pair to grab a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Maison made a much more impactful attack with his early four-ball run, and he nearly had more. The Arrows' Hoppy tried to match his pace, but Maison soon made his final pair for the win to tie the series at 1. Hoppy was much more clinical on attack in game 3, and Maison didn't have time to get in position despite making a pair on the break. Hoppy made a pair at the end for the win to take the series 2-1, earning a trip to Diamond to face the Gems' Autumn in the second round. Hoppy has five bids going forward compared to only two for Maison.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Cleo. The host's second series today is in Accuracy as the green cue wraps up its day. Whitewater's Katharine had some nice shots in game 1, but she slipped behind early and never got a chance to push back. Everton's Cleo won with a firm 1-2 result for the 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Katharine held a lead for almost all of game 2 before a late miss and some good shooting from the Eagles' Cleo took it into overtime. There, Katharine scratched on the break and Cleo won 1-2 to seal the series at 2-0. Cleo was again strong in game 3, winning by a 1-3 score this time as Katharine couldn't find any success. Cleo will play in the second round with one of her five bids, while Katharine goes forward with four.

Porsche Events Center, Zenith: Blizzard v. Tigerette. A big series with the silver cue in 12-ball features South Division rivals. Blizzard had an overfill with stripes on the break, but Boston's Tigerette squandered fairly good positioning. Blizzard still had to overcome a scratch to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw the Skywatchers' Blizzard make two stripes and a solid on the break. She struggled from there, and outside of an embarrassingly slow finish, the Swifts' Tigerette was much better. Tigerette eventually took the win to tie the series at 1. Tigerette made a pair of solids on the break in game 3, but she still had to battle later on as Blizzard pushed hard on a comeback effort. Tigerette ended up with a 2-1 series win and will host the Southridge Defenders' Ingrid in the second round. Tigerette has five bids going forward, whereas Blizzard has four.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Josie v. Rainmane. The purple cue enters with 15-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Josie had a congested start after the game 1 break. Midland's Rainmane added clarity with a five-ball run and a three-ball run before picking up the 15 after a slow finish. Rainmane leads the series 1-0. The Predators' Rainmane didn't have as much early success in game 2, as both she and the Meteors' Josie had errors. Rainmane closed out strong with a five-ball run-out this time, clinching the series at 2-0. Rainmane had a terrible break that sent both players beyond their breaking points with patience. Rainmane couldn't even give the game away properly, but Josie won anyway at the natural end. Rainmane's 2-1 series win puts her on the road in the second round versus Lighton Prestige veteran Citrus. Rainmane carries five bids forward to Josie's two.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Sunshine v. Yekaterina. The red cue gets a look in 12-ball here. Victoria's Yekaterina had great positioning after her initial run, only to waste it all by sending the cue ball off the table late. Royal's Sunshine took his last shot from ball-in-hand for a comeback win and 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Sunshine lost his patience with stripes in the middle of game 2, and that allowed the Spurs' Yekaterina to set herself up for a four-ball run-out. This gave Yekaterina a win to tie the series at 1. Yekaterina wasn't able to get any of her positioning right late in game 3, and a foul allowed Sunshine to again make his last ball from ball-in-hand for the win. Sunshine took the series 2-1 and will play in the second round. Yekaterina takes three bids forward.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Patches v. Ingrid. The purple cue is done after this 9-ball set. Oceanside's Patches ripped a five-ball run-out to close game 1 on an 8-9 combination at the bottom left for a 1-0 series lead over Southridge's Ingrid. The Waves' Patches looked to gear up for another big run in game 2, but it ended at three balls. The Defenders' Ingrid pushed back on a pair to get the win, tying the series at 1 game apiece. In game 3, Ingrid weathered a seven-ball run from Patches before a scrap over the 8. Ingrid prevailed by making the last two shots for the win and 2-1 series win. Ingrid will visit the Boston Swifts' Tigerette in the second round.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Panda v. Oreo. The day ends with the red cue in 15-ball. Everton's Panda was frustrated right off the bat, but he pieced together a three-ball run, only for Terrace City's Oreo to snipe the contested win with a pair of shots. Oreo leads the series 1-0. The Knights' Oreo had a fairly solid showing in game 2, which remained choppy on both sides for offense. At the end, the Eagles' Panda stepped up with a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Panda finally found his groove at the end of game 3, making a five-ball run-out for the win to take a 2-1 series win over Oreo. Panda is set to host Freedom Cascades captain Stinky in the second round with one of his four advancing bids. 

A difficult day is done, and just two more remain in the First Round. The official plan is to take off Saturday through Thursday for administrative duties and a general refresh.

Tournament XI - First Round Day 45

Play continues on the final week of the First Round. Today won't feature the green cue. The action begins with...

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Ellie v. Summer. The blue cue gets the start today in 15-ball. Capital City's Ellie did alright early in game 1, but her late shooting was a disaster. Maplewood's Summer did a good job cleaning up at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Ellie had a poor attempt to make contact on the 5 in game 2, and the Lumberjacks' Summer made a 5-15 combination to the bottom left from ball-in-hand. Summer clinched the series at 2-0 while drawing the ire of the home fans. Ellie wasn't able to make a game-changing impact in game 3, and Summer walked away with the win on a three-ball run-out for the 3-0 series sweep. Summer will visit Stonebridge Wolves sophomore Jane in the second round. Ellie still has seven bids moving forward.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Brownie v. Missy. The red cue draws in for a 10-ball series. Royal's Brownie made the 10 illegally twice in game 1. After the first time, Capital City's Missy made a six-ball run, and she sent the 10 to the bottom right the second time for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Missy had a much less successful game 2, scratching multiple times and failing on her one chance at the 10. The Crowns' Brownie capitalized this time for the win to tie the series at 1. Missy put the 10 near the bottom left in the middle of game 3, and both players focused on it from there. Brownie was able to convert an 8-10 combination as a double-pot for the win and 2-1 series win that sees her into the second round, where she'll visit Harrison Specters newcomer Puff II. Both players have four advancing bids.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Charli v. Marissa. The purple cue enters the action with 9-ball. Maplewood's Marissa thrived at the bottom side, making a three-ball run and sparking a five-ball run-out by jamming four shots in that pocket. She dominated game 1 for a 1-0 series lead over Tysini's Charli. The Hummingbirds' Charli wouldn't go down quietly, battling hard in game 2 to control the offense as the Lumberjacks' Marissa took a slight step back. Charli's win tied the series at 1. Charli stunned and excited the home crowd when she made the 9 to the bottom left on the break in game 3. This gave Charli a 2-1 series win and the right to host Westside Rockers mainstay Goatee in the second round. Charli has six bids going forward while Marissa takes four.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Cowzart v. Shadow. The purple cue stays active in this 7-ball set. Apex's Cowzart buried a three-ball run-out after a close battle between himself and Diamond's Shadow, who narrowly missed a 5-7 combination at the top right. Cowzart owns a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Wonders' Cowzart clinched the series by putting the 7 in the bottom side on the break. He leads the Gems' Shadow 2-0. In game 3, Cowzart made a ball and Shadow followed with a pair before Cowzart answered with a four-ball run-out to complete the 3-0 series sweep. Cowzart will host Freedom Cascades newcomer Frosty in the second round.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Shadow. The purple cue gets a big series in Rotation that is also the back half of a doubleheader for the visitor. A close battle at the start saw Central's Dustin take a small lead. Diamond's Shadow shot back on a five-ball run, then finished off the 8-3 win with a pair to go up 1-0 in the series. The Gems' Shadow scratched on the break, and he was playing from behind the rest of the way in game 2. The Warriors' Dustin was able to flip the score line to 8-3 in his favor, tying the series at 1. In game 3, Shadow made a couple of mistakes that yielded offense for Dustin, who pushed his way to an 8-3 win to take a 2-1 series win. Dustin will visit Infinity Torpedoes captain Smudge in the second round. Both players have four advancing bids.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Briana. The blue cue gets a turn again in 9-ball. Web City's Jack wasted a chance on a 3-9 combination in game 1, and Queens' Briana waited him out before converting the same shot to the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Briana wasn't able to step up her game from the start of game 2. This led to a tight battle that went to the Spiders' Jack when he won with a pair at the end to tie the series at 1. Jack made a seven-ball run in game 3, but he missed a bank attempt on the 8. Briana cleaned up the final pair for the win to take a 2-1 series win, and she'll visit Victoria Spurs veteran Sage in the second round with one of her two advancing bids.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Toki v. Klaus. The silver cue's lone appearance today is in 9-ball. Central's Klaus struck early in game 1, deflecting off the 2 with spin to sink the 9 at the bottom left after Eastside's Toki failed to take control. Klaus leads the series 1-0. The 9 sat at the bottom left again for much of game 2, and the Sharks' Toki failed on a couple of half-efforts at collecting it in a combination. The Warriors' Klaus eventually poked it down for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Klaus won in three shots in game 3, ending with a play on the 2 to the bottom left that added the 3-9 combination on the deflection to the top left. Klaus swept Toki 3-0 and will move onto a road series versus Zenith Skywatchers captain Blizzard in the second round. Toki has just two bids left.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Maren v. Stinky. Back to the blue cue for 8-ball. Apex's Maren had an awful start to game 1, as Freedom's Stinky got down to the 8 before she made a ball. Maren then put down a six-ball run and took the 8 on the next turn for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Wonders' Maren couldn't get anything down on the break in game 2, and she paid for it as the Cascades' Stinky ran the table from there for a well-earned win. The series is tied at 1. In game 3, Stinky had the early offense, but he just opened up more space for Maren to make an eight-ball run-out. Maren won the series 2-1 to earn her place in the second round with one of her four advancing bids. Stinky has only three bids going forward.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Rocky v. Summer. The red cue draws back in for Accuracy. Oceanside's Rocky had some baffling misses in the middle of game 1, allowing Maplewood's Summer to take root and win a 2-4 result for the 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Rocky made a drastic improvement in game 2, only faltering once late. The Lumberjacks' Summer had a slight skid early on and never recovered as Rocky won 1-2 to tie the series at 1. In game 3, both players had some struggles in the middle. Summer's lasted longer, and Rocky was able to stabilize enough at the end for a 3-5 win to take the series 2-1. Rocky will visit Todavía Stills captain Easter in the second round with one of his three advancing bids, while Summer has four going forward.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Wings v. Autumn. The red cue features again in Rotation. Pearl's Wings took the early lead in game 1, but he couldn't get anything to stick after that. Diamond's Autumn took over on offense and escaped with an 8-6 win to go up 1-0 in the series. The Gems' Autumn had a triple-pot taken off the board due to a scratch in game 2, but it didn't slow her down. The Surfers' Wings had scratch troubles, and Autumn made a three-ball run-out to take an 8-3 win that sealed the series at 2-0. Autumn kept rolling in game 3 with a hot start and enough left at the end for an 8-7 win to sweep Wings 3-0 in the series. Autumn will visit the Everton Eagles captain Goldy in the second round with one of her four advancing bids.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Gizmo v. Vincent. The purple cue gets a look in 13-ball. Everton's Vincent got the early lead in game 1, then maintained it with a late three-ball run. North Modernistic's Gizmo couldn't answer the second attack, and Vincent took the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Gizmo had a slightly better start to game 2, but he left himself with the side pockets last. The Eagles' Vincent rallied from behind on a three-ball run and then put the 8 away to the top left for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Gizmo made a huge mistake in game 3, sinking the 8 illegally and scratching on his second shot. Vincent took the gifted win for a 3-0 series sweep that sees him set to visit Victoria Spurs superstar Yekaterina in the second round. Vincent has seven bids going forward to Gizmo's three.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Lindsay v. Rosalina. The red cue is done for the day after 10-ball. Victoria's Rosalina belted a five-ball run in game 1, but Stonebridge's Lindsay answered on a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Lindsay went on a surge again in game 2, making an eight-ball run only to miss on the 9. The Spurs' Rosalina didn't let this opportunity get away, sinking the final pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1. A back-and-forth battle in game 3 saw both players make a fair share of offense. At the end, Lindsay sniped the 10 to the top right to get the 2-1 series win over Rosalina. Lindsay will host Zenith Skywatchers captain Blizzard in the second round. Rosalina has three bids going forward.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Dreamy. The blue cue is up for 7-ball. The best defense in game 1 was a good offense, and Harrison's Twinkie II showed it by running the table to keep Swordpoint's Dreamy from shooting. Twinkie II holds a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II saw the cost of not striking early in game 2. The Blades' Dreamy made a five-ball run and added the 7 on her second turn to get the win to tie the series at 1. Dreamy went empty on the break in the worst way in game 3, leaving a 1-7 combination for Twinkie II to smash into the top side. Twinkie II grabbed a 2-1 series win and will host the Southern Monarchs' Molly in the second round. Twinkie II has six bids remaining after a perfect First Round, while Dreamy's down to two.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Megan v. Whiskers. The purple cue checks out after 10-ball. Oceanside's Megan didn't get anything on the break, but she left the 10 near the bottom left. Maplewood's Whiskers struck a long-distance 1-10 combination to the bottom left for the win on her first shot, going ahead 1-0 in the series. In game 2, there was no quick finish. The Waves' Megan looked a little lost on offense, and her late scratch on the 7 allowed the Lumberjacks' Whiskers to make the final pair for the win. Whiskers sealed the series at 2-0. Whiskers eased up a bit in another slow game 3 battle. Megan was able to snag the final pair, but Whiskers' 2-1 series win puts her on the road again versus Terrace City Knights captain Kiwi in the second round. Whiskers carries four bids forward while Megan has two.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Blake. The day ends with the blue cue in Accuracy. Freedom's Blake looked moderately unsteady at the start, but she kept a good effort going. Infinity's Smudge stumbled twice, and that was enough when Blake won 1-3 to earn a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Smudge bounced back fairly well in game 2, grabbing the lead midway through and keeping it as the Cascades' Blake faltered late. Smudge won 2-4 to tie the series at 1. Blake trailed for all of game 3, and she worked hard to get into a tie, only to miss on the last ball. Smudge won 2-3 and took the series 2-1 to get into a second round series where she'll host the Swordpoint Blades' Bandit. Smudge has four bids going forward, while Blake owns two. 

That's it for today. We'll be back tomorrow with three days left in the round.

Tournament XI - First Round Day 44

The final week of the First Round is here. Today's action gets going with...

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Ellie. The purple cue opens the day in 7-ball. A slow start in game 1 saw Pearl's Watermelon falter a bit until Capital City's Ellie ended a three-ball run with missed contact. Watermelon made the last pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon had a decent game 2, but her miss on the 6 near the end cost her the win. The Sharpshooters' Ellie picked up the final pair this time and tied the series at 1 with her win. In game 3, neither player gained much control on offense. Ellie ultimately finished it with a three-ball run-out to take the 2-1 series win and earn a road position in the second round.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sleepy B. v. Twinkie III. The purple cue stays up for an Accuracy series. Whitewater's Twinkie III played significantly better in game 1, working her way to a 1-4 win against a sloppy showing from Archtown's Sleepy B. Twinkie III owns a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Shores' Twinkie III inexplicably just fell apart on offense near the end. The Arrows' Sleepy B. scooped up a relatively easy 2-4 win to tie the series at 1. Sleepy B. couldn't maintain that pace in game 3, slipping behind again and getting unlucky as Twinkie III had some bounces go in her favor for a 2-4 win. Twinkie III won the series 2-1 and will host the Central Warriors captain Twilight in the second round with one of her three advancing bids.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Dewey v. Puff I. More purple cue action is in 15-ball. Stonebridge's Dewey took his time on offense in a close game 1 versus Modernistic's Puff I. At the end, Dewey emerged with a five-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Dewey had a struggle in game 2, unable to break out on a big attack like before. Instead, the Union's Puff I mimicked her opponent at the end with a four-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 went right down to the wire, with Dewey ultimately earning the win on a cut of the 15 to the bottom side after Puff I faltered on her finish. Dewey's 2-1 series win lines him up to visit Web City Spiders newcomer Kodiak in the second round. Puff I goes on with four bids.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Starlight v. Kiwi. A captains' battle in 8-ball uses the red cue. A slow start to game 1 ended when Pacific's Starlight surged for a six-ball run-out to beat Terrace City's Kiwi for the 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Kiwi needed to be a bit more decisive in game 2, instead hesitating on a couple of shots. The Volcanoes' Starlight capitalized on those moments with a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 2-0. In game 3, Kiwi came her closest to winning, but she fell short as Starlight navigated a three-ball run-out for the 3-0 series sweep. Starlight will host her sister, Central Warriors captain Twilight, in the second round. Kiwi advances with four bids, while Starlight has just one left.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Watermelon. The co-marquee series of the day is in 10-ball with the purple cue. Pearl's Watermelon looked good with an early four-ball run, but she couldn't finish off the battle. Central's Twilight made two pairs of shots late to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon took the drama right out game 2, as she made a 1-10 combination to the bottom left on her first shot after the Warriors' Twilight went empty on the break. This tied the series at 1. Twilight had the control early on, but her missed contact on the 7 made it easy for Watermelon to pot an 8-10 combination two shots later for the win. Watermelon took the series 2-1 and will host Boston Swifts newcomer Tigerette in the second round with one of her four advancing bids.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Wild Thing v. Blake. The green cue gets a turn in 15-ball between East Division rivals. Web City's Wild Thing enjoyed a strong pace to a choppy game 1, but he didn't have the momentum at the end. Freedom's Blake pulled off with a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Blake slowed the pace down a bit in game 2, but her offense also disappeared at the end. The Spiders' Wild Thing gained control with a four-ball run and then added a pair on his final turn for the win to tie the series at 1. Blake took over again late in game 3, working a five-ball run and adding a three-ball run-out when Wild Thing came up short on the counterattack. Blake won the series 2-1 and will visit Maplewood Lumberjacks captain Diddley in the second round. Wild Thing carries four bids forward.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Dewey. The blue cue enters the day for 7-ball. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy made a four-ball run early in game 1, but Stonebridge's Dewey answered on a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Dewey had some good looks in game 2, but at the end, the Union's Ms. Puppy banked the 7 to the bottom side. The strong shot was good enough to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Dewey had a controlling effort on offense, but he missed on the 6. Ms. Puppy took over for a 6-7 combination to the bottom right to earn the 2-1 series win. Ms. Puppy is set to visit Swordpoint Blades veteran Bandit in the second round. Dewey has four bids going forward.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Sprinkles v. Lindsay. The green cue is done after this 13-ball set. Capital City's Sprinkles overcame an overfill in game 1 to work a four-ball run-out for the win over Stonebridge's Lindsay, who also committed an overfill. Sprinkles leads the series 1-0. The Wolves' Lindsay had a nice moment early in game 2, but she struggled to support it consistently. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles was able to overcome a late scratch to still earn the win that sealed the series at 2-0. In game 3, Lindsay had to play from behind the entire time. Sprinkles did enough to hold her off late for the win and 3-0 series sweep that sends her into a second round series hosting Westside Rockers veteran Chimpy with one of her three advancing bids.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Blair v. Pounce. The silver cue's lone series today is in Accuracy. Apex's Blair had a rough start to game 1, but he was able to bait Southern's Pounce into a couple of late misses. This flipped the game into a 3-4 win for Blair, who owns a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Wonders' Blair wasn't able to get ahead after a scratch on the break. The Monarchs' Pounce closed him out with a 3-4 win, tying the series at 1 game apiece. In game 3, Pounce held control by not scratching on the break and letting Blair falter in the middle. Pounce won 3-6 and took the series 2-1 to earn his visit to Pearl to face the Surfers' Watermelon in the second round. Pounce takes six bids forward while Blair has three.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Sunshine v. Omari. Sophomores tangle in 10-ball with the red cue. Zenith's Omari had an ambitious attempt to bank the 2 toward the bottom left in game 1. It failed, and Royal's Sunshine soon made the 2-10 combination at the bottom left a turn later for the 1-0 series lead. The Skywatchers' Omari again had some bold plays in a full-length game 2, but he suffered a late miss. The Crowns' Sunshine sank the final two balls for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. In game 3, Sunshine scratched on the break, and Omari sank the 1-10 combination from ball-in-hand to the bottom left. Sunshine settled for a 2-1 series win, which allows him to host the Central Warriors' Graham in the second round. Omari has just one bid going forward.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Tigerette v. Waluigi. The purple cue cycles in for 15-ball here. It appeared to be a quick start to game 1, but Boston's Tigerette settled into a slower pace as things progressed. Web City's Waluigi didn't put up a big fight, and Tigerette got by for a narrow win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Waluigi was even more feeble on offense in game 2, striking down a few shots but none with the menace for a big run. The Swifts' Tigerette eventually won on a 13-15 combination to the top right to seal the series at 2-0. Waluigi finally made an impact in game 3 by sinking seven of the last eight balls, including a five-ball run. He got the win, leaving Tigerette to advance on a 2-1 series win. Tigerette will host Capital City Sharpshooters captain Chris in the second round. Waluigi has three bids going forward.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Melissa v. Chicky Phil. The blue cue checks out after 10-ball. Terrace City's Melissa put in a near-effortless showing, winning on an easy five-ball run-out after Midland's Chicky Phil couldn't establish himself. The Knights' Melissa didn't get control of the offense in game 2. This time, the Predators' Chicky Phil looked stronger, and he made a double-pot of the 6 to the top side and the 10 to the top left off one shot on the 5. This tied the series at 1. Chicky Phil did well early in game 3, only for Melissa to fire back at the end with a four-ball run-out for the win. Melissa took the series 2-1 and will host Oceanside Waves newcomer Patches in the second round. Melissa has four bids going forward, while Chicky Phil only has one.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Cubby v. Vincent. The purple cue is back for 7-ball. Everton's Vincent worked his way to the win in game 1 with a five-ball run-out after an early scrap for possession with Archtown's Cubby. Vincent owns a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Cubby carved out a four-ball run in game 2, but he didn't get another turn after that. The Eagles' Vincent closed the win with a three-ball run-out to secure the series at 2-0. In game 3, Vincent dominated on offense while Cubby rolled over with little challenge. Vincent swept the series 3-0 and will host Capital City Sharpshooters rookie Ellie in the second round. Cubby still has five advancing bids.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Brownie v. Jack. The purple cue is done for the day after another 7-ball set. Royal's Brownie ran the table in game 1, never letting Web City's Jack get a shot. Brownie owns a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Brownie wasn't able to dominate from the start, but the Spiders' Jack let possession slip away later. Brownie recovered on a four-ball run-out for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Brownie wasn't able to get a run going in game 3, leaving it open for Jack to snag the win at the end. Brownie won the series 2-1 and will host Freedom Cascades captain Stinky in the second round.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Toki v. Megan. The day ends with the red cue playing 15-ball. Eastside's Toki had everything go well on his six-ball run before a pair of late misses squandered his offense. Oceanside's Megan picked up the scraps to earn the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw a much more difficult stretch of offense on both sides, as no runs really developed. At the end, the Waves' Megan clipped the 15 and double-kissed it to the top right on an illegal play to gift the win to the Sharks' Toki. This tied the series at 1. Toki looked a little more promising in game 3, but he butchered his look at the 14. Megan made the final pair of shots for the win and 2-1 series win, setting her up to visit Diamond Gems strongman Leonardo in the second round. 

The countdown is on with four days left in the First Round, which continues tomorrow.

Tournament XI - First Round Day 43

A split-day weekend is on once again. First up...

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Maison. Young stars clash in 10-ball with the red cue. Oceanside's Celestia had a solid performance in game 1 with a five-ball run, but she faltered toward the end. Eastside's Maison was able to poach the win with the 10 at the top right for a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia completely lost her aim in game 2, which was much slower than the first due to the Sharks' Maison shooting a poor break. Maison still made a pair at the end to pick up the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Maison dominated game 3 with a three-ball run and a six-ball run-out for the win to sweep Celestia 3-0 in the series. Maison will host Everton Eagles mainstay Puff III in the second round.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Neopolitan v. Shelley. The green cue is up for 12-ball. Infinity's Shelley pulled off a shutout in game 1, as her early four-ball run put Pearl's Neopolitan into a desperate but defensive stance. Shelley took her time to sink the final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Shelley again put in a good start in game 2, but this time she couldn't finish it off. The Surfers' Neopolitan overcame a scratch to make a four-ball run-out, the sudden surge giving her a win to tie the series at 1. Neopolitan got a solid on the break in game 3, but Shelley took over on her first turn with a four-ball run played excellently. Shelley made the final pair later and took the series 2-1 to earn the right to host Pacific Volcanoes newcomer Smokey in the second round.

Sony Center, Queens: Crystal v. Rachel. The green cue stays in action for an Accuracy series. Queens' Crystal had a solid game 1, but she slipped behind early and Whitewater's Rachel showed no mercy. Rachel collected a 1-2 miss, only failing on the final ball as she went ahead 1-0 in the series. The Shores' Rachel didn't get a great break in game 2, but she played well from it. The Flames' Crystal remained a little shaky, and her miss on the final ball allowed Rachel to walk with a 3-4 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Crystal kept things competitive in game 3, but she fell short again as Rachel won 2-3 this time to complete the 3-0 series sweep. Rachel will play in the second round with six bids going forward.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Maison v. Dominic. The host's second series today is in 13-ball with the purple cue. Eastside's Maison had positioning in his favor late in a slow game 1, but Southern's Dominic did just enough to sink a pair and earn the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Maison had a surprisingly strong push in game 2, battling to keep even with the Monarchs' Dominic. It paid off, as Maison made the 8 to the bottom right on his second try to get the win and tie the series at 1. A close battle again occurred in game 3. Maison seemed to have a slight edge through the middle, but Dominic pulled ahead at the end and took the win for a 2-1 series win. Dominic will visit Oceanside Waves sophomore Rocky in the second round. Dominic has three bids moving forward.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Maggie v. Sydney C. Union teammates clash in 8-ball with the red cue. Maggie had a strong break and took solids early in game 1, but her pace was a little slow. Sydney C. bounced back on a four-ball run and then added the 8 to the bottom right on the next turn for the win and 1-0 series lead. In game 2, Maggie again established an early lead, only to stall out on her final stripe at the end. Sydney C. picked up the slack a little slowly to earn the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Sydney C. pulled ahead earlier in game 3, but it didn't stick this time. Maggie avoided the sweep with a big six-ball run-out for the win, leaving Sydney C. with a 2-1 series win. Sydney C. will visit Archtown Arrows veteran Hoppy in the second round with one of her four advancing bids, while Maggie owns three bids going forward.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Greg. A new rivalry is stoked again in 10-ball with the purple cue. Victoria's Spice made a very subtle move when she potted the 4, setting her up later in a five-ball run-out that ended on an 8-10 combination. Spice leads Archtown's Greg 1-0 in the series. The Spurs' Spice continued to control the offense in game 2, as the Arrows' Greg had a bit of an erratic effort. Spice won this time with a four-ball run-out to secure the series at 2-0. Greg put up a slightly better fight in game 3, but the pace was so slow that he didn't make a real impact. Spice finished it off with a snipe on the 10 to the bottom right for the 3-0 series sweep and the right to host Web City Spiders newcomer Wild Thing in the second round.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Carly. The host's doubleheader ends with Rotation and the red cue. Westside's Carly had a decent attack in a slow game 1, working her way methodically to an 8-6 win over Victoria's Spice. Carly holds a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Carly was able to pull away rather quickly in game 2 and went unchallenged for an 8-3 win over the Spurs' Spice. Carly sealed the series at 2-0 with the win. Spice held the lead for much of a challenging game 3, but she couldn't make it last at the end. Carly did just enough to nab the 8-7 win for a 3-0 series sweep, and she'll visit Golden Pilots veteran Max in the second round. Carly has five advancing bids.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Vincent v. Lorde. The blue cue's lone series today is in 12-ball. Everton's Vincent made a solid on the break and rode through quite well. Southern's Lorde didn't have time to set up, and Vincent won in style with a pair of bank shots to the right corners for the 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Vincent was just about silenced in game 2, as the Monarchs' Lorde picked up a pair of solids on her first turn. Lorde then rallied with a four-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Lorde held the lead early in game 3, but her attack on the final ball put it way off target from the top right. Vincent took his time and made a pair of shots for the win and 2-1 series win, and he'll host Boston Swifts newcomer Sydney S. in the second round. Lorde has four advancing bids.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Patches. North Division foes meet in 8-ball with the purple cue. Viewpoint Sound's Dani started with a six-ball run off the break in game 1, then fell flat the rest of the way. Oceanside's Patches rallied for a comeback win, taking the 8 from ball-in-hand after Dani missed contact on a cut attempt. Patches leads the series 1-0. The Waves' Patches skipped the drama in game 2, striking with an early five-ball run and finishing well as the Meteors' Dani remained stagnant on the attack. Patches' confident play sealed the series in her favor at 2-0. Dani again stormed ahead in game 3 with a six-ball run, and while Patches nearly caught her this time, Dani was able to escape with a win. Patches settled for a 2-1 series win and a trip to Commerce to face the Tradewinds' Rosemary in the second round. Dani had just one advancing bid after losing to her 100th unique opponent.

Intel Center, Diamond: Leonardo v. Peach. The silver cue gets a lone series today in 7-ball. North Modernistic's Peach made a three-ball run on her first turn and kicked the 7 to the top left for the win a turn later to get the 1-0 series lead over Diamond's Leonardo. Game 2 saw a slow start on both sides until the Gems' Leonardo made a four-ball run. He missed on the 5, and the Nighthawks' Peach stepped in for a three-ball run-out to earn the win and clinch the series at 2-0. Neither player cared much for a full game 3, as both chased the 7 when it was left near the top left. Peach converted the 1-7 combination to finish a 3-0 series sweep, and she'll visit Everton Eagles star Cleo in the second round. Leonardo will have three bids moving forward.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Taylor M. Saturday's action ends in 9-ball with the green cue. Eastside's Taylor M. looked solid in game 1, but Southridge's Bianca cut her off with a deflection off the 4 to make the 9 in the bottom left. Bianca leads the series 1-0. In game 2, the Defenders' Bianca wasn't consistent or sharp enough to get an early finish. The Sharks' Taylor M. instead picked up the final pair for a win to tie the series at 1. Bianca had some moments in game 3, but she faltered with a scratch at the end. Taylor M. made the 9 from ball-in-hand and claimed a 2-1 series win to earn the visiting spot versus Everton Eagles newcomer Panda. Bianca only has one advancing bid, while Taylor M. has seven.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Leonette. Resuming play Sunday, the purple cue is up for Accuracy. Victoria's Spice had a tough game 1, faltering in the middle and missing out on her chance to keep things close. Pacific's Leonette delivered at the end with a 2-4 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Leonette made a pair on the break in game 2, but she had a rough stretch in the middle. The Spurs' Spice made far fewer mistakes this time to earn a 1-3 win, which tied the series at 1. Spice had a fairly good start to game 3, but she fell behind in the middle. Leonette pulled off some tough shots to maintain the lead for a 1-3 win to take the series 2-1. Leonette will visit Everton Eagles mainstay Puff III in the second round. Spice has three advancing bids.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sugar v. Neopolitan. The purple cue is done for the weekend after 9-ball. Tysini's Sugar looked good early in game 1, but Pearl's Neopolitan was able to steal the win on a 5-9 combination to the bottom left. Neopolitan leads the series 1-0. The Surfers' Neopolitan was a little less composed late in game 2, leading to a scratch. The Hummingbirds' Sugar gladly made the final pair from ball-in-hand, taking the win and tying the series at 1. In game 3, Neopolitan sent the 9 far wide of the top right, only to watch Sugar scratch as she made it in a blundering finish. Neopolitan took the series 2-1 and will visit Whitewater Shores mainstay Marsell in the second round. Neopolitan has two advancing bids while Sugar goes forth with four.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Kitty v. Salmo. The red cue gets a turn in 12-ball here. Midland's Kitty worked quite well in game 1, making a four-ball run after Diamond's Salmo tried to play through her defense at the top right. Kitty's late surge gave her the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Salmo got down to his last ball in game 2, but a scratch and bad positioning set him back. The Predators' Kitty picked up the pace at the end to earn the win that clinched the series at 2-0. In game 3, Kitty opened with a five-ball run, but Salmo did just enough to defend the bottom right until he could make a three-ball run-out for the win. Kitty settled for a 2-1 series win and will host the Westside Rockers' Chimpy in the second round with one of her four advancing bids.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Kacey. The action ends with the red cue in 8-ball. Both players had four-ball runs and three-ball runs in game 1, but the 8 gave them trouble. At the end, Royal's Kacey illegally potted the 8 to gift Atlantic's Delila the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Delila didn't have the same quality on offense in game 2, falling off the pace early. The Crowns' Kacey stayed strong and smart this time to get the win, tying the series at 1. Kacey had some nice moments in game 3, but Delila's pace was just stronger. Delila took the win and 2-1 series win to get into the second round. Kacey will have three advancing bids.

We'll have five more standard days in the First Round, starting Monday, followed by a minimum two-day, and likely longer, break for administrative duties.

Tournament XI - First Round Day 42

We're set for a standard day to close out the week. Leading off...

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sleepy B. v. Hughbert. The purple cue makes the start in 10-ball today. Archtown's Sleepy B. had a fantastic start in game 1, making a pair on the break and a 1-4-10 combination to the bottom left for a quick win. She leads Todavía's Hughbert 1-0 in the series with the visitor yet to take a shot. The Stills' Hughbert made much more of an impact in game 2, working a seven-ball run-out that ended with a 7-10 combination at the bottom side to get the win. He tied the series at 1 after a lack of offense from the Arrows' Sleepy B. Hughbert completed the comeback in game 3 with a five-ball run-out for the win, as Sleepy B. again wasn't very fast on offense. Hughbert's 2-1 series win sets him up to visit Westside Rockers newcomer Snowball in the second round with one of his four advancing bids.

Apple Center, Todavía: Pedey v. Blizzard. Purple teams' players clash with the blue cue in Rotation. Todavía's Pedey had a strong start in game 1 and got to the edge of victory before a couple of poor plays. Zenith's Blizzard had just enough time to recover for the 8-7 win and 1-0 series lead. The Skywatchers' Blizzard got off to a strong start in game 2, then backed it up with a pair at the end after the Stills' Hughbert scratched while aiming on the 11. Blizzard grabbed an 8-5 win and sealed the series at 2-0. Blizzard remained strong on offense, and Hughbert didn't muster a response in his 8-1 loss in game 3. Blizzard swept the series 3-0 and will visit Whitewater Shores star Katharine in the second round. Pedey will take three bids forward.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Smokey. Strongmen are up in 7-ball with the blue cue. It took a slow opening on both sides, but Stonebridge's Hershey made seven straight shots on his second turn for the win and 1-0 series lead over Pacific's Smokey. Both players sank three-ball runs in game 2, but the Volcanoes' Smokey scratched after his. This gave the Wolves' Hershey a free and easy look on the 7 that he put in the top right for the win and 2-0 series lead. Hershey let game 3 get away from him, as he had a look on the 7 and missed. Smokey converted it to the bottom right to avoid the sweep, but Hershey's 2-1 series win sends him to the second round, where he'll host Whitewater Shores star Marsell. Both players from this series have six advancing bids.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Stinky. The silver cue enters the action in 9-ball. Golden's Strut had a decent break, but offense slowed for both him and Freedom's Stinky early in game 1. Strut eventually got the win with a 4-9 kick combination to the bottom right for the 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Strut had a pair on the break and added another pair in the middle, but he couldn't double down in game 2. The Cascades' Stinky rattled off a three-ball run-out ending with a bank of the 9 to the top right for the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, the offense remained strong on both sides. Stinky made a four-ball run, but his following turn was a little weak. Strut replied with a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win. Strut will go on to host Pronger Tridents veteran Potter in the second round with one of his three advancing bids.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Vladimir v. Katharine. Another silver cue series is in 7-ball. Maplewood's Vladimir did a better job of pushing the pace in game 1, and he enjoyed more offense than Whitewater's Katharine. Vladimir struck for the 7 at the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Katharine had a fairly solid performance in game 2, making a three-ball run at one point, but the Lumberjacks' Vladimir cleaned up the final pair for the win. Vladimir secured the series at 2-0. It looked like Vladimir would have a chance to get the sweep in game 3 after exchanging three-ball runs with Katharine. Instead, Vladimir scratched as he made the 7 to gift away the finale, but he still won the series 2-1 and will host Lighton Prestige sophomore Angelica in the second round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Kacey v. Sarah. The blue cue gets a look in 10-ball. Royal's Kacey seemed to have the better offense in game 1, but she couldn't close it out. Tysini's Sarah made a cut on the 10 to the bottom left to snipe the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Kacey looked a little rattled from the previous loss, as her offense dropped off in game 2. The Hummingbirds' Sarah played patiently and added the 10 to the bottom right for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Sarah had no trouble finishing off a fast game 3, as both players made a run but Sarah added the final pair for the win. She swept the series 3-0 over Kacey, and it'll be Sarah visiting Freedom Cascades rookie Blake in the second round with one of her four advancing bids.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fuchsia v. Spirit. The green cue draws in for this Rotation series between West Division rivals. Infinity's Fuchsia scratched on the break in game 1 and struggled to find offense after that. Lighton's Spirit was much more effective, cruising to an 8-3 win for the 1-0 lead in the series. The Torpedoes' Fuchsia got onto the edge of victory in game 2, but she never got a great look at a winning shot. The Prestige's Spirit had the right mix of defense to set up her offense in the 8-7 comeback win to secure the series at 2-0. Fuchsia didn't stand a chance in game 3, as Spirit made a six-ball run with two double-pots to open things up. Fuchsia got a four-ball run, but Spirit won 8-4 and swept the series 3-0 to set up a visit in Pearl versus the Surfers' Boots in the second round. Spirit has seven bids going forward.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Molly v. Rosalina. Another West Division showdown uses the red cue in Rotation. Southern's Molly looked way better at the start of game 1, but she couldn't bring it home at the end. Victoria's Rosalina pulled away with a five-ball run-out for the 8-6 win and 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Molly jumped ahead quickly in game 2 as well, and she did a much better job of holding on. The Spurs' Rosalina took too long to get going on offense, and Molly won 8-2 to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Molly again pulled ahead. Rosalina had chances to get involved, but she wasn't able to match the pace as Molly earned another 8-2 win to seal the series at 2-1 and earn her place in the second round.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Goatee v. Ingrid. The silver cue exits the action after 15-ball. Southridge's Ingrid had a fair amount of offense contained in two noticeable runs in game 1. It didn't matter when her four-ball run ended with a miss on the 15, and Westside's Goatee stepped up to sink it at the bottom side. Goatee holds a 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Ingrid lost a lot of her pace in game 2, leading to a much choppier battle this time. At the end, Ingrid missed two easy shots that could have led her to victory, instead allowing the Rockers' Goatee to pot the 15 at the top side to clinch the series at 2-0. Goatee kept the pace up with a quick start in game 3, and she finished it off with a 6-15 combination to the top left to sweep Ingrid 3-0. Goatee will host the Pacific Volcanoes newcomer Smokey in the second round with one of her five advancing bids.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Dreamy v. Potter. The purple cue cycles in for 12-ball. Swordpoint's Dreamy made two stripes on the game 1 break, but her positioning was poor. Pronger's Potter had a much easier time finishing with a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Potter made one of each on the game 2 break and elected to play with solids. This was again the right choice and approach to the game, as the Blades' Dreamy struggled with stripes and didn't get a chance to surge late. Potter held her off to win at the bottom right to seal the series at 2-0. Potter had a good break in game 3, but his pace was a little off this time. Dreamy played faster too, earning her lone win as Potter advanced to the series round on a 2-1 series win. Potter will host Zenith Skywatchers veteran Paps in the second round with one of his four advancing bids.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Kacey v. Mario. The purple cue is done after an Accuracy series in the South Division. Royal's Kacey played perfectly in game 1, claiming a 0-3 win after some questionable shot choices from Queens' Mario. Kacey leads the series 1-0. The Flames' Mario struggled early in game 2, and he was never able to pull even with the Crowns' Kacey despite her finally missing in the middle. Kacey held firm enough at 2-4 for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Kacey kept pace in an even game 3, but elected to keep the series short with a sporting miss at the end. Mario took the freebie for a 2-3 win, while Kacey won the series 2-1 to set herself up to host Whitewater Shores captain Shaggy in the second round.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Juno v. Wario. The red cue is up next in 8-ball. Stonebridge's Juno appeared to get into some trouble after a scratch on the game 1 break, but Southridge's Wario couldn't capitalize at the end. Juno stormed back and earned the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Juno made two of each suit early in game 2 and elected to take solids. The Defenders' Wario made that look like a bad choice, playing a strong game to pick up the win on a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Wario kept the pace high in game 3 as well, and Juno had a fairly productive run of play. Wario was a little better at the end, with his brilliant spin-kick on the 2 setting up his finish on the 8 for the win and 2-1 series win. Wario will visit Maplewood Lumberjacks star Whiskers in the second round. Wario takes five bids forward, while Juno only has one left.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Molly. The visitor's second series today sees the green cue exit after 13-ball. Royal's Jake had a decent start to claim stripes, but Southern's Molly had the early pressure. Molly stalled out hard, and Jake took his time to finish off the win for a 1-0 series lead. Slow play didn't work at all for the Crowns' Jake in game 2, as the Monarchs' Molly did better with positioning and pulled off a shutout. Molly tied the series at 1 with her win. The pace slowed down dramatically in game 3, and Molly's late pair of missed contacts ruined her performance. Jake stepped up to get the win and took the series 2-1, allowing him to host Atlantic Pirates veteran Isabella in the second round. Molly still has five bids going forward.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Mr. Snowman v. Patches. The blue cue is done after a North Division battle in 10-ball. Apex's Mr. Snowman had a deft touch on the 2 to deflect the 10 into the bottom left after Oceanside's Patches came up empty on her first turn in game 1. Mr. Snowman holds a 1-0 series lead. The Wonders' Mr. Snowman made a pair early in game 2, but he missed on the 2. The Waves' Patches delivered a quick finish with the 2-10 combination to the bottom left, tying the series at 1. In game 3, Mr. Snowman had a five-ball run that ended as he scratched while making the 9. Patches escaped with the win by sinking the 10 to the bottom right, and that gave her a 2-1 series win to get into the second round.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Slinks v. Lily. The red cue closes things out with 9-ball. Eastside's Lily maintained an advantage on offense throughout game 1, getting a pair early and late to pace her to the win and 1-0 series lead over Tysini's Slinks. The Sharks' Lily took care of business even faster in game 2, getting a ball on the break before sinking the 1 in the bottom right and deflecting off the 2 to push the 9 into the bottom left. This sealed the series at 2-0 for Lily while the Hummingbirds' Slinks could only watch. In game 3, Lily had to take it to full term, but she won on a four-ball run-out to sweep Slinks 3-0 in the series. Lily will host Boston Swifts newcomer Sydney S. in the second round. Lily has four advancing bids while Slinks is left with only two. 

As previously mentioned, this weekend's action will be a split-session covering one day's worth of games. The bulk of it is expected to be played tomorrow.

Tournament XI - First Round Day 41

We continue First Round play today. Leading off...

Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Dominic. The silver cue gets the start in 10-ball. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy made a pair on the break and a five-ball run-out at the end to stifle the offense of Southern's Dominic in game 1. Ms. Puppy owns a firm 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Dominic did a little bit better in game 2 with a four-ball run, but he came up short on a finishing move. The Union's Ms. Puppy didn't have that problem, turning in a 7-10 combination to the bottom left for the win to seal the series at 2-0. In game 3, Ms. Puppy tried to pace the offense in her own way, but Dominic interrupted with a five-ball run-out at the end for his lone win. Ms. Puppy took the series 2-1 and will host the Atlantic Pirates' Isabella in the second round.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Daisy v. Bright. The purple cue draws in for Rotation in today's second series. Oceanside's Daisy had some moments early on, but Pearl's Bright picked up the pace in the middle. At the end, Daisy bounced back to take an 8-6 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Daisy struck on the break in game 2, but she got the most help from the Surfers' Bright, who flubbed his look at the 2 early on. Daisy controlled the game after that and won 8-1 to secured the series at 2-0. Daisy couldn't stabilize her offense in game 3, and Bright was able to step in for an 8-5 win after he made a three-ball run-out. Daisy will visit Southridge Defenders captain Bianca in the second round after this 2-1 series win. Bright will have three advancing bids.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Twinkie III. The red cue is up next, playing in 15-ball. Atlantic's Delila had a terrible break in game 1, but it worked well for her. Whitewater's Twinkie III shot the cue ball off the table on a cluster-buster, and the 15 drifted into the top left for the instant loss. Delila was gifted with a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Delila didn't look much more composed in game 2, and this time she didn't get any help. The Shores' Twinkie III was a little sporadic too, but she made a deflection off the 12 to sink the 15 to the bottom right for the win to tie the series at 1. Twinkie III and Delila exchanged three-ball runs early in game 3, and Twinkie III added a six-ball run across the middle. Delila then made two of the last three balls for the win and 2-1 series win.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Shelley v. Puff II. The green cue gets a turn in 13-ball here. Infinity's Shelley worked good offense on stripes early on. Harrison's Puff II pushed back near the end but came up a little short as Shelley earned the win for a 1-0 series lead. Both players left a handful of opportunities on the table, leading to an incredibly slow game 2. The Torpedoes' Shelley will regret her misses the most, as the Specters' Puff II ultimately picked up the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Puff II made a stripe on the break, but her second turn ended early as she potted the 8 in the top left. This gave Shelley a free win and a 2-1 series win, and she'll move on to the second round.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Puff II v. Hoot. The red cue cycles in for Rotation as the host completes her doubleheader. Harrison's Puff II had too many errors in game 1, which allowed Viewpoint Sound's Hoot to start with a four-ball run and end with a double-pot of the 10 and 11 to the left corners for a 9-3 win. Hoot leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Hoot had another strong start after a couple of misfires. The Specters' Puff II couldn't keep up on offense, and Hoot nabbed an 8-4 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Hoot couldn't complete the sweep in game 3, as Puff II kept things extremely close in her 8-6 win. Hoot settled for a 2-1 series win to earn the right to visit Stonebridge Wolves strongman Hershey in the second round with one of his six advancing bids.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Frosty. The silver cue checks out after 13-ball. Freedom's Frosty wasn't flawless in game 1, but she kept the pace strong. Boston's Gradley had the right positioning but no execution at the end, and Frosty made the 8 at the bottom left for the 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Gradley held a lead for most of game 2, but he couldn't make it stick at the end. The Cascades' Frosty made four balls over her last two turns in the comeback win to secure the series at 2-0. Gradley finally got his win in game 3, thanks to Frosty missing contact on her last ball in a close finish. Frosty settled for a 2-1 series win, and she'll visit Whitewater Shores rookie Rachel in the second round. Frosty has six advancing bids while Gradley takes three forward. This was Frosty's 100th unique opponent.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I v. Stinky. Club-mates battle in 13-ball with the green cue for its last series today. Too many late errors doom a promising game 1 for Freedom's Stinky. Instead, Pacific's Twinkie I held on long enough to take the win for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Cascades' Stinky again faltered with errors in game 2, his late scratch ruining his chance to keep pace with the Volcanoes' Twinkie I. Stinky still put up a good fight, but Twinkie I made a pair for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Stinky's late mistake in game 3 was a missed contact rather than a scratch, but it still allowed Twinkie I to work her way to a win for the 3-0 series sweep. Twinkie I will host Infinity Torpedoes veteran Shelley in the second round with one of her two advancing bids.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Sparkles v. Salmo. South Division rivals use the red cue in 8-ball. Golden's Sparkles did well early on and then put together a five-ball run-out. Her chaotic make of the 4 at the bottom left put in the right position to sink the 8 to the top side for a 1-0 series lead over Diamond's Salmo. The Pilots' Sparkles appeared to run out of steam in game 2, getting onto the 8 but never getting a great look at it. The Gems' Salmo made six balls over his last two turns thanks to a scratch, and his win tied the series at 1. Salmo stayed resilient, weathering heavy offense from Sparkles early in game 3. Salmo fired back with seven balls on his last two turns to get the win and 2-1 series win. He'll move on to visit Westside Rockers veteran Chimpy in the second round. Sparkles only has two bids going forward.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Shelley v. Puff III. The host's second series today uses the red cue in 10-ball. Everton's Puff III had some bad luck in game 1, but Infinity's Shelley didn't punish it. Puff III was able to bounce back with a five-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Puff III faded back to a lower quality of play in game 2, and that proved costly for her. The Torpedoes' Shelley found her way to a win with a four-ball run-out that saw her double-kiss the 10 into the top side. This tied the series at 1. Shelley had an illegal play to sink the 5 in game 3, and Puff III took over possession for a three-ball run-out to win the tense series 2-1. Puff III will be on the road again in the second round with one of her seven advancing bids.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Prism v. Nibbles. Club-mates see the red cue exit after 8-ball. Web City's Nibbles held the initial lead in game 1, but he couldn't bring it home at the end. Pronger's Prism kept the pressure up and worked her way to the win for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Spiders' Nibbles took his time on the 8 in game 2, but a desperate push from the Tridents' Prism at the end didn't yield any offense. Nibbles eventually cleaned up for the win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Prism fired back with a five-ball run to start game 3, but that's where her offense ran out. Nibbles took his time before making an eight-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win, and he'll now host the Pacific Volcanoes' Smokey in the second round. Nibbles had four bids moving on.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Cobalt v. Jane. The blue cue gets a turn in 8-ball as well. Stonebridge's Jane had some offense early in game 1, but a steady effort from Viewpoint Sound's Cobalt was enough to earn him the win. Cobalt made a four-ball run and a late pair for the 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Jane had a more impressive effort in game 2 to get onto the 8, but she missed her one look at it. The Meteors' Cobalt immediately shot back on a four-ball run-out for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Cobalt only got the break shot in game 3 before Jane rampaged her way to victory by running the table. Cobalt took the series 2-1, and he'll host the Commerce Tradewinds' Solaris in the second round. Cobalt moves forth with two bids, while Jane goes on with four.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Kitty v. Kiwi. The blue cue is set to play in Accuracy. Midland's Kitty has some work to do after a lackluster game 1 performance that saw Terrace City's Kiwi nearly go perfect. In the end, Kiwi won 1-4 to earn a 1-0 series lead with strong play. The Knights' Kiwi couldn't get anything off the break in game 2, and she struggled in the middle as well. The Predators' Kitty danced a fine line at the end but held on for a 2-4 win, tying the series at 1. In game 3, Kitty scratched on the break, and that ended up being the difference. Kiwi shut things down at the end with a 2-3 win to take the series 2-1 as she moves into a road match versus the Golden Pilots' Sparkles in the second round.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Dewey v. Neopolitan. The purple cue is out of action after 8-ball. Pearl's Neopolitan took way too long to get her offense going in game 1, allowing a fairly unimpeded path to victory for Stonebridge's Dewey, who leads the series 1-0. The Surfers' Neopolitan put up a much better effort in game 2, grabbing the lead right from the start. The Wolves' Dewey tried to get engaged in the battle, but he remained behind the whole time as Neopolitan claimed a win to tie the series at 1. Neopolitan scratched on the break in game 3, and that ruined her ability to keep the pace on offense. A pair of four-ball runs led to Dewey getting the win and 2-1 series win, which allows him to host the Freedom Cascades' Andrew in the second round.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Rocky v. Dusky. The blue cue returns to the table for 7-ball. Oceanside's Rocky went empty on the break, but he was able to secure the win on a three-ball run-out two turns later. Atlantic's Dusky offered little resistance as Rocky took a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Rocky dominated the possession again in game 2 with a five-ball run off the break, but he missed on the 6. The Pirates' Dusky sent the final pair to their pockets to get the win that tied the series at 1. That proved to be a crucial miss for Rocky, as Dusky won game 3 with the 4 and 7 going to the left corners on the break. Dusky took the series 2-1 and will visit Whitewater Shores mainstay Twinkie III in the second round with one of her four advancing bids. This was Dusky's 100th unique opponent.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Smokey v. Gal. The blue cue ends the day in 9-ball. Pacific's Smokey had a good run of offense early in game 1, but North Modernistic's Gal didn't hesitate to bury a five-ball run-out at the end. Gal leads the series 1-0. The Nighthawks' Gal didn't impress with her break in game 2. A tense start suddenly disappeared when the Volcanoes' Smokey deflected off the 5 to drive the 9 into the bottom left for the win that tied the series at 1. Smokey gave no mercy in game 3, making a five-ball run-out with a 6-9 combination to the bottom left at the end. Smokey beat Gal 2-1 in the series and will face Commerce Tradewinds newcomer Bear in the second round. 

That's all today. Tomorrow will be a normal day, followed by a split-day schedule over the weekend.

Tournament XI - First Round Day 40

After a rough run yesterday, we're back for more on a Wednesday. Leading off...

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Bright. The green cue's lone series today is in 9-ball. Southern's Dominic played too loose in game 1, leading to errors and misses. Pearl's Bright capitalized with a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Bright had his time to mess up in game 2, taking a four-ball run but losing control at the end. His scratch on the 9 allowed the Monarchs' Dominic to take a free shot for the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Dominic didn't do anything to solidify his offense, and Bright was able to get the win with a double-pot of the 3 to the top right and the 9 to the bottom side. Bright's surprising win gave him a 2-1 series win and another series in Del Sur versus Monarchs captain Pounce in the second round.

Apple Center, Todavía: Sierra v. Marissa. The silver cue is set to play in 10-ball. Todavía's Sierra had some good moments in game 1, but she wasn't consistent enough on offense. Maplewood's Marissa closed well with a three-ball run-out to grab a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Marissa scratched on the break in game 2, and she never really recovered from it. The Stills' Sierra closed quickly with a 5-10 combination to the bottom left for the win, tying the series at 1. Sierra backed it up well in game 3, again making a 5-10 combination at the top right to get the win after Marissa lost her composure a bit. Sierra will host Everton Eagles captain Goldy in the second round with one of her three advancing bids.

Porsche Events Center, Zenith: Blizzard v. Rosalina. The silver cue goes again in a 7-ball set. Zenith's Blizzard saw two turns end in scratches, while Victoria's Rosalina made a pair and a three-ball run-out to earn the win for a 1-0 series lead after game 1. The Spurs' Rosalina opened game 2 on a six-ball run before sending the 7 wide of the top side. The Skywatchers' Blizzard missed the cut to the top right, and Rosalina made a tap-in for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Blizzard finally stepped up on offense with a four-ball run and a pair at the end after a lackluster finish from Rosalina in game 3. Rosalina took the series 2-1 and will visit Westside Rockers veteran Goatee in the second round.

Sony Center, Queens: Crystal v. Ms. Kitty. Stalwarts of their teams clash in 13-ball with the silver cue. Queens' Crystal had a somewhat inexcusably bad shot to end game 1 prematurely, as she sank a 10-8 combination to the top left. The baffling play gifted a win to Pacific's Ms. Kitty for the 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Crystal didn't make any critical mistakes in game 2, but she was too slow on her last ball. This gave the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty time to rally to earn the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Ms. Kitty played well early in game 3, but it took a late scratch to allow her to reset her positioning before she could finish the 3-0 series sweep over Crystal. Ms. Kitty will host Southern Monarchs rookie Gabby in the second round.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Sydney C. v. Anna. The blue cue draws in for a turn in 13-ball. Terrace City's Anna did great work on solids early in game 1, limiting the effectiveness of a comeback push from Modernistic's Sydney C. Anna then finished with the 8 at the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Anna tried to recapture the magic to start game 2, but she ran out of steam in the middle. The Union's Sydney C. didn't take long to push back, winning on a four-ball run-out after getting her positioning right. The series is tied at 1. Anna wasn't able to do much with her early shots, as Sydney C. used one ball effectively on the right rail to block shots. Anna's late scratch doomed her as Sydney C. grabbed the win for a 2-1 series win. Sydney C. will host Tysini Hummingbirds star Charli in the second round.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Gal. The blue cue stays up in a Rotation series. Southern's Dominic started fairly well, then let North Modernistic's Gal tie up game 1 late. Dominic rebounded on a three-ball run-out for the 8-5 win to grab a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Dominic had an excellent start in game 2, but the Nighthawks' Gal again battled back after the middle. Gal couldn't quite force another surge late, and Dominic held her off in an 8-6 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Dominic was even better in game 3, picking up an 8-3 win over Gal to finish the series as a 3-0 sweep. Dominic will host Atlantic Pirates captain Delila in the second round.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Avril v. Spot. A pair of Tridents teammates battle it out in 13-ball with the silver cue. Spot clearly had the upper hand for much of game 1, but Avril did what she could defensively to slow him down. Spot wore her down and got the win with little challenge for a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, Avril put up a better fight, but she was unlucky with positioning at the end. Spot played better at the end after correcting some drifted shots that initially slowed him down. Spot's win sealed the series at 2-0. Avril had a better push to begin game 3, but that didn't spare her from the sweep as Spot's relentless offense prevailed. Spot will visit Lighton Prestige mainstay Spirit in the second round.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Dominic. The visitor's third series today is the purple cue's lone appearance in 15-ball. Boston's Gradley didn't seem to find much offense in game 1, and Southern's Dominic finished early with an 11-15 bank combination to the top left. Dominic holds a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Dominic sustained success into game 2 with a six-ball run early. He looked good until the end, when the Swifts' Gradley stung back on a six-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Gradley had some interesting plays in game 3, but his miss on the 10 allowed Dominic to sink a 10-15 combination to the bottom side for the stunning win. Dominic won the series 2-1 and will visit Harrison Specters sophomore Esmeralda in the second round.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Boots. The blue cue is up between club-mates in 12-ball. Harrison's Twinkie II had a good start in game 1, but she fell off the pace as Pearl's Boots pushed a four-ball run. Boots was able to finish it off at the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Boots made one of each on the break and chose solids, which ended up being the wrong decision. The Specters' Twinkie II did excellent work on stripes and picked up a win with a pair of shots after Boots scratched. This tied the series at 1. Boots only has herself to blame for dropping game 3, as she twice overfilled to turn possession over to Twinkie II, who used the second chance for a pair of shots and the win. Twinkie II was lucky to win the series 2-1, and she'll host fellow captain Smudge of the Infinity Torpedoes in the second round.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Carly v. Kitty. The blue cue stays in action for 9-ball. Westside's Carly had some nice shots in game 1, but Midland's Kitty made a timely choice to sink the 6-9 combination to the bottom left for the win. Kitty owns a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Predators' Kitty again struggled to make a sequence of shots. The Rockers' Carly got the play she wanted, sinking the 4 with spin to deflect off the 8 and collect the 9 at the bottom left for the win, tying the series at 1. Carly went for a long-range snipe on the 6 in a tough game 3, but she scratched on the play. Kitty took over for a three-ball run-out to get the win and 2-1 series win to earn a road position versus Viewpoint Sound Meteors captain Hoot in the second round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Missy v. Kelsea. The blue cue checks out after 8-ball between Sharpshooters teammates. In game 1, Kelsea had a nice push in the middle, but she wasn't able to finish it off. Missy held her own to battle back for the win and 1-0 series lead. In game 2, Missy tried to get a jump again, but her bad break led to a slower battle. Kelsea wasn't too bothered by it, keeping things even until the end when she made a three-ball run-out for the win. This tied the series at 1. Kelsea got fortunate in game 3, as Missy had everything she needed to win, only to miss her look at the 8. Kelsea made a pair and took the 2-1 series win, setting her up to visit Harrison Specters rookie Bucco in the second round. Kelsea carries forward three bids.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Prism v. Midnight. The red cue's lone series comes in 13-ball. Pronger's Prism held firm at the top side to cut off many of Apex's Midnight's outlet shots. Prism then easily scooped up the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Wonders' Midnight had the better of the offense early in game 2, but she scratched late while aiming at her last ball. The Tridents' Prism rallied back on a four-ball run-out for the win to secure the series at 2-0. In game 3, Prism looked to be close to a win, but Midnight played just enough defense to snag her lone victory. Prism took the series 2-1 and will host Eastside Sharks captain Taylor M. in the second round.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Spot v. Acorn. The venue doubleheader ends with Rotation and the silver cue. Lighton's Acorn held his own in a contentious start to game 1 as Pronger's Spot got a little frustrated. After that, Acorn ripped a six-ball run-out for an 8-2 win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Tridents' Spot had a better start in game 2, but he wasn't able to make the lead stick. The Prestige's Acorn pushed with a four-ball run and then picked up the 14 late to grab an 8-6 win, clinching the series at 2-0. Spot finally got on the board in game 3, battling sharply with Acorn in the finale. Spot won 8-6, but Acorn's 2-1 series win lines him up to visit Commerce Tradewinds newcomer Luigi in the second round. Spot will settle on six bids advancing.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Kodiak. The silver cue continues in 10-ball. Pacific's Ms. Kitty was a little sloppy early in game 1, but Web City's Kodiak used up all his offense on an early four-ball run. Ms. Kitty made a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty had less consistency on her shots in game 2, leading to a choppy battle. The Spiders' Kodiak took advantage of it at the end, making the final pair for the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Ms. Kitty took matters into her own hands with a 6-10 combination to the bottom left for the win and 2-1 series win. Ms. Kitty is set to host Terrace City Knights rookie Anna in the second round with one of her seven advancing bids.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sleepy B. v. Taylor S. The silver cue ends the day in 8-ball. Commerce's Taylor S. was ahead from the start of game 1, as Archtown's Sleepy B. was a little too casual on offense. Taylor S. won with a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. again had a better start, but she lost sight of positioning later in game 2. This led her to drive a scatter-shot, which resulted in the 8 going down early at the top side to gift the Arrows' Sleepy B. with a win. The series is tied at 1. Taylor S. got back on track to begin game 3, taking a large lead quickly. Sleepy B. had to make a push late and fell far short as Taylor S. won the series 2-1 to earn the right to visit Southern Monarchs captain Pounce in the second round. 

That's all for today's action. We'll be back tomorrow for more, as usual.