Tournament XI - Second Round Day 24

This is last call for the Second Round, with 15 more tickets to the bracket quarterfinals up for grabs. Leading off...

BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Citrus. The purple cue starts the day in 10-ball. Westside's Misty was too shaky on offense in game 1, and Lighton's Citrus eventually got comfortable enough to make a five-ball run-out. Citrus leads the series 1-0. The Prestige's Citrus went empty on the break in game 2, but she still steered the course of play as the Rockers' Misty had trouble making much of anything. Citrus won with a 4-10 double pot to the top left after Misty couldn't make the 3 a turn before. Citrus sealed the series at 2-0. Misty was able to salvage a win in a difficult game 3, avoiding the sweep as Citrus' 2-1 series win allowed her to move on to another visit to Westside to face Rockers newcomer Snowball in the bracket quarterfinals.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Stephanie v. Violetta. The green cue gets the next series, also in 10-ball. Swordpoint's Stephanie had the better play on offense, but she stumbled near the end of game 1, and Queens' Violetta buried a pair to make no mistake in the win. Violetta holds a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Violetta couldn't keep control after a three-ball run in the middle of game 2. The Blades' Stephanie stepped up for a three-ball run-out to earn the win and tie the series at 1. Violetta had a couple of surges on offense in game 3, initially on a four-ball run and then with a three-ball run-out to get the win and 2-1 series win over Stephanie. Violetta is set to host the Midland Predators' Rainmane in a South Division showdown in the bracket quarterfinals. Stephanie is the 21st player eliminated this year, and Violetta has her first kill.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Marsell. Club-mates battle in 7-ball with the blue cue. Stonebridge's Hershey did well in game 1, making the 2 on the break and keeping full control as he ran the table to earn a 1-0 series lead over Whitewater's Marsell. The Wolves' Hershey kept a majority of the offense even as the Shores' Marsell had a couple of looks in game 2. Hershey finished it off on a four-ball run-out to clinch the series at 2-0. Hershey made five balls over his first two turns in game 3, but Marsell picked up the final pair over two turns for the win. Hershey settled for a 2-1 series win that sets him up to visit the Royal Crowns rookie Kacey in the bracket quarterfinals.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Cobalt v. Solaris. North Division rivals clash in 8-ball with the blue cue. Viewpoint Sound's Cobalt dominated on offense right from the start in game 1, and while Commerce's Solaris made a late push, Cobalt easily held him off for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Solaris had the lead for a large portion of game 2, but he stalled out on his last ball. The Meteors' Cobalt bounced back with a slow build to the win to secure the series at 2-0. Cobalt struggled early in game 3, and Solaris was able to sustain some pace throughout the game to get a win. Cobalt settled for a 2-1 series win, which puts him in line to host the Atlantic Pirates' Steven in the bracket quarterfinals.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Lorde v. Cowzart. The purple cue cycles in for 9-ball. Southern's Lorde scratched on the break and had a little trouble on offense in game 1, while Apex's Cowzart was more effective. Cowzart scooped up the final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Lorde scratched on her only shot in game 2, allowing the Wonders' Cowzart to make the 1 and then deflect a shot off the 2 to push the 9 into the bottom left for the win. Cowzart has sealed the series at 2-0. Cowzart had a less enjoyable time on offense in game 3, as he was shaky and inefficient. Lorde took her time before making the final pair for the win to avoid the sweep as Cowzart won the series 2-1 to get into the bracket quarterfinals.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Cubby v. Easter. The blue cue returns for this 15-ball set. Archtown's Cubby got a ball on the break but missed the 1 on his next shot. Todavía's Easter used the 1 to spark a stampede that corralled the 15 to the top left while narrowly avoiding a scratch in a gut-check win for the 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Cubby got to play more in game 2, working a five-ball run from the middle of the game. He faltered late, and the Stills' Easter made the last three balls to earn the win and clinch the series at 2-0. Cubby had a couple of good, hard-shooting runs in game 3, but he missed on the 15 at the end, and Easter gladly tapped it in for a 3-0 series sweep. Easter will visit the Victoria Spurs' Strawberry for a West Division battle in the bracket quarterfinals.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Leonette v. Yekaterina. The blue cue is done for the round after this Rotation set. Victoria's Yekaterina came out better from a tough start, pulling away for an 8-4 win after Pacific's Leonette set both players onto an ugly start. Yekaterina leads the series 1-0. In game 2, the Spurs' Yekaterina had a decent break. The Volcanoes' Leonette battled back near the end, but Yekaterina won with a three-ball run-out for a 9-5 final score, which sealed the series in her favor at 2-0. In game 3, Yekaterina nearly pulled off a shutout before Leonette sank a pair near the end. Yekaterina instead won 8-2 to complete a 3-0 series sweep and earn the right to visit the Todavía Stills' Hughbert in the bracket quarterfinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Goatee v. Smokey. The silver cue draws in for 15-ball. Pacific's Smokey generated some offense in game 1, but Westside's Goatee ultimately sank the 15 on a bank to the top side. Goatee leads the series 1-0 after an unremarkable start. The Rockers' Goatee impressed early in game 2, but fell apart later in the game. The Volcanoes' Smokey picked up some slack in the middle and managed to finish it off as a win to tie the series at 1. Smokey couldn't differentiate his style in game 3, playing a simple game and getting beat as Goatee made a three-ball run-out at the end. Goatee won the series 2-1 and will visit the Whitewater Shores captain Shaggy in a North Division showdown in the bracket quarterfinals.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Chicky Phil v. Bear. The silver cue goes again in 8-ball. Commerce's Bear established a big lead in game 1 with a six-ball run, and Midland's Chicky Phil couldn't overcome that deficit. Bear took a couple more turns to close out the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Chicky Phil popped off with a four-ball run and a three-ball run on his first two turns in game 2, but the Tradewinds' Bear crashed forward with a four-ball run and a pair for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Bear cruised through game 3, taking the lead early and never looking back as he finished off a 3-0 series sweep over Chicky Phil. Bear will visit Pronger Tridents veteran Avril in the bracket quarterfinals. Bear earned his first kill to make Chicky Phil the 22nd eliminated player in this do-or-die series.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Patches. A North Division battle uses the purple cue in 8-ball. Oceanside's Patches attempted a huge comeback in game 1, but her early scratch likely set her back just far enough for Commerce's Rosemary to pick up the win. Rosemary leads the series after a close start. The Waves' Patches took the big lead in game 2, but she wasn't able to make it stick as her offense stalled out. The Tradewinds' Rosemary attacked late to grab the win that clinched the series for her at 2-0. Patches was ahead for much of game 3, but she scratched late and Rosemary made a pair to get the win and 3-0 series sweep. Rosemary will host the Terrace City Knights' Melissa in the bracket quarterfinals.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Ellie v. Mario. The purple cue exits after 9-ball. Queens' Mario had some chances on offense but let too many go to waste in game 1. Capital City's Ellie was sharp to end with a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Ellie didn't have the same good luck in game 2, as the Flames' Mario handled the finish by making five balls over his last two turns to earn the win. This tied the series at 1. Mario nearly got game 3 on the break before a scratch, but Ellie didn't heed the signs of danger very well. Mario ended up winning on a 6-9 combination to the bottom left that gave him a 2-1 series win. Mario will visit the Apex Wonders' Cowzart in the bracket quarterfinals.

Intel Center, Diamond: Autumn v. Spot. The silver cue is back for 10-ball. Diamond's Autumn had a poorly timed scratch in game 1, leading to Pronger's Spot burying a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand to get the win. Spot leads the series 1-0. After a shaky start in game 2, the Tridents' Spot rattled off a late four-ball run and then missed the 10 from a tough angle toward the top side. The Gems' Autumn tapped it down for the win to tie the series at 1. Autumn bounced back well in game 3 too, ceding plenty of possession to Spot initially before striking late for the decisive win in the 2-1 series win. Autumn will host Terrace City Knights rookie Anna in the bracket quarterfinals.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Kelsea v. Paps. The red cue's lone series is in 13-ball between a current and a former Sharpshooter. Zenith's Paps had the better start in game 1, but Capital City's Kelsea pressured late on a three-ball run. Paps had just enough to answer with the final pair of shots for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Skywatchers' Paps took the initial lead in game 2, but he couldn't finish off his suit at the top right. The Sharpshooters' Kelsea took her time on the 8 and eventually sank it at the top left to get the win, tying the series at 1. In game 3, Kelsea weathered some attack from Paps before cashing in her own strong positioning with a four-ball run. Kelsea added the 8 a turn later for the win and 2-1 series win to get into a road date versus Oceanside Waves newcomer Patches in the bracket quarterfinals. Kelsea got her first career kill and Paps is the 23rd player out of the Tournament.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Midnight v. Crystal. Today's top series is in 8-ball with the silver cue between captains. Queens' Crystal made her initial burst of offense in game 1 hold up as a solid margin of victory over Apex's Midnight. Crystal leads the series 1-0. The Flames' Crystal looked solid on offense for much of game 2 as well, but she missed on the 8 on her first chance. There would be no second chance, as the the Wonders' Midnight closed the gap and earned the win to tie the series at 1. Crystal took the lead quickly in game 3, but three scratches while on her last ball ruined the performance. Midnight battled back with a 12-8-10 kick combination to the top right keying a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win. Midnight will visit the Boston Swifts' Tigerette in the bracket quarterfinals.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Frosty. The Second Round ends with Rotation and the green cue. Terrace City's Kiwi made a pair on the break in game 1 and never trailed at any point. Freedom's Frosty stepped up later, but Kiwi closed on an 8-5 win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. Game 2 was a little bit more of a challenge for the Knights' Kiwi, but she still prevailed when the Cascades' Frosty tripped up late. Kiwi took another 8-5 win to secure the series at 2-0. Kiwi took it easy in game 3, allowing Frosty to collect an 8-4 win this time to avoid the sweep. Kiwi's 2-1 series win sets her up to host the Infinity Torpedoes' Shelley in the bracket quarterfinals. 

With the Second Round now complete, we'll be taking a minimum of four days off for administrative duties and rest after playing through pretty well this time. September 5 is the targeted Bracket Quarterfinals start day.

Tournament XI - Second Round Day 23

We're set for the second-to-last day of the Second Round. First up...

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Vladimir v. Angelica. The silver cue starts the day in 7-ball. Maplewood's Vladimir didn't have the best start in game 1, but he also ended with an error as he sank the 7, gifting the win and 1-0 series lead to Lighton's Angelica. The Lumberjacks' Vladimir redeemed himself early in game 2, as the Prestige's Angelica went empty on the break. Vladimir made the 1 and then deflected off the 2 to pot the 6-7 combination at the bottom left for the win, tying the series at 1. Vladimir ran the table from the break in game 3, an excellent display of offense to get the 2-1 series win over Angelica. Vladimir will host the Todavía Stills' Pedey in the bracket quarterfinals.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Puff III v. Leonette. Veterans meet in the last Accuracy series of the round with the purple cue. Everton's Puff III fell off the pace in game 1, allowing Pacific's Leonette to shine in a 1-3 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Puff III couldn't stop the skid in game 2, flailing by the end of that game as the Volcanoes' Leonette calmly collected a 1-6 win to seal the series at 2-0. Puff III got on the board in game 3, playing steady this time to earn a 1-3 win without much effort from Leonette, who took the 2-1 series win. Leonette will visit the Everton Eagles' Puff I in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Blaze v. Princess. The red cue enters the action for 9-ball. Infinity's Blaze looked a little better on offense in game 1, but he missed on the 6, and Viewpoint Sound's Princess used it for a deflection to pick up the 9 at the bottom left. Princess leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Princess generated a little more luck with a two-rail bank 7-9 combination to the top left to win game 2, stunning the Torpedoes' Blaze. Princess clinched the series at 2-0. Princess had the 9 down at the bottom left on the break, but she also scratched to gift the win to Blaze. Princess advanced on a 2-1 series win and will host the Lighton Prestige's Acorn in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Cubby. The purple cue plays between club-mates in 12-ball. Central's Dustin had a good start in game 1 and kept it going with smart positioning to stay ahead of Archtown's Cubby. Dustin won on the final pair to earn a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Dustin remained strong in game 2. The Arrows' Cubby tried to get ahead with a four-ball run, but he missed his last ball and then missed contact on consecutive turns to allow Dustin to grab the win to seal the series at 2-0. Cubby nearly got the win in game 3, getting down to his last ball before leaving it wide of the bottom right. Dustin then made his last shot to the top right for the win to complete a 3-0 series sweep, setting him to up to host the Queens Flames captain Crystal in the bracket quarterfinals.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Prism v. Vladimir. Another East Division battle uses the green cue in 10-ball. Pronger's Prism won game 1 on a three-ball run-out, banking the 10 to the bottom left after Maplewood's Vladimir had a somewhat shaky performance. Prism leads the series 1-0. The Lumberjacks' Vladimir showed a little more pop in game 2, making a 2-10 kick combination past the defending 9 at the top left to get the win. Vladimir's nice shot tied the series at 1 with the Tridents' Prism. In game 3, Prism had a strong performance and Vladimir was with her most of the way. Prism got the win with her second attempt on the 10, taking the series 2-1 and earning the right to play host to her Tridents captain Precious in the bracket quarterfinals.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Snuggle v. Jack. More 10-ball in the East Division has the silver cue back in action. Web City's Jack settled in to make a three-ball run-out in game 1, picking off the 7-10 combination to the bottom left at the end to go ahead 1-0 in the series over Harrison's Snuggle. In game 2, the Spiders' Jack went empty on the break and the Specters' Snuggle unexpectedly won on his first shot. Snuggle called the 10 to the top left on a whim, and got the proper deflections off the 1 and 7 to make it a reality, tying the series at 1 with the stellar play. Snuggle fired off a six-ball run-out at the end of game 3, finding a groove on offense to defeat Jack 2-1 in the series. Snuggle will visit Southern Monarchs rookie Gabby in the bracket quarterfinals.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Prism v. Taylor M. The host's second series today is in 13-ball with the red cue. Pronger's Prism got down to her last ball pretty quickly in game 1, but Eastside's Taylor M. rattled off a five-ball run-out to earn the win, grabbing a 1-0 series lead in impressive fashion. There was no miracle escape for the Sharks' Taylor M. in game 2, as her positioning was poorer than that of the Tridents' Prism. At the end, Prism made a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Both players had some questionable moments in game 3, but Prism's choice to shoot hard on her last ball was most regrettable, as she also potted the 8 illegally on the play after Taylor M. had failed to knock it down at the bottom left. Taylor M. took the series 2-1 and will visit the Swordpoint Blades captain Dreamy in the bracket quarterfinals.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Melissa v. Patches. The blue cue draws in for 10-ball between North Division rivals. Oceanside's Patches dominated in game 1, taking control and the win on an eight-ball run-out after a slow start from Terrace City's Melissa. Patches owns a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Patches looked good again in game 2, taking a little more time to get in the zone but ending with a six-ball run-out anyway. The Knights' Melissa simply didn't have an answer as Patches clinched the series at 2-0. Patches couldn't complete the sweep in game 3, as Melissa used a 1-4-7 combination attempt as a decoy for her intended shot, a deflection to take the 10 at the bottom left. Melissa converted for the win, while Patches' 2-1 series win allows her to host the Southern Monarchs' Molly in the bracket quarterfinals.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Dusty. The red cue gets a look in 8-ball. Golden's Dusty thrived in small spaces in game 1. Atlantic's Delila scratched on a lackluster break, but Dusty attacked well on solids and won with a five-ball run-out contained near the left rail to get the 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Dusty was less engaged on offense in game 2. The Pirates' Delila did well early on, then coasted to the finish to get the win, tying the series at 1. Delila tried to make it close at the end of game 3, but Dusty got a little good fortune to finish a tough battle for the 2-1 series win. Dusty will visit the Central Warriors' Twilight in the bracket quarterfinals in a massive series.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Molly. The blue cue exits after 7-ball. Harrison's Twinkie II scratched on the break in game 1 and only made one shot on her next turn. In between, Southern's Molly made a four-ball run before finishing with a pair of shots for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Molly carved her way to a six-ball run in game 2, but she missed the 7 at the bottom right. The Specters' Twinkie II tapped it down for the win to tie the series at 1. Twinkie II had more command in game 3, but she was a little shaky on offense as Molly picked up the final pair for the win and 2-1 series win. Molly will move on to visit the Pearl Surfers' Wings in the bracket quarterfinals.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sugar v. Princess. Back in 8-ball, the silver cue takes a turn. Tysini's Sugar made one of each on the game 1 break and took solids from there. Viewpoint Sound's Princess couldn't break loose, and Sugar easily took the win to earn a 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Princess did better in game 2, making a three-ball run before leaving the 8 at the doorstep of the bottom right. In a poorly planned sequence, the Hummingbirds' Sugar tried to bank the 9 to the top side, instead knocking the 8 in off the carom to gift a win to Princess that tied the series at 1. In game 3, Princess was far ahead of Sugar as she got onto the 8. Princess took a breath-holding shot that nearly scratched and ended up with the 8 down in the bottom right for a gutsy win and 2-1 series win. Princess will host the Royal Crowns sophomore Sunshine in the bracket quarterfinals.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Vincent. The red cue is done for the day after 9-ball. Everton's Vincent pulled off an impressive five-ball run-out in game 1 after Viewpoint Sound's Dani made a three-ball run that ended in a scratch. Vincent leads the series 1-0. The Eagles' Vincent had a jump shot on the 4 in game 2, but then scratched a shot later. The Meteors' Dani made a pair before missing the 8 to set up Vincent for the win on the final pair as he secured the series at 2-0. Vincent wasted no time in ending the series in game 3, making the 9 on the break to the bottom left on a picture-perfect shot. Vincent swept Dani 3-0 to earn a trip to Capital City, where he'll face the Sharpshooters rookie Kelsea. Dani is out of the Tournament, the 20th player to fall, and the first kill of the year for Vincent.

Apple Center, Todavía: Pedey v. Hershey. The purple cue exits after this 10-ball series. Todavía's Pedey didn't exactly excel in game 1, but he played well enough to get the win when Stonebridge's Hershey wasn't able to surge late. Pedey owns a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Pedey scratched on the break in game 2, and he never really got back on track from there. The Wolves' Hershey made a five-ball run right after it, then added a pair at the end for the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, it was back to both players looking a little shaky on offense. Hershey had it worst, missing the 10 at short range at the bottom left, with Pedey tapping it down for a 2-1 series win. Pedey will host the North Modernistic Nighthawks' Cheddar in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Luigi v. Noelle. The green cue also finishes its day in 10-ball. Central's Noelle had a tough start in game 1, and her scratch allowed Commerce's Luigi to make the 4-10 combination to the bottom side from a tight angle on ball-in-hand, which also saw the 4 drop in the top side for added style points. Luigi leads the series 1-0. After a slow start and some heckling from the home fans, the Warriors' Noelle went on a silencer of a four-ball run-out for the win. The Tradewinds' Luigi had made a three-ball run before, but Noelle's surge tied the series at 1. Noelle didn't maintain her offense very well in game 3, and Luigi replicated his game 1 finished by making the 10 to the bottom right with a deflection off the 7 that caromed to the top side for a double-pot. Luigi won the series 2-1 and will host another Warrior, the veteran Dustin, in the bracket quarterfinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Snowball v. Twilight. Completing their home-and-home doubleheader set, the marquee series of the day ends it with the silver cue in 9-ball. Westside's Snowball controlled the offense in game 1, making a three-ball run off the break. Central's Twilight couldn't land many shots, and Snowball picked up the win by banking the 8 and cutting the 9 both to the top side for the 1-0 series lead. Offense was a little slower in game 2, as the Rockers' Snowball went empty on the break. The Warriors' Twilight scratched after a three-ball run as she tried to move the ball too much, but she bounced back for the final pair when Snowball missed on the 8. The series is rightfully tied at 1 heading into the decisive game 3. Both players had close calls on the 9 in game 3, as Twilight nearly took it to the bottom left on the break and Snowball almost jammed it in there on a combination with the 4. Twilight then missed her long-range finish on the 9, which Snowball cleaned up at the top left for the 2-1 series win and a split across the two-day set as both players defended their home turfs. Snowball will host Pronger Tridents veteran Potter in the bracket quarterfinals. 

We'll close out the Second Round tomorrow with out last day of three-game series for the year.

Tournament XI - Second Round Day 22

We're back for another day of games. We're leaning toward standard scheduling, but that could change as the day progresses. First up...

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Americus v. Jake. The green cue starts the day with 8-ball. Midland's Americus had a six-ball run off the break, but she was slowed down with a couple of later scratches. Royal's Jake didn't catch up, and Americus still got the win for a 1-0 series lead after game 1. Both players rattled off six-ball runs in game 2, but the Crowns' Jake was the first to sink the final pair, giving him a win to tie the series at 1 with the Predators' Americus. In game 3, Americus couldn't get her offense going at all, while Jake had a fairly easy time navigating the rack. Jake cruised to the win and 2-1 series win that sets him up to visit Lighton Prestige sophomore Angelica in the bracket quarterfinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Snowball v. Debby. The green cue stays on for a 12-ball series. Westside's Snowball made two stripes and a solid on the game 1 break. She played stripes and managed to work her way to a tough win with Diamond's Debby adding pressure but not much offense. Snowball leads the series 1-0. The Rockers' Snowball made a pair of solids on the break, but her positioning for game 2 was bad. The Gems' Debby was able to work her way to the win, which tied the series at 1. Debby tried to play physical at the top side, but it worked out better for Snowball. Debby failed to sink her last ball on a tough cut, and Snowball stormed ahead on a four-ball run-out for the 2-1 series win. Snowball will visit her daughter, the Atlantic Pirates' Dusky, in the bracket quarterfinals.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Wario v. Vladimir. More 12-ball is also played with the green cue. Neither player backed down from a physical battle in game 1, but Southridge's Wario benefited more as Maplewood's Vladimir didn't plan his shots very well. Wario picked up a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Wario was solid in game 2, getting a pair of stripes on the break. He was too heavy-handed at the end, and the Lumberjacks' Vladimir was able to poach a win to tie the series at 1. Vladimir got a good start on stripes in game 3, and he was able to finish it off with a kick to the bottom right to beat Wario 2-1 in the series. Vladimir will visit the Todavía Stills' Hughbert in the bracket quarterfinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Chimpy v. Nightfur. The green cue continues with a 9-ball series. Westside's Chimpy went narrowly empty on the break in game 1, and Zenith's Nightfur punished it with a four-ball run-out. Nightfur made the 3-9 combination to the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Chimpy enjoyed offense in game 2, smashing a four-ball run on the first turn and adding a three-ball run-out for the win after the Skywatchers' Nightfur struggled a bit. Chimpy's win tied the series at 1. In game 3, Nightfur had a chance to go on a late run, but she missed on the 8. Chimpy made the final pair for the win to take a 2-1 series win, and he'll visit club-mate and Everton Eagles newcomer Panda in the bracket quarterfinals.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Whiskers. The purple cue enters for a 10-ball series between club-mates. Terrace City's Kiwi had a productive game 1, pacing the offense and getting a win on a three-ball run-out to take a 1-0 series lead over Maplewood's Whiskers. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers deferred possession after the Knights' Kiwi sank the 7 on an uncalled shot. Kiwi stretched the run to three before a miss, but Whiskers also missed on the 9 before Kiwi made the final pair for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Whiskers had a couple of good looks in game 3, but it didn't land for her. Kiwi mopped up the 10 at the top left for the win and 3-0 series sweep. Kiwi will host the Stonebridge Wolves' Jane in the bracket quarterfinals.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Tigerette v. Ingrid. South Division rivals meet in 9-ball with the purple cue. Boston's Tigerette took a 1-0 series lead on the break in game 1, getting the 9 down at the bottom left while the 5 fell in the top side for a double-pot. The Swifts' Tigerette nearly won on the second turn in game 2, but her 3-9 combination to the bottom left rattled out. Southridge's Ingrid tapped in the same play to get the win, tying the series at 1. The Defenders' Ingrid had some good looks in game 3, but it was Tigerette who swooped in to make a three-ball run-out at the end. Tigerette won the series 2-1 and will host the Central Warriors' Noelle in the bracket quarterfinals.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Twinkie III v. Dusky. The blue cue enters in 7-ball today. In game 1, the 7 got good mileage off the break from Whitewater's Twinkie III, eventually joining the 2 in the top left for the win. Twinkie III leads Atlantic's Dusky 1-0 in the series. The Shores' Twinkie III had to put in more effort in game 2, but the Pirates' Dusky offered little challenge on offense. Twinkie III held a majority of the play to get the win that sealed the series at 2-0. Dusky wasn't able to dig in at the end of game 3, with Twinkie III sinking the final pair again for the win to sweep the series 3-0. Twinkie III is set to host the Swordpoint Blades' Mams in the bracket quarterfinals.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Blair. Club-mates are set to meet in 12-ball for the red cue's lone appearance. Freedom's Nikolai made a ball on the break and little else in game 1. Apex's Blair had the patience to set himself up well, rallying on a three-ball run before making his last ball to top side a turn later for the 1-0 series lead. The Wonders' Blair had a scratch to make things a little more difficult for the Cascades' Nikolai, but the host was still able to get the win. Nikolai has tied the series at 1. Blair was much faster on offense in game 3, taking a commanding lead and displacing Nikolai's defense at the end. Blair cruised to the win and 2-1 series win, and he'll visit the Lighton Prestige's Shiny in the bracket quarterfinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Maggie v. Ellie. The blue cue is back between club-mates in 13-ball. Capital City's Ellie looked way better in game 1, but Modernistic's Maggie played an underrated defensive game to slow her down. Ellie never got a clear look at her last ball, and Maggie built her way into a comeback win for the 1-0 series lead. Defensive positioning worked well for the Sharpshooters' Ellie in game 2, although she got help from the Union's Maggie shooting poorly for the top side due to a back injury. Ellie was able to snag the win and tie the series at 1, and it will continue as Maggie plays through the trouble. Maggie couldn't get things sorted it out late in game 3, allowing Ellie to inch ahead late for the win and 2-1 series win. Ellie will visit the Tysini Hummingbirds' Charli in the bracket quarterfinals.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Smudge. A captains' battle uses the blue cue in 12-ball. Infinity's Smudge got the better positioning for her last ball at the top right, but Harrison's Twinkie II fought hard to throw her off. Twinkie II succeeded and made the final pair of shots for the win and 1-0 series lead. Both players took out each other's defense late in game 2, but this worked out significantly better for the Torpedoes' Smudge, who had the lead and cashed in her last ball when the Specters' Twinkie II couldn't make a pair. Smudge's win tied the series at 1. Smudge started hot on the break in game 3, and Twinkie II fell short on her late rally. Smudge made a pair for the win and 2-1 series win, and she'll host her sister and Lighton Prestige star Spirit in the bracket quarterfinals.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Anna. The silver cue's only series today is in 10-ball. Terrace City's Anna carved up game 1, making a pair of five-ball runs to easily earn the win and 1-0 series lead over Pacific's Ms. Kitty. The Knights' Anna had a less organized attack in game 2, but she was still far ahead of the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty. Anna took this one on a three-ball run-out to clinch the series at 2-0. In game 3, it looked like it was going to be a long and meaningless battle until Anna used ball-in-hand to sink the 1-10 combination after Ms. Kitty scratched. Anna swept the series 3-0 and will play in the bracket quarterfinals.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sugar v. Bandit. West Division foes square off in 15-ball with the purple cue. Swordpoint's Bandit didn't get much to go right for him in game 1, while Tysini's Sugar was able to take her time in a slow-paced win. Sugar made the final pair to pull ahead 1-0 in the series. The Blades' Bandit took advantage of a beautiful chance early in game 2, getting a spinning kick on the 4 with enough follow-through to drive the 15 to the bottom side. This stunning shot allowed Bandit to tie the series at 1 game apiece versus the Hummingbirds' Sugar. In game 3, Sugar retook control of the offense to get the win as Bandit didn't really do that much.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Snowball. The first half of a two-day marquee home-and-home set sees these starts battle in Rotation with the purple cue. Westside's Snowball paced the offense early on, but Central's Twilight caught up and took over for an 8-5 win by the end of game 1. Twilight leads the series 1-0. In game 2, the Rockers' Snowball didn't allow the lead to slip away as she did before. The Warriors' Twilight grew angered by the defense, but she couldn't stop it as Snowball won 8-3 to tie the series at 1. Snowball led for much of game 3 as well, but Twilight amped up the brewing rivalry with a massive four-ball run-out to snatch an 8-6 win for the 2-1 series win, protecting her home turf ahead of tomorrow's rematch. Twilight will visit Pacific Volcanoes veteran Ms. Kitty in the bracket quarterfinals.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Ms. Puppy. A massive captains' battle uses the blue cue in 15-ball. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy chipped in her fair share of offense to stay even with Pronger's Precious at first in game 1. Ms. Puppy took over late on a four-ball run-out of tap-ins for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Precious struggled with her offense a bit in game 2 as well, as the Union's Ms. Puppy kept decent control despite a lack of pace. Ms. Puppy got the win again with a pair of shots at the end to seal the series at 2-0. In game 3, Ms. Puppy played a lot of defense to frustrate Precious. Ms. Puppy was able to complete a 3-0 series sweep with a pair of late shots, although Precious pressured late. Ms. Puppy is set to host the Stonebridge Wolves' Jane in the bracket quarterfinals.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Diddley v. Blake. The green cue plays 15-ball to begin a split-day venue doubleheader, ending today's action. Freedom's Blake will rue missing the 2-15 combination toward the top side she attempted but couldn't connect on. Later on, Maplewood's Diddley made a similar play with the 10-15 combination for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Diddley thought he had something brewing in the middle of game 2, but he ended up missing on the 15 in a combination attempt. The Cascades' Blake settled down and finished with a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Diddley made a crucial error in game 3, sinking the 15 on illegal contact while attempting a kick on the 10. Blake took the free win to win the series 2-1, and she'll visit the Infinity Torpedoes' Shelley in the bracket quarterfinals. 

There's just two days left in the Second Round, which will continue tomorrow on a more regular scheduling pattern.

Tournament XI - Second Round Day 21

We're ready to go with some weekend action. First up...

Kraft Forum, Royal: Kayla v. Bright. The silver cue starts the day in 15-ball. Royal's Kayla had a missed contact on the 4 in game 1, and that proved costly when Pearl's Bright took the 4-15 combination to the top right from ball-in-hand. Bright leads the series 1-0. The Surfers' Bright had a decent break in game 2, but he fouled with illegal contact while aiming on the 5. The Crowns' Kayla returned the favor from before, making the 5 and adding a 6-15 combination to the bottom left for the win to tie the series at 1. Kayla and Bright managed to play a full-term game 3, and it ended in brutal fashion. Kayla missed a cut on the 15 and left it near the top left for Bright to tap in for the win and 2-1 series win. Bright will host the Infinity Torpedoes' Blaze in the bracket quarterfinals.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Jane v. Twinkie II. East Division rivals meet in 10-ball with the purple cue. Stonebridge's Jane was a little amped to start game 1, sending the cue ball off the table on the break. Harrison's Twinkie II never really got going, and Jane won on a seven-ball run-out to take a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II had a nice attack in game 2, but the Wolves' Jane countered it with perfect timing, winning on a four-ball run-out to secure the series at 2-0. Twinkie II took control a bit in game 3, missing her first look at the 10 but then picking up a 4-10 combination to the bottom left for her lone win over Jane, who won the series 2-1. Jane will play a visiting role in the bracket quarterfinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Isabella. Another 10-ball series uses the silver cue. Atlantic's Isabella found a groove with a three-ball run just after the middle of game 1, but Modernistic's Ms. Puppy took over and made a pair for the win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Union's Ms. Puppy wasn't able to take her effort to the next level in game 2, leading to another close battle. The Pirates' Isabella did about the same, but she was able to make the last two shots for the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Isabella made a four-ball run before a scratch while shooting on the 9. Ms. Puppy got the 9 but missed her cut on the 10, and Isabella buried it at the bottom left for the win and 2-1 series win. Isabella is set to visit the Golden Pilots' Strut in the bracket quarterfinals.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I v. Shelley. West Division foes are up for 13-ball with the green cue. Pacific's Twinkie I can blame a pair of scratches for holding her back in game 1, and she still almost got the win on a three-ball run. Instead, Infinity's Shelley had enough time to answer with a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Shelley was called for a stick foul in game 2 as she made her last stripe. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I recovered well with a pair at the end for the win, tying the series at 1. The momentum didn't carry over for Twinkie I, who made no shots and saw her late scratch lead to Shelley's three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand. Shelley won the series 2-1 and will visit the Royal Crowns' Jake in the bracket quarterfinals. Twinkie I is the 15th player to exit the Tournament, and Shelley has her first kill after a perfect second round. This was also Shelley's 100th unique opponent.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Wario v. Leonette. Another green cue series goes in 9-ball. A close battle in game 1 saw Pacific's Leonette miss her chance on the 9 before Southridge's Wario buried it at the top left for the win. Wario leads the series 1-0. The Defenders' Wario turned dominant in game 2, making a six-ball run off the break and eventually adding a three-ball run-out when Leonette failed to make a shot. Wario's win sealed the series for him at 2-0. Leonette stepped in to make a short run at the end of game 3 after Wario didn't show the same control. Wario still won the series 2-1, and he'll visit the Southern Monarchs' Pounce in the bracket quarterfinals.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Stealth v. Spirit. More from the West Division, as the blue cue enters the action in 12-ball. Swordpoint's Stealth made a pair of solids on the game 1 break, but Lighton's Spirit had better positioning after that. Spirit made a four-ball run at one point, and she added the 12 on a kick to the bottom side for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Spirit didn't quite get the positioning she wanted early in game 2, but she improvised well enough to win on a three-ball run-out after successfully blocking the left corners to prevent a surge from the Blades' Stealth. Spirit clinched the series at 2-0. Game 3 saw Spirit take solids early on and then add a four-ball run-out after Stealth suffered a missed contact. Spirit swept the series 3-0 and will remain on the road in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Ruby. The red cue joins the party for a 10-ball series between West Division rivals. Infinity's Smudge had an empty break in game 1, and Todavía's Ruby replied with the 1 in the top side and a 2-10 kick combination to the top left for the win. Ruby leads the series 1-0. The Stills' Ruby had a scratch on the break in game 2 and another one later on, but the Torpedoes' Smudge had just choppy offense. Ruby was able to bounce back for the final pair to get the win and seal the series at 2-0. Ruby had another solid start in game 3, but Smudge finally popped up with a five-ball run-out to get this win. Ruby settled for a 2-1 series win, and she'll visit the Royal Crowns' Brownie in the bracket quarterfinals.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Lindsay v. Blizzard. The red cue gets another look in 10-ball. Both players tried to be more intimidating than they were in game 1. Stonebridge's Lindsay dropped off the pace near the end, and Zenith's Blizzard won on an understated four-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The 10 ended up near the top left for much of game 2, and the Wolves' Lindsay narrowly missed it on a 4-10 combination try. The Skywatchers' Blizzard landed some nice shots, but Lindsay got the win on a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Lindsay took control of the offense again at the end of game 3, making a four-ball run-out this time to beat Blizzard 2-1 in the series. Lindsay will host the North Modernistic Nighthawks' Gal in the bracket quarterfinals.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Cleo v. Stealth. The visitor's second series today is in 10-ball with the silver cue. Everton's Cleo controlled game 1, but lost it after a failed attempt to make a 3-10 combination on a jump shot. Swordpoint's Stealth converted the same play to the bottom left from ball-in-hand to get the win and 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Stealth made a jump shot on the 1, but it was on his second turn that he deflected a shot off the 3 to drive the 10 into the bottom left. This gave him the win and sealed the series at 2-0 over the Eagles' Cleo. In game 3, Cleo rattled off a five-ball run and a three-ball run-out to get the win with dominant play. Stealth won the series 2-1, and he'll get a chance to host Cleo's Eagles teammate, the captain Goldy, in the bracket quarterfinals. Cleo is out of the Tournament, the 16th to fall and the first to go down to Stealth.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Rocky v. Patches. The red cue is back for Rotation between Waves teammates. Game 1 was a close battle initially, but Patches eventually unleashed a five-ball run-out to claim an 8-3 win over Rocky. Patches leads the series 1-0. Patches snatched the lead early in game 2 as well, but Rocky made things very interesting with a close finish. In the end, Patches stuck around long enough to get an 8-7 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Patches wasn't able to find a surge on offense in game 3, while Rocky was sharp to earn an 8-4 win. Patches took the series 2-1 and will host the Viewpoint Sound Meteors captain Hoot in the bracket quarterfinals.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Josie v. Sydney C. The green cue checks out after 10-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Josie was able to pick up the pace a little bit in game 1, grabbing a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead over Modernistic's Sydney C. The 7 gave both players some trouble in game 2, but the Union's Sydney C. scratched on her second attempt at it. This gave the Meteors' Josie ball-in-hand to ignite a three-ball run-out for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Josie wasn't able to sustain her offense long enough to sweep, as Sydney C. bounced back with a short run to take game 3. Josie's 2-1 series win has her set to host Swordpoint Blades newcomer Mams in the bracket quarterfinals. Sydney C. is the 17th eliminated player, giving Josie her first kill of the year.

Porsche Events Center, Zenith: Blizzard v. Klaus. The silver cue is done after 9-ball. Zenith's Blizzard rattled off a three-ball run from the break and added a pair at the end when Central's Klaus didn't match her intensity. Blizzard leads the series 1-0 after game 1. The Warriors' Klaus had two chances to get the 9 down in game 2, but he missed both attempts before the Skywatchers' Blizzard scooped up the win with a shot to the top right. Blizzard has clinched the series at 2-0. Klaus finally showed some extended power with a four-ball run, only for him to miss on the 6 and watch Blizzard make a four-ball run-out for the win in game 3. Blizzard swept the series 3-0 and will host the Pronger Tridents captain Precious in the bracket quarterfinals.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Wild Thing. In 10-ball, the purple cue makes an exit. A tough and grinding game 1 went to Victoria's Spice, as her miss on the 10 initially left no angle for Web City's Wild Thing to work with. Spice then made it on the second try for the 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Wild Thing again had a chance to capitalize on a late miss from the Spurs' Spice in game 2, but he couldn't corral the 10. Spice banked it into the top side at the end for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Wild Thing had a little more offense in game 3, but he scratched as he made the 9. Spice easily took the 10 from ball-in-hand for the win and 3-0 series sweep to earn the right to host Pearl Surfers co-captain Watermelon in the bracket quarterfinals. Wild Thing is the 18th player out of the Tournament, and Spice has her first kill this year.

Intel Center, Diamond: Leonardo v. Megan. The red cue cycles out after this 15-ball series. Neither player really separated themselves early in game 1, but Diamond's Leonardo produced a shocking finish with a deflection off the 9 to take the 15 at the bottom right. He leads Oceanside's Megan 1-0 in the series. The Waves' Megan offered a response in game 2, double-potting the 6 and 15 to the top corners with a well-cut shot after the Gems' Leonardo lost possession. Megan's crafty win tied the series at 1. Leonardo took no time at all to win game 3, kicking the 1 to the bottom right and then making a 2-15 combination deflected off the 5 at the bottom left. Leonardo beat Megan 2-1 in the series, and he'll go on to host Harrison Specters captain Twinkie II in the bracket quarterfinals. Leonardo picked up his first kill of the year to make Megan the 19th eliminated player. We've reached 10% of all players eliminated.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Blake v. Sarah. The day ends with the blue cue in 10-ball. Tysini's Sarah was the better player in game 1, but her late five-ball run ended with the 10 just shy of the tipping point at the bottom right. Freedom's Blake made a perfectly weighted shot to nudge it in for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Blake made an improbable four-ball run to open game 2, but she stalled out there. Shortly after, the Hummingbirds' Sarah made a 5-10 combination to the top left for the win to tie the series at 1. Blake wasn't able to finish much off in game 3, leaving offense on the table for Sarah to piece together in the decisive win. Sarah's 2-1 series win lines her up to visit Modernistic Union newcomer Quincy in the bracket quarterfinals. 

There's just three days left. Tomorrow's workflow pattern remains to be determined.

Tournament XI - Second Round Day 20

We'll enjoy a leisurely pace and a later start time today, beginning with...

Apple Center, Todavía: Sierra v. Goldy. The silver cue is up for 10-ball to open the day. A close battle for much of game 1 saw Everton's Goldy get the job done with a pair at the end to take a 1-0 series lead over Todavía's Sierra. The Eagles' Goldy won on the second turn in game 2, making a 1-10 kick combination to the top side after the Stills' Easter failed to convert her clear look at the 1. Goldy's opportunistic conversion clinched the series for her at 2-0. Sierra still couldn't get much to go her way in game 3, and Goldy buried the final pair after a choppy battle to complete the 3-0 series sweep. Goldy will be on the road again in the bracket quarterfinals. Goldy earned her first kill of the year by making Sierra the 11th eliminated player.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Nibbles v. Smokey. The red cue's only series today is in 8-ball. Web City's Smokey led for much of game 1, but he couldn't get his last stripe down. Web City's Nibbles kept it close and won on a three-ball run-out to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Spiders' Nibbles had a decent start in game 2, but he couldn't stop the Volcanoes' Smokey from making a late rally on a five-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Smokey surged again with a four-ball run in game 3, and he picked up the 8 a turn later to beat Nibbles in the game and 2-1 in the series. Smokey will visit the Diamond Gems' Salmo in the bracket quarterfinals in a homecoming match.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Princess v. Gabby. The silver cue is back for another 10-ball set. Viewpoint Sound's Princess had a slight edge on possession in game 1, and she made a pair at the end to back it up in a win over Southern's Gabby. Princess leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Princess had a solid game 2 effort, but the Monarchs' Gabby was also solid and she picked up a pair at the end. Gabby's win tied the series at 1. Princess tried to rebound in game 3, but Gabby finished strong with a bank of the 10 to the top right to close a four-ball run-out for the win. Gabby took the series 2-1 and will host her bracket quarterfinals appearance.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Sprinkles v. Stripes. The silver cue stays on for 7-ball. Capital City's Sprinkles scratched on the break and the last shot in game 1, gifting away the win to Southridge's Stripes, who didn't have to do much for it. Stripes holds a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles again had too many turnovers in game 2, with a late scratch allowing the Defenders' Stripes to take the 7 to the top right from ball-in-hand. Stripes sealed the series at 2-0 with this win. Perhaps Stripes' best performance was in game 3 when she made a five-ball run, but Sprinkles stole the win by sinking the 7 to the bottom right. Stripes won the series 2-1 and will host the Modernistic Union's Quincy in the bracket quarterfinals.

Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Shiny. West Division foes battle in 9-ball with the silver cue. Game 1 was a close battle that saw Lighton's Shiny scratch on the 7, only for Todavía's Easter to do the same after making the 8. Shiny took the 9 from ball-in-hand for the win to earn a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Shiny wasted no time in locking up the series, making the 9 to the bottom left on the game 2 break to go ahead 2-0 over the Stills' Easter. Shiny stayed strong early in game 3, and while Easter made a three-ball run, she couldn't sink the 8. Shiny then made a pair for the win and 3-0 series sweep that sets her up to act as a visitor versus her Prestige teammate Angelica in the bracket quarterfinals.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Dewey. Former teammates meet in Rotation with the green cue. Oceanside's Celestia held the lead for a large chunk of game 1, but Stonebridge's Dewey recovered late on a three-ball run-out despite ending his previous turn in a scratch. Dewey won 8-6 win earn a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Dewey had some offense in game 2, but the Waves' Celestia had two big attacks that paced her to an 8-6 win that tied the series at 1. Celestia opened game 3 with a massive six-ball run, and all Dewey mustered in response was a scratch after missed contact. Celestia won 8-0 to take the 2-1 series win, and she'll visit the Apex Wonders' Cowzart in the bracket quarterfinals.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Neopolitan v. Gradley. The green cue goes again in Accuracy. Boston's Gradley went from perfect to lost in a handful of turns in the middle of game 1, while Pearl's Neopolitan slipped to a lesser degree in her 2-5 win. Neopolitan owns a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Gradley avoided the mid-game slump in game 2, staying perfect this time to take a 0-3 win over the Surfers' Neopolitan. This tied the series at 1. Neopolitan held the lead for much of game 3, but dropped into a tie at the end. She missed on the overtime break but Gradley didn't convert, but Neopolitan missed three turns later and lost 4-5. Gradley's 2-1 series win sets him up to visit the Whitewater Shores rookie Rachel in the bracket quarterfinals. Gradley has his first kill of the year as Neopolitan is the 12th eliminated player.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Puff I v. Stephanie. Another Accuracy series uses the purple cue. Modernistic's Puff I stumbled early in game 1, but Swordpoint's Stephanie was worse near the end, allowing Puff I to get away with a 2-3 win in regulation for the 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Stephanie had no margin for error in game 2, but she couldn't maintain a perfect game. The Union's Puff I did stay perfect, taking a 0-3 result this time to seal the series at 2-0. Puff I continued to play well in game 3, nabbing a 2-3 win as Stephanie missed on her last shot. Puff I took the series in a 3-0 sweep to earn her place in the bracket quarterfinals.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Shelley. West Division opponents clash with the green cue in 15-ball. Pacific's Ms. Kitty looked more confident for much of game 1, but she couldn't finish it off. Infinity's Shelley did the final run, a three-ball streak to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Shelley maintained her level of offense in game 2, a steady presence throughout. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty tried to pick up the win on a late run, but she missed a bank on the 15 to the bottom right and Shelley smashed it down for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Shelley continued to play reasonably well, but her missed bank attempt on the 15 in game 3 allowed Ms. Kitty to avoid the sweep. Shelley won the series 2-1 and will host in the bracket quarterfinals.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Lionel v. Taylor M. The silver cue cycles in again for 12-ball. Eastside's Taylor M. claimed solids early in game 1, and she had some initial trouble with positioning. North Modernistic's Lionel played loose defense at the bottom left, but Taylor M. beat him with a late pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Lionel did everything in his power to slow down the Sharks' Taylor M. in game 2, but she still won with a bank to the top side a turn after a scratch. Taylor M. clinched the series at 2-0. Taylor M. had some slower play in game 3, but Lionel failed to capitalize even after she scratched. Taylor M. won the series 3-0 and will visit the Whitewater Shores' Marsell in the bracket quarterfinals. Lionel is the 13th player out of the Tournament, and Taylor M. has her first kill.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Waluigi v. Mams. The green cue is done for the day after 10-ball. Web City's Waluigi took his time to figure out offense in game 1, but he ended it on a five-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead over Swordpoint's Mams. The Spiders' Waluigi didn't adjust his style in game 2, playing steady but unremarkable on offense. The Blades' Mams cut the 9 to the top right and made the 10 at the bottom left on her final turn to get the win and tie the series at 1. Mams started game 3 on a five-ball run, then answered a three-ball run from Waluigi with the winning pair of shots. Mams took the series 2-1 and will play in the bracket quarterfinals. Waluigi is the 14th eliminated player this year, with Mams recording her first kill.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stripes v. Hughbert. The blue cue enters the action in Rotation. Neither player can be all that proud of their work in game 1, but Todavía's Hughbert at least emerged with an 8-6 win thanks to Southridge's Stripes scratching on the tying shot. Hughbert leads the series 1-0. The Stills' Hughbert played with much more confidence in game 2, taking a large lead and making it stick for an 8-4 win over the Defenders' Stripes. Hughbert secured the series at 2-0 with this win. Hughbert didn't have to work very hard for a win in game 3, as Stripes had nothing left in the tank. Hughbert won 8-1, sweeping the series 3-0 to earn a hosting position in the bracket quarterfinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Carly v. Cheddar. North Division rivals battle in 13-ball as the silver cue checks out. North Modernistic's Cheddar struck first in game 1, but she was unable to prevent a seven-ball run-out from Westside's Carly deep into the game. Carly leads the series 1-0. The Rockers' Carly had a slightly better start in game 2, but she was able to get the win because the Nighthawks' Cheddar was inefficient on offense. Carly clinched the series at 2-0 with this victory. Carly had to play a little harder to get any progress in game 3. At the end, it didn't matter, with Cheddar swooping in for a three-ball run-out to get her lone win. Carly's 2-1 series win allows her to host the Freedom Cascades' Frosty in the bracket quarterfinals.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Kodiak v. Dewey. Club-mates and East Division rivals are set to play 15-ball with the purple cue. Web City's Kodiak made three balls on the break and continued to play well in a fast game 1, but he missed late on the 15. Stonebridge's Dewey buried it at the top left for a cheap win and 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Dewey didn't do very well on the break in game 2, and this led to a sloppy and slow battle. At the end, the Spiders' Kodiak showed more power on offense and finished with a win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw no improvement in shot quality as tensions continued to rise. Kodiak snapped when he scratched while making the 14, and Dewey made the 15 before consoling his fellow Outcast. Dewey won the series 2-1 and will host the Southern Monarchs' Dominic in the bracket quarterfinals.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Delila. The day ends with the blue cue in 9-ball. Lighton's Spirit set the tone in game 1 with the 9 going in the bottom left on the break, as well as the 6 in the bottom right. Spirit leads Atlantic's Delila 1-0 in the series. The Pirates' Delila had some chances once she got to shoot in game 2, but she missed on the 7. The Prestige's Spirit was strong with a pair at the end for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Spirit cruised a little bit in game 3, but Delila put an end to it with the final pair of shots for the win. Spirit settled for a 2-1 series win to earn the right to host North Modernistic Nighthawks enforcer Cheddar. 

That's all for today. We'll be on standard scheduling tomorrow with an undetermined progression for Sunday.

Tournament XI - Second Round Day 19

We're getting onto the home stretch of the Second Round. Leading off...

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Dreamy v. Sugar. The red cue starts the day in 13-ball between West Division rivals. Swordpoint's Dreamy had a better start in game 1, and she was able to turn that into a win at the end after Tysini's Sugar couldn't make her last ball. Dreamy leads the series 1-0. The Blades' Dreamy didn't have the most composure in game 2, but she got a little lucky late with positioning after the Hummingbirds' Sugar failed to ignite a run. Dreamy made her last stripe and the 8 to the bottom side for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. In game 3, Sugar had her best attack, but she wasn't able to finish it off. Dreamy won with a three-ball run-out instead to make it a 3-0 series sweep that takes her into the bracket quarterfinals.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Sprinkles v. Bells. The green cue is up for 9-ball. Zenith's Bells made a four-ball run early in game 1 and added a three-ball run-out after Capital City's Sprinkles couldn't make a 5-9 combination to the bottom left. Bells leads the series 1-0. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles couldn't get much going in game 2, missing a bank on the 4 that led to the Skywatchers' Bells burying the 4-9 combination to the bottom left for the win. Bells sealed the series at 2-0. In game 3, Bells made the 9 to the bottom left on the break for the instant win and 3-0 series sweep. She'll visit the Stonebridge Wolves' Jane in the bracket quarterfinals.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Mr. Snowman v. Twinkie II. The red cue is back for a 15-ball series. Apex's Mr. Snowman couldn't control the offense in game 1, as Harrison's Twinkie II took over in the middle and won at the end with the final pair for the 1-0 series lead. The Wonders' Mr. Snowman had a choppy effort in game 2, and a scratch near the end allowed the Specters' Twinkie II to pot a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand to secure the series at 2-0. Game 3 saw Twinkie II open with a four-ball run, and she continued to pace play after that. Mr. Snowman had a chance to win at the end but missed the 15 on a simple shot, and Twinkie II wound up sweeping the series 3-0 to get into the bracket quarterfinals.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Midnight v. Acorn. A captains' battle in 7-ball with the green cue ends a venue doubleheader. Lighton's Acorn made quick work of game 1, burying a deflection off the 3 to sink the 7 at the top left on his second turn. He leads Apex's Midnight 1-0 after the host failed to make a 3-7 combination. The Prestige's Acorn wasn't as sharp in game 2, as the Wonders' Midnight picked up a four-ball run before missing on the 5. Acorn then made a pair at the end this time, earning the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Acorn made it a quick finish in game 3 by sinking the 7 on the break in the bottom right, sweeping Midnight 3-0. Acorn will host Westside Rockers captain Misty in a top series in the bracket quarterfinals.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Blizzard. The blue cue enters the action in Rotation. Zenith's Blizzard took the initial lead in game 1, but Whitewater's Katharine pulled ahead on a four-ball run and then made a pair later to take an 8-5 win. Katharine is ahead 1-0 in the series. The Skywatchers' Blizzard was undeterred in game 2, taking another early lead, only to watch it fall apart in the middle. The Shores' Katharine again staged a comeback and picked up an 8-5 win to secure the series at 2-0. Blizzard never really got going in game 3 as Katharine dominated fully in an 8-3 win for the 3-0 series sweep. Katharine will host Modernistic Union captain Ms. Puppy in the bracket quarterfinals.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Strawberry v. Cobalt. The silver cue's lone series today is in 9-ball. Game 1 was a close battle, as Victoria's Strawberry put up a solid fight only for Viewpoint Sound's Cobalt to sink a pair at the end for the win. Cobalt leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Cobalt needed just three shots to win game 2, burying the 8 on the break, sending the 1 to the top left and then deflecting off the 2 to get the 9 at the bottom left. This sealed the series in Cobalt's favor at 2-0. Cobalt couldn't get a look at the 9 despite putting it near the bottom left on the break in game 3. Strawberry eventually put it away with a 4-9 combination to get the win and break up a run of sweeps. Cobalt took a 2-1 series win and will visit the Eastside Sharks' Maison in the bracket quarterfinals.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Boots v. Spirit. The green cue is up for a Rotation set. Pearl's Boots had a hot start in game 1, but Lighton's Spirit closed the gap well to make it interesting in the end. Boots ended up winning 8-6 to earn a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Spirit had a massive surge through the middle of game 2, but her offense ended with a miss on the 13. The Surfers' Boots recovered just in time to earn another 8-6 win, clinching the series at 2-0. Boots trailed for a noticeable portion of game 3, but she made a four-ball run-out at the end for an 8-5 win to sweep Spirit 3-0 in the series. Boots will host the Harrison Specters' Snuggle in the bracket quarterfinals.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Steven v. Sunshine. The blue cue takes a turn in Accuracy. Atlantic's Steven scratched on the break and missed on the last ball. Those mistakes made it a little easier for Royal's Sunshine to grab a 2-3 win for the 1-0 series lead after game 1. The Crowns' Sunshine somehow managed to keep himself perfect in game 2, winning by a 0-3 score as the Pirates' Steven was good but a little unsteady. Sunshine secured the series at 2-0 with this win. Sunshine fell apart in game 3, although Steven was hardly better. At the end, Sunshine broke the tie on the last ball in regulation with his sporting miss, and Steven won 5-6 to get his lone win. Sunshine took the series 2-1 and will visit the Terrace City Knights captain Kiwi in the bracket quarterfinals.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Neopolitan. North Division foes battle in 9-ball for the purple cue's lone series today. Pearl's Neopolitan was threatening early in game 1, but Whitewater's Marsell managed to win on a three-ball run-out that ended with a kick on the 9 to the bottom side. Marsell holds a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Marsell dispatched the Surfers' Neopolitan quickly in game 2, as the host buried the 9 to the bottom left on the break to seal the series at 2-0. Marsell couldn't quite repeat the effort in game 3, and he poked the 9 away from the bottom left before Neopolitan had a shot. This led to a balanced battle, and Neopolitan made the 9 at the top side for the win. Marsell won the series 2-1 and will visit the Westside Rockers' Goatee in the bracket quarterfinals.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Ms. Kitty. A big series in 8-ball uses the red cue. Capital City's Chris took solids at the start, but he couldn't piece together a large run. Pacific's Ms. Kitty was choppy as well, but her offense was fast enough to earn the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Chris suffered a tough fate in game 2, as he had a couple of scratches that slowed him down but he still got a look at the 8. He missed that shot to the top left, and the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty rallied for the win on a three-ball run-out to clinch the series at 2-0. Ms. Kitty got a little lucky to win game 3 on a five-ball run-out, as she nearly made the 8 illegally, and Chris ended up getting swept 3-0 in the series. Ms. Kitty will visit Queens Flames veteran Pauline in the bracket quarterfinals.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Gizmo v. Hughbert. More 8-ball uses the green cue. Todavía's Hughbert had a solid start in game 1, but a scratch slowed his pace to a crawl. North Modernistic's Gizmo wasn't able to take advantage of it, and Hughbert took the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Gizmo was strong early in game 2, although the Stills' Hughbert got close late on a four-ball run before missing on the 8. Gizmo then made a pair for the win to tie the series at 1. Hughbert surged with a four-ball run in game 3, and Gizmo had to scrap with him for a bit late in the game. Hughbert then made the 8 at the top side to take a 2-1 series win and earn the right to visit the Archtown Arrows' Cubby in the bracket quarterfinals.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Dewey v. Rosalina. The blue cue cycles in for 13-ball. Victoria's Rosalina got off to a positive start, and Stonebridge's Dewey spent a lot of time catching up in game 1. Rosalina had just enough to pick up the win for a 1-0 series lead right after Dewey pulled even. The Spurs' Rosalina made a pair of stripes on the break in game 2, and she held the lead the rest of the way. The Wolves' Dewey made some progress, but Rosalina's defense allowed her to cruise to the win that clinched the series at 2-0. In game 3, Rosalina continued to pace things on offense, and Dewey helped her out by making her last ball. Rosalina then put the 8 in the bottom side for the win and 3-0 series sweep, earning her a trip to Maplewood to face Lumberjacks captain Diddley in the bracket quarterfinals.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Shaggy v. Buddy. The blue cue exits the day after this 8-ball series. Whitewater's Shaggy started behind with an early scratch, and Atlantic's Buddy was strong on offense but eventually slowed down. Shaggy then struck a four-ball run-out to come from behind for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Shaggy pulled off a more daring escape in game 2, as the Pirates' Buddy again got onto the 8 and missed it. Shaggy then rallied with a six-ball run-out for the win, sealing the series at 2-0 in exciting fashion. In game 3, it was Buddy who made a nice comeback with a six-ball run-out to get on the board and deny Shaggy the sweep. Shaggy still won the series 2-1 and will host the Central Warriors' Klaus in the bracket quarterfinals. Buddy is the 10th player eliminated this year, and Shaggy has her first kill.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Nibbles. The host's second series today is the last for the red cue, playing 9-ball. Web City's Nibbles made an impact early in game 1 with a four-ball run, but Lighton's Acorn was there to close it out on a three-ball run-out after nearly getting the 9 on the break. Acorn leads the series 1-0. The Spiders' Nibbles had plenty of chances to strike for a more impressive result in game 2, but a choppy battle ended with the Prestige's Acorn mopping up the 9 at the top left. Acorn secured the series at 2-0. Acorn wasn't able to finish it off in game 3, and Nibbles buried a three-ball run-out for his lone win. Acorn took the series 2-1 and will be on the road in the bracket quarterfinals.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Pounce v. Rainmane. The green cue closes the day with 10-ball. Southern's Pounce had some momentum with a four-ball run near the end of game 1, but he chunked his attempt on the 10. Midland's Rainmane put it away at the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Pounce had more trouble igniting his offense in game 2, and this led to a choppy battle. The Predators' Rainmane prevailed with a three-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Rainmane ended it early in game 3 with a 4-10 combination to the top left after more shaky shooting from Pounce. Rainmane swept the series 3-0 and will play on the road again in the bracket quarterfinals. 

While pace wasn't great today, the job was done. We'll continue tomorrow with potentially looser timing and scheduling.

Tournament XI - Second Round Day 18

We'll hit the three-quarters mark of the Second Round after today's games. First up...

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Kitty v. Sugar. Club-mates battle in 10-ball with the red cue. Tysini's Sugar did just about everything but win in game 1, as her seven-ball run ended with a miss on the 10. Midland's Kitty buried it at the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Kitty fouled when she made the 7-10 combination in game 2. The Hummingbirds' Sugar still looked shaky, but she mopped up the 10 at the top left when Kitty missed it on a second attempt. Sugar's win tied the series at 1. In game 3, Sugar was more in control on offense. She made a five-ball run-out ending with a 9-10 bank combination at the bottom left to take the 2-1 series win over Kitty. Sugar will host the Everton Eagles' Puff III in the bracket quarterfinals. Kitty is the ninth eliminated player this year, and the first to fall to Sugar.

Sony Center, Queens: Briana v. Peach. The silver cue cycles in for a 15-ball series. North Modernistic's Peach took one shot in game 1, making the 2-15 combination to the bottom left but scratching on the play to gift the win and 1-0 series lead to Queens' Briana. The play of the Nighthawks' Peach defined game 2 as well, but this time it was because of her twelve-ball run-out that included a pair of double-pots as she dominated in a win to tie the series at 1. Peach had another tough scratch in game 3, which set up the Flames' Briana to make a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand. Briana won the series 2-1 despite getting mostly outplayed, and she'll visit the Web City Spiders captain Jack in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Blaze v. Puff III. The purple cue is up for a turn in 7-ball. Everton's Puff III had a scratch in game 1, and while it took Infinity's Blaze a couple turns to get on track, he responded with a three-ball run-out for the win. Blaze leads the series 1-0. The Eagles' Puff III couldn't get as much offense going in game 2, and the Torpedoes' Blaze closed out this one with a four-ball run-out to secure the series at 2-0. Puff III had a five-ball run in the middle of game 3, but she missed on the 7 and Blaze made a two-rail spinning kick to sink it at the top left for the 3-0 series sweep. Blaze is set to visit the Swordpoint Blades' Stealth in a West Division battle in the bracket quarterfinals.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Spot. The silver cue goes next in 13-ball. Lighton's Spirit led for all of game 1, but a positioning play ended with the 8 in the top left prematurely, gifting a win and 1-0 series lead to Pronger's Spot when he was nowhere near the win naturally. A close battle in game 2 saw both players struggle with scratches near the end. The Prestige's Spirit had it the worst, sinking the 8 in an uncalled pocket and scratching on her last shot to gift the win and the series at 2-0 to the Tridents' Spot. Nothing worked right after the break for Spot, and it took Spirit quite some time to find her four-ball run-out for her lone win. Spot won the series 2-1 and will visit the Harrison Specters' Twinkie II in the bracket quarterfinals.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Diddley. The marquee series of the day is in 7-ball with the purple cue. Atlantic's Delila scratched on the break in game 1, and it didn't get much better for her after that. Maplewood's Diddley wasn't sharp, but he made a pair for a 1-0 series lead. Aim remained fleeting on both sides in game 2. The Lumberjacks' Diddley had a slight downturn here, and the Pirates' Delila made the final pair for the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, both players were even and a little faster on offense. Delila had a chance at the 7 from distance and rattled it at the top left, where Diddley jammed it in for the win and 2-1 series win. Diddley will host Central Warriors captain Twilight in another big East Division matchup in the bracket quarterfinals.

Sony Center, Queens: Pauline v. Precious. The red cue is back for 8-ball. Queens' Pauline took the initial lead with solids in game 1, and she was able to keep her lead over Pronger's Precious throughout. Pauline won on a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Pauline opened with a five-ball run in game 2, immediately raising the pressure on the Tridents' Precious. At the end, Precious sank the 8 on her own, gifting the win and the 2-0 series lead to Pauline. Precious finally unleashed some offense on a five-ball run in game 3, and she followed it up to win on the second turn. Pauline still won the series 2-1 and will host again in the bracket quarterfinals.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Dusky v. Violetta. Another 8-ball series uses the green cue. Queens' Violetta had just a little more speed in the middle of game 1, getting an edge and keeping it for the win and 1-0 series lead over Atlantic's Dusky. The Pirates' Dusky had a decent counterattack in game 2 after the Flames' Violetta started with a five-ball run. Dusky's answer simply came too late, and Violetta made a three-ball run-out to seal the series at 2-0 with this win. In game 3, Violetta made a five-ball run early again. Dusky tried to answer, and Violetta shut her down a few turns later for the 3-0 series sweep to earn the right to visit Swordpoint Blades newcomer Mams in the bracket quarterfinals.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Americus v. Patches. The blue cue's lone series of the day is in Accuracy. Midland's Americus led for almost all of game 1, but she fell into a tie at the end as Oceanside's Patches kept it close. In overtime, Americus went empty on the break and Patches converted for a 4-5 win to take a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went drastically different, as the Waves' Patches had the lone miss in the middle. The Predators' Americus looked shaky but held on for a 0-1 win to tie the series at 1. Patches slipped up too much in game 3 as well, and Americus was much more confident this time to take a 1-4 win and 2-1 series win. Americus will host the Diamond Gems' Debby in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Shelley v. Smokey. The green cue is back for a 12-ball set. Pacific's Smokey looked better for much of game 1, but his bad positioning at the end allowed Infinity's Shelley to make her final pair of shots from ball-in-hand for the win. Shelley leads the series 1-0. The Torpedoes' Shelley tried a similar strategy in game 2, even using a strategic scratch to set up a finishing run. She couldn't execute it, and the Volcanoes' Smokey took the win at the top right to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Smokey seemed to have things figured out and just needed time to finish it off. Shelley didn't stand for it, smashing a five-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win. Shelley will visit Smokey's Volcanoes teammate Ms. Kitty in the bracket quarterfinals.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Dewey. The green cue checks out after Accuracy. Despite missing first in game 1, Tysini's Leandra was able to settle in nicely and earn a 1-4 win over Stonebridge's Dewey. Leandra owns a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Leandra got a much better break in game 2, but she wasn't able to sustain her offense throughout this time. The Wolves' Dewey held the lead this time and rode it to a 2-4 win in the end, tying the series at 1. Leandra brought her best in game 3, staying perfect for the 0-3 win over Dewey. Leandra won the series 2-1 and will host the Pearl Surfers' Boots in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Luigi v. Acorn. The silver cue gets a turn in Rotation. A choppy battle in game 1 saw Lighton's Acorn obtain and maintain an edge over Commerce's Luigi that resulted in Acorn taking an 8-6 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Acorn spent less time competing and more time pulling away with the lead in game 2. The Tradewinds' Luigi made some progress on a comeback, but Acorn won 8-3 to secure the series at 2-0. Luigi had nothing left for game 3, making it an easy push forward for Acorn in an 8-2 win that gave the visitor a 3-0 series sweep. Acorn is set to visit Capital City Sharpshooters mainstay Missy in the bracket quarterfinals for a West Division showdown.

Sony Center, Queens: Violetta v. Gizmo. The silver cue does another Rotation series. Queens' Violetta didn't like her break in game 1, as it slowed things down early. North Modernistic's Gizmo took the lead once he found a way forward, and he stayed ahead in an 8-4 win for the 1-0 series lead. A tense start to game 2 gave way as the Flames' Violetta pulled ahead on a three-ball run. The Nighthawks' Gizmo had no answer to that, and Violetta ended up with an 8-3 win to tie the series at 1. Violetta got on the edge of victory in a grinding game 3, but she couldn't get either the 11 or 14 to fall in one of the sides on a kick shot. Gizmo rallied for a four-ball run-out for the 8-7 win and 2-1 series win that sends him to a visiting role versus the Eastside Sharks' Lily in the bracket quarterfinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Quincy v. Katharine. A North Division battle goes in 9-ball with the red cue. Modernistic's Quincy struck hard in game 1, landing a seven-ball run-out to stun Whitewater's Katharine and earn a 1-0 series lead in the process. The Shores' Katharine took a swipe at a 1-8-9 combination toward the bottom left in game 2, but she couldn't get enough contact on it. The Union's Quincy made a 1-9 combination instead, cashing in a good break and sealing the series at 2-0 with the win. In game 3, it was Katharine's turn to enjoy a seven-ball run-out as she navigated the rack to get her lone win. Quincy took the series 2-1 and he'll host club-mate and Pronger Tridents star Spot in the bracket quarterfinals.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Panda v. Stinky. The red cue ends its day in 15-ball between East Division rivals. Everton's Panda had a tough time getting his offense going in game 1, and Freedom's Stinky capitalized late with a three-ball run-out for the win. Stinky holds a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Stinky set a faster pace in game 2 and looked promising at the end until a three-ball run ended with a scratch. The Eagles' Panda bounced back with a three-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1 with matching finishes so far. The 15 spent a lot of time near pockets in game 3, leading to a somewhat ridiculous show of shooting. In the end, Panda made an 11-15 combination to the bottom left for the win and 2-1 series win over Stinky. Panda is set to host Lighton Prestige star Spirit in the bracket quarterfinals.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Potter. The day ends in 9-ball with the silver cue. Golden's Strut made five balls over his last two turns in game 1, overcoming a slow start to earn the win and 1-0 series lead over Pronger's Potter. The Pilots' Strut had a productive attack in game 2, but he wasn't able to finish it off. The Tridents' Potter battled just enough to grab the 9 at the bottom left for the win, tying the series at 1. Potter made the 9 on the break in game 3, burying it at the bottom left again for the win and 2-1 series win over Strut. Potter will play in the bracket quarterfinals. 

That's all for today. We're down to six days left in the Second Round.

Tournament XI - Second Round Day 17

More action is ready to begin today, leading off with...

Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Omari. The blue cue opens the day in Rotation. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy had no trouble in game 1, as Zenith's Omari was called for a stick foul and a scratch. Ms. Puppy turned her good fortune into an 8-0 shutout win for the 1-0 series lead. The Union's Ms. Puppy started game 2 on a five-ball run, but the Skywatchers' Omari made much more of a challenge this time. He still came up short at the end, as Ms. Puppy won 8-6 to clinch the series at 2-0. Omari again put in a decent effort in game 3, but Ms. Puppy coupled up her early four-ball run with a late push to get another 8-6 win. Ms. Puppy swept the series 3-0 to get into the bracket quarterfinals, and Omari had strong words for the league's biggest market, voicing displeasure with the playing conditions in the series. Omari is the eighth player out of the Tournament, while Ms. Puppy has her first kill.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Sage v. Stephanie. The purple cue is on for an 8-ball set here between West Division rivals. Victoria's Sage made as many stripes as Swordpoint's Stephanie, which wasn't really great news for either player. Sage dominated on solids, winning in three turns to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Spurs' Sage wasn't as sharp in game 2, and she nearly put the 8 in the bottom right. Instead, the Blades' Stephanie failed to kick out a shot properly, leading to the 8 going down early and Sage picking up the win to seal the series at 2-0. Kick shots continued to go awry for Stephanie, who again sank the 8 prematurely in game 3 while leading to gift Sage the 3-0 series sweep. Sage is set to visit Midland Predators veteran Rainmane in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Frosty. The blue cue returns for 15-ball. Central's Noelle set a fast pace early in game 1, although Freedom's Frosty was pretty good herself. Frosty scratched on the 9, and Noelle rallied with a five-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Noelle continued to play hard in game 2, but she didn't get the same finishing touch this time. The Cascades' Frosty managed to snag the 15 to the bottom left for the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, both players had a fair share of offense, but the momentum swung to Frosty for a three-ball run-out and the 2-1 series win over Noelle. Frosty will host the Swordpoint Blades' Stealth in the bracket quarterfinals.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Taylor M. v. Shaggy. A captains' battle is set for 7-ball with the red cue. Whitewater's Shaggy brought energy in game 1, but she didn't have a finishing touch, and Eastside's Taylor M. banked the 7 to the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Taylor M. buried the 7 to the bottom side on the break in game 2, effectively ending the Shores' Shaggy's hopes for a comeback. Taylor M. secured the series at 2-0 with the win. Taylor M. scratched on the break in game 3, and Shaggy avoided the sweep with a 1-7 combination to the bottom side from ball-in-hand. Taylor M.'s 2-1 series win sets her up to host Web City Spiders veteran Nibbles in the bracket quarterfinals.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Wings v. Bucco. More 7-ball awaits with the blue cue. Pearl's Wings didn't have the best start in game 1, but Harrison's Bucco wasn't much better. Wings was able to close out for a three-ball run-out to earn the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw no pace at the end, turning into a chase on the 7. The Surfers' Wings couldn't get it to fall, and the Specters' Bucco eventually cut it to the top right for the win that tied the series at 1. In game 3, Bucco had one chance on the 7 and missed it on a short bank attempt. Wings buried it at the bottom right to take a 2-1 series win, which earned him a place in the bracket quarterfinals.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Molly v. Debby. The red cue exits the day with Rotation. Southern's Molly had a decent start in game 1, but Diamond's Debby poked ahead late on a three-ball run before missing the 12-15 combination at the top left. Molly then made a three-ball run-out for an 8-7 win and 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Molly had to make the comeback push for most of game 2, and while she did get even once, the Gems' Debby bounced back to earn an 8-6 win, tying the series at 1. Debby held the lead for most of game 3, but she couldn't finish it off. Molly came from behind for an 8-6 win to take a 2-1 series win, and she'll host the Commerce Tradewinds' Solaris in the bracket quarterfinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Snowball v. Spirit. Talented veterans clash in 7-ball with the green cue. Westside's Snowball had a slight edge in play in game 1, taking a pair at the end to beat Lighton's Spirit for a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Snowball didn't impress as much in game 2, the close battle this time falling to the Prestige's Spirit on a pair of shots at the end. The series is tied at 1. Spirit went empty on the break in game 3, and it left a 1-7 combination in alignment. Snowball buried it with ease to get the win, taking a 2-1 series win that sets her up to host the Golden Pilots' Max in the bracket quarterfinals.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Cubby v. Puff I. The green cue stays on for an 8-ball series. Modernistic's Puff I had full control in game 1 until a scratch while shooting for her last ball. Archtown's Cubby bounced back over two turns, finishing with a five-ball run-out to grab the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Cubby had a decent start in game 2, but the Union's Puff I changed that rapidly. Puff I found her way late with a six-ball run-out to earn the win, tying the series at 1. Puff I failed to get much offense going early in game 3, and Cubby took advantage of that, thriving in a confined space to knock down stripes. Cubby took the win and a 2-1 series win to earn a hosting position in the bracket quarterfinals.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Bandit v. Ms. Puppy. The visitor's second series today is in 7-ball with the blue cue. Swordpoint's Bandit got a ball on the break and not much else in game 1. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy stepped up later with a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Union's Ms. Puppy couldn't get anything going in game 2. The Blades' Bandit instead made a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. A slower start on both sides eventually saw Bandit pick up a three-ball run-out in the end for a 2-1 series win over Ms. Puppy. Bandit will host Queens Flames captain Crystal in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fuchsia v. Spot. Club-mates do battle in 15-ball with the purple cue. Infinity's Fuchsia was clearly better on offense in game 1 with eight balls over her last two turns, but she missed a kick on the 15. Pronger's Spot mopped it up on a kick to the top right, earning him a 1-0 series lead with the win. The Torpedoes' Fuchsia again controlled the offense late in game 2, but this time she got the win when the Tridents' Spot couldn't cut the 15 to the top side. Fuchsia made five balls over two turns to tie the series at 1. Fuchsia made four balls on the break in game 3, but she got the win on the next turn as Spot illegally sank the 15 after missing contact on the 1. Fuchsia took the series 2-1 in a strange fashion, and she'll host the Victoria Spurs' Rosalina in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Summer. The purple cue is up in Rotation to close out a venue doubleheader. Infinity's Fluffina immediately took control in game 1, and Maplewood's Summer only had a halfhearted comeback toward the end. Fluffina won 8-4 and earned a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Summer had a much better effort in game 2, and her three-ball run got her close to victory just after the midpoint. The Torpedoes' Fluffina defended just long enough to fire back on a four-ball run-out, stealing an 8-7 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Summer avoided the sweep with a strong finish in game 3, burying a short run at the end for an 8-6 win over Fluffina, who won the series 2-1. Fluffina will visit Westside Rockers veteran Chimpy in the bracket quarterfinals.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Gabby. West Division rivals meet in 13-ball for the silver cue's lone series today. Pacific's Ms. Kitty had a very indirect route to the game 1 win, going through a couple of scratches before she could get behind the defense of Southern's Gabby, who had a scratch of her own. Ms. Kitty ended up taking a shaky 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Gabby was slow from the start in game 2, and the 8's defensive presence at the bottom left slowed her down more. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty still nearly made a mess of things, but she got the win to seal the series at 2-0. Gabby was a little better early in game 3, but she couldn't get her last ball down at the top side. Ms. Kitty swept the series 3-0 and will host the Infinity Torpedoes' Blaze in the bracket quarterfinals. This was Ms. Kitty's 100th unique opponent.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Charli v. Goatee. The purple cue is done after 9-ball. Tysini's Charli recognized a slow pace at the start of game 1, and when Westside's Goatee committed illegal contact, Charli took the ball-in-hand for a 1-9 combination to the bottom left for a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Goatee made a great improvement in game 2, burying a six-ball run after the Hummingbirds' Charli had an empty break. Charli didn't rebound later, and Goatee made the final pair for the win to tie the series at 1. Goatee took a risk for a 6-9 combination and banked it into the bottom left in game 3, barely with enough power to beat Charli. Goatee won the series 2-1 and will play a hosting role in the bracket quarterfinals.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Lily. The host goes again in 12-ball with the green cue. Pacific's Ms. Kitty started game 1 really well, but couldn't find her way at the end. Eastside's Lily surged forward with five balls in two turns to earn the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Lily didn't get anything on the break, while the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty enjoyed strong positioning. Lily kept it close for a bit, but Ms. Kitty's three-ball run-out gave her a win to tie the series at 1. Lily had a decent start in game 3, but Ms. Kitty remained in control this time. When Lily sank one of Ms. Kitty's balls, that was it, as Ms. Kitty finished off the series then for a 2-1 series win and a place in the bracket quarterfinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Sydney C. v. Charli. The day ends in 13-ball with the blue cue. Tysini's Charli didn't get very good positioning in game 1, and Modernistic's Sydney C. made quick work of it for a win. Sydney C. owns a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Charli used her last ball very defensively in game 2, tiring out the Union's Sydney C. at the end. Charli then made a pair of shots to get the win, tying the series at 1. Sydney C. came close to making the 8 at the bottom right, but Charli stormed in after an illegal contact call to make a three-ball run-out. Charli took the series 2-1 and will play in the bracket quarterfinals. 

We'll continue tomorrow as we stand a week out from the end of the Second Round.

Tournament XI - Second Round Day 16

We're ready to get back on to a normal schedule for the remainder of the Second Round. We begin with...

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Sweetheart v. Steven. The blue cue opens the day in 8-ball. Boston's Sweetheart had a decent start in game 1, but she didn't sustain offense late. Atlantic's Steven made a comeback for the win, burying a four-ball run-out to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Pirates' Steven couldn't get anything going on the game 2 break, but he had a pair of four-ball runs divided by a scratch later on. The Swifts' Sweetheart couldn't find a finishing run, and Steven put the 8 in the top left for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Steven stalled out in game 3, missing a simple 14-9 combination at the bottom left twice. Sweetheart rallied for the win to salvage a result, but Steven won the series 2-1 to get into the bracket quarterfinals.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Americus v. Violetta. A South Division showdown uses the green cue in 7-ball. Midland's Americus ended her opening four-ball run with defense, getting Queens' Violetta to miss contact on the 4. Americus then made a three-ball run-out for the game 1 win and 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Americus started with a pair in game 2, but when the Flames' Violetta took possession, she finished it off with a five-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Americus had a three-ball run in game 3, then missed the 7 and made it on a second try after Violetta's shot never broke toward the pocket. Americus took the series 2-1 and will host the Southridge Defenders' Wario in the bracket quarterfinals in another South Division battle.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Avril v. Leonardo. The blue cue is back in 9-ball. Diamond's Avril had some strong moments in game 1, but Diamond's Leonardo closed it out with a four-ball run-out after neither player could strike the 9 early. Leonardo owns a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Leonardo started well in game 2, but couldn't bring it home as the Tridents' Avril found her groove midway through. Avril won on a 7-9 combination to the bottom left, tying the series at 1. Both players made four-ball runs in game 3, and both missed on the 9 on their first looks. Leonardo made it on his second try for the win and 2-1 series win over Avril. Leonardo will visit the Todavía Stills' Ruby in the bracket quarterfinals.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Greg. A bitter rivalry renews in 15-ball with the silver cue. Victoria's Spice didn't have anything special in game 1, but she got the win in a choppy battle with a pair at the end after Archtown's Greg failed to find a run. Spice leads the series 1-0. The Spurs' Spice had a little more offense in game 2, and she surged late with a four-ball run, but she couldn't get the 14 down. The Arrows' Greg stepped in for a pair at the end to snag the win and tie the series at 1. In game 3, Spice brought about an early finish with a deflection off the 7 to poke the 15 into the top left for the win and 2-1 series win over Greg. Spice will host Boston Swifts captain Sweetheart in the bracket quarterfinals.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Smokey v. Bear. The blue cue gets another turn in 9-ball. Pacific's Smokey had a strong start in game 1, but he needed Commerce's Bear to flub a cut shot on the 9 at the end. Smokey then took the win from ball-in-hand for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Tradewinds' Bear did better at pressuring the Volcanoes' Smokey in game 2. This paid off for Bear, who made five balls over the last two turns to get the win that tied the series at 1. Bear continued to pick up hearty offense in game 3, but he couldn't settle a shot on the 9. Smokey was there to collect at the top left for the win, taking the series 2-1 to earn his hosting place in the bracket quarterfinals.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Snuggle v. Strut: The green cycles out after 15-ball. Harrison's Snuggle had a good start in game 1, but Golden's Strut stayed right with him throughout in a close battle. Strut was able to make the final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Strut didn't set as strong a pace in game 2, but it was still a decent game. The Specters' Snuggle had his share of offense, but Strut won on a 12-15 combination to the bottom left to clinch the series at 2-0. Strut had some offense in game 3, but he wasn't able to sustain his pace at the end. Snuggle did just enough to get a win and avoid the sweep, while Strut's 2-1 series win sends him into a road meeting with Apex Wonders captain Midnight in the bracket quarterfinals.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Cheddar v. Diddley. The purple cue steps in for a 10-ball set. North Modernistic's Cheddar played at a high pace in game 1, but she got lucky to win after missing on the 10. Maplewood's Diddley also missed it, allowing Cheddar to convert on her second try for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Cheddar made another five-ball run in game 2, but she faltered after that early attack. The Lumberjacks' Diddley was able to collect enough offense at the end for the win to tie the series at 1. Cheddar bounced back just fine in game 3, making a 6-10 combination to the top left to finish off Diddley. Cheddar's 2-1 series win lines her up for a road series in the bracket quarterfinals.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Kitty v. Chimpy. The red cue's lone series today is in 12-ball. Midland's Kitty looked pretty good initially in game 1, but she sank her last ball as an overfill. Westside's Chimpy wasted no time in burying a five-ball run-out for the win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Rockers' Chimpy blitzed with a three-ball run off the break in game 2, then slowed it down. The Predators' Kitty got to her last ball, but Chimpy played some rope-a-dope with positioning before pushing to the win for himself to secure the series at 2-0. In game 3, Chimpy played smart despite an early scratch. His positioning was good enough to overcome Kitty's somewhat slow offense. Chimpy swept the series 3-0 and will visit Kitty's Predators teammate Rainmane in the bracket quarterfinals.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Kacey v. Shaggy. The purple cue is on for an Accuracy series. Royal's Kacey twice missed right after Whitewater's Shaggy in game 1. Closer to the end, Kacey faltered again and Shaggy held on for a 2-4 win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Kacey had a little better luck early in game 2, but it all disappeared at the end as the Shores' Shaggy showed no mercy late. Shaggy took a 3-5 win this time to clinch the series at 2-0. In game 3, Shaggy fell short of a sweep, dropping into a tie to force overtime where she missed on the extra rack's break. Kacey took the 2-3 result, but Shaggy's 2-1 series win sets her up to visit Harrison Specters rookie Bucco in the bracket quarterfinals.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Shaggy v. Maren. The host completes a Texas two-step doubleheader in 15-ball with the silver cue. Whitewater's Shaggy had some offense in game 1, but her finishing touch was off. It still took Apex's Maren three attempts to bury the 15 at the top left for a 1-0 series lead. The Wonders' Maren set a higher pace in game 2, but it came with a few more errors around. The Shores' Shaggy capitalized late after Maren scratched while making the 13. Shaggy buried the final pair from ball-in-hand for the win to tie the series at 1. Maren pushed again in game 3, but couldn't get enough traction at the end. Shaggy finished with a three-ball run-out here, taking the series 2-1 and earning a hosting position in the bracket quarterfinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Mams. The purple cue returns for 13-ball. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy had a solid start to game 1, but she couldn't settle it down at the end. Swordpoint's Mams rallied to the win on a four-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Mams looked vastly disorganized during game 2, which allowed the Union's Ms. Puppy to take her time in earning a fairly sloppy win. Ms. Puppy has tied the series at 1. Ms. Puppy fended off Mams' late challenge in game 3, using a little physical defense to block her away from the top side. Ms. Puppy won the series 2-1 and will host the winner of the second series from now.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Puff II v. Fuchsia. The blue cue goes in 9-ball again. Harrison's Puff II struck for a four-ball run-out after a slow battle to begin game 1 against Infinity's Fuchsia. Puff II owns a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Specters' Puff II couldn't get a grip on the pace. The Torpedoes' Fuchsia did a good job of keeping control over three turns to work her way to the win, tying the series at 1. Puff II again couldn't get anything going in game 3, but it took a lucky spinning double-pot of the 2 and 9 to the left corners for Fuchsia to claim the win and 2-1 series win. Fuchsia is set to visit West Division rival Smokey of the Pacific Volcanoes in the bracket quarterfinals.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Hoot. The purple cue is done for the day after 13-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot looked to be threatening in game 1, but Freedom's Nikolai bounced back at the end on a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. A fast-paced game 2 turned into a battle for territory at the bottom side at the end. The Cascades' Nikolai had the advantage of being on the 8, making things precarious for the Meteors' Hoot despite his better positioning. Nikolai eventually got the win to seal the series at 2-0. In game 3, Hoot didn't even look like he was ready to make a challenge. Nikolai took his time and played smart to earn the win and 3-0 series sweep that sets him up to visit Modernistic Union captain Ms. Puppy in the bracket quarterfinals.

Sony Center, Queens: Crystal v. Pounce. Captains and club-mates battle in Rotation with the blue cue. Southern's Pounce had a better start in game 1, and that sustained him through a tough finish as he beat Queens' Crystal 8-3 for the 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Pounce seemed set on scraping together offense in game 2, but the Flames' Crystal had a different plan. Crystal made a six-ball run and eventually finished with an 8-2 win to tie the series at 1. Crystal pulled ahead to begin game 3, but she faced a stern challenge from Pounce who rallied from behind to get within a ball. Crystal sealed it off with an 8-6 win to take a 2-1 series win, and she'll visit Pounce's Monarchs teammate Dominic in the bracket quarterfinals.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Avril v. Fluffina. The silver cue ends the day with 7-ball. Pronger's Avril set the tone on offense, playing well over multiple turns while Infinity's Fluffina couldn't get anything down. Avril made a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Avril scratched and made a pair on the game 2 break, but that killed her momentum. The Torpedoes' Fluffina finally found a hold in the series by taking this win to tie the series at 1. Avril bounced back with a five-ball run in game 3, but it was wasted when Fluffina made the final pair for the 2-1 series win. Fluffina will visit the Midland Predators' Rainmane in the bracket quarterfinals. 

We're two-third through the Second Round now, with more to come tomorrow.