Tournament XI - Bracket Semifinals Day 5

We're back with an earlier start time that may stick going forward. First up...

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Diddley v. Luigi. The purple cue starts today in 7-ball. Commerce's Luigi rattled off a three-ball run early in game 1, then made another one later on to get the win after Maplewood's Diddley suffered a scratch. Luigi leads the series 1-0. The Tradewinds' Luigi lost control of the offense in game 2, and the Lumberjacks' Diddley bounced back well, albeit with slower offense. The series is tied at 1 after Diddley made a pair for the win. Luigi couldn't recapture his offense very well in game 3, and Diddley handled things at the end with three balls over his last two turns. Diddley is now ahead 2-1 in the series after stabilizing his shooting position. Luigi had a chance to make an impact in game 4, but that went away when he scratched on the 5-6 combination to the bottom left. Diddley made the final pair with no trouble to clinch the series at 3-1. Luigi scratched again late in game 5, allowing Diddley to pick up another win on a ball-in-hand play. Diddley won the series 4-1 and will visit the Infinity Torpedoes' Blaze in the bracket finals.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Lindsay v. Ingrid. The silver cue enters the action in Accuracy. Stonebridge's Lindsay was not able to put in a great effort on offense in game 1, while Southridge's Ingrid played fairly well to earn a 1-4 win. Ingrid owns a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Lindsay made improvements in game 2, but she wasn't able to force overtime this time. The Defenders' Ingrid was solid again and earned a 1-2 win to go up 2-0 in the series. Lindsay didn't have the right touch at all in game 3, falling apart and never getting much going to catch up. Ingrid wasn't very sharp, but she picked up a 4-6 win to secure the series at 3-0. Lindsay finally got a win on the board in game 4, taking the lead early and maintaining it as a 3-4 result over Ingrid, who remains ahead 3-1 in the series. Lindsay added another 3-4 win as Ingrid decided to be generous at the end to avoid an unnecessary overtime. Ingrid won the series 3-2 and will play in the bracket finals. Lindsay is the 84th eliminated player this year, and Ingrid has her first kill.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Ice Cream v. Greg. The green cue is up for its lone series today in 13-ball. Archtown's Greg was pretty fast on offense early in game 1, but it didn't last for him. Boston's Ice Cream took over late with a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw the Swifts' Ice Cream take a bit more control initially. In the end, she missed her last solid, and the Arrows' Greg pieced together a tough three-ball run-out for a well-earned win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Greg scratched after a bad distribution from the break. Ice Cream took stripes early and attacked well from there, then cut the 8 to the bottom right to end Greg's comeback effort. Ice Cream owns a 2-1 series lead. Ice Cream had the better of the early offense in game 4, but she couldn't find a finishing touch. Greg was there again to make a three-ball run-out for the win, which helped him tie the series at 2. Ice Cream was behind for a large portion of game 5, but she recovered late and got the win to take a 3-2 series win. Ice Cream will host South Division rival Kayla of the Royal Crowns in the bracket finals. Ice Cream earned her first kill of the year and Greg is the 85th player out.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Puff II v. Celestia. The silver cue goes again in 12-ball. Harrison's Puff II was a little slower from the start in game 1, and her late three-ball run didn't change things. Oceanside's Celestia was able to maintain her lead and earn the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia went empty on the break in game 2, and the Specters' Puff II made a five-ball run in response. Celestia nearly got all the way back in it, but Puff II closed the door at the bottom right for the win to tie the series at 1. Celestia failed to meet the standard on offense in game 3, flailing even with a good setup for a few turns. Puff II used the extra time to push forward and earn the win to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Puff II settled in pretty well in game 4, but Celestia didn't want to trail any longer than she had to. Celestia's high-pace offense earned her another win, and she retied the series at 2. In game 5, Puff II took the early lead and Celestia fell off the pace with a scratch. Puff II was able to make her last ball the bottom right for the win to win the series 3-2, and she'll visit the Eastside Sharks captain Taylor M. in the bracket finals.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Andrew v. Jack. East Division rivals meet in 12-ball with the purple cue. Freedom's Andrew had a productive game 1 effort with a four-ball run, but Web City's Jack was faster with better positioning. Jack made a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Jack made two stripes and a solid on his break in game 2, but the positioning at the end didn't help him. The Cascades' Andrew stayed closed and got lucky with positioning to earn the win that tied the series at 1. Jack recovered well in game 3, as Andrew took stripes early with a pair. Jack then played a perfect six-ball run-out, creating both offense and set-up shots brilliantly in a well-earned win to retake the series lead at 2-1. In game 4, Jack had another fantastic effort after scratching on his opening turn. Andrew wasn't able to rally early, and Jack made a six-ball run-out again to clinch the series at 3-1. Jack remained strong on offense again, although he played a little slower this time. Andrew nearly made a comeback on his last turn, but Jack won for a 4-1 series win and the right to visit the Central Warriors' Dustin in the bracket finals. Jack has two kills this year, and Andrew is the 86th eliminated player.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Lily v. Missy. The silver cue exits after a Rotation series. Eastside's Lily had a solid middle of game 1, but stronger play from Capital City's Missy at the start and the end led to the visitor's 8-6 win. Missy leads the series 1-0. The Sharpshooters' Missy was merciless from the start of game 2, taking an immediate lead. Fouls and poor aim dragged the Sharks' Lily down, and Missy won 8-0 to push her series lead to 2-0. Lily got the jump early in game 3, and a three-ball run in the middle helped her solidify her lead. Missy didn't challenge well this time, and Lily won 8-3 to get on the board, although she still trails 2-1 in the series. Lily stormed ahead again in game 4 with a four-ball run off the break. Missy tried to catch up, but she didn't play well in confined spaces, and Lily emerged with another 8-3 win to tie the series at 2. Missy played fairly well early in game 5, but Lily erased that with a five-ball run, then made a pair for the 8-4 win to complete a reverse sweep for a 3-2 series win. Lily is set to play in the bracket finals. Lily is up to two kills now, while Missy is the 87th player out of the Tournament.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Maren v. Shadow. The purple cue is done for the day after 13-ball. Apex's Maren and Diamond's Shadow played a similar style in game 1, but Maren did it faster to earn the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Wonders' Maren again took the early lead in game 2, but her pace was much slower this time. In the end, the Gems' Shadow worked his way to a comeback win with better positioning on offense and defense, tying the series at 1. Maren was trying to sort her positioning out late in game 3 when Shadow stormed through on a four-ball run-out to earn the win. Shadow's smart play put him ahead 2-1 in the series. In game 4, Shadow made a solid on the break to the bottom side. That set him ahead, and Maren wasn't able to catch up before Shadow's excellent three-ball run-out for the win to secure the series at 3-1. Shadow had a good effort to get into position in game 5, although it was Maren who got the finish on the 8 at the top left for the win. Shadow settled for a 3-2 series win that sets him up to host Southridge Defenders newcomer Roxy in a South Division battle in the bracket finals. Maren's rookie season ends as the 88th eliminated player, and Shadow has joined the league lead with three kills.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Cobalt v. Celestia. The blue cue's only series today is in 8-ball between North Division rivals. Oceanside's Celestia had dibs on offense early on after Viewpoint Sound's Cobalt scratched, but she didn't make it stand. Cobalt attacked faster and he won for a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia needed to push for a run in game 2, but her first shot on the comeback trail ended up sinking the 8 illegally. This gifted the win to the Meteors' Cobalt, who now leads the series 2-0. Celestia nearly gave away game 3 as well, as she left the 8 very near the top side on one of her shots. Cobalt responded immediately with a four-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 3-0. Celestia had her best effort of the series in game 4, and she still fell short as Cobalt rallied from behind with an eight-ball run-out for the 4-0 series lead. Cobalt made a statement in game 5, weathering offense from Celestia again before making a five-ball run and a perfect three-ball run-out to get the win. Cobalt swept the series 5-0 and will play in the bracket finals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Blair. Another North Division battle ends the day with 12-ball and the red cue. Apex's Blair held a lead for much of game 1, but he couldn't finish it off. A missed contact at the end allowed Westside's Misty to poach the win on a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Misty had to put in a little work late in game 2, but the Wonders' Blair wasn't able to mount a challenge for the win. Misty's series lead is up to 2-0. Misty had a strong start again in game 3, but her positioning at the end wasn't there. Blair powered forward with a five-ball run and then made his last ball to the bottom left for the win, cutting Misty's series lead to 2-1. Misty's offense completely abandoned her in game 4, while Blair was able to play almost unchecked. A scratch slowed him down, but Blair still earned the win to tie the series at 2. Blair somehow managed to miss multiple times while setting up his final pair of shots. Misty also struggled, but she converted a three-ball run-out for the win and 3-2 series win to get into the bracket finals. Misty earned her first kill and Blair is the 89th player out of the Tournament.

The Bracket Semifinals are halfway done, and we'll keep going tomorrow.

Tournament XI - Bracket Semifinals Day 4

We're ready to play this day's games. The purple cue will be resting today. First up...

Porsche Events Center, Zenith: Blizzard v. Shiny. The silver cue gets the start today in 9-ball. Zenith's Blizzard struggled a little early in game 1, but made the last four balls over two turns to beat Lighton's Shiny for the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Shiny let the possession get away from her again late in game 2, and the Skywatchers' Blizzard stepped right in for a three-ball run-out to earn the win. Blizzard holds a 2-0 series lead. Blizzard found a sweet spot on the game 3 break, getting the 9 to drop at the bottom left, but she also scratched on the play to gift the win away to Shiny. Blizzard's series lead is down to 2-1. Shiny had a four-ball run off the break and a pair later in game 4, but she missed the 9 at the bottom side. Blizzard sniped it to the bottom left for the win to secure the series at 3-1. Blizzard made it a 4-1 series win after Shiny flubbed her look on the 9 at the end of game 5. Blizzard converted it, and she's earned a place in the bracket finals. Shiny is the 81st player eliminated this year, and Blizzard picked up her first kill.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Carly. The green cue enters the action in Accuracy. Westside's Carly missed early in game 1 and then fell apart after that, allowing Tysini's Leandra to cruise to a 1-4 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Leandra buried everything she could in game 2, staying perfect this time while the Rockers' Carly lost the pace late. Leandra's 0-2 win gave her a 2-0 series lead. Game 3 was more of the same, as Leandra maintained a clear advantage throughout and picked up a 1-3 win to clinch the series at 3-0 over Carly. Leandra finally dropped a result in overtime in game 4 after an uncharacteristically shaky performance. Carly did just enough to keep it even, and then earned the 3-4 win to cut Leandra's series lead down to 3-1. Another tougher game 5 occurred, and Leandra weathered it well to earn a 3-5 win, defeating Carly 4-1 in the series. Leandra will host again in the bracket finals.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Ellie v. Dusky. The green cue continues in a 12-ball series. Capital City's Ellie had a slower start in game 1, but Atlantic's Dusky scratched late. Ellie was able to then make a three-ball run-out for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Ellie tried to go through the Pirates' Dusky's defense in game 2, a strategy than ultimately failed. Dusky then made a final pair for the win to tie the series at 1. Dusky made one of each on the break in game 3, and she chose to play on solids. It worked out, as Ellie didn't get very far before Dusky made a four-ball run-out with a deflection of the 2 off the 15 to the bottom right for the win. Dusky leads the series 2-1. Dusky couldn't quite settle in for game 4, and that allowed Ellie to get the better of the offense this time. Ellie made the 7 to the top left for the win after Dusky's scratch, tying the series at 2. Ellie had slightly better positioning in game 5, and she made it stick with a pair for the win to beat Dusky 3-2 in the series. Ellie is set to visit West Division rival captain Ms. Kitty of the Pacific Volcanoes in the bracket finals. Ellie has two kills this year, making Dusky the 81st player out.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Molly v. Mams. West Division rivals play 7-ball in the blue cue's only series today. Southern's Molly snared the win in game 1 after Swordpoint's Mams rattled the 7 out of the top right, one of many unconventional shots for her, albeit the only one that didn't pay off. Molly leads the series 1-0. The Monarchs' Molly kept it going in game 2, working a four-ball run-out for the win this time after a slower performance from the Blades' Mams. Molly leads the series 2-0. In game 3, Mams thought she had the finish she needed, but she scratched as she made the 7 to give the result away. This allowed Molly to secure the series at 3-0. Molly didn't have as much success in game 4, and Mams was there at the end to pick up the final pair of shots for the win. Molly remains ahead 3-1 in the series. Molly bounced back in a slower game 5, picking up the 7 at the top left after Mams missed it a couple of times. Molly won the series 4-1 and will host Queens Flames captain Crystal in the bracket finals.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Kayla. The green cue comes between the two longest-tenured Crowns in 13-ball. In game 1, Jake had a lead for much of the battle until he scratched late. Kayla then took over for a three-ball run-out to earn the win for a 1-0 series lead. Fortunes changed for Jake in game 2, as Kayla scratched early. Jake then made a four-ball run, and he followed it up with strong positioning to get the win that tied the series at 1. Jake made one of each early in game 3, but he selected stripes. Kayla left things vulnerable near the end, but she was able to corral the 8 at the top left for the win and 2-1 series lead after Jake failed to attack. Jake took control back in game 4, as Kayla's late-game positioning didn't pay off very well. Jake struck late and took the win to tie the series at 2. Jake tried to get back into game 5, but it didn't work out. Kayla held on long enough to pick up the win and 3-2 series win, sending her to the bracket finals.

Apple Center, Todavía: Ruby v. Shelley. Another turn for the green cue is in 15-ball. In game 1, Shelley was able to come up with the win in a choppy battle. Todavía's Ruby made too many mistakes at the end, and Shelley grabbed the 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Ruby had to weather another storm of offense from the Torpedoes' Shelley early in game 2. It worked out, as Shelley fouled late and Ruby picked up a four-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Both players brought the energy in game 3. Ruby didn't put much offense together despite strong shots, and Shelley picked up the slack with a double-pot of the 6 and 15 to the right corners for the win. Shelley regained the series lead at 2-1. Shelley made a three-ball run to start game 4, but her offense pretty much ran out there. Ruby took quite some time to get going as well, but she was able to finish off the battle to tie the series at 2. Shelley wasn't messing around in game 5, electing to up the pace on her shots. In the end it worked, as she made a 2-15 combination to the top right to beat Ruby 3-2 in the series for the right to host in the bracket finals.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Tigerette v. Taylor M. The silver cue exits after 12-ball. Boston's Tigerette wasn't too concerned initially, but Eastside's Taylor M. pulled away on a four-ball run-out at the end. Tigerette had a chance to force a replay and failed, giving Taylor M. a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Taylor M. had to weather a sharp attack from the Swifts' Tigerette early in game 2. Taylor M. then got a little help from the host before sparking her five-ball run-out to go up 2-0 in the series. Taylor M. opened game 3 on a five-ball run, then intentionally scratched to get better positioning on her last ball. Tigerette answered with a four-ball run but fell short of pulling even before Taylor M. sealed the series at 3-0 with her win. Taylor M. didn't get a great break in game 4, and Tigerette took advantage of that with fast offense. Tigerette had no problem picking up this win to cut the deficit to 3-1. Taylor M. was back to her usual aggressive and effective style in game 5, simply outplaying Tigerette this time to win the finale. Taylor M. won the series 4-1 and will have hosting privileges in the bracket finals.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Cubby v. Jake. Club-mates battle in 8-ball with the green cue. Royal's Jake looked a lot more dangerous to start game 1, but he faded as it went on. Archtown's Cubby finished strong on a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Jake got onto the 8 first in game 2, but he couldn't find a place to put it. The Arrows' Cubby played a subtle defense before unleashing a four-ball run-out for the win to go up 2-0 in the series. Cubby was efficient in game 3, running the table on his second turn after Jake took solids early on. Cubby's devastating run secured the series in his favor at 3-0. Cubby kept up the high pace in game 4 with a hot start and a five-ball run-out to finish things off after Jake scratched. Cubby's lead is up to 4-0 in the series. Jake knew the series was lost in game 5, but his hard-shooting attack eventually materialized into a seven-ball run-out for a consolation win. Cubby advanced on a 4-1 series win, and he'll host the Swordpoint Blades' Mams in the bracket finals. Jake is the 83rd player out of the Tournament, and Cubby has his first kill.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Kelsea v. Acorn. A rookie and a captain meet in 9-ball with the red cue to end the day. Capital City's Kelsea took control immediately, finding the sweet spot on the game 1 break to earn the win and 1-0 series lead as the 9 fell in the bottom left. The Sharpshooters' Kelsea again kept Lighton's Acorn from taking a shot in game 2. This time, Kelsea made a pair on the break to spark a seven-ball run-out, which ended with a deflection off the 7 to sink the 9 at the bottom left. Kelsea leads the series 2-0. The Prestige's Acorn got a bit more involved in game 3, but his attempt to deflect off the 7 and sink the 9 at the bottom left ended in a foul. Kelsea took the 7-9 combination for free to seal the series at 3-0 with another win. Acorn remained active in game 4, but he couldn't get the job done in the end. Kelsea finished it off with a tap-in of the 9 to the bottom left, going up 4-0 in the series. Kelsea found the sweet spot again on the game 5 break, completing her 5-0 series sweep over Acorn. Kelsea will next host Lily of the Eastside Sharks in the bracket finals. 

That's all for today. We'll reach the midpoint of the Bracket Semifinals after tomorrow's action.

Tournament XI - Bracket Semifinals Day 3

After a rough day yesterday, the league will hope for better performances on Tuesday's schedule. First up...

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Princess v. Nightfur. Club-mates tangle in 7-ball with the red cue to start the day. Viewpoint Sound's Princess nearly got the 7 on the break in game 1, but it was instead available for Zenith's Nightfur at the bottom side to close a three-ball run-out. Nightfur leads the series 1-0. The Skywatchers' Nightfur made a four-ball run off the break in game 2. The Meteors' Princess tried to respond with force, but she missed on the 7. Nightfur buried it to the top left for the win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Nightfur was a little shaky on offense in game 3, but Princess brought it to a quick close with her three-ball run-out to get on the board. Nightfur remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Nightfur had her chances again in game 4, but she scratched on an attempt at the 7. Princess took the free shot for a win and tied the series at 2. Princess completed the comeback in game 5, taking a four-ball run off the break and adding the 7 at the top left to close it out. Princess beat Nightfur 3-2 in a reverse sweep to earn a hosting position in the bracket finals. Nightfur is the 75th eliminated player this year, and Princess picked up her second kill.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fuchsia v. Maren. The red cue exits after this Accuracy series. Despite a scratch on the break, Infinity's Fuchsia was able to nearly cruise to a win, although a shaky finish bumped the score to a 2-3 win over Apex's Maren for the 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fuchsia started better in game 2 with a pair on the break, and she played her way to a 1-2 win over the Wonders' Maren to gain a 2-0 series lead. In game 3, Maren let a large lead slip away at the end, and she had just enough in her to force overtime. There, Maren's overtime break was a soft one, and Fuchsia picked off one of the loose balls to secure a 5-6 win that clinched the series in her favor at 3-0. Fuchsia lost all control at the end of game 4, and Maren was able to hold on long enough for a 3-5 win to cut the series down to 3-1. Fuchsia bounced back with a perfect effort in game 5, while Maren faded late in the 0-3 game. Fuchsia won the series 4-1 and will host again in the bracket finals.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Mams v. Fluffina. A West Division showdown in 8-ball uses the green cue. Swordpoint's Mams made a pair of solids on the game 1 break and faced no challenge from Infinity's Fluffina, who couldn't get her offense going. Mams owns a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fluffina started better in game 2, but the Blades' Mams quickly rallied to get onto the 8 first. She missed it on a bank to the top right, and Fluffina responded on a four-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Mams made a big comeback push in game 3, but it was wasted in the end when her shot on the 8 ended with a scratch. This gifted Fluffina the win to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Mams didn't make the same mistake in game 4, again playing from behind. Fluffina pressured a bit, but Mams made five balls over her last two turns for the win to tie the series again at 2. Fluffina had a six-ball run in game 5, and she tried to clean up at the end, but the 8 rattled out of the top left. Mams had kept it close and was able to pick up the win for a 3-2 series win that sends her to the bracket finals. Mams got her second kill of the year to make Fluffina the 76th eliminated player.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Citrus v. Dewey. The purple cue's lone assignment today is in 15-ball. Lighton's Citrus kept a solid pace in game 1, and Stonebridge's Dewey did well to keep himself involved. At the end, Citrus pulled away on a three-ball run-out to earn the win and 1-0 series lead. The offense was a bit more choppy in game 2, which seemed to favor the Wolves' Dewey for awhile. It didn't last for him, as the Prestige's Citrus was the one to make the final pair of shots for the win and 2-0 series lead. Citrus had a look for an early finish in game 3, but she missed the 5 and instead struck the 10 illegally before the 15 dropped in the top right. This gifted a win to Dewey, who now trails 2-1 in the series. Game 4 was a slow battle on both sides. Citrus grew frustrated and sent the cue ball off the table once, although that didn't have much of an impact. Dewey then made an 11-15 combination to the bottom left for the win, tying the series at 2. Citrus didn't look to have much working for her in game 5, but she was able to snag the win when her make of the 5 sent the 15 to the bottom right for a double-pot. Citrus won the series 3-2 and will play in the bracket finals. Dewey is the 77th player out of the Tournament, and Citrus has her first kill.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Josie v. Precious. The green cue is back for a 10-ball series. Viewpoint Sound's Josie had some good looks in game 1, but she missed an 8-10 combination toward the bottom side. Pronger's Precious replied with a deflection to get the 8 down at the bottom side that drove the 10 to the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Precious was in good form for much of game 2, but all that offense went to waste when she missed on the 10. The Meteors' Josie snagged the win on a tap-in, tying the series at 1. Josie made a ball on the break, then took a backseat to Precious' six-ball run that put her in good shape for game 3. Josie fired back late on a three-ball run-out for the win to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Josie had a good break in game 4, but Precious struck just a couple turns in on a 2-10 combination to the bottom left for the win. Precious' quick win retied the series at 2. Josie stormed away after a foul by Precious in the middle of game 5. Josie won on a five-ball run-out to take a 3-2 series win, and she'll host her appearance in the bracket finals.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stripes v. Charli. The blue cue joins the party for 13-ball. Southridge's Stripes had a solid but empty break, and that opened things up for Tysini's Charli to win in two turns. Charli capped it with a five-ball run-out in game 1 to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Hummingbirds' Charli slowed the pace down a bit in game 2, but her positioning remained miles ahead of the Defenders' Stripes. Charli cruised to another win to put herself ahead 2-0. In game 3, stripes appeared to be the better suit off the break, and Stripes took them. Charli then made it work on solids, including a three-ball run-out to finish off the win and clinch the series at 3-0. Stripes came closest to victory in game 4, missing a couple of looks on the 8 before Charli rallied back on a four-ball run-out to extend her series lead to 4-0. Charli was a little slow at the end of game 5, but she was able to finish it off for a 5-0 series sweep over Stripes. Charli booked her ticket to the bracket finals. Charli has her first kill of the season, and Stripes is the 78th player eliminated.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Cowzart. The blue cue exits after this 12-ball series. Lighton's Spirit had an overfill on the game 1 break, and Apex's Cowzart quickly answered with a five-ball run. Spirit got a four-ball run in response, but Cowzart picked up the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Wonders' Cowzart had another good turn on offense early in game 2, and he left the Prestige's Spirit to play catch-up. Cowzart then won on a three-ball run-out to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Spirit finally had a chance to lead for a bit in game 3, but that came to an end as Cowzart worked a four-ball run. Chasing the game, Spirit couldn't get anything down before Cowzart closed out the win to secure the series at 3-0. Cowzart had to do a lot of legwork to get in position for his final surge in game 4, but he was again able to fend off Spirit long enough to do it. Cowzart's series lead is up to 4-0. Cowzart had a productive start to game 5, but his positioning failed him for the first time in the end. Spirit picked up the win to avoid the sweep, but a 4-1 series win sends Cowzart into the bracket finals.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Peach. The silver cue gets one turn today in 7-ball. Midland's Rainmane put down three balls on the game 1 break, including a subtle deflection to get the 7 in the bottom side for the instant win and 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Rainmane didn't have the same good fortune in game 2. She went empty on the break and missed on the 7, which North Modernistic's Peach answered with a four-ball run and a clean-up shot to get her win. The series is tied at 1. Peach scratched on the break in game 3, but lucky for the Nighthawks' captain, the pace was much slower. Rainmane didn't get much going, and Peach was able to pick out a win to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Peach looked sharp with a four-ball run in game 4, but that didn't last. Rainmane won it on a three-ball run-out to retie the series at 2. Rainmane made a pair early and late in game 5, overcoming Peach's three-ball run in the middle that ended when she missed on the 6. Rainmane won the series 3-2 and will host Modernistic Union newcomer Quincy in the bracket finals. After the series, Rainmane was named the second captain in Midland Predators history, earning a standing ovation. This was Rainmane's second kill of the year, and Peach is the 79th player eliminated, while the Nighthawks are the first team fully out.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Hughbert. The green cue closes today's slate in 12-ball between West Division rivals. Pacific's Ms. Kitty had some trial-and-error plays in game 1, but she eventually played out the win over Todavía's Hughbert for a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty found a three-ball run to attack with in game 2, but the Stills' Hughbert bounced right back on a three-ball run-out for the win. This tied the series at 1 after a quick battle. Hughbert was in good position for much of game 3, and Ms. Kitty even had a scratch that slowed her down. In the end, Ms. Kitty's slightly physical play helped buy her enough time to earn the win for a 2-1 series lead. Ms. Kitty had a decent start again in game 4, but her positioning and a late scratch were too much to overcome this time. Hughbert set things up and knocked them down with a three-ball run-out for the win to retie the series at 2. Ms. Kitty was a little slower at the start of game 5, but she had a nice early run and backed it up in the end to beat Hughbert 3-2 in the series. Ms. Kitty will host in the bracket finals. Hughbert is the 80th player out this year, and Ms. Kitty is up to two kills.

That's all for a much improved day of games in the Bracket Semifinals. We've got a week left in this round.

Tournament XI - Bracket Semifinals Day 2

We're back for the second day of the Bracket Semifinals. First up...

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Crystal. The blue cue gets the start today in 7-ball. Stonebridge's Hershey looked to be the better player early in game 1, but his wide miss on the 7 at the end allowed Queens' Crystal to snag the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Hershey again started well with a four-ball run in game 2, but he couldn't cut the 7 to the top right. The Flames' Crystal stepped in to win at the top left, going ahead 2-0 in the series. Crystal and Hershey cancelled out with three-ball runs on their first turns in game 3. They also each missed the 7 at the top left before Hershey made it on his second try to get a win and cut Crystal's series lead to 2-1. Hershey had a strong start to game 4, but Crystal eventually made the 7 to the top left after both players slowed down at the finish. Crystal secured the series at 3-1 with this win. Hershey picked up the win in game 5 in another close battle that saw less confidence and pace. Crystal still won the series 3-2 and will play a visiting role in the bracket finals.

Apple Center, Todavía: Pedey v. Quincy. The silver cue gets a turn in 7-ball for its lone series today. Todavía's Pedey had an explosive break in game 1, getting the 1, 6, and 7 to all fall in corner pockets for the 1-0 series lead over Modernistic's Quincy. The Union's Quincy had some control in the middle of game 2, but that got away from him as the Stills' Pedey posted a three-ball run-out for the win. Pedey leads the series 2-0. Pedey nearly got game 3 on the break, but it instead went empty for him. Quincy then made a four-ball run-out, deflecting off the 4 to take the 7 at the top right on a double-kiss. Pedey's series lead is down to 2-1. Quincy controlled the offense in game 4, and Pedey wasn't able to wrestle anything away. Quincy made a pair on his last turn for the win, tying the series at 2. Quincy found his way to a win in a tough game 5 that saw Pedey challenge late before an illegal contact foul stalled him out. Quincy reverse swept Pedey 3-2 in the series, and it'll be Quincy on the road in the bracket finals.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Panda v. Jane. The green cue is up in 9-ball for its only series of the day. Everton's Panda couldn't settle things down late in game 1, allowing Stonebridge's Jane to take the win with a pair of shots after a battle on the 8. Jane leads the series 1-0. The Wolves' Jane tried to go for the sweet spot in game 2, but it didn't pay off. She still got the win later, as the Eagles' Panda wasn't having much luck getting balls down near the end, allowing Jane to earn a 2-0 series lead. Both Jane and Panda had bewildering misses late in game 3, but it was Jane's on the 9 that decided things. Panda finally put it away for the win to get on the board, though he trails 2-1 in the series. Jane missed her only shot in game 4, sandwiched between a pair and a deflection off the 2 to sink the 9 at the bottom left from Panda. This tied the series at 2 games apiece. Panda had plenty of early offense in game 5, but it got away from him in the end as Jane took the win for a 3-2 series win. Jane advanced to a hosting position in the bracket semifinals.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Shaggy v. Molly. The blue cue cycles out after this 10-ball series. Southern's Molly had the better of play in game 1, but a late miss allowed Whitewater's Shaggy to snag the win instead. Shaggy leads the series 1-0 despite an erratic opener. The Shores' Shaggy was in much more control in game 2, while the Monarchs' Molly slipped a bit on offense. This led to Shaggy sinking a six-ball run-out for a much more earned win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Molly regained her form on offense in game 3 until the end, as she twice missed the 10 to waste a four-ball run. Shaggy sniped the 10 to the top right eventually, earning the win and sealing the series at 3-0. Game 4 moved pretty slowly on both sides, but once again Shaggy emerged with the win from a tough battle after Molly couldn't get past her struggles. Shaggy stretched her advantage to 4-0. Game 5 was another slow battle between the players, but Shaggy used a deflection off the 8 to poke the 10 down to the top left for a 5-0 series sweep over Molly. Shaggy will host her bracket finals series.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Hoot. A captains' battle in Accuracy uses the purple cue. Harrison's Twinkie II set a perfect tone in game 1, and Viewpoint Sound's Hoot came up just a little short of meeting that mark. Twinkie II took a 0-1 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II wasn't as composed for game 2, but the Meteors' Hoot saw his late effort wasted as he missed on the last ball. Twinkie II recovered to win 3-4 this time, going up 2-0 in the series. Twinkie II faltered in game 3, slipping behind in the middle and losing her chance to pull even near the end with another miss. Hoot held strong for a 1-3 win this time, cutting his deficit to 2-1 in the series. Hoot made a ball on the break in game 4 and used that last-shot advantage well from there. Twinkie II faltered late again, and Hoot was able to lock in a 1-2 win to tie the series at 2. Hoot kept the strong play up, holding a lead nearly from the start of game 5. Twinkie II came close but fell short, as Hoot's 3-4 win gave him a 3-2 series win to get into the bracket finals. Twinkie II is the 74th player eliminated this year, and Hoot has his league-leading third kill.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Roxy. The purple cue stays up for a 13-ball set. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy took the early lead in game 1, but couldn't make it stick. Southridge's Roxy rallied all the way back, kicking in her last solid before sinking the 8 to the bottom right for a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Ms. Puppy made a four-ball run early in game 2, and she capitalized on that hot start later. The Defenders' Roxy tried to slow down the host, but Ms. Puppy was able to tie the series at 1 with this win. Ms. Puppy knew she'd have to work fast on offense after taking solids, but late positioning slowed her down. Roxy recovered from a slow start and executed a big run before pushing again for the win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Roxy made a late three-ball run thanks to good positioning, but she she missed on the 8. Ms. Puppy replied with a pair for the win to tie the series again at 2. Ms. Puppy tried to get the 8 out of danger in game 5, but Roxy made her previous four-ball run pay off as she picked up a pair at the end for the win and 3-2 series win. Roxy will be on the road again in the bracket finals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Carly v. Hoot. The visitor plays his second series of the day in Rotation with the red cue. Westside's Carly made quite the effort to get close in game 1, but her late misses allowed Viewpoint Sound's Hoot to escape with an 8-7 win and 1-0 series lead anyway. The Meteors' Hoot had a decent amount of offense initially, but the Rockers' Carly kept it close and eventually took an 8-5 win to tie the series at 1. Carly made a ball on the break in game 3, but the start was still a tough battle as Hoot tried to overcome bad positioning. Carly broke free later on, picking up an 8-3 win this time to pulled ahead 2-1 in the series. Hoot had plenty of chances to close out game 4, but he lost his patience and let Carly slowly work her way back into an 8-7 win. Carly secured the series at 3-1 with this result. Hoot eventually picked up an 8-6 win in game 5, although his patience snapped significantly earlier than the end of the battle. Carly won the series 3-2 and will be on the road in the bracket finals.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Snuggle. The Waves' only two captains in history clash in 13-ball with the red cue in today's marquee series. Oceanside's Celestia recovered from early scratches to get onto the 8, but Harrison's Snuggle sniped it to the top right to get the win. Snuggle leads the series 1-0. The Specters' Snuggle made one of each on the break and played stripes in game 2. The Waves' Celestia tried to pull even near the end, but she missed her last ball at the top side before Snuggle finished at the top left. This gave Snuggle a 2-0 series lead. Celestia couldn't clean up her play enough to make an impact in game 3, although she did keep things close before Snuggle was able to cut the 8 into the top left after her scratch. Snuggle secured the series at 3-0. Celestia avoided the sweep by picking up a win in game 4, although it wasn't without difficulty. Snuggle had a solid start, but lost it late as Celestia won on a three-ball run-out to cut the series to 3-1. Snuggle battled in game 5 until he knew he was beat, and then he let Celestia pick up the win without a challenge. After the game, he said he did it to avoid any further damage to her MVP campaign. Snuggle won the series 3-2 and will visit the Capital City Sharpshooters rookie Kelsea in the bracket finals.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Mams. The purple cue ends the day with 12-ball. Swordpoint's Mams had most of the early offense, but she had to weather a push from Central's Dustin before finishing off game 1 at the bottom left. Mams leads the series 1-0. The Warriors' Dustin had a solid performance in an even game 2, while the Blades' Mams slipped late and tried too late to play defense. Dustin made a pair for the win to tie the series at 1. Both players had a bit of a puzzle for their positioning in game 3, but Dustin was able to solve his a little faster, earning the win over Mams for a 2-1 series lead. Dustin had good positioning at the start of game 4, but he couldn't finish it off in the end. Mams was defensive and picked off her final two balls on separate turns to get the win that retied the series at 2. Dustin attacked quickly to begin game 5, then set himself up well late to win with no challenge from Mams. Dustin took the series 3-2 and will host in the bracket finals. 

We'll try to play a little better tomorrow, as shooting remained fairly loose today.

Tournament XI - Bracket Semifinals Day 1

We're getting closer to the end of the season. Today begins the Bracket Semifinals, although the silver cue will rest for an extra day. First up...

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Wario. The green cue is ready to play in 7-ball to start the round. It was far from efficient, but Terrace City's Oreo picked up the win in game 1 with a pair of shots after a choppy battle with Southridge's Wario. Oreo leads the series 1-0. The Knights' Oreo had a bit more of the offense in game 2, but it wasn't smooth enough. The Defenders' Wario struggled early on, but he poached the win by taking the 7 to the bottom right to tie the series at 1. Oreo recovered well in game 3, finishing with a three-ball run-out, although neither player has fully taken control of the offense yet. Oreo leads Wario 2-1 in the series. Oreo picked up some offense early in game 4, but she couldn't find another late run, as Wario closed this one out for the win to retie the series at 2. Oreo twice missed on the 7 in game 5, and Wario punished it the second time to grab the win and 3-2 series win. Wario is the first player to punch a ticket to the bracket finals. Wario earned his first kill of the year as Oreo is the 71st eliminated player.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Quincy v. Lily. The red cue takes the second series today, playing 9-ball. Modernistic's Quincy had a three-ball run over the middle of game 1, but Eastside's Lily shot back with a pair of shots for the win. Lily took a narrow 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Lily loosened up a bit and created a six-ball run-out on her third turn in game 2, after the Union's Quincy came up a bit short on one of his shots. Lily leads the series 2-0. Lily faltered on the 5 in game 3 after a reasonably good start. It ended up being crucial, as Quincy made the 5-9 combination to the bottom left to take a win and get on the board while trailing 2-1 in the series. Quincy found another early finish in game 4, biding his time as Lily struggled just for contact plays. At the end, a smash on the 5 put all five remaining balls in motion, and Quincy was able to deposit the 9 to the bottom left and 7 to the top side for the win to tie the series at 2. Lily surged late in game 5, making five of the last six balls to earn the win as Quincy was limited on offense in the finale. Lily's 3-2 series win books her another road assignment in the bracket finals.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Kelsea v. Taylor M. The red cue stays active with 13-ball. Capital City's Kelsea held a lead from the start of game 1, although Eastside's Taylor M. made an honest effort near the end and was almost rewarded. Kelsea won with the 8 at the bottom left for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Taylor M. put some pressure on late in game 2, but she couldn't make contact on the 6 late in the battle. This allowed the Sharpshooters' Kelsea to win on a pair of shots from ball-in-hand to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Kelsea was trailing for part of game 3 after Taylor M. recovered from an early scratch. At the end, positioning didn't work out for Taylor M. when she missed on the 8 after removing her last defense. Kelsea fired back with a pair for the win to clinch the series at 3-0. Taylor M. won a strategic battle in game 4, as both players worked on positioning before attacking. Kelsea came up short and Taylor M. buried a four-ball run-out to cut the deficit to 3-1. Kelsea added one more win for good measure in game 5, getting the better of positioning to beat Taylor M. for the 4-1 series win. Kelsea will play in the bracket finals.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Lindsay v. Ruby. The red cue goes again in 10-ball. Stonebridge's Lindsay had a relatively modest start to game 1, but Todavía's Ruby blew her away with a seven-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Ruby had a solid performance in game 2 as well, with a little help from misses by the Wolves' Lindsay. Ruby finished early on a four-ball run-out with a deflection off the 7 to drive the 10 to the bottom left for the 2-0 series lead. Ruby's ball control was a disaster in game 3 with four scratches, but she still picked up the win on a bank of the 10 to the top right after Lindsay couldn't corral it. Ruby sealed the series at 3-0. Ruby scratched on a kick attempt at the 10 in game 4, giving Lindsay a free shot to get her first win of the series, cutting the deficit to 3-1 after a strong effort. Lindsay made a pair on the break but had to respot the uncalled 10. Ruby then tore up a seven-ball run on her lone turn before Lindsay sank the final pair to win. Ruby took the series 3-2 and will be on the road once again in the bracket finals.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Yekaterina. The blue cue enters the action in Rotation. Whitewater's Katharine lost her first point of game 1 on a scratch on the break, and Victoria's Yekaterina didn't trail after that. Yekaterina was able to close out an 8-6 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Yekaterina didn't get the start she wanted to game 2, and it affected her until a late three-ball run. The Shores' Katharine was much more in form this time for an 8-3 win to tie the series at 1. Katharine's game 3 started and ended with a scratch, while Yekaterina stumbled toward an 8-3 win in the middle of those mistakes. It wasn't a pretty effort, but Yekaterina holds a 2-1 series lead. Yekaterina kept the cue ball on the table on the game 4 break. She soon added a four-ball run, and Katharine couldn't get anything going as Yekaterina secured the series at 3-1 with an 8-1 win. Yekaterina was too frustrated to get anything productive going in game 5, and Katharine was able to chip her way to an 8-5 win. Yekaterina won the series 3-2 and will continue her road run in the bracket finals.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Boots v. Celestia. North Division rivals clash in Rotation with the green cue prior to its exit. Pearl's Boots put together a comeback run after falling behind late in game 1, but she scratched on the 15. Oceanside's Celestia made the final shot from ball-in-hand for an 8-7 win and 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia scratched on the break in game 2, but she still picked up the pace later while the Surfers' Boots continued to struggle with pace. Celestia's 8-5 win gave her a 2-0 series lead. Celestia set a faster tone in game 3 with three balls on the break. Boots kept it close for a bit, but Celestia escaped at the end with an 8-5 win to clinch the series at 3-0. Celestia stormed ahead in game 4 with a six-ball run. Boots nearly got all of it back before a missed contact allowed Celestia to sink a pair for an 8-5 win to extend her series lead to 4-0. Celestia had to attempt a comeback in game 5, but she ran out of steam as she tied the game. Boots then made a pair for an 8-6 win to avoid the sweep, although Celestia carries a 4-1 series win into the bracket finals. Celestia has her first kill as Boots is the 72nd player eliminated this year.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Blaze v. Ellie. The purple cue's lone series today is in 7-ball. Infinity's Blaze got the quick finish in game 1 with a deflection off the 3 to make the 4-7 combination at the top left for a 1-0 series lead over Capital City's Ellie. A different approach saw the Torpedoes' Blaze struggle a bit early in game 2. The Sharpshooters' Ellie didn't set the tone very well, and Blaze found his way to the win on a five-ball run-out to go up 2-0 in the series. Ellie kept herself in the series in game 3, as Blaze's slow offense didn't get the job done. Ellie rattled off a four-ball run, capped by a bank on the 7 to the top side, to get her first win. Blaze remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Blaze did just enough in game 4 to pick up the win with the final pair of shots after Ellie put in an inconsistent effort. Blaze secured the series at 3-1 with this win. Ellie was able to finish off game 5 as well, with Blaze struggling to get possession under control. Blaze still won the series 3-2 and will host his appearance in the bracket finals.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Whiskers v. Smokey. The red cue gets a turn in 8-ball to finish its day. Maplewood's Whiskers didn't back down after a scratch in game 1, putting up a five-ball run-out to easily beat Pacific's Smokey for the 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers overcame a scratch in game 2, but her positioning play to line up the 8 went a little too hard. She sank the 8 illegally and gifted the win to the Volcanoes' Smokey, tying the series at 1 in the process. Whiskers had a terrible sequence in game 3, going from a scratch to kill her momentum to another illegal potting of the 8 on her next turn. Smokey now leads the series 2-1 through no effort of his own in a rather pedestrian performance. Whiskers joined a select and infamous group in game 4, as she was cruising on stripes until a kick shot deflected the 8 into the bottom left to gift away another win. Smokey clinched the series at 3-1 without sinking a ball in the deciding game. Smokey finally earned a win in game 5, controlling the offense rather easily as he completed a 4-1 series win over Whiskers to get into the bracket finals.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Americus v. Kiwi. The finale today is in Accuracy with the blue cue. Terrace City's Kiwi kept her control longer in game 1, while Midland's Americus skidded out as Kiwi took the 2-5 win. Kiwi leads the series 1-0. The Predators' Americus had a similar struggle late in game 2, compounding a scratch with a miss on the next shot that allowed the Knights' Kiwi to lock in for a 2-4 win and 2-0 series lead. Game 3 saw a change of pace, as both players carried perfect efforts past the midpoint. Americus was able to make it last while Kiwi faltered just once in the 0-1 result that saw her series lead shrink to 2-1. Americus had a chance to at least force overtime in game 4, but she scratched on her last shot, and Kiwi converted hers for a 2-3 win to clinch the series at 3-1. Americus tried to challenge Kiwi late in a meaningless game 5, but Kiwi answered the call for a 1-2 win and 4-1 series win to put her on the road again in the bracket finals. Kiwi's first kill of the year made Americus the 73rd player out of the Tournament. 

We're on a 10-day sprint in the Bracket Semifinals, so expect more games tomorrow.

Tournament XI - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 20

This is it for the Bracket Quarterfinals, with just nine spots left in the next round. First up...

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Princess v. Sunshine. A big matchup leads off the day as the silver cue exits the round in 8-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Princess pushed her way to the win in game 1, starting stronger and keeping Royal's Sunshine at bay as he had a choppy comeback effort. Princess leads the series 1-0. The Crowns' Sunshine struck first in game 2, and he was able to work with his lead quite efficiently. The Meteors' Princess came close to winning, but Sunshine banked two shots to the top side for the win to tie the series at 1. Princess had a baffling miss at the side pocket as she tried to claim solids early in game 3. Sunshine instead took solids, and he charged fast on offense, ending with the 8 banked diagonally to the top right for the win and 2-1 series lead. Sunshine had a solid start to game 4, but Princess kept even with him early on. Eventually, Sunshine congregated three stripes near the top left and carefully picked them off to build a four-ball run-out, clinching the series at 3-1. Sunshine completed a dominant series with a sharp win in game 5 to get the 4-1 series win over Princess. Sunshine will visit Commerce Tradewinds captain Taylor S. in the bracket semifinals.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Strawberry v. Easter. West Division rivals use the blue cue in 15-ball. A choppy battle in game 1 saw Todavía's Easter miss out on a result as she sent the 15 wide of the bottom left. Victoria's Strawberry finished it there for the win and 1-0 series lead. There was an uptick in pace for game 2, but the Stills' Easter missed her look at the 15 again. The Spurs' Strawberry made it on a second attempt with a double-kiss to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Easter came closest to a win in game 3, working a late four-ball run, but it fell apart when she again failed to cut the 15 to the bottom left. Strawberry poached this win on a tap-in to seal the series at 3-0. Strawberry had a decent effort in game 4, but Easter was finally able to finish one with a three-ball run-out. Strawberry's series lead is down to 3-1. Strawberry bounced back in game 5, taking a three-ball run-out at the end after Easter did little to take control. Strawberry won the series 4-1 and will host the Freedom Cascades' Frosty in the bracket semifinals. Easter is the 67th player eliminated, and Strawberry has her first kill.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Oreo. The green cue enters the action in 7-ball. Terrace City's Oreo took a little time to power up on offense, but she ended game 1 with a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead over Royal's Jake. In game 2, the Crowns' Jake wasn't able to settle down on the 7 after making the 6, allowing the Knights' Oreo to pick up another win at the end. Oreo leads the series at 2-0. Oreo began game 3 positively with a four-ball run, but Jake answered her at the end with a three-ball run-out to get on the board. Oreo's series lead is down to 2-1. Jake made a ball on the break in game 4, but Oreo responded on her first turn with a 2-7 combination to the bottom left for the win. Oreo sealed the series at 3-1 with this win. Jake surged a bit more on offense in game 5, only to drop it as Oreo made the final pair to finish her 4-1 series win. Oreo will host Southridge Defenders veteran Wario in the bracket semifinals.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Watermelon. A captains' battle in 10-ball uses the purple cue. Victoria's Spice failed to establish herself on offense in game 1, and Pearl's Watermelon was able to chip her way to the win with a final pair of shots. Watermelon leads the series 1-0. The Surfers' Watermelon had a slow start again in game 2, but the Spurs' Spice wasn't able to wrestle control of the offense before Watermelon's four-ball run-out, which gave the visitor a 2-0 series lead. Watermelon was solid in game 3, but Spice looked threatening prior to sinking the 8 in an uncalled pocket. Watermelon then sniped the 9 to the bottom right and added the 10 at the top left to secure the series at 3-0. Watermelon kept going in game 4, as she made the last five balls over two turns with only Spice's miss on the 9 in the middle. Watermelon stretched her lead to 4-0. Spice finally picked up a win in game 5 with a tap-in on the 10 after Watermelon left it at the bottom left. Watermelon won the series 4-1 and will visit the Todavía Stills' Pedey in the bracket semifinals.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Boots v. Celestia. The red cue gets a look in 13-ball for its only series today. Pearl's Boots struggled a little early on, but she turned it around before Oceanside's Celestia could strike. Boots closed with a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Boots had a productive start, and she was able to battle through the Waves' Celestia defending the side pockets so fiercely. Boots worked her way to a three-ball run-out in the end, moving up to a 2-0 series lead. Boots started well again in game 3, but dropped off the pace later on. Celestia buried a seven-ball run-out with great positioning play to cut Boots' series lead to 2-1. Boots was solid again at the start of game 4, but she wasn't able to finish off a late sequence. Celestia applied pressure with a run and then made the 8 to the bottom left for the win to tie the series at 2. Celestia completed the reverse-sweep in game 5 with a six-ball run off the break and a strike on the 8 to the bottom left after Boots couldn't stay even. Celestia won the series 3-2 and will host her former captain and teammate and current Harrison Specter, Snuggle.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fuchsia v. Ice Cream. More 13-ball uses the green cue as it ends its round. Infinity's Fuchsia made one of each on the break and chose to play solids. That didn't work out so well, as Boston's Ice Cream picked up the win in a close finish for the 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fuchsia knew she was in trouble quickly in game 2, and the Swifts' Ice Cream got onto the 8 in just a couple of turns. Fuchsia tried to rally back, but she sank the 8 illegally to gift the win and 2-0 series lead to Ice Cream. Ice Cream gave away game 3, as her break saw her leave the 8 close to the bottom left after a scratch. Defensive play ruled this time, but Ice Cream went for a bank shot and sank the 8 illegally to gift a win to Fuchsia, who now trails just 2-1 in the series. Game 4 also moved pretty slowly, but Fuchsia had the bulk of the offense in this one while Ice Cream struggled to line things up. Fuchsia ended up getting the win on her own merit to tie the series at 2 games apiece. Fuchsia couldn't finish her comeback in game 5, falling short on offense and positioning. Ice Cream was there to pick up the slack as she took a 3-2 series win to earn the right to host Archtown Arrows sophomore Greg in the bracket semifinals.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Cobalt v. Steven. The blue cue draws in for an 8-ball series. Viewpoint Sound's Cobalt picked up a comeback win in game 1, burying a seven-ball run-out after Atlantic's Steven had controlled the pace of play for much of the game. Cobalt leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Cobalt was able to strike first and keep the lead for much of game 2, which was a closer battle that saw the Pirates' Steven just come up short. Cobalt leads the series 2-0. Cobalt's first surge forward in game 3 ended with a scratch, but Steven couldn't recapture his solid form from earlier in the game. Cobalt later won with a three-ball run-out to clinch the series at 3-0. Cobalt saw a scratch and an illegal contact ruin his game 4 effort, as both led to offense for Steven, who won with a three-ball run-out. Cobalt remains ahead 3-1 in the series. Steven kept the momentum going to add a win in game 5 on solids as Cobalt didn't push too hard with the 3-2 series win already guaranteed for him. Cobalt will host the Oceanside Waves captain Celestia in a North Division battle in the bracket semifinals. Cobalt has his first kill of the year, making Steven the 68th eliminated player.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Toki. The blue cue is done after another 8-ball series. Whitewater's Katharine held a lead for much of game 1, but had to be steady late after Eastside's Toki came up short on a surge. Katharine won on a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Toki kept his offense up from the start in game 2 and was able to maintain a lead over the Shores' Katharine. Toki finished off with the 8 in the bottom left for the win to tie the series at 1. Katharine had all the offense early in game 3, but she wasn't able to fend off another of Toki's late surges. Toki made a six-ball run-out and pulled ahead 2-1 in the series with the win. Toki kept the momentum up in game 4, only for Katharine to reverse it on him with her seven-ball run-out to retie the series at 2. Katharine took the early lead in game 5, and she made it stand even as Toki again tried to press late despite bad positioning. Katharine won the series 3-2 and will host the Central Warriors' Klaus in the bracket semifinals. Toki is the 69th eliminated player, with Katharine earning her first kill of the year.

Intel Center, Diamond: Shadow v. Vincent. The round ends in 13-ball with the purple cue. Diamond's Shadow had a better start to game 1, but Everton's Vincent struck back late on a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Vincent had all the command he wanted in game 2, but he was called for an overfill late, and the Gems' Shadow immediately answered with a three-ball run-out. The series is tied at 1. Shadow started a little slower in game 3, but Vincent fell off the pace as his positioning let him down. Shadow was able to sink a pair at the end for the win go ahead 2-1 in the series. Shadow didn't have his best in game 4, but it was enough to keep up with Vincent. A battle for positioning emerged at the end, and a lucky bounce led to Shadow earning the win to seal the series at 3-1. In game 5, it was an all-out battle for positioning with scratches on either side. Shadow ultimately sank the 8 prematurely to give Vincent a win. Shadow still advanced on a 3-2 series win, and he'll visit the Apex Wonders rookie Maren in the bracket semifinals. Vincent is the 70th player eliminated, and the second to go out to Shadow.

The Bracket Semifinals are scheduled to start Sunday after tomorrow's administrative break.

Tournament XI - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 19

The Bracket Quarterfinals are winding down on this penultimate day. We're already done with 12-ball, and 9-ball, Rotation and Accuracy will be wrapped up today. First up...

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Bucco v. Shaggy. The purple cue starts the day in Accuracy. Harrison's Bucco let a lead go to waste at the end of game 1's regulation. Both players then missed in a lengthy overtime before Whitewater's Shaggy collected a 5-6 win late in the extra rack to go up 1-0 in the series. The Specters' Bucco bizarrely missed his first shot on a trick attempt. The Shores' Shaggy capitalized from there, holding on for a 1-3 win while breaking out some snipes at the end. Shaggy leads the series 2-0. Shaggy faltered a bit more in game 3, while Bucco's ugly finish didn't tarnish his path to a 3-5 win. Shaggy's series lead is down to 2-1. Shaggy was decent in game 4, but a late miss and a subsequent double-pot set her up to miss on the overtime break. Bucco then made a shot for a 1-2 win to tie the series at 2. Bucco held a huge lead in game 5, but he let it get away with a missed contact at the end. Shaggy picked up a 3-4 win and took the series 3-2, and she'll visit the Modernistic Union's Puff I in the bracket semifinals. Shaggy took her second kill of the year and Bucco's rookie year ends with him as the 62nd player eliminated.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Twilight. The purple cue gets another turn in Rotation in a notable matchup. Central's Twilight landed some nice shots early in game 1, earning herself an 8-3 win over Pacific's Ms. Kitty, who couldn't get much else besides her break. Twilight leads the series 1-0. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty looked improved early in game 2, but the Warriors' Twilight didn't back down. A stunning double-pot of the 8 to the bottom side and the 13 to the bottom left helped Twilight pull back for an 8-6 win to go up 2-0 in the series. Twilight attacked well early in game 3 and sustained her offense all the way through. Ms. Kitty avoided a shutout, but Twilight clinched the series at 3-0 on an 8-1 win. Twilight picked up a seven-ball run off the break, including a beautiful jump shot to make the 4 at the bottom side. She ended up with an 8-2 win over Ms. Kitty this time to get the 4-0 series lead. Ms. Kitty nearly avoided the sweep in game 5, but Twilight surged late on a three-ball run-out for the win to advance on a 5-0 margin. Twilight will visit the Web City Spiders captain Jack in an East Division showdown in the bracket semifinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Snowball v. Potter. The silver cue gets a turn in 9-ball next. Pronger's Potter had plenty of free possession in game 1, but he fumbled on the 8 and allowed Westside's Snowball to make the final pair of shots for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Snowball picked up another cheap win in game 2, as the Tridents' Potter missed on the 9 after burying a three-ball run-out. Snowball owns a 2-0 series lead. Potter again lacked the finishing touch he needed in game 3, making a few shots but missing on the 8. Snowball buried it and banked the 9 to the top left for the win to secure the series at 3-0. Snowball was the one to trip up late in game 4, as she flubbed a shot on the 9 and Potter cleaned it up at the top left to get his first win of the series. Snowball remains ahead 3-1 in the series. Snowball mailed it in a bit in game 5, allowing Potter to make a three-ball run-out for another win. Snowball took the series win at 3-2, and she'll visit the Eastside Sharks' Maison in the bracket semifinals.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Kodiak v. Precious. The green cue's lone series today is in Accuracy. A fairly even start to game 1 saw Web City's Kodiak lose his pace at the end, while Pronger's Precious stayed true and earned a 1-3 win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Tridents' Precious faltered in game 2, falling far behind. The Spiders' Kodiak was able to keep control and win by a 1-4 score, good enough to tie the series at 1. Kodiak kept things close initially in game 3, but he suffered a late fade as his precision dropped in the end. Precious bounced back with a 2-5 win this time, regaining the series lead at 2-1. Precious couldn't settle down her play in game 4, slipping up just at the end to force overtime, where she missed on the break. Kodiak was able to earn a 2-3 win, retying the series at 2. Kodiak faltered in game 5, missing the last ball short despite good trajectory. Precious tapped it down for a fortunate 2-3 win and 3-2 series win, which allows her to visit Whitewater Shores rookie Rachel in the bracket semifinals. Precious joins the league lead in kills with two, making Kodiak the 63rd player out of the competition.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Hoppy. The purple cue goes again for 15-ball. Capital City's Chris posted a solid start in game 1, then ceded some offense to Archtown's Hoppy. Chris bounced back late on a four-ball run-out, ending with a follow-through double-pot of the 10-15 combination to the bottom left for the 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Chris made three balls on the break and ended with a 7-12-15 combination to the bottom left at the end after a fast-paced game 2. He leads the Arrows' Hoppy 2-0 in the series. Chris continued to blend power and speed in good balance in game 3. Hoppy picked off a few shots here and there, but Chris finished the win with a four-ball run-out to secure the series at 3-0. Chris peaked a little too early in game 4, making a five-ball run but missing on the 15 at the end. Hoppy tapped it down at the bottom right and got on the board, although Chris remains ahead 3-1 in the series. Chris let another result slip away in game 5, as Hoppy buried a fair amount of offense and won on a three-ball run-out. Chris settled for a 3-2 series win and will visit the Infinity Torpedoes' Fuchsia for a West Division battle in the bracket semifinals. Chris has his first kill of the year and Hoppy is the 64th eliminated player.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Gabby v. Snuggle. The silver cue is done for the day after 10-ball. Southern's Gabby had a chance to win game 1 after Harrison's Snuggle illegally potted the 9, but she missed her play. Snuggle then made the 10 to the top right as called for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Gabby had a little more involvement in the offense in game 2, but the Specters' Snuggle was able to pick up the final pair anyway for the win. Snuggle leads the series 2-0. Gabby was unfortunate to see a good game 3 effort end with missed contact on the 10. Snuggle didn't miss from ball-in-hand, his win clinching the series in his favor at 3-0. Snuggle impressed a bit more in game 4, with a five-ball run-out this time earning him a win and the 4-0 series lead over Gabby, who didn't get a lot to work in her favor. Gabby had most of the offense in game 5, picking up seven balls over her first two turns, but she let the final pair stay up. Snuggle made both shots and swept the series 5-0 to get into a road match versus the Diamond Gems' Autumn in the bracket semifinals. Gabby's the 65th player out to end her rookie year as Snuggle's second kill.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Dewey v. Dominic. The purple cue exits after a 15-ball series. Stonebridge's Dewey picked up the win on a three-ball run-out in game 1 after Southern's Dominic saw his seven-ball run end in a scratch. The fast battle sees Dewey holding a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Dewey attacked with a four-ball run off the break and a three-ball run-out, weathering a weaker middle in game 2 to hold off the Monarchs' Dominic again. Dewey owns a 2-0 series lead. A fairly even game 3 saw Dewey look a little worried that he didn't have more of the offense. Dominic had a chance to win it late, but forward spin on his shot on the 15 led to a scratch that gifted Dewey the win to seal the series at 3-0. Dewey brought about an early finish in game 4, as Dominic didn't get to do much on the 2. Dewey smashed the 2-15 combination for a carom to double pot the 8 and 15 at the top left while the 12 went in the bottom right for a triple-pot on the winning shot. Dewey stretched his series lead to 4-0. Dewey couldn't finish off the sweep in game 5, missing late and allowing Dominic to pick up the 15 at the bottom left. Dewey's 4-1 series win assures he'll play on the road in the bracket semifinals versus Lighton Prestige star Citrus. This was Dominic's 100th unique opponent.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Taylor M. v. Nibbles. The red cue makes its lone appearance in 7-ball. Eastside's Taylor M. had a frustrating game 1, and while Web City's Nibbles hardly did better, he was able to make the last pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Nibbles let game 2 get away as choppy offense continued to be a theme. The Sharks' Taylor M. tapped in the 7 at the top right in the end, tying the series at 1 game apiece. Taylor M. couldn't get anything going in game 3, and Nibbles was able to harness his own frustration into a six-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series lead. Nibbles again didn't like his break that much in game 4, but he ended up winning anyway with a three-ball run-out after Taylor M. failed to do much with her offense. Nibbles sealed the series at 3-1 in the process. Nibbles ended the series quickly with two balls on the break in game 5, including the 7 at the top right. He beat Taylor M. 4-1 in the series, and Nibbles will next visit Tysini Hummingbirds star Charli in the bracket semifinals.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Puff III v. Sally. An East Division showdown in 13-ball with the blue cue ends the day. Everton's Puff III took solids on the break, but she needed just one too many turns to get lined up. Archtown's Sally buried a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Puff III held just enough control late in game 2 to get the Arrows' Sally out of alignment. Puff III then made a pair of shots to earn the win and tie the series at 1. Puff III played an obnoxious amount of defense in game 3, somehow finding a way to turn it into a win even as Sally had better positioning at the bottom side. Puff III leads the series 2-1. Sally blundered in game 4 by sinking the wrong ball late, but Puff III took mercy on her and then missed on the 8. Sally then tapped the 8 into the top right for the rightful win to tie the series at 2. Sally popped off with big offense to start game 5, but Puff III got onto the 8 by the end. Puff III missed it, and Sally made it with a cut to the top left for the 3-2 series win. The home crowd booed Puff III out of the arena, with calls of traitor for her sporting play in game 4. Sally's 3-2 series win has her hosting the Victoria Spurs' Rosalina in a bitter rivalry match in the bracket semifinals. Puff III is the 66th player out of the Tournament and Sally has her first kill.

That's it for today. We'll end the Bracket Quarterfinals tomorrow.

Tournament XI - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 18

We're ready to go with a new day. First up...

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Dusky v. Snowball. The green cue starts the day in 12-ball between daughter and mother. Atlantic's Dusky made one of each on the break and then dominated on stripes, while Westside's Snowball failed to make a shot. Dusky leads the series 1-0. The Pirates' Dusky had a decent start to game 2 but couldn't muster any extra offense after that. Strong positioning led the Rockers' Snowball to a fairly easy win to tie the series at 1. Snowball made a pair of solids on the game 3 break, but the positioning let her down after that. Dusky rallied from there, working hard on stripes to get the win with a four-ball run-out to retake the series lead at 2-1. Snowball had a pretty even performance in game 4, but Dusky removed her defense quicker and then made her last ball to the bottom left for the win. Dusky clinched the series at 3-1. Dusky wasn't able to find a finishing shot in a close game 5, and Snowball made a late pair for the win to cut the final score to 3-2. Dusky will visit the Capital City Sharpshooters rookie Ellie in the bracket semifinals.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Patches v. Hoot. The red cue is next up in a North Division battle in Rotation. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot didn't mess around in game 1, battling to take the lead a few times and then finishing with an 8-5 win over Oceanside's Patches. Hoot leads the series 1-0. The Waves' Patches got a little closer as she tried to answer a four-ball run from the Meteors' Hoot in game 2. In the end, Hoot cleaned up the 14 to the top side for the 8-6 win to stretch his series lead to 2-0. Hoot saw a three-ball break wiped out by a scratch, but that barely slowed him down as he dominated game 3 for an 8-1 win over Patches. Hoot secured the series at 3-0 with the win. Patches came close to pulling off a comeback in game 4, but instead saw Hoot recover at the end for an 8-7 win to give himself a 4-0 series lead. Hoot let game 5 slip away, as Patches finally struck for an 8-5 win to get on the board. Hoot's 4-1 series win sets him up to visit Westside Rockers rookie Carly in the bracket semifinals in another North Division series. Patches is the 58th player eliminated from the Tournament, and Hoot joined the league lead with two kills.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Mr. Snowman. The host begins a home doubleheader in Accuracy with the purple cue. Harrison's Twinkie II didn't have much trouble in game 1, maintaining a lead to beat Apex's Mr. Snowman 2-4 for the initial 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II made a pair on the game 2 break, but she stumbled a couple of times after that. The Wonders' Mr. Snowman had a bounce-back performance this time, earning a 1-2 win to tie the series at 1. Mr. Snowman hit the skids early in game 3, and he didn't have enough time to correct course in the end. Twinkie II held him off well and won 2-5 to retake the series lead at 2-1. Twinkie II liked her chances in game 4, but a late miss threw her off and allowed Mr. Snowman to grab a 1-3 win. The series is tied again at 2. Twinkie II held things down in game 5, only missing at the end as she picked up a 1-2 win to defeat Mr. Snowman 3-2 in the series. Twinkie II will host fellow captain Hoot of the Viewpoint Sound Meteors in the bracket semifinals. Twinkie II earned her first kill as Mr. Snowman is the 59th player out of the Tournament.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Spot. An East Division showdown uses the silver cue in 13-ball. Harrison's Twinkie II had to work for it a bit in game 1, but she was able to find a surge of offense late and bank the 8 to the top side for the 1-0 series lead over Pronger's Spot. The Specters' Twinkie II had an overfill on the game 2 break, but she still held a large lead for much of the battle. At the end, the Tridents' Spot had just enough in him to pick up the win after Twinkie II missed the 8 at the top left. The series is now tied at 1. In game 3, Spot made two solids and a stripe on the break. He turned that into a four-ball run, but late positioning failed him as Twinkie II rallied for the win and 2-1 series lead. Twinkie II didn't get much going after a scratch on the game 4 break. She tried a strategic scratch near the end, but Spot used the 8 defensively to bait Twinkie II into sinking it prematurely to give the win away. The series is tied again at 2. Twinkie II did most things right in game 5, but she fell short on offense as Spot's strategic scratch paid off for the win and 3-2 series win. Spot will visit the Pacific Volcanoes captain Ms. Kitty in the bracket semifinals.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Missy v. Acorn. Back in Rotation, the silver cue exits the day after a West Division series. Capital City's Missy took a shaky lead early in game 1, but Lighton's Acorn powered through and ended up winning 8-6 once the offense settled in. Acorn has a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Acorn couldn't seem to do anything right in game 2, allowing the Sharpshooters' Missy to chip her way to an 8-0 win that tied the series at 1. Acorn thought he'd have a free run to the finish in game 3, but Missy made it quite close before missing on the 15. Acorn struck it down to the bottom left and won 8-7 to retake the series lead at 2-1. Missy came back from an early deficit in game 4 to win on a four-ball run-out capped by a 12-15 combination to the top right. Missy took an 8-4 win over Acorn to tie the series at 2. Acorn took a lead with a three-ball run in game 5, but Missy fired back on a five-ball run-out for the 8-6 win to take the series 3-2. Missy will visit the Eastside Sharks' Lily in the bracket semifinals.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Esmeralda v. Bandit. Former teammates clash in Accuracy for the blue cue's lone series today. Harrison's Esmeralda had a strong performance in game 1, holding off Swordpoint's Bandit for a 1-3 win and 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Esmeralda only made one mistake in game 2, a scratch on the break. It didn't cost her, as the Blades' Bandit faltered later and Esmeralda picked up a 1-3 win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Esmeralda was a little less precise late in game 3, but she made the last ball to force overtime, and Bandit had nothing on the break. Esmeralda won 2-3 and sealed the series at 3-0. Esmeralda slipped up on offense in game 4, falling behind and letting Bandit close out a 2-3 win to get on the board at a 3-1 deficit. Esmeralda played perfectly in game 5, taking a 0-4 win for the 4-1 series win as Bandit missed plenty of shots. Esmeralda will host the Pronger Tridents' Potter in the bracket semifinals. Esmeralda recorded her first kill as Bandit is the 60th eliminated player this year.

Apple Center, Todavía: Ruby v. Anna. The green cue is done after a 15-ball series. Todavía's Ruby had the lead in game 1 with a five-ball run, but a strange sequence ended game 1. Terrace City's Anna swung and missed contact with the cue ball, then realigned, struck the 6, and got a deflection to take the 15 at the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Anna was solid in game 2, but she was unable to make any magic happen late in the game. The Stills' Ruby picked up the win with a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Ruby had a lot of offense early in game 3, but Anna kept herself pretty even. Patience was necessary as things slowed down late, and Anna ultimately cut the 15 to the top right for the win and 2-1 series lead. Ruby carved out a four-ball run at one point in game 4. Later on, she made a 9-15 combination to the bottom left, stunning Anna and tying the series again at 2. Anna had plenty of chances to make an impact in game 5, but a scratch as she made the 14 ruined the effort. Ruby sank the 15 on a free shot and took the series 3-2 to earn the right to host Infinity Torpedoes veteran Shelley in the bracket semifinals. Anna is the 61st eliminated player this year, and Ruby earned her first kill.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Andrew. The purple cue checks out after 8-ball. Victoria's Spice collected a win in game 1, starting hot and just holding on against Freedom's Andrew at the end. Spice leads the series 1-0. The Spurs' Spice scratched on the break in game 2 and still managed to shut out the Cascades' Andrew, who scratched on his second and final turn. Spice made a three-ball run-out for the win to go up 2-0 in the series. Andrew finally had the lead in game 3, but he let it get away as his shot on the 15 clipped the 8 into the top side illegally. The gifted win secured the series for Spice at 3-0. Andrew again fell short late in game 4, taking the initial lead and playing generally well before Spice crushed a five-ball run-out for the comeback to stretch her series lead to 4-0. Spice continued to play well, although game 5 was more choppy than before. Andrew had good positioning but couldn't spark a run, and Spice made a pair at the end to finish a 5-0 series sweep to get into the bracket semifinals to host the Queens Flames' Mario.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Puff I v. Sunshine. The day ends with 12-ball and the red cue. Modernistic's Puff I thought she could toy with positioning in game 1, but a late scratch allowed Royal's Sunshine to end with a win and 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Sunshine had a three-ball run off the break, but it still took some time to get his positioning right. The Union's Puff I was close to winning in game 2 when Sunshine's second kick attempt on the 15 at the bottom side went in for the 2-0 series lead. Sunshine had another hot start in game 3 and chose solids after making one of each. Puff I again made it close in the middle, but a pinch-play worked perfectly as Sunshine buried the final pair to clinch the series at 3-0. Sunshine went for a four-ball run off the break and just needed the bottom side at the end when Puff I pushed in five balls over two turns for the win. Sunshine remains ahead 3-1 in the series. A similar situation saw Puff I play well early and then let it slip away at the end as Sunshine rallied in game 5. Sunshine won the series 4-1 and will face South Division rival Rainmane of the Midland Predators on the road in the bracket semifinals. 

That's all for today. There's just two days left in the Bracket Quarterfinals, with more to come tomorrow.

Tournament XI - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 17

We're set for another day of pool today, beginning with...

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stripes v. Peach. The blue cue is set to start the day with 13-ball in its lone series. Southridge's Stripes played her namesake suit in game 1 after making one of each on the break. North Modernistic's Peach challenged late, but Stripes made a pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Stripes took solids on the game 2 break. The Nighthawks' Peach fired back stronger with a three-ball run, then backed it up on a four-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. A much tougher battle emerged from game 3, which saw Peach overcome a scratch to get by Stripes for a close win. Peach now leads the series 2-1. Peach didn't get anything on the game 4 break, and Stripes quickly pulled away with the lead. Positioning on her last ball slowed her down, but Stripes still easily beat Peach to retie the series at 2. Stripes went empty on the game 5 break, but she built a run on her second turn and left Peach in the dust. Stripes' 3-2 series win sets her up to host Tysini Hummingbirds star Charli in the bracket semifinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Quincy v. Spot. Club-mates clash in 9-ball with the red cue. Modernistic's Quincy made a pair on each of his turns in game 1, but Pronger's Spot one-upped him with a three-ball run-out to grab the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Spot had a solid break in game 2, but the Union's Quincy ended things early with a deflection off the 3 to get the 9 in the bottom left. This tied the series at 1. Spot tried to put together more offense in game 3, but he didn't find much success. He banked the 8 into the top right late, but Quincy was able to snag the 9 after Spot missed, which put the host ahead 2-1 in the series. Quincy made the 8 on the break in game 4, but missed on the 1. Spot also missed his lone shot, and Quincy spin-kicked the 1 to the bottom left before deflecting off the 2 to drive the 9 there as well for the win to seal the series at 3-1. Quincy fired off a four-ball run-out to end game 5, completed with a 7-9 combination to the top left. Quincy beat Spot 4-1 in the series and will next host Eastside Sharks sophomore Lily in the bracket semifinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Chimpy v. Fluffina. The purple cue enters the action for Rotation. Westside's Chimpy started the trash talking before game 1, but Infinity's Fluffina quieted the crowd a bit with a dominant 8-2 win to open with a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fluffina didn't have nearly as much success in game 2, getting close in the middle, but watching as the Rockers' Chimpy pulled away and won 9-4 on a late double-pot to tie the series at 1. Chimpy had an empty break in game 3, but he quickly returned to form and took the lead after a small battle. Chimpy then pulled away for an 8-5 win over Fluffina to give himself a 2-1 series lead. Chimpy cruised to a win in game 4, as Fluffina struck once early but stalled out with missed contact. Chimpy completed a seven-ball run-out for the 8-1 win to take the series at 3-1. Chimpy finished off his 4-1 series win with an 8-3 victory as Fluffina didn't have anything left in the tank. The crowd was raucous in support of Chimpy, who will take the show on the road to face Fluffina's Torpedoes teammate and captain Smudge in the bracket semifinals.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Jane. The purple cue is up again in 10-ball. Stonebridge's Jane pressured at times in game 1, but she was sloppy at the end, and Terrace City's Kiwi made the 10 from ball-in-hand to the top left. Kiwi owns a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Kiwi had a solid game 2, although the Wolves' Jane likely felt she deserved the win. Jane missed the 10 late and Kiwi mopped it up at the top left for the win to go up 2-0 in the series. In game 3, Kiwi continued to play a steady offense, but Jane was able to pick up her control and win on a 7-10 combination to the bottom left. Kiwi remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Kiwi got back on track in game 4, chipping in with a three-ball run-out at the end after a close battle with Jane. Kiwi's win secured the series for her at 3-1. Kiwi put together her best effort in game 5 with a nine-ball run-out in the end, making it a 4-1 series win for her over Jane. Kiwi is set to host the Westside Rockers' Snowball in the bracket semifinals.

Apple Center, Todavía: Hughbert v. Vladimir. The green cue draws in for a 12-ball series. Maplewood's Vladimir was pretty close to breaking through in game 1, but Todavía's Hughbert bounced back on a three-ball run-out for the win. Hughbert owns a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Vladimir didn't get the positioning he wanted in game 2. The Stills' Hughbert made one of each on the break and played solids cautiously but successfully to earn another win for the 2-0 series lead. Hughbert had another solid start to game 3, but Vladimir finally broke through with a comeback push this time. Vladimir was able to stall Hughbert's offense long enough to take the win himself, cutting the series deficit to 2-1. Vladimir wasn't done, taking solids on the break in game 4 and using his strong positioning to come back at the end after Hughbert missed his last ball. Vladimir made a pair for the win and tied the series at 2. Hughbert had eye irritation in game 5, but that actually improved his aim as he made a three-ball run and then sank his last ball in a close battle with Vladimir. Hughbert will advance to a road series versus the Pacific Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty in the bracket semifinals after this 3-2 series win. Hughbert has his first kill of the year, and Vladimir is the 57th player to exit the Tournament.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Chimpy. More 12-ball is on the way as the red cue exits the day. Midland's Rainmane rattled off a solid offense in game 1, while Westside's Chimpy tried to scrap together better positioning. Rainmane ultimately got the win on a pair of shots, taking a 1-0 series lead. Rainmane brought some heat on the game 2 break, sinking three solids, although one was illegally potted. The Rockers' Chimpy never had a good arrangement in the battle, and Rainmane quickly won with a four-ball run-out to go ahead 2-0 in the series. The pace picked up in game 3, with Chimpy getting down to his last ball but illegally potting it. The ball-in-hand that ensued allowed Rainmane to make her final pair of shots for the win to clinch the series at 3-0. Rainmane worked a five-ball run early in game 4, but she fell short as Chimpy battled back and won with better positioning. Rainmane remains ahead 3-1 in the series. In game 5, both players needed better positioning. Rainmane ended up getting it late, picking up a pair of shots for the win to beat Chimpy 4-1 overall. Rainmane will host her appearance in the bracket semifinals.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Taylor M. The silver cue's lone series today is also in 12-ball. Whitewater's Marsell controlled possession early, and he picked up the win in game 1 with a pair of shots after Eastside's Taylor M. scratched. Marsell owns a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Marsell kept the power offense going in game 2, but it didn't hold up as well this time. The Sharks' Taylor M. somewhat fell into a four-ball run-out for the sudden win, tying the series at 1. Taylor M. stayed strong on offense in game 3, although she gave away a ball to Marsell that made things a little more interesting at the end. Marsell missed his last ball at the bottom left, and Taylor M. made a pair for the win to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Taylor M. had the better offense early on in game 4, but she twice sank balls for Marsell, and he used that extra help to pick up the win in the end. Marsell has retied the series at 2. Taylor M. made a quick four-ball run in game 5, and then again sank one of Marsell's balls to remove his defense. Marsell missed his chance to win, and Taylor M. made the final pair for the 3-2 series win. She'll visit the Boston Swifts' Tigerette in the bracket semifinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Carly v. Dusky. The green cue makes an exit after Accuracy. Westside's Carly scratched on the break and looked fully like a rookie after that. Atlantic's Dusky had no trouble collecting a 1-5 win to gain a 1-0 series lead early on. The Rockers' Carly bounced right back in game 2, and the Pirates' Dusky was the one to slip up on offense. Carly held her ground for a 1-3 win this time, tying the series at 1 game apiece. Carly had a scratch on the break in game 3, and then missed on the overtime break as well to account for two of her misses. That was critical, as Dusky ended up with a 2-3 win to retake the series lead at 2-1. Carly made a shot at the end of regulation in game 4 to force overtime. Dusky made a ball on the break, but scratched a couple of turns later to allow Carly to take the 2-3 win to retie the series at 2. Dusky had a meltdown for the ages in game 5, turning a three-shot lead into a three-shot loss as the second half of the rack went all wrong for her. Carly picked up a tense 5-8 win to take a 3-2 series win, which will see her on the road versus Tysini Hummingbirds captain Leandra in the bracket semifinals.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Andrew v. Potter. The day ends with 12-ball and the purple cue between East Division rivals. Freedom's Andrew had a solid start to game 1, and he backed it up at the end after awhile. Pronger's Potter missed his opportunities for counterattacks, and Andrew earned the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Andrew took an immediate possession advantage on solids, and he backed it up with positioning near the end. The Tridents' Potter tried to play defensive and failed, allowing Andrew to extend his series lead to 2-0. Both players were patient and worked on positioning for much of game 3. In the end, Andrew twice missed the 3 at the bottom side, and Potter was able to rally for the win, cutting his series deficit to 2-1. Potter tolerated Andrew's defense at the top right for too long, and by the time Potter removed it, Andrew had an easy pair of shots left to finish off the win. Andrew clinched the series at 3-1 with this result. More solid offense in game 5 led to Andrew making a pair at the left corners in the end, finishing a 4-1 series win over Potter. Andrew will host another East Division rival in Web City Spiders captain Jack in the bracket semifinals. 

It's a bit of a slog scheduled for tomorrow, but we'll try to get through a full set without trouble.

Tournament XI - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 16

We're back for another day of games as the Bracket Quarterfinals reaches its home stretch. First up...

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Blaze. The blue cue makes the start today in 10-ball. Lighton's Spirit was not at her best in game 1, as too many errors allowed Infinity's Blaze to pick up a three-ball run-out in the end. Blaze leads the series 1-0. The Torpedoes' Blaze tried to up the offense a bit in game 2, but the Prestige's Spirit got the finish with a double-pot of the 4 and 10 to the right corners. Spirit's strong finishing play tied the series at 1. Spirit kept her offense up in game 3, burying a five-ball run off the break and a three-ball run-out in the end when Blaze faltered on the 8. Spirit leads the series now at a 2-1 mark. In game 4, Spirit reverted to poorer shooting. The end was a mess, as both players missed on the 10 before Blaze put it away at the bottom right for the win to retie the series at 2. Blaze couldn't keep the cue ball on the table well enough in game 5. Spirit cashed in with a pair of shots at the end for the win and 3-2 series win to earn the right to host the Tysini Hummingbirds' Sarah in the bracket semifinals.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Sage. The purple cue's lone appearance of the day is in 8-ball. After a pair of scratches, Midland's Rainmane finally got on track for a stunning seven-ball run-out to beat Victoria's Sage in game 1. Rainmane leads the series 1-0. Another slow start saw the Predators' Rainmane adjust her grip and then unleash a six-ball run. The Spurs' Sage got three balls back, but Rainmane made the final pair to get the win and 2-0 series lead. Rainmane carved up a five-ball run early in game 3, and she was able to again fend off a counterattack from Sage that fell far short. Rainmane then picked up the win to clinch the series at 3-0. Rainmane attacked reasonably well in game 4, but Sage was faster this time and collected the 8 on her second try after Rainmane missed it to end a four-ball run. Sage trails 3-1 in the series. Rainmane battled a foot injury in game 5, struggling around the table as Sage paced the offense. Rainmane's not concerned with the long-term, as she won the series 3-2 and will host the Commerce Tradewinds' Rosemary in the bracket semifinals. Rainmane has her first kill as Sage is the 53rd eliminated player this year.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Frosty v. Stealth. The blue cue is back for a 15-ball set. Freedom's Frosty had only choppy offense in a tight game 1. Swordpoint's Stealth didn't set the pace, but he was able to finish things off for a win and 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Stealth alternated between steady offense and errors, finishing a four-ball run near the end of game 2 with a scratch. This allowed the Cascades' Frosty to make the final pair for the win, tying the series at 1. Frosty made a three-ball run early in game 3, but she couldn't deflect the 15 with a shot off the 3. Stealth replied with a pair of shots, including a 4-15 combination to the bottom left to earn the win, putting him ahead 2-1 in the series. Stealth didn't have much of the offense in game 4, as Frosty made a five-ball run and won on a four-ball run-out to retie the series at 2. Frosty again held quite a bit of offense in game 5, and Stealth wasn't able to pull off a counterattack in the end. Frosty made the final pair for the 3-2 series win to earn her place in the bracket semifinals. Frosty earned her first kill of the season by making Stealth the 54th player out of the Tournament.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Whiskers v. Hoppy. The red cue gets one series today in 8-ball. Maplewood's Whiskers was a little too relaxed in game 1, allowing Archtown's Hoppy to pick up the pace at the end and win on a five-ball run-out. Hoppy leads the series 1-0. The Arrows' Hoppy had a good start on solids, but there was no secondary attack to back it up. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers took game 2 with a five-ball run-out, cruising to the win to tie the series at 1. Both players made five-ball runs in game 3, but Hoppy tried to dig out the 13 from bad positioning at the end and instead kicked the 8 into the top side illegally. Whiskers took the free win to get ahead 2-1 in the series. Whiskers was slow to start in game 4, then rallied all the way back to get onto the 8 before Hoppy sank it at the bottom side to tie the series at 2 games apiece. Whiskers was down early in game 5, but Hoppy stalled out and Whiskers rallied on a six-ball run-out for the 3-2 series win. Whiskers is set to host the Pacific Volcanoes' Smokey in the bracket semifinals.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Pounce v. Wario. The green cue enters the action in 9-ball. Southern's Pounce had the better of the offense early in game 1, but he lost control late. Southridge's Wario answered with a three-ball run-out for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The players reversed roles in game 2, as the Defenders' Wario fell off the pace late and the Monarchs' Pounce made a three-ball run-out for the win. Pounce has tied the series at 1. Pounce ended the cycle in game 2, grabbing game 3 early after initially leaving the 9 near the bottom left on the break. Wario missed a trick play on the 1-9 combination, and Pounce knocked the 9 down with a deflection to take the 2-1 series lead. Pounce finally combined both a dominant offense and a strong finish in game 4, winning on a three-ball run-out to clinch the series over Wario. Pounce buried the 9 after a long chase in game 5, taking one more win over Wario for a 4-1 series win. Pounce will host club-mate and Diamond Gems captain Shadow in the bracket semifinals.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Wings v. Molly. The blue cue is done for the day after 7-ball. Pearl's Wings scratched late in game 1, and Southern's Molly made a simple pair of shots to earn the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Molly had an excellent break in game 2, getting the 7 to drop at the top side while the 5 went in the top right on an instant win play. Molly leads the Surfers' Wings 2-0 in the series. Molly struggled a bit more with an empty break and a couple of misses in game 3. Wings was able to clean up at the end with the 7 in the bottom side, getting himself on the board though he trails 2-1 in the series. Molly couldn't bounce back in game 4 as Wings continues to build momentum. Wings finished this one with a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 2. Wings failed to keep going late in game 5, missing on the 7 to allow Molly to bury it for the decisive win. Molly took a narrow 3-2 series win and will host the Swordpoint Blades' Mams in the bracket semifinals. Molly joined the league lead in kills as Wings is the 55th player to exit the Tournament.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Dreamy. The silver cue's lone series today is in Rotation. Golden's Dusty made a ball on the break in game 1, but her offense was lacking after that. Swordpoint's Dreamy settled in to pick up an 8-2 win on a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. A fantastic back-and-forth battle in game 2 saw the Pilots' Dusty prevail at the end with an 8-7 win to tie the series at 1 against the Blades' Dreamy. Dusty took the early lead in game 3, but Dreamy fired back on a three-ball run to pull even. Dusty then escaped her visitor again with a four-ball run-out to win 8-4, pulling ahead 2-1 in the series. Dusty did just enough to hang on in game 4, picking up an 8-7 win after Dreamy came up a little short on her late surge of offense. Dusty sealed the series at 3-1 with the win. Dusty finished the series with a convincing 8-2 win in game 5, besting Dreamy 4-1 in the series. Dusty will play the visiting role versus her longtime captain and Pilots teammate Valencia in the bracket semifinals. Dusty earned her first kill of the year as Dreamy is the 56th eliminated player.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Americus v. Wario. The green cue administers 7-ball between South Division rivals. Midland's Americus made a ball on the break and then took control late in game 1 when Southridge's Wario couldn't pace the offense. Americus leads the series 1-0 after this win. Both players had a couple of late misses in game 2, but the Predators' Americus paid for it more as the Defenders' Wario cleaned up the 7 to the bottom right. The series is tied at 1. Wario didn't impress much at the start in game 3, but he closed it out with a three-ball run-out after Americus missed badly on the 5. Wario now holds a 2-1 series lead. Americus made a three-ball run early in game 4, but Wario shot back with a pair of shots, including a 5-7 combination to the top right for the win. Wario secured the series at 3-1 with this win. Americus picked up the scraps in a slower game 5, while Wario settled for a 3-2 series win that puts him into a visiting position in the bracket semifinals.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Kayla v. Chris. The green cue ends the day in 13-ball in a captains' battle. Royal's Kayla scratched on the break in game 1, but strong shooting let her get ahead of Capital City's Chris later on. Kayla then made the 8 to the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Kayla had a solid start in game 2, but she couldn't corral her last ball at the bottom side. A missed contact allowed the Sharpshooters' Chris to make a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win to tie the series at 1. Kayla again was faster on offense in game 3, but she didn't finish it off due to bad positioning. Chris had to fight it a little bit, but he got a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series lead. Chris had a strong break and made one of each in game 4. He took solids, but positioning let him down this time, and Kayla rallied back with a four-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 2. Kayla ran the table in game 5, turning a decent break into an excellent win and 3-2 series win over Chris. Kayla will visit longtime Crowns teammate Jake in the bracket semifinals. 

That's it for today. We'll be back again tomorrow.