We're set to go for the second day of the new round, beginning with...
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Brownie v. Twilight. Two players overachieving this year clash in Accuracy with the blue cue. Tysini's Brownie made a ball on the break in game 1, but a scratch and a couple other misses ruined her offense. Central's Twilight missed only once in the 1-3 victory, giving her a 1-0 series lead in the process. The Warriors' Twilight had another good game in game 2, while the Hummingbirds' Brownie spread out a number of misses throughout the rack. Twilight only scratched on her last shot, sacrificing the shutout and taking a 1-4 win instead to make it a 2-0 series lead. Brownie was sloppy at both ends of game 3, missing twice early and three times late, plus a lackluster middle. Twilight contained her misses more effectively to win 4-7, clinching the series at 3-0 with this win. Twilight started off alright in game 4, but her motivation to play hard eroded at the end in a back-and-forth battle that saw Brownie pop up with the 3-5 win. Twilight remains ahead 3-1 in the series. Brownie refused to go quietly in another back-and-forth battle in game 5, forcing overtime on the last shot but then losing 4-5 in overtime when Twilight's break netted a ball and gave Brownie poor positioning. Twilight's superstar-making campaign continues into the bracket semifinals, where she will host a series.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Jason V. v. Ice Cream. A top seed takes on a rebounding veteran in 15-ball with the silver cue. Both players had a slow start in game 1, with Boston's Ice Cream taking a slight edge in early possession. Oceanside's Jason erased this advantage with six of the last seven balls falling on his shots, including the 15 for the win. Jason leads the series 1-0. The Waves' Jason supplied a bad break to start game 2, and struggled to find any offense for himself early on. The Swifts' Ice Cream had a little more luck with a few short runs, but she ran out of steam at the end, as Jason made a three-ball run-out for the win to extend his series lead to 2-0. Jason had a much more explosive break to start game 3, and a three-ball run show for it. The two tangled a bit closer in the middle of the game, with Ice Cream wrenching possession away with a three-ball run. Jason had illegal contact while potting the 9, leading to Ice Cream picking up the win on a three-ball run-out, cutting the series to 2-1 as well. Ice Cream built up to a threatening six-ball run in game 4 after some mixed play at the start. Jason held his ground against Ice Cream in the end, making the last two shots to counter her offense for the win. Jason secured the series at 3-1 with the tight finish. Jason delivered another bad break in game 5, but Ice Cream quickly provided a four-ball run. The rest of the game saw trick-play attempts toward the 15 until Jason finally caromed the cue off the 9 to bump the 15 into the bottom right for the win. Jason took the series 4-1, and will take his top-seeded bid to another hosting spot in the bracket semifinals.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Slinks v. Cassie. After the lunch break, the blue cue returns to play Rotation. After a back-and-forth start to game 1, Royal's Cassie surged ahead on a four-ball run, only to miss on the 9. Westside's Slinks fought back with five balls over two turns to complete a comeback 8-7 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Cassie capitalized on the Rockers' Slinks leaving two balls short from the break. Cassie started on a three-ball run, and then used two ball-in-hand plays to get the rest of the offense, winning 8-1 on a four-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Cassie had a poor break in game 3, but that was the least of her concerns initially. She built up a solid lead, but tensions rose as the offense stagnated. A more aggressive style favored Slinks greatly, as she twice tied the game up before finally surging ahead for the 8-7 win on the last two shots. Slinks reclaimed the series lead at 2-1. Slinks started out stronger in game 4, but she couldn't maintain her level of play. Cassie pressed with a pair of balls before unleashing a three-ball run-out at the end to take an 8-6 win, retying the series at 2. Slinks started well in game 5, building up a lead that Cassie erased with a four-ball run. Cassie then beat Slinks at the end, winning 8-6 to take the series 3-2. Cassie will be on the road in the bracket semifinals.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Dewey v. Lorde. Back on the coast, we've got Accuracy with the red cue ready to go. Oceanside's Dewey had a good performance in game 1, pinning Capital City's Lorde behind early and backing up his smart plays throughout the game. Lorde only flailed around toward the end, watching as Dewey claimed a 1-3 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Dewey actually missed first in game 2, but he limited himself to that one bad shot. The Sharpshooters' Lorde didn't have the lead for long, and fell behind in short order as well, allowing Dewey to pick his way to a 1-2 win to extend his series lead to 2-0. Dewey and Lorde stayed perfect for most of game 3, a fantastic stretch ended by each one taking a miss. In overtime, Lorde's soft break caused Dewey to scratch and then miss, giving Lorde the 2-3 win to cut the series to 2-1. Lorde refused to back down now, exchanging misses with Dewey early in game 4 before closing out the game without a miss from there. Dewey tripped up on a shot only once, but it was enough for Lorde to win 1-2, tying the series at 2. Dewey had a brutal miss on his first shot in game 5, and Lorde refused to quit her near-perfect pace. Lorde missed once late, but buried the last ball to win 1-2, taking the series 3-2. Lorde will be on the road once again in the bracket semifinals. Dewey is the 65th player out of the Tournament, and Lorde has her second kill this year.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Beth v. Kiwi. Top-10s on the bracket clash in 8-ball with the silver cue in a massive series. Pearl's Beth started with a four-ball run on her second turn, followed by Terrace City's Kiwi making a six-ball run with some collateral damage. Beth would strike quickly with a three-ball run-out to take the win and a 1-0 series lead against her dangerous opponent. The Surfers' Beth led the pace in game 2, although she exchanged both a scratch and a subsequent four-ball run with the Knights' Kiwi. Beth couldn't kick the 8 to the top left, leaving it for Kiwi after the visitor made the 10 on a tap-in, then did the same to the 8 to win. The series is tied at 1. Kiwi pounded two balls in on the break in game 3, but Beth had the better of play until she got onto the 8. Beth scratched for her first shot, and then couldn't make the 13 quickly on her next turn. Meanwhile, Kiwi made a three-rail 4-2 bank combination and then a kick on the 8 at the bottom right for the win to gain a 2-1 series lead. Kiwi had herself a near-perfect game 4, making ten balls over eight shots for the win, as she sank two solids while claiming stripes and running the table. Kiwi's dominant burst sealed the series in her favor at 3-1, leaving Beth bewildered. Kiwi struck for two more shots from the game 5 break, but then engaged in a grittier battle with Beth. Kiwi managed to find inside positioning near the end, executing a three-ball run-out while Beth stumbled. Kiwi's 4-1 series win puts her into the bracket semifinals.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Yekaterina Vasilyeva. The blue cue returns to action as two of the Southwest's finest battle in 9-ball. Tysini's Leandra had a couple of early turns to push the 9 into a jam with a 5 at the top right. Both players took looks at it, but once the 5 was down, Victoria's Yekaterina double-potted the 9 there and the 6 at the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Leandra had a much better game 2 with a four-ball run start the offense. Leandra failed to follow it up, and after a few turns, the Spurs' Yekaterina made the 5 to the bottom right and the 6-9 combination to the bottom side for another win. Yekaterina leads the series 2-0. Yekaterina pulled one out of her bag of tricks in game 3, getting two balls to bump the 9 into the bottom right on the break, and adding the 8 at the top right for good measure as she clinched the series at 3-0 over Leandra. In game 4, Leandra's biggest problem was keeping her shots legal, as many were missed contact or scratches. Yekaterina feasted on this, and then timed a three-ball run-out just right at the end to snag another win for her 4-0 series lead. Yekaterina lost a little of her touch in game 5, but not enough to cost her the game, as Leandra staggered through her turns again. Yekaterina eventually settled in for a four-ball run-out, finishing off a 5-0 series sweep that gives her hosting rights in the bracket semifinals.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Jasmine. A pair of 15-ball series begins right after a break with these two strong opponents. Freedom's Jasmine had the first good run in game 1, making three straight, but she ceded possession to Oceanside's Celestia late. Celestia worked on a five-ball run on her last turn, leaving the 15 up for Jasmine to put in the bottom side for the win and a 1-0 series lead to the visitor. The Cascades' Jasmine took two on the break in game 2, but struggled for consistency on her turns throughout the game. The Waves' Celestia looked better early, but dropped off toward the end, her miss on the 15 giving Jasmine another tap-in look for the win. Jasmine is ahead 2-0 in the series. Celestia kept the competitive part of the series going in game 3, weathering Jasmine's early attack before matching her over the back half of the game. Jasmine had a pair and a three-ball run that ended with a scratch, the latter setting Celestia up for a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand, including a critical bank on the 14 to the bottom right. Jasmine's series lead is now at 2-1. Jasmine's best looks on offense in game 4 didn't always work, but she held Celestia back with defense. Celestia later had a foul that led to Jasmine potting the 7 from ball-in-hand before making the 8-15 combination at the bottom left for the win to secure the series at 3-1. Celestia showed a bit more bite on her later shots in game 5, while Jasmine still had plenty of offense to her own credit. Celestia rattled the 15 into the bottom left after Jasmine missed it in the same spot. Jasmine settled for a 3-2 series win to put her in a hosting position in the bracket semifinals.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Puff I. With his captain taking a win, Nikolai brings a taste of 15-ball with the blue cue to their home fans now. Modernistic's Puff I couldn't get anything to go right early in game 1, but she found the win anyway, as Freedom's Nikolai missed the 15 to waste all of his good offense. Puff I made a tap-in at the end to go up 1-0 in the series. The Union's Puff I knocked a four-ball run to start game 2 off the break, and continued to pace the offense for most of the game. The Cascades' Nikolai made some progress later on, but Puff I was there in the end to mop up the 15 on the final shot, giving herself a 2-0 series lead. Puff I began again with a four-ball run, and sandwiched a six-ball run by Nikolai with her three-ball run, but Nikolai made the last two balls on separate turns after Puff I couldn't corral the 15 at the bottom left. Nikolai's clutch win cuts the deficit to 2-1. Nikolai had a solid break in game 4, but he didn't do much after that. Puff I had a crafty cut shot on the 3, which deflected to put the 15 in the bottom right, but the cue followed the 3 into the top right. Nikolai will take the gifted win to tie the series at 2 games each. Nikolai and Puff I each tightened their playing in game 5, unwilling to let the other get too confident. In the end, Nikolai tried to slam the 15 into the top right on a long shot to end a run. He missed, and Puff I rattled it into the bottom side to claim the win and 3-2 series win. Puff I will return home to host her bracket semifinals series.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Taylor Swift v. Sage. The red cue steps up to play some 10-ball now. Commerce's Taylor had a pair of three-ball runs to start game 1, allowed to continue the first after illegally potting a ball. Victoria's Sage waited patiently, then struck for a four-ball run-out to counter the second of Taylor's runs, earning herself a win and a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Taylor controlled the offense in game 2, mainly through a six-ball run, but also at the end when the Spurs' Sage saw her plans for a late counterattack crumble. Taylor made the last two balls on separate turns for the win to tie the series at 1. Taylor again carried the majority of possession in game 3, this time through a four-ball run near the end after a slow start for both players. Unfortunately, Taylor just left the 10 up at the bottom left, and Sage tapped it in with ease to snag the win, regaining the series lead at 2-1. Sage enjoyed a more even distribution of possession in game 4, but it didn't do much for her, as a late miss on the 10 erased the good feelings from her opening three-ball run. Taylor deposited the 10 cleanly to the top right to get the win, retying the series at 2. Sage returned to a low-possession style in game 5, partly by choice and partly by Taylor pacing the game. Taylor made a three-ball run late, and then rattled the 10 hard out of the top left. Sage also missed the cut attempt on the 10, bailing Taylor out as she potted it on her second try for the hard-fought win. Taylor took the series 3-2, and will host her bracket semifinals series.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Twilight. The silver cue will bring the day to a close in 10-ball. Midland's Rainmane had some good shots early in a tense opening game, but Central's Twilight took over at the end, cutting her way to a five-ball run-out for the win. Twilight owns a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight picked up where she left off, taking a three-ball run and a four-ball run on her first two turns in game 2. Twilight twice missed on the 10, leaving the Predators' Rainmane to finally drive it into the top right for the win, tying the series at 1. Twilight and Rainmane tangled without much success early in game 3, the runs of the previous game a long-lost memory until Twilight woke the crowd with a 6-10 combination to the top right for the win. Twilight regained the series lead at 2-1. Rainmane kept herself in the series in game 4, weathering a three-ball run over the middle from Twilight. A stagnant period occurred before Rainmane made the 6 and then deflected the cue off the 8 to pot the 10 at the bottom right for the win, tying the series at 2. Both players played hard in game 5, with Twilight benefiting early on but ultimately dropping the game with a pair of late fouls. Rainmane controlled the end-game, earning the win and a 3-2 series win to advance to the bracket semifinals.
Tomorrow will be more of the same, playing ten series.
Monday, October 15, 2018
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Tournament 2018 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 1
We've got a two-week round ahead of us if everything goes to plan. Today will be a ten-series day, beginning with...
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Gizmo. The blue cue is up for Rotation to start the round. Pearl's Watermelon started out lucky with some bounces early in game 1, only to watch Eastside's Gizmo push to tie it. The two exchanged three-ball runs, and then Watermelon surged to the 8-6 win by capitalizing on two of Gizmo's late mistakes. Watermelon has a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon had a much worse break to start game 2, leading to a surge of early offense for the Sharks' Gizmo. Watermelon challenged Gizmo with a couple of late pushes, but Gizmo held strong for the 8-6 win to tie the series at 1. Gizmo began well in game 3, holding a large lead for quite awhile. Watermelon chipped away at the lead over two turns to tie the game, then added a three-ball run-out for the 8-5 win. Watermelon regains the series lead at 2-1. Watermelon maintained an aggressive style against Gizmo in game 4, using a three-ball run to extend her lead over the middle of the game. Watermelon scratched on her first try at a winning shot, but Gizmo under-hit from ball-in-hand, gifting Watermelon the tap-in to win 8-2. Watermelon clinched the series at 3-1. Watermelon did well early in game 5 too, but her lead didn't hold up after an error. Gizmo went on a six-ball run-out from ball-in-hand, the furious charge giving him an 8-6 win to leave Watermelon with a 3-2 series win. Watermelon will be the host in her bracket semifinals appearance.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Mr. Snowman. The silver cue steps up for 12-ball as the visitor begins a personal doubleheader. Golden's Dusty had a pair of balls from the break and a late three-ball run to constitute her offense, but Infinity's Mr. Snowman did work over his first two turns and just buried his final pair to the left corners for the win. Mr. Snowman owns a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman struck twice early in game 2, but that wouldn't be enough to hold off slick positioning from the Pilots' Dusty. Mr. Snowman switched to a defensive style near the end, but Dusty picked up her last ball with a kicked tap-in to the top right for the win, tying the series at 1. Dusty was unlucky to be empty on the game 3 break, leading to Mr. Snowman taking solids quickly. Mr. Snowman would give away a wild-card ball at one point, but Dusty scratched to put it back on the table. While Dusty had worse positioning from that shot, she proved more efficient in shooting, as Mr. Snowman's attempts at the bottom side were off-target. Dusty emerged with the win to take a 2-1 series lead. Dusty found herself disorganized as game 4 moved along, thanks to a dizzying pace to Mr. Snowman's attack. Dusty illegally potted a ball at the bottom left as a result, and Mr. Snowman took his final shot to the top side, earning the win to retie the series at 2. Mr. Snowman made a stripe on the break, but left a convenient four-ball run for Dusty. A couple of turns later, Dusty broke Mr. Snowman's defense with a last pair of shots for the win to secure the series at 3-2 in her favor. Dusty goes on to a visiting position in the bracket semifinals.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Bright v. Mr. Snowman. After the lunch break, the visitor completes his doubleheader with the blue cue in Rotation. Game 1 saw a bit of back-and-forth between the opponents, with Pearl's Bright generally holding small leads. Infinity's Mr. Snowman charged back, winning 8-4 on a three-ball run-out after Bright scratched. Mr. Snowman is up 1-0 in the series. The Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman made a ball on the break and built up quite a lead over the following turns. The Surfers' Bright chipped away at the deficit, but couldn't even the score before Mr. Snowman banked the 11 to the bottom side for the 8-4 win to push his series lead to 2-0. Bright began with a four-ball run on his first turn in game 3, and then battled with Mr. Snowman from there. The early advantage greatly helped for Bright, who would take an 8-4 win of his own after a slow finish to cut the series to 2-1. Bright made a mess of the break in game 4, allowing Mr. Snowman to play both defensively and quickly on offense early on. Mr. Snowman slowed later on, coasting to an 8-1 win after giving Bright a couple of chances to make it closer. Mr. Snowman secured the series at 3-1. Mr. Snowman's break proved remarkably fruitful for Bright, who had two double-pots over an eight-ball run-out for the 8-0 shutout win. Mr. Snowman still won the series 3-2, and will visit this venue again to take on the Surfers captain Watermelon in the bracket semifinals.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Sage v. Hershey. Two very different rookies collide in 7-ball with the silver cue. Victoria's Sage had a couple of shots early and a chance on the 7, but Stonebridge's Hershey carried the offense on a five-ball run and then buried the 7 on his second chance to take the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Sage bounced back quickly in game 2, exchanging a pair of shots each with the Wolves' Hershey early on. Sage then made the final three balls over two turns after Hershey couldn't clean up her miss on the 7. Sage's bold finish gave her a win to tie the series at 1. Sage still had the bulk of the offense in game 3, thanks to her three-ball run. Hershey kept things close again, notably after Sage missed on the 6. Hershey took it and then applied a solid contact to put the 7 away as well, regaining the series lead at 2-1 with this win. Hershey almost drained the 7 at the bottom side on the game 4 break, but the late bump just made it easier for Sage to cut a 1-7 combination to the same pocket for the win on her only shot. Sage has retied the series at 2 with the crafty play. Sage fouled on her second shot in game 5, missing contact on the 1. Hershey took over and made a five-ball run-out to claim the win for a 3-2 series win, his high offense prevailing. Hershey will return home to host his bracket semifinals series.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Luigi. An Urban Derby between bitter rivals goes down in 15-ball with the red cue. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy found herself limited to mostly pairs of shots in game 1 after a hot break. North Modernistic's Luigi showed some defense, but got the win because of an early five-ball run and a four-ball run-out at the end to put him up 1-0 in the series. The Nighthawks' Luigi embraced his villain role in game 2, taunting the crowd before an empty break. The Union's Ms. Puppy quickly put the 15 near the bottom right on a controversial legal shot, and she did well for a couple more turns to protect the dangerous position. Luigi broke through on a four-ball run-out, a 5-15 combination extending his series lead to 2-0. Luigi kept one eye on the 15 for most of game 3, leading to a less impressive start on offense. Ms. Puppy pushed the 15 closer to the bottom side in the middle of the game, and Luigi capitalized on this play, deflecting the winning shot off the 10 to bump the 15 home for the win. Luigi clinched the series at 3-0. Ms. Puppy avoided the sweep in game 4, as Luigi brought less than his best with the series already decided. Ms. Puppy still played hard, making the 5-13 combination to the bottom right as a double-pot when the 6 dropped in the top left. Ms. Puppy then made the 5 and a 7-15 combination to the bottom right for the win to cut the series to 3-1. Ms. Puppy had a lucky bounce in game 5, as her shot on the 7 put the 15 in motion where the cue could bump it on track to the bottom side for the surprise win over Luigi. The series ended 3-2 for Luigi, who will advance to the bracket semifinals.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Sweetheart. The venue tripleheader rolls on with less intensity, as the red cue stays up for 12-ball. Boston's Sweetheart had a three-ball run early in game 1, but a scratch sapped her offense of momentum. Modernistic's Daisy aligned herself well, winning on a three-ball run-out where she double-potted the 7 and 4 to the left corners for a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Sweetheart delivered a five-ball run on her first turn in game 2, and then used patience to approach her shot at the top side. The Union's Daisy attacked back later on a four-ball run, but Sweetheart kicked the 4 into the top side on her next turn for the win, tying the series at 1. Sweetheart had plenty of time to build an attack after an initial four-ball run on her second turn of game 3. Daisy provided little to no challenge with her lack of offense, allowing Sweetheart to calmly align and convert her last two shots for a win to earn a 2-1 series lead. Daisy stayed in it with a hot start in game 4, and she addressed her lack of late positioning in one shot. Sweetheart went on a four-ball run to get onto her last ball, but she was out of position, while Daisy easily made her last two shots for the win to even the series again at 2. Sweetheart made a pair of shots early in game 5 and had positioning established everywhere until a scratch and wild-card ball lost put Daisy in control. Daisy worked patiently from here, picking her way around the table until she struck for a three-ball run-out. Daisy won the series 3-2, earning a spot in the bracket semifinals. Sweetheart is the first of many to exit in this round, the 63rd overall, and the second that Daisy is responsible for.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Chimpy v. Slinks. A couple of wily veterans close out the venue tripleheader in 9-ball with the blue cue. Modernistic's Chimpy appeared to play better in a shaky game 1 for both sides. Chimpy did beat Westside's Slinks with a three-ball run-out at the end, as Slinks just couldn't string her shots together. Chimpy leads the series 1-0. The Union's Chimpy could only watch early in game 2 when the Rockers' Slinks assembled a threatening six-ball run. The two players scrapped a bit after that until Chimpy found a three-ball run-out to take the win, extending his series lead to 2-0. Chimpy made a pair on the break of game 3, but didn't do much else for most of the game. Slinks lacked a commanding run on her turns, chipping through the rack until she missed on the 7. Chimpy made the last two shots for the win, sealing the series at 3-0 in the process. Chimpy stormed forward late in game 4, after an exchange of misses early on with Slinks. Chimpy closed out the game on a six-ball run-out for the win to push his series lead to 4-0. Chimpy continued to dominate the offense in game 5, making the last seven shots but scratching as he potted the 9 to gift away a win to Slinks. Chimpy's 4-1 series win puts him into the bracket semifinals.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Mr. Snowman v. Cobalt. The busy day continues for the host, as his last series of the round comes now in 7-ball with the silver cue. Infinity's Mr. Snowman ran the table in game 1, making all seven shots across every pocket without letting Stonebridge's Cobalt get a shot in response. Mr. Snowman holds a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Cobalt looked like the better player in game 2, but his lack of finish in a chaotic ending cost him. The Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman converted on a frustration-induced two-rail bank of the 7 to the top left for the win, adding on for a 2-0 series lead. Mr. Snowman wasted no time in getting back to a dominant style of play, making a seven-ball run-out on his second turn of game 3 after a brutal miss on the 1 from Cobalt. Mr. Snowman's second deep run clinched the series for him at 3-0. Mr. Snowman finally showed true weakness in game 4, leaving the 7 near the bottom right but failing to use positioning to keep Cobalt away from it. Cobalt converted a 3-7 combination to the bottom right for the win, cutting his deficit to 3-1. Mr. Snowman made five balls over two turns in game 5 as well, but this time his big offense let him down with a miss on the 7. Cobalt tapped it in for the win, leaving Mr. Snowman with a 3-2 series win. Mr. Snowman will take on Cobalt's Wolves teammate, Hershey, in the bracket semifinals from Stonebridge.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Smokey. Two of Brute Force's toughest collide in a massive 8-ball series with the red cue. Midland's Rainmane scratched on the game 1 break, causing her to fall behind to Diamond's Smokey. Rainmane counterattacked in the middle of the game, pulling ahead right before Smokey went on a four-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Smokey struck first in game 2, but ran into some shooting problems in the middle of the game. The Predators' Rainmane made it fairly even before also scuffling, and the two players exchanged scratches. Smokey emerged from his troubles with a four-ball run-out after a few turns, making it a 2-0 series lead in his favor. Smokey had a four-ball run to start game 3, followed by Rainmane making a five-ball run before things slowed down. Rainmane attempted to go through the 8 to pot her last stripe, but Smokey won two turns later as Rainmane never got a clear look on the 8 itself. Smokey's persistence gave him the series at 3-0. Rainmane went off in game 4 after Smokey floundered with a few early wasted turns. Rainmane made a six-ball run, and then played a little defense before making another pair for the win, cutting Smokey's series lead to 3-1. Smokey again showed little effort to play hard in game 5, although a cold stretch by Rainmane allowed him back into the game. Rainmane did find a three-ball run-out in the end for the win, leaving Smokey to take the 3-2 series win. Smokey will be on the road for his bracket semifinals appearance.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Gabe v. Zach. Two reliable contributors clash in today's finale series, using the silver cue for Accuracy. Both players lived up to the reliable tag, as it took until three balls left for Maplewood's Gabe to miss. Pronger's Zach stayed perfect, and then Gabe double-potted the last two balls, assuring Zach of his 0-1 win and 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Gabe missed first again in game 2, another late start to the slip-ups. The Tridents' Zach had a scratch to make things interesting, and both players struggled with the last ball until Zach potted it to take the 2-5 win. Zach is ahead 2-0 in the series. Zach and Gabe again went perfect for a long time in game 3, and they forced overtime without a miss. Gabe's overtime break counted as the first miss, and Zach put the 11 in the top left for the 0-1 win to seal the series at 3-0. The two players exchanged misses earlier than usual in game 4, about halfway through, but remained even for quite awhile. Zach remained the better of the two, inducing a scratch by Gabe that gave Zach the 1-2 to to push his series lead to 4-0. The two players again played perfectly deep into game 5, right up to the final ball, where Zach sportingly took a miss to allow Gabe a 0-1 win. Zach took the series 4-1 to punch his ticket to the bracket semifinals. Zach did take his second kill of the Tournament, making Gabe the 64th eliminated player.
That's all for today's action. We'll have a full ten-series day again tomorrow.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Gizmo. The blue cue is up for Rotation to start the round. Pearl's Watermelon started out lucky with some bounces early in game 1, only to watch Eastside's Gizmo push to tie it. The two exchanged three-ball runs, and then Watermelon surged to the 8-6 win by capitalizing on two of Gizmo's late mistakes. Watermelon has a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon had a much worse break to start game 2, leading to a surge of early offense for the Sharks' Gizmo. Watermelon challenged Gizmo with a couple of late pushes, but Gizmo held strong for the 8-6 win to tie the series at 1. Gizmo began well in game 3, holding a large lead for quite awhile. Watermelon chipped away at the lead over two turns to tie the game, then added a three-ball run-out for the 8-5 win. Watermelon regains the series lead at 2-1. Watermelon maintained an aggressive style against Gizmo in game 4, using a three-ball run to extend her lead over the middle of the game. Watermelon scratched on her first try at a winning shot, but Gizmo under-hit from ball-in-hand, gifting Watermelon the tap-in to win 8-2. Watermelon clinched the series at 3-1. Watermelon did well early in game 5 too, but her lead didn't hold up after an error. Gizmo went on a six-ball run-out from ball-in-hand, the furious charge giving him an 8-6 win to leave Watermelon with a 3-2 series win. Watermelon will be the host in her bracket semifinals appearance.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Mr. Snowman. The silver cue steps up for 12-ball as the visitor begins a personal doubleheader. Golden's Dusty had a pair of balls from the break and a late three-ball run to constitute her offense, but Infinity's Mr. Snowman did work over his first two turns and just buried his final pair to the left corners for the win. Mr. Snowman owns a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman struck twice early in game 2, but that wouldn't be enough to hold off slick positioning from the Pilots' Dusty. Mr. Snowman switched to a defensive style near the end, but Dusty picked up her last ball with a kicked tap-in to the top right for the win, tying the series at 1. Dusty was unlucky to be empty on the game 3 break, leading to Mr. Snowman taking solids quickly. Mr. Snowman would give away a wild-card ball at one point, but Dusty scratched to put it back on the table. While Dusty had worse positioning from that shot, she proved more efficient in shooting, as Mr. Snowman's attempts at the bottom side were off-target. Dusty emerged with the win to take a 2-1 series lead. Dusty found herself disorganized as game 4 moved along, thanks to a dizzying pace to Mr. Snowman's attack. Dusty illegally potted a ball at the bottom left as a result, and Mr. Snowman took his final shot to the top side, earning the win to retie the series at 2. Mr. Snowman made a stripe on the break, but left a convenient four-ball run for Dusty. A couple of turns later, Dusty broke Mr. Snowman's defense with a last pair of shots for the win to secure the series at 3-2 in her favor. Dusty goes on to a visiting position in the bracket semifinals.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Bright v. Mr. Snowman. After the lunch break, the visitor completes his doubleheader with the blue cue in Rotation. Game 1 saw a bit of back-and-forth between the opponents, with Pearl's Bright generally holding small leads. Infinity's Mr. Snowman charged back, winning 8-4 on a three-ball run-out after Bright scratched. Mr. Snowman is up 1-0 in the series. The Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman made a ball on the break and built up quite a lead over the following turns. The Surfers' Bright chipped away at the deficit, but couldn't even the score before Mr. Snowman banked the 11 to the bottom side for the 8-4 win to push his series lead to 2-0. Bright began with a four-ball run on his first turn in game 3, and then battled with Mr. Snowman from there. The early advantage greatly helped for Bright, who would take an 8-4 win of his own after a slow finish to cut the series to 2-1. Bright made a mess of the break in game 4, allowing Mr. Snowman to play both defensively and quickly on offense early on. Mr. Snowman slowed later on, coasting to an 8-1 win after giving Bright a couple of chances to make it closer. Mr. Snowman secured the series at 3-1. Mr. Snowman's break proved remarkably fruitful for Bright, who had two double-pots over an eight-ball run-out for the 8-0 shutout win. Mr. Snowman still won the series 3-2, and will visit this venue again to take on the Surfers captain Watermelon in the bracket semifinals.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Sage v. Hershey. Two very different rookies collide in 7-ball with the silver cue. Victoria's Sage had a couple of shots early and a chance on the 7, but Stonebridge's Hershey carried the offense on a five-ball run and then buried the 7 on his second chance to take the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Sage bounced back quickly in game 2, exchanging a pair of shots each with the Wolves' Hershey early on. Sage then made the final three balls over two turns after Hershey couldn't clean up her miss on the 7. Sage's bold finish gave her a win to tie the series at 1. Sage still had the bulk of the offense in game 3, thanks to her three-ball run. Hershey kept things close again, notably after Sage missed on the 6. Hershey took it and then applied a solid contact to put the 7 away as well, regaining the series lead at 2-1 with this win. Hershey almost drained the 7 at the bottom side on the game 4 break, but the late bump just made it easier for Sage to cut a 1-7 combination to the same pocket for the win on her only shot. Sage has retied the series at 2 with the crafty play. Sage fouled on her second shot in game 5, missing contact on the 1. Hershey took over and made a five-ball run-out to claim the win for a 3-2 series win, his high offense prevailing. Hershey will return home to host his bracket semifinals series.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Luigi. An Urban Derby between bitter rivals goes down in 15-ball with the red cue. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy found herself limited to mostly pairs of shots in game 1 after a hot break. North Modernistic's Luigi showed some defense, but got the win because of an early five-ball run and a four-ball run-out at the end to put him up 1-0 in the series. The Nighthawks' Luigi embraced his villain role in game 2, taunting the crowd before an empty break. The Union's Ms. Puppy quickly put the 15 near the bottom right on a controversial legal shot, and she did well for a couple more turns to protect the dangerous position. Luigi broke through on a four-ball run-out, a 5-15 combination extending his series lead to 2-0. Luigi kept one eye on the 15 for most of game 3, leading to a less impressive start on offense. Ms. Puppy pushed the 15 closer to the bottom side in the middle of the game, and Luigi capitalized on this play, deflecting the winning shot off the 10 to bump the 15 home for the win. Luigi clinched the series at 3-0. Ms. Puppy avoided the sweep in game 4, as Luigi brought less than his best with the series already decided. Ms. Puppy still played hard, making the 5-13 combination to the bottom right as a double-pot when the 6 dropped in the top left. Ms. Puppy then made the 5 and a 7-15 combination to the bottom right for the win to cut the series to 3-1. Ms. Puppy had a lucky bounce in game 5, as her shot on the 7 put the 15 in motion where the cue could bump it on track to the bottom side for the surprise win over Luigi. The series ended 3-2 for Luigi, who will advance to the bracket semifinals.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Sweetheart. The venue tripleheader rolls on with less intensity, as the red cue stays up for 12-ball. Boston's Sweetheart had a three-ball run early in game 1, but a scratch sapped her offense of momentum. Modernistic's Daisy aligned herself well, winning on a three-ball run-out where she double-potted the 7 and 4 to the left corners for a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Sweetheart delivered a five-ball run on her first turn in game 2, and then used patience to approach her shot at the top side. The Union's Daisy attacked back later on a four-ball run, but Sweetheart kicked the 4 into the top side on her next turn for the win, tying the series at 1. Sweetheart had plenty of time to build an attack after an initial four-ball run on her second turn of game 3. Daisy provided little to no challenge with her lack of offense, allowing Sweetheart to calmly align and convert her last two shots for a win to earn a 2-1 series lead. Daisy stayed in it with a hot start in game 4, and she addressed her lack of late positioning in one shot. Sweetheart went on a four-ball run to get onto her last ball, but she was out of position, while Daisy easily made her last two shots for the win to even the series again at 2. Sweetheart made a pair of shots early in game 5 and had positioning established everywhere until a scratch and wild-card ball lost put Daisy in control. Daisy worked patiently from here, picking her way around the table until she struck for a three-ball run-out. Daisy won the series 3-2, earning a spot in the bracket semifinals. Sweetheart is the first of many to exit in this round, the 63rd overall, and the second that Daisy is responsible for.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Chimpy v. Slinks. A couple of wily veterans close out the venue tripleheader in 9-ball with the blue cue. Modernistic's Chimpy appeared to play better in a shaky game 1 for both sides. Chimpy did beat Westside's Slinks with a three-ball run-out at the end, as Slinks just couldn't string her shots together. Chimpy leads the series 1-0. The Union's Chimpy could only watch early in game 2 when the Rockers' Slinks assembled a threatening six-ball run. The two players scrapped a bit after that until Chimpy found a three-ball run-out to take the win, extending his series lead to 2-0. Chimpy made a pair on the break of game 3, but didn't do much else for most of the game. Slinks lacked a commanding run on her turns, chipping through the rack until she missed on the 7. Chimpy made the last two shots for the win, sealing the series at 3-0 in the process. Chimpy stormed forward late in game 4, after an exchange of misses early on with Slinks. Chimpy closed out the game on a six-ball run-out for the win to push his series lead to 4-0. Chimpy continued to dominate the offense in game 5, making the last seven shots but scratching as he potted the 9 to gift away a win to Slinks. Chimpy's 4-1 series win puts him into the bracket semifinals.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Mr. Snowman v. Cobalt. The busy day continues for the host, as his last series of the round comes now in 7-ball with the silver cue. Infinity's Mr. Snowman ran the table in game 1, making all seven shots across every pocket without letting Stonebridge's Cobalt get a shot in response. Mr. Snowman holds a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Cobalt looked like the better player in game 2, but his lack of finish in a chaotic ending cost him. The Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman converted on a frustration-induced two-rail bank of the 7 to the top left for the win, adding on for a 2-0 series lead. Mr. Snowman wasted no time in getting back to a dominant style of play, making a seven-ball run-out on his second turn of game 3 after a brutal miss on the 1 from Cobalt. Mr. Snowman's second deep run clinched the series for him at 3-0. Mr. Snowman finally showed true weakness in game 4, leaving the 7 near the bottom right but failing to use positioning to keep Cobalt away from it. Cobalt converted a 3-7 combination to the bottom right for the win, cutting his deficit to 3-1. Mr. Snowman made five balls over two turns in game 5 as well, but this time his big offense let him down with a miss on the 7. Cobalt tapped it in for the win, leaving Mr. Snowman with a 3-2 series win. Mr. Snowman will take on Cobalt's Wolves teammate, Hershey, in the bracket semifinals from Stonebridge.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Smokey. Two of Brute Force's toughest collide in a massive 8-ball series with the red cue. Midland's Rainmane scratched on the game 1 break, causing her to fall behind to Diamond's Smokey. Rainmane counterattacked in the middle of the game, pulling ahead right before Smokey went on a four-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Smokey struck first in game 2, but ran into some shooting problems in the middle of the game. The Predators' Rainmane made it fairly even before also scuffling, and the two players exchanged scratches. Smokey emerged from his troubles with a four-ball run-out after a few turns, making it a 2-0 series lead in his favor. Smokey had a four-ball run to start game 3, followed by Rainmane making a five-ball run before things slowed down. Rainmane attempted to go through the 8 to pot her last stripe, but Smokey won two turns later as Rainmane never got a clear look on the 8 itself. Smokey's persistence gave him the series at 3-0. Rainmane went off in game 4 after Smokey floundered with a few early wasted turns. Rainmane made a six-ball run, and then played a little defense before making another pair for the win, cutting Smokey's series lead to 3-1. Smokey again showed little effort to play hard in game 5, although a cold stretch by Rainmane allowed him back into the game. Rainmane did find a three-ball run-out in the end for the win, leaving Smokey to take the 3-2 series win. Smokey will be on the road for his bracket semifinals appearance.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Gabe v. Zach. Two reliable contributors clash in today's finale series, using the silver cue for Accuracy. Both players lived up to the reliable tag, as it took until three balls left for Maplewood's Gabe to miss. Pronger's Zach stayed perfect, and then Gabe double-potted the last two balls, assuring Zach of his 0-1 win and 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Gabe missed first again in game 2, another late start to the slip-ups. The Tridents' Zach had a scratch to make things interesting, and both players struggled with the last ball until Zach potted it to take the 2-5 win. Zach is ahead 2-0 in the series. Zach and Gabe again went perfect for a long time in game 3, and they forced overtime without a miss. Gabe's overtime break counted as the first miss, and Zach put the 11 in the top left for the 0-1 win to seal the series at 3-0. The two players exchanged misses earlier than usual in game 4, about halfway through, but remained even for quite awhile. Zach remained the better of the two, inducing a scratch by Gabe that gave Zach the 1-2 to to push his series lead to 4-0. The two players again played perfectly deep into game 5, right up to the final ball, where Zach sportingly took a miss to allow Gabe a 0-1 win. Zach took the series 4-1 to punch his ticket to the bracket semifinals. Zach did take his second kill of the Tournament, making Gabe the 64th eliminated player.
That's all for today's action. We'll have a full ten-series day again tomorrow.
Friday, October 5, 2018
Tournament 2018 - Round 3 Day 20
Today, we have the finale of the third round, with the last eight series set to be played. We begin with...
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Peach v. Whiskers. A captain and a rising star meet in the silver cue's last 15-ball series of the round. Maplewood's Whiskers battled well in game 1, taking a majority of the possession thanks to a four-ball run and pairs of balls at other times. North Modernistic's Peach had one chance for a late run that went wasted, with Whiskers making the last two shots for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Peach brought the heat in game 2, controlling positioning to prevent much of a response from the Lumberjacks' Whiskers. Peach struck at the right time with a three-ball run-out, making a 4-15 bank combination to the bottom right for the win, tying the series at 1. Whiskers continued to push on offense late in games, making a four-ball run and a three-ball run on consecutive turns in game 3. Peach capitalized on Whiskers missing the 15 at the bottom left, converting a tap-in to steal the win and a 2-1 series lead. Peach had an awful break in game 4, but it played into her aptitude for playing in congested areas. Peach got help when Whiskers bumped the 15 toward the bottom right on illegal contact, gifting Peach ball-in-hand for the 3-15 combination. Peach easily converted, taking the win and clinching the series at 3-1. Peach had a four-ball run early in game 5 after scratching on the break and putting the 15 near the top right. Whiskers had very few chances for good shots, as Peach controlled the game and won with a kick on the 5 leading to a 6-9-15 combination at the top right, with the 9 falling in the bottom right on two deflection to make it a double-pot. Peach won the series 4-1, and will visit the Commerce Tradewinds captain Tigerette in an Urban Derby bracket quarterfinals series.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Steven. The silver cue will now bring 8-ball to a close for the round. Pacific's Ms. Kitty started a little slower than Atlantic's Steven in game 1, but Ms. Kitty got more on her choppy turns to pull ahead. Steven couldn't get positioning on his last ball, and he freed up Ms. Kitty's last ball, which she made as part of a game-winning pair for the 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Steven had a more concise offense in game 2, sandwiching a five-ball run by the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty with a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out of his own for the win. Steven's win tied the series at 1. Ms. Kitty and Steven exchanged shots early in game 3, and then Steven found a four-ball run to give himself a lead. Ms. Kitty tried to fire back at the end, but her miss let Steven bury the 8 at the top left on a tap-in, putting the visitor ahead 2-1 in the series. Steven made a ball on the break in game 4, and managed to establish a defense Ms. Kitty couldn't break down on her first turn. Steven then put on an expert showing, making a seven-ball run-out for the win, securing the series at 3-1 with the effort. Steven didn't bring his best on offense in game 5, scratching on the break and lacking conviction late in the game. Ms. Kitty didn't plan on putting in a counterattack, but salvaged the win with a six-ball run-out. Steven settled for a 3-2 series win to send him home for a bracket quarterfinals series against Boston Swifts captain Patches. A good season comes to an early end, as Ms. Kitty is the 60th player eliminated, meaning 1/3 of the league is out. Steven has his second kill of the year.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Patches v. Luigi. The red cue's last appearance of the third round is in this Accuracy series. Boston's Patches started out alright in game 1, but she slipped up with too many misses on bank attempts. North Modernistic's Luigi didn't have a great game, but he held on to win 3-5 at the end for the 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Patches fell behind again in game 2, but this time she held her ground better. The Nighthawks' Luigi skidded behind Patches after a handful of misses, and Patches made it stick for a 2-4 win to retie the series at 1. Patches stayed perfect for most of game 3, but Luigi never trailed by much. Luigi managed to get Patches to miss once near the end of the game, but Patches took the 1-2 win by potting the final ball. Patches has taken the series lead at 2-1 with this victory. Neither player was at their best in game 4, with a lot of misses throughout the game on both sides. These were evenly distributed, and led to overtime, where Luigi missed both of his shots, the latter of those causing Patches to win 6-7 to clinch the series at 3-1. Patches didn't put a whole lot into game 5, settling for the series win already. Still, Luigi had some struggles that kept the game close before Patches conceded with a miss on the last ball. Luigi won 3-4, and Patches takes her 3-2 series win on the road against the Westside Rockers' Misty in the bracket quarterfinals.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Roxy. In the blue cue's Accuracy finale, a pair of club-mates will battle for the last spot on the bracket. Freedom's Roxy fell behind with a couple of unlucky misses early in game 1, but Infinity's Smudge couldn't hold the lead as the game went on. Smudge fell behind late and lost 2-4 to Roxy, giving the visitor a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Smudge went behind again in game 2, and then brought the game back to a tie in the middle. Smudge had a double-pot, a bold play in this event, but it worked, as the Cascades' Roxy missed on the last ball. Smudge converted, taking the 1-2 win to tie the series at 1. The last shot exchanged hands multiple times in game 3, with Smudge making a ball on the break, scratching on her second shot, and Roxy returning the advantage to Smudge with a double-pot. Smudge cashed in at the end, besting Roxy 2-4 to take the series lead at 2-1. Game 4 had a large element of excitement as both players pushed perfection. Smudge cracked first, and then again right at the end, giving Roxy the 1-2 win to tie the series again at 2. Smudge fell behind by a couple of shots early in game 5, clawed back to tie it, and then lost it with a late miss followed by Roxy cutting the last ball to the bottom right. Roxy's 2-3 win gave her a 3-2 series win and a visiting role against the Pearl Surfers' Bright in the bracket quarterfinals.
Apple Center, TodavÃa: Bells v. Jason V. The silver cue's Accuracy series is in a Coastal Derby to finish the event for the round. TodavÃa's Bells couldn't find her shot in game 1, missing in bunches during two spurts of bad play. Oceanside's Jason contributed to Bells' struggles while preserving a good score for himself in the 1-8 win for the 1-0 series lead. The two players reversed roles in game 2, although to less extreme extents. The Waves' Jason slipped up a couple of times in the middle of the game, while the Stills' Bells held a perfect line en route to a 0-3 victory to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw both players bring something closer to their best performance. Bells and Jason exchanged misses just before the middle of the game, but Bells had a second miss late, and Jason shut the door for a 1-2 win, retaking the series lead at 2-1. Jason made a ball on the break in game 4, but couldn't find traction early in the game. Bells made sure that Jason's early mistakes would be enough to cost him, only missing once late in the game as she took a 1-3 win to tie the series again at 2 games apiece. Bells brought her absolute best again in game 5, finding a lead early when Jason butchered a shot, and then holding on to win 0-3 again to take the series 3-2. Bells heads to Freedom to face the Cascades' Nikolai in the bracket quarterfinals.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Luigi v. Rosalina. The silver cue remains up to close out 9-ball for the third round. North Modernistic's Luigi broke through for the win in game 1, a choppy battle that saw Diamond's Rosalina scratch while potting the 7 to set up Luigi for the last two shots. Luigi leads the series 1-0. Game 2 started even slower, only speeding up when the Gems' Rosalina found a three-ball run. Rosalina had a narrow miss on the 9, and the Nighthawks' Luigi was there to mop it up for the win, extending his series lead to 2-0. Luigi had a fair share of offense in game 3, most notably a three-ball run in the middle after leaving the 9 near the top right on earlier turns. Rosalina fired back with a four-ball run-out for the win, avoiding a trick play as she made the safe shots to get the win. Luigi remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Luigi returned to form a bit more in game 4, making a three-ball run early on and then the final pair after Rosalina scuffled on her attempt for a run late in the game. Luigi's late burst gave him the win, sealing the series in his favor at 3-1. Luigi found more offense late in game 5, another three-ball run-out providing all he needed to claim the win over a hapless series effort from Rosalina. Luigi won the series 4-1, and will travel to oppose the Eastside Sharks' Chelsea in the bracket quarterfinals. Rosalina is the 61st eliminated player, while Luigi records his first kill of the year in a bout of friendly fire on the club level.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Neopolitan v. Vincent Sullivan. Rotation is all that's left, with the silver cue playing in this Coastal Derby series. Pearl's Neopolitan began with a three-ball run from the break, but her offense went cold after that. Viewpoint Sound's Vincent surged ahead with a four-ball run, and then capitalized on Neopolitan's flubbed shot to win 8-4 for the 1-0 series lead at the end. The Surfers' Neopolitan did well to keep up with the Meteors' Vincent in game 2, an even performance between the opponents defining the game. Vincent pulled away in the end, winning on a three-ball run-out for an 8-6 win and 2-0 series lead. Vincent made clinching a series look easy in game 3, getting two balls on the break as part of a five-ball run, and then having patience while Neopolitan floundered helplessly around the table. Vincent won 8-0, moving to a 3-0 series lead. Vincent did even better in game 4, making the 2 on the break, deflecting the 1 off the 6 to the top side, and ending with a back-spun deflection off the 8 to bump the 14 to the top right for the 8-0 win. Even better, Vincent did that all off the break turn, and made a ball to every pocket as he pushed his series lead to 4-0. Vincent still played well in game 5, but Neopolitan made it interesting at the start by plugging up some of Vincent's chances at a run. Vincent eventually regained the lead and used a four-ball run-out to win 8-3 a turn after that, giving him a 5-0 series sweep. Vincent will host the Queens Flames captain in a likely exciting bracket quarterfinals series. Neopolitan is the 62nd player to be eliminated and the last in the third round, while Vincent takes his first career kill.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Gizmo v. Zach. The blue cue closes out the round with an Eastern Hills Derby in Rotation. Eastside's Gizmo had a positive start in game 1, but Pronger's Zach pulled back on a four-ball run to tie the game, and then beat Gizmo to the finish with an 8-6 win for the 1-0 series lead in what is promising to be a thrilling finale. The Tridents' Zach jumped out to another nice lead in game 2, and he doubled down with a three-ball run to get onto the brink of victory. The Sharks' Gizmo held him at bay with some savvy defensive plays, and then broke Zach's heart with a five-ball run-out at the end, positioning and executing in fluid motions for a comeback 8-7 win. Gizmo has tied the series at 1. Zach took the initial lead in game 3, but Gizmo provided a run unlike most with a five-ball run, of which the first three were very lucky bounces. Gizmo got onto the fringe of winning with that run, and Zach had illegal contact, ruining any chance to stall. Gizmo won 8-3, pulling ahead 2-1 in the series. Zach tried to make game 4 as cagey as possible, keeping even with Gizmo initially and playing defense more as the game progressed. Zach's only mistake was scratching when a wild shot saw him pot the 11, giving Gizmo a chance from ball-in-hand. Gizmo buried a four-ball run-out, his 8-4 win sealing the series at 3-1. Gizmo kept going in game 5, battling with Zach again at the start but pulling away to win 8-3 at the end. Gizmo took the series 4-1, and will visit the Pearl Surfers' Watermelon in the bracket quarterfinals.
That's all for the third round. We'll take the weekend off most likely, taking the time for table maintenance and another round of cricket re-acclimation practice.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Peach v. Whiskers. A captain and a rising star meet in the silver cue's last 15-ball series of the round. Maplewood's Whiskers battled well in game 1, taking a majority of the possession thanks to a four-ball run and pairs of balls at other times. North Modernistic's Peach had one chance for a late run that went wasted, with Whiskers making the last two shots for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Peach brought the heat in game 2, controlling positioning to prevent much of a response from the Lumberjacks' Whiskers. Peach struck at the right time with a three-ball run-out, making a 4-15 bank combination to the bottom right for the win, tying the series at 1. Whiskers continued to push on offense late in games, making a four-ball run and a three-ball run on consecutive turns in game 3. Peach capitalized on Whiskers missing the 15 at the bottom left, converting a tap-in to steal the win and a 2-1 series lead. Peach had an awful break in game 4, but it played into her aptitude for playing in congested areas. Peach got help when Whiskers bumped the 15 toward the bottom right on illegal contact, gifting Peach ball-in-hand for the 3-15 combination. Peach easily converted, taking the win and clinching the series at 3-1. Peach had a four-ball run early in game 5 after scratching on the break and putting the 15 near the top right. Whiskers had very few chances for good shots, as Peach controlled the game and won with a kick on the 5 leading to a 6-9-15 combination at the top right, with the 9 falling in the bottom right on two deflection to make it a double-pot. Peach won the series 4-1, and will visit the Commerce Tradewinds captain Tigerette in an Urban Derby bracket quarterfinals series.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Steven. The silver cue will now bring 8-ball to a close for the round. Pacific's Ms. Kitty started a little slower than Atlantic's Steven in game 1, but Ms. Kitty got more on her choppy turns to pull ahead. Steven couldn't get positioning on his last ball, and he freed up Ms. Kitty's last ball, which she made as part of a game-winning pair for the 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Steven had a more concise offense in game 2, sandwiching a five-ball run by the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty with a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out of his own for the win. Steven's win tied the series at 1. Ms. Kitty and Steven exchanged shots early in game 3, and then Steven found a four-ball run to give himself a lead. Ms. Kitty tried to fire back at the end, but her miss let Steven bury the 8 at the top left on a tap-in, putting the visitor ahead 2-1 in the series. Steven made a ball on the break in game 4, and managed to establish a defense Ms. Kitty couldn't break down on her first turn. Steven then put on an expert showing, making a seven-ball run-out for the win, securing the series at 3-1 with the effort. Steven didn't bring his best on offense in game 5, scratching on the break and lacking conviction late in the game. Ms. Kitty didn't plan on putting in a counterattack, but salvaged the win with a six-ball run-out. Steven settled for a 3-2 series win to send him home for a bracket quarterfinals series against Boston Swifts captain Patches. A good season comes to an early end, as Ms. Kitty is the 60th player eliminated, meaning 1/3 of the league is out. Steven has his second kill of the year.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Patches v. Luigi. The red cue's last appearance of the third round is in this Accuracy series. Boston's Patches started out alright in game 1, but she slipped up with too many misses on bank attempts. North Modernistic's Luigi didn't have a great game, but he held on to win 3-5 at the end for the 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Patches fell behind again in game 2, but this time she held her ground better. The Nighthawks' Luigi skidded behind Patches after a handful of misses, and Patches made it stick for a 2-4 win to retie the series at 1. Patches stayed perfect for most of game 3, but Luigi never trailed by much. Luigi managed to get Patches to miss once near the end of the game, but Patches took the 1-2 win by potting the final ball. Patches has taken the series lead at 2-1 with this victory. Neither player was at their best in game 4, with a lot of misses throughout the game on both sides. These were evenly distributed, and led to overtime, where Luigi missed both of his shots, the latter of those causing Patches to win 6-7 to clinch the series at 3-1. Patches didn't put a whole lot into game 5, settling for the series win already. Still, Luigi had some struggles that kept the game close before Patches conceded with a miss on the last ball. Luigi won 3-4, and Patches takes her 3-2 series win on the road against the Westside Rockers' Misty in the bracket quarterfinals.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Roxy. In the blue cue's Accuracy finale, a pair of club-mates will battle for the last spot on the bracket. Freedom's Roxy fell behind with a couple of unlucky misses early in game 1, but Infinity's Smudge couldn't hold the lead as the game went on. Smudge fell behind late and lost 2-4 to Roxy, giving the visitor a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Smudge went behind again in game 2, and then brought the game back to a tie in the middle. Smudge had a double-pot, a bold play in this event, but it worked, as the Cascades' Roxy missed on the last ball. Smudge converted, taking the 1-2 win to tie the series at 1. The last shot exchanged hands multiple times in game 3, with Smudge making a ball on the break, scratching on her second shot, and Roxy returning the advantage to Smudge with a double-pot. Smudge cashed in at the end, besting Roxy 2-4 to take the series lead at 2-1. Game 4 had a large element of excitement as both players pushed perfection. Smudge cracked first, and then again right at the end, giving Roxy the 1-2 win to tie the series again at 2. Smudge fell behind by a couple of shots early in game 5, clawed back to tie it, and then lost it with a late miss followed by Roxy cutting the last ball to the bottom right. Roxy's 2-3 win gave her a 3-2 series win and a visiting role against the Pearl Surfers' Bright in the bracket quarterfinals.
Apple Center, TodavÃa: Bells v. Jason V. The silver cue's Accuracy series is in a Coastal Derby to finish the event for the round. TodavÃa's Bells couldn't find her shot in game 1, missing in bunches during two spurts of bad play. Oceanside's Jason contributed to Bells' struggles while preserving a good score for himself in the 1-8 win for the 1-0 series lead. The two players reversed roles in game 2, although to less extreme extents. The Waves' Jason slipped up a couple of times in the middle of the game, while the Stills' Bells held a perfect line en route to a 0-3 victory to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw both players bring something closer to their best performance. Bells and Jason exchanged misses just before the middle of the game, but Bells had a second miss late, and Jason shut the door for a 1-2 win, retaking the series lead at 2-1. Jason made a ball on the break in game 4, but couldn't find traction early in the game. Bells made sure that Jason's early mistakes would be enough to cost him, only missing once late in the game as she took a 1-3 win to tie the series again at 2 games apiece. Bells brought her absolute best again in game 5, finding a lead early when Jason butchered a shot, and then holding on to win 0-3 again to take the series 3-2. Bells heads to Freedom to face the Cascades' Nikolai in the bracket quarterfinals.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Luigi v. Rosalina. The silver cue remains up to close out 9-ball for the third round. North Modernistic's Luigi broke through for the win in game 1, a choppy battle that saw Diamond's Rosalina scratch while potting the 7 to set up Luigi for the last two shots. Luigi leads the series 1-0. Game 2 started even slower, only speeding up when the Gems' Rosalina found a three-ball run. Rosalina had a narrow miss on the 9, and the Nighthawks' Luigi was there to mop it up for the win, extending his series lead to 2-0. Luigi had a fair share of offense in game 3, most notably a three-ball run in the middle after leaving the 9 near the top right on earlier turns. Rosalina fired back with a four-ball run-out for the win, avoiding a trick play as she made the safe shots to get the win. Luigi remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Luigi returned to form a bit more in game 4, making a three-ball run early on and then the final pair after Rosalina scuffled on her attempt for a run late in the game. Luigi's late burst gave him the win, sealing the series in his favor at 3-1. Luigi found more offense late in game 5, another three-ball run-out providing all he needed to claim the win over a hapless series effort from Rosalina. Luigi won the series 4-1, and will travel to oppose the Eastside Sharks' Chelsea in the bracket quarterfinals. Rosalina is the 61st eliminated player, while Luigi records his first kill of the year in a bout of friendly fire on the club level.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Neopolitan v. Vincent Sullivan. Rotation is all that's left, with the silver cue playing in this Coastal Derby series. Pearl's Neopolitan began with a three-ball run from the break, but her offense went cold after that. Viewpoint Sound's Vincent surged ahead with a four-ball run, and then capitalized on Neopolitan's flubbed shot to win 8-4 for the 1-0 series lead at the end. The Surfers' Neopolitan did well to keep up with the Meteors' Vincent in game 2, an even performance between the opponents defining the game. Vincent pulled away in the end, winning on a three-ball run-out for an 8-6 win and 2-0 series lead. Vincent made clinching a series look easy in game 3, getting two balls on the break as part of a five-ball run, and then having patience while Neopolitan floundered helplessly around the table. Vincent won 8-0, moving to a 3-0 series lead. Vincent did even better in game 4, making the 2 on the break, deflecting the 1 off the 6 to the top side, and ending with a back-spun deflection off the 8 to bump the 14 to the top right for the 8-0 win. Even better, Vincent did that all off the break turn, and made a ball to every pocket as he pushed his series lead to 4-0. Vincent still played well in game 5, but Neopolitan made it interesting at the start by plugging up some of Vincent's chances at a run. Vincent eventually regained the lead and used a four-ball run-out to win 8-3 a turn after that, giving him a 5-0 series sweep. Vincent will host the Queens Flames captain in a likely exciting bracket quarterfinals series. Neopolitan is the 62nd player to be eliminated and the last in the third round, while Vincent takes his first career kill.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Gizmo v. Zach. The blue cue closes out the round with an Eastern Hills Derby in Rotation. Eastside's Gizmo had a positive start in game 1, but Pronger's Zach pulled back on a four-ball run to tie the game, and then beat Gizmo to the finish with an 8-6 win for the 1-0 series lead in what is promising to be a thrilling finale. The Tridents' Zach jumped out to another nice lead in game 2, and he doubled down with a three-ball run to get onto the brink of victory. The Sharks' Gizmo held him at bay with some savvy defensive plays, and then broke Zach's heart with a five-ball run-out at the end, positioning and executing in fluid motions for a comeback 8-7 win. Gizmo has tied the series at 1. Zach took the initial lead in game 3, but Gizmo provided a run unlike most with a five-ball run, of which the first three were very lucky bounces. Gizmo got onto the fringe of winning with that run, and Zach had illegal contact, ruining any chance to stall. Gizmo won 8-3, pulling ahead 2-1 in the series. Zach tried to make game 4 as cagey as possible, keeping even with Gizmo initially and playing defense more as the game progressed. Zach's only mistake was scratching when a wild shot saw him pot the 11, giving Gizmo a chance from ball-in-hand. Gizmo buried a four-ball run-out, his 8-4 win sealing the series at 3-1. Gizmo kept going in game 5, battling with Zach again at the start but pulling away to win 8-3 at the end. Gizmo took the series 4-1, and will visit the Pearl Surfers' Watermelon in the bracket quarterfinals.
That's all for the third round. We'll take the weekend off most likely, taking the time for table maintenance and another round of cricket re-acclimation practice.
Thursday, October 4, 2018
Tournament 2018 - Round 3 Day 19
It's likely the second-to-last day for the third round, as brackets start closing down a bit more for the round. We begin with...
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Hershey. The silver cue plays the last 7-ball series of the round to begin the day. Viewpoint Sound's Dani had plenty to be proud of with a six-ball run to start game 1, but she missed a tough bank on the 7 toward the bottom left. Stonebridge's Hershey tried a bank to the bottom right, converting for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Dani again had a majority of possession in game 2, with a four-ball run on her only attack. The Wolves' Hershey had made a ball on the break, and then potted the last two balls for the win to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Hershey wasted no time in securing the series, winning game 3 as his break pushed the 7 to the top side. Dani couldn't do a thing about Hershey clinching the series at 3-0. Hershey began with a three-ball run in game 4, but after a scratch, play got very choppy. Dani looked to have a couple of chances for runs that didn't amount to anything, and her bank on the 7 missed wide, letting Hershey pot it at the top right to move to a 4-0 series lead. Hershey won game 5 on his second turn, a poorly taken decoy cut on the 1 turning into magic with the carom burying the 7 at the top side. Hershey swept the series 5-0, and he will visit another top-10 seed in the Victoria Spurs rookie Sage in the bracket quarterfinals.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Lorde. A captain and a player on a new team clash in Accuracy with the red cue. Atlantic's Delila and Capital City's Lorde started out pretty even in game 1, but Lorde found a groove around the middle of the game that meant a lot of misses for Delila. Lorde would close the game in a 3-6 win, putting the visitor up 1-0 in the series. The Sharpshooters' Lorde blew two leads after misses from the Pirates' Delila at the start and in the middle of game 2, but Lorde made sure Delila's miss on her last turn would be costly. Lorde converted the final ball, earning the 2-3 win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Game 3 saw Lorde deliver a fantastic break, leading to a quick battle. Both players missed once in the middle of the game, but Delila missed on the last ball as well. Lorde converted a tough bank to put the 14 in the bottom side for the 1-2 win, sealing the series at 3-0. Both players took a step back toward the end of game 4, getting sloppy with their shooting. Delila had a scratch at one point, but Lorde slipped behind after that, only to regain the lead when Delila missed two shots in a row at the end. Lorde took the game 3-4, and moves ahead 4-0 in the series. Delila absolutely crumbled in game 5, while Lorde had only one flimsy mistake in her performance. Lorde took the 1-4 win to make it a 5-0 sweep, and she will visit Dewey of the Oceanside Waves in the bracket quarterfinals.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Puff III v. Tigerette. A star and a captain meet in the red cue's last 8-ball series of the round. Commerce's Tigerette struck first in game 1, and then had a later four-ball run to put Everton's Puff III under pressure. This worked, as Puff III couldn't counterattack, allowing Tigerette to make the 8 to the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Puff III struck first in game 2, but couldn't sustain her offense for long. The Tradewinds' Tigerette found a lead, and then made a four-ball run-out, with a deflected shot on the 8 glancing off the 2 and into the top left as the winner to put Tigerette up 2-0 in the series. Tigerette had a five-ball run to get onto the 8 in game 3 after starting stronger than Puff III. Tigerette would have a scratch slow her down, but Puff III's offense barely existed, and Tigerette had no trouble picking up the win to secure the series at 3-0. Puff III again struck first in game 4, but only managed a three-ball run in response to Tigerette's five-ball run late in the game. Puff III gave herself no shot on her last ball, missing contact and giving Tigerette a free shot at the 8, which was easily converted as Tigerette extends her series lead to 4-0. Puff III had a pair of three-ball runs early in game 5, staking out a good offense, but missed contact on her last ball allowed Tigerette to make five balls over the last two turns. Tigerette illegally potted the 8 at the end, gifting a win away to Puff III to make it a 4-1 series. Tigerette still will visit the TodavÃa Stills' Prism in the bracket quarterfinals.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Graham v. Leonardo. The red cue departs for today after its last Rotation series of the round. After a fairly even start in game 1, Midland's Leonardo pulled ahead on a four-ball run before rattling the 9 out of the bottom right. Eastside's Graham proved stronger with a six-ball run-out from there, glancing the 14 off the 15 into the top right to win 8-6 for a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Leonardo staked out his game 2 lead with a three-ball run, and then added modestly to it for awhile. The Sharks' Graham countered with a four-ball run to get close, and then a three-ball run-out capped by banking the 15 to the top left on the next turn to steal the 8-7 win. Graham leads the series 2-0. Graham had a better start in game 3, making a double-pot to take the early lead after Leonardo struck first. Leonardo kept things close with a double-pot of his own to tie the game, but Graham pieced together a three-ball run-out soon after for the 8-5 win and 3-0 series lead that secures his advancement. Graham slipped up after taking the lead in game 4, wasting a lot of chances to get a second wind on his offense. Leonardo charged ahead on a five-ball run, and then eventually made a final pair of shots for the 8-4 win to cut the series to 3-1. Game 5 started with an exchange of half-chances and poor shots before Leonardo erupted on a five-ball run. Graham made one ball before scratching, and Leonardo took over with a three-ball run-out on his next turn for the 8-1 win. Graham still took the series 3-2, but lost some confidence heading into his bracket quarterfinals series with the Everton Eagles' Cleo. Graham has his second kill of the year while Leonardo becomes the 58th player to exit the Tournament.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Kodiak v. Klaus. Two of Outcast's top performers this year meet in a big 15-ball series with the blue cue. Modernistic's Kodiak started slow, letting Atlantic's Klaus pace the early parts of game 1. As the game progressed, offense remained slow, but Kodiak ended up making the last three balls over two turns for the win and a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went faster thanks to the Union's Kodiak making improvements for himself on offense. Still, the game had a choppy feel to it, especially at the end, where Kodiak made a pair, then got a chance on the 15. He scratched, gifting the win to the charging Pirates' Klaus to tie the series at 1. Klaus had a load of offense in game 3, pacing the attack individually quite well. Kodiak struggled to keep his performance on the table, but he caught a break when Klaus butchered a shot on the 14. Kodiak would make the final pair of shots to get the win, regaining the series lead at 2-1 despite a lack of momentum. Kodiak made a ball on the break and then played most of game 4 pretty evenly with Klaus, who might have had an edge on offense. It didn't matter when Kodiak took Klaus' failed trick play on the 6 and used it to deflect the 15 into the bottom right for the win to clinch the series at 3-1. Kodiak dominated early in game 5, a burst of offense very much unlike his other efforts. Klaus pulled back later in the game with a four-ball run, but couldn't finish it off, as Kodiak took a pair at the end for the win to finish a 4-1 series win. Kodiak will host the Queens Flames' Hannah in the bracket quarterfinals.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Nicole. The silver cue is back in action, administering a series of 9-ball this time. Terrace City's Kiwi made a pair of balls on the break in game 1, but illegally contacted and potted the 9 on a failed kick play two shots later, gifting the win and 1-0 series lead to Lighton's Nicole, who didn't take a shot. The Prestige's Nicole made a ball on the game 2 break, and used a three-ball run to counter a four-ball run by the Knights' Kiwi, but Nicole missed on the 9 near the end. Kiwi put it in the bottom right with ease, another strong game ending in a win for the host to tie the series at 1. Kiwi didn't have much to be happy about in game 3, scratching on the break and looking shaky at best during the course of play. It took Nicole some time to grab the game, but she did win with a three-ball run-out, retaking the series lead at 2-1. Kiwi bounced back a bit on offense in game 4, showing some more command but still taking too many loose shots. Nicole capitalized on one of them late, as Kiwi's miss on the 8 set Nicole up to pot the last two balls for the win. Nicole's win sealed the series at 3-1. Nicole continued to play better in game 5, dominating the offense at first and capitalizing on a miss on the 7 by Kiwi. Nicole buried the 7 from range, and then did the same on the 8 before a tap-in on the 9 for the win. Nicole's 4-1 series win puts her into a visiting position against the Harrison Specters' Sydney in the bracket quarterfinals.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Brownie v. Violetta. A little cross-highway action occurs in Accuracy with the blue cue. Tysini's Brownie slipped behind around the middle of the game with a pair of misses, but adjusted her strategy to drag Queens' Violetta down quickly at the end. Brownie ended up winning 2-3 after Violetta couldn't get the proper positioning, giving Brownie a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Brownie again made a ball on the break in game 2, but it was a mid-game skid that put her out of contention this time. The Flames' Violetta had her only miss around the same time, but made plenty of more impressive shots to lock up a 1-3 win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Violetta scratched on the break in game 3, but managed twice to get Brownie to miss with her in this game. Brownie then crumbled at the end, unable to convert from distance after Violetta did just that on the prior shot. Violetta closed out the win at 2-3, pulling ahead 2-1 in the ever-close series. Violetta made a ball on the break in game 4, but missed after Brownie hit a double-pot to reclaim the final shot advantage. Violetta stayed in range but couldn't find a hole in Brownie's game this time, as Brownie went on to win 0-2 after Violetta's late miss. The series is tied again at 2. Brownie made a ball on the break in game 5, and Violetta quickly had a miss to fall behind. Brownie would miss later in the game, but Violetta couldn't hold onto the tied position, and Brownie walked away with a 1-2 win to take the series 3-2. Brownie will host the Central Warriors captain Twilight in the bracket quarterfinals.
Apple Center, TodavÃa: Bells v. Strut. Longtime veterans meet in the blue cue's final 15-ball series of the third round. Golden's Strut popped up quickly after TodavÃa's Bells scratched on the break in game 1. Strut's offense dried up by the end, as Bells had a four-ball run before a cagey finish ultimately favored her as well. Bells' win gives her a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Bells made a ball on the break of game 2, and put the 15 perilously close to the bottom right. Bells had one eye on this on every turn, controlling the offense initially, but the Pilots' Strut struck all at once. Strut made a five-ball run-out, double-potting the 8 to the top side and the 15 at the bottom right for the win to tie the series at 1. Strut had a positive start with a three-ball run in game 3, but after some contested possession in the middle of the game, a pair of four-ball runs put Bells back in the lead for the series at 2-1. Bells used wonderful positioning to get the go-ahead win. Strut did his part in game 4, making things difficult for Bells by slowing the game down. Strut broke out on a late four-ball run, just missing on the 14, but Bells missed the 15 and Strut was able to put it away for the win, retying the series at 2. Bells brought the heat on offense with a six-ball run that put the 15 on the edge of the bottom right, but this time Strut protected it for himself. Eventually, Strut found a three-ball run-out capped with an 11-15 combination to the bottom right for the win, giving him the 3-2 series win as well. Strut will visit the Lighton Prestige's Katelynn in the bracket quarterfinals.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Fuchsia. The blue cue closes another bracket when it plays its last 10-ball series of the third round. Game 1 started very slowly, but once the offense showed up, it almost exclusively belonged to Midland's Fuchsia. Freedom's Roxy did make one shot after Fuchsia illegally potted a ball, but Fuchsia replied with the last two shots for the win and a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went faster, as the Predators' Fuchsia made a ball on the break. The Cascades' Roxy had a chance for a 2-10 combination to the top right, but she rattled it out, and left the 10 by the bottom left. Fuchsia then cut a 2-10 combination there, the tap-in finish enough for the win and 2-0 series lead. Roxy had some good looks in a shaky start to game 3, but a scratch after illegal contact while going for the 5 derailed her game. Fuchsia took over with a six-ball run-out, double-potting the 6 and 8 to the bottom side and bottom right before converting on the 10 three shots later. Fuchsia's win secured the series at 3-0 in her favor. Roxy again had an early error in game 4, and Fuchsia really made her pay for this one, ripping a massive eight-ball run-out with excellent execution of each shot to get a win, extending her series lead to 4-0. Fuchsia dominated again in game 5, starting with a four-ball run from the break and ending on a five-ball run-out a couple of turns later after exchanging misses in the middle of the game with Roxy. Fuchsia swept the series 5-0, and will host the Central Warriors' Noelle in the bracket quarterfinals.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Kirstin v. Precious. The final series today is with the silver cue playing Rotation. Everton's Kirstin never really got out of the gate in game 1, while Pronger's Precious made small runs early on to take a lead. Precious also double-potted the 3 and 15 to the bottom right and bottom side after Kirstin fouled. Precious capped the 8-0 win on a three-ball run-out, earning the 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Kirstin persisted in game 2, taking advantage of an error from the Tridents' Precious to spark a five-ball run. Kirstin later closed out the win at 8-1, tying the series at 1 after striking first with a big run. Kirstin and Precious exchanged three-balls runs rather quickly in game 3, but Kirstin took the lead on her second turn and never looked back. Kirstin would win 8-4 with a three-ball run-out, pulling ahead 2-1 in the series. Precious began with a relatively quick four-ball run to gain the lead in game 4, but she couldn't hold it. Kirstin pulled back with a three-ball run to take the lead, and she eventually closed the game at 8-6, clinching the series at 3-1. Precious started out well in game 5, but this effort also fell on its face, as Kirstin used three short bursts of offense to win 8-3, claiming a 4-1 series win. Kirstin will visit the Terrace City Knights rookie Quincy in the bracket quarterfinals. Precious is the 59th player eliminated from the Tournament, giving Kirstin her first kill of the year.
That's all for today. We will play the last eight series of the round tomorrow.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Hershey. The silver cue plays the last 7-ball series of the round to begin the day. Viewpoint Sound's Dani had plenty to be proud of with a six-ball run to start game 1, but she missed a tough bank on the 7 toward the bottom left. Stonebridge's Hershey tried a bank to the bottom right, converting for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Dani again had a majority of possession in game 2, with a four-ball run on her only attack. The Wolves' Hershey had made a ball on the break, and then potted the last two balls for the win to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Hershey wasted no time in securing the series, winning game 3 as his break pushed the 7 to the top side. Dani couldn't do a thing about Hershey clinching the series at 3-0. Hershey began with a three-ball run in game 4, but after a scratch, play got very choppy. Dani looked to have a couple of chances for runs that didn't amount to anything, and her bank on the 7 missed wide, letting Hershey pot it at the top right to move to a 4-0 series lead. Hershey won game 5 on his second turn, a poorly taken decoy cut on the 1 turning into magic with the carom burying the 7 at the top side. Hershey swept the series 5-0, and he will visit another top-10 seed in the Victoria Spurs rookie Sage in the bracket quarterfinals.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Lorde. A captain and a player on a new team clash in Accuracy with the red cue. Atlantic's Delila and Capital City's Lorde started out pretty even in game 1, but Lorde found a groove around the middle of the game that meant a lot of misses for Delila. Lorde would close the game in a 3-6 win, putting the visitor up 1-0 in the series. The Sharpshooters' Lorde blew two leads after misses from the Pirates' Delila at the start and in the middle of game 2, but Lorde made sure Delila's miss on her last turn would be costly. Lorde converted the final ball, earning the 2-3 win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Game 3 saw Lorde deliver a fantastic break, leading to a quick battle. Both players missed once in the middle of the game, but Delila missed on the last ball as well. Lorde converted a tough bank to put the 14 in the bottom side for the 1-2 win, sealing the series at 3-0. Both players took a step back toward the end of game 4, getting sloppy with their shooting. Delila had a scratch at one point, but Lorde slipped behind after that, only to regain the lead when Delila missed two shots in a row at the end. Lorde took the game 3-4, and moves ahead 4-0 in the series. Delila absolutely crumbled in game 5, while Lorde had only one flimsy mistake in her performance. Lorde took the 1-4 win to make it a 5-0 sweep, and she will visit Dewey of the Oceanside Waves in the bracket quarterfinals.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Puff III v. Tigerette. A star and a captain meet in the red cue's last 8-ball series of the round. Commerce's Tigerette struck first in game 1, and then had a later four-ball run to put Everton's Puff III under pressure. This worked, as Puff III couldn't counterattack, allowing Tigerette to make the 8 to the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Puff III struck first in game 2, but couldn't sustain her offense for long. The Tradewinds' Tigerette found a lead, and then made a four-ball run-out, with a deflected shot on the 8 glancing off the 2 and into the top left as the winner to put Tigerette up 2-0 in the series. Tigerette had a five-ball run to get onto the 8 in game 3 after starting stronger than Puff III. Tigerette would have a scratch slow her down, but Puff III's offense barely existed, and Tigerette had no trouble picking up the win to secure the series at 3-0. Puff III again struck first in game 4, but only managed a three-ball run in response to Tigerette's five-ball run late in the game. Puff III gave herself no shot on her last ball, missing contact and giving Tigerette a free shot at the 8, which was easily converted as Tigerette extends her series lead to 4-0. Puff III had a pair of three-ball runs early in game 5, staking out a good offense, but missed contact on her last ball allowed Tigerette to make five balls over the last two turns. Tigerette illegally potted the 8 at the end, gifting a win away to Puff III to make it a 4-1 series. Tigerette still will visit the TodavÃa Stills' Prism in the bracket quarterfinals.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Graham v. Leonardo. The red cue departs for today after its last Rotation series of the round. After a fairly even start in game 1, Midland's Leonardo pulled ahead on a four-ball run before rattling the 9 out of the bottom right. Eastside's Graham proved stronger with a six-ball run-out from there, glancing the 14 off the 15 into the top right to win 8-6 for a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Leonardo staked out his game 2 lead with a three-ball run, and then added modestly to it for awhile. The Sharks' Graham countered with a four-ball run to get close, and then a three-ball run-out capped by banking the 15 to the top left on the next turn to steal the 8-7 win. Graham leads the series 2-0. Graham had a better start in game 3, making a double-pot to take the early lead after Leonardo struck first. Leonardo kept things close with a double-pot of his own to tie the game, but Graham pieced together a three-ball run-out soon after for the 8-5 win and 3-0 series lead that secures his advancement. Graham slipped up after taking the lead in game 4, wasting a lot of chances to get a second wind on his offense. Leonardo charged ahead on a five-ball run, and then eventually made a final pair of shots for the 8-4 win to cut the series to 3-1. Game 5 started with an exchange of half-chances and poor shots before Leonardo erupted on a five-ball run. Graham made one ball before scratching, and Leonardo took over with a three-ball run-out on his next turn for the 8-1 win. Graham still took the series 3-2, but lost some confidence heading into his bracket quarterfinals series with the Everton Eagles' Cleo. Graham has his second kill of the year while Leonardo becomes the 58th player to exit the Tournament.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Kodiak v. Klaus. Two of Outcast's top performers this year meet in a big 15-ball series with the blue cue. Modernistic's Kodiak started slow, letting Atlantic's Klaus pace the early parts of game 1. As the game progressed, offense remained slow, but Kodiak ended up making the last three balls over two turns for the win and a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went faster thanks to the Union's Kodiak making improvements for himself on offense. Still, the game had a choppy feel to it, especially at the end, where Kodiak made a pair, then got a chance on the 15. He scratched, gifting the win to the charging Pirates' Klaus to tie the series at 1. Klaus had a load of offense in game 3, pacing the attack individually quite well. Kodiak struggled to keep his performance on the table, but he caught a break when Klaus butchered a shot on the 14. Kodiak would make the final pair of shots to get the win, regaining the series lead at 2-1 despite a lack of momentum. Kodiak made a ball on the break and then played most of game 4 pretty evenly with Klaus, who might have had an edge on offense. It didn't matter when Kodiak took Klaus' failed trick play on the 6 and used it to deflect the 15 into the bottom right for the win to clinch the series at 3-1. Kodiak dominated early in game 5, a burst of offense very much unlike his other efforts. Klaus pulled back later in the game with a four-ball run, but couldn't finish it off, as Kodiak took a pair at the end for the win to finish a 4-1 series win. Kodiak will host the Queens Flames' Hannah in the bracket quarterfinals.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Nicole. The silver cue is back in action, administering a series of 9-ball this time. Terrace City's Kiwi made a pair of balls on the break in game 1, but illegally contacted and potted the 9 on a failed kick play two shots later, gifting the win and 1-0 series lead to Lighton's Nicole, who didn't take a shot. The Prestige's Nicole made a ball on the game 2 break, and used a three-ball run to counter a four-ball run by the Knights' Kiwi, but Nicole missed on the 9 near the end. Kiwi put it in the bottom right with ease, another strong game ending in a win for the host to tie the series at 1. Kiwi didn't have much to be happy about in game 3, scratching on the break and looking shaky at best during the course of play. It took Nicole some time to grab the game, but she did win with a three-ball run-out, retaking the series lead at 2-1. Kiwi bounced back a bit on offense in game 4, showing some more command but still taking too many loose shots. Nicole capitalized on one of them late, as Kiwi's miss on the 8 set Nicole up to pot the last two balls for the win. Nicole's win sealed the series at 3-1. Nicole continued to play better in game 5, dominating the offense at first and capitalizing on a miss on the 7 by Kiwi. Nicole buried the 7 from range, and then did the same on the 8 before a tap-in on the 9 for the win. Nicole's 4-1 series win puts her into a visiting position against the Harrison Specters' Sydney in the bracket quarterfinals.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Brownie v. Violetta. A little cross-highway action occurs in Accuracy with the blue cue. Tysini's Brownie slipped behind around the middle of the game with a pair of misses, but adjusted her strategy to drag Queens' Violetta down quickly at the end. Brownie ended up winning 2-3 after Violetta couldn't get the proper positioning, giving Brownie a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Brownie again made a ball on the break in game 2, but it was a mid-game skid that put her out of contention this time. The Flames' Violetta had her only miss around the same time, but made plenty of more impressive shots to lock up a 1-3 win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Violetta scratched on the break in game 3, but managed twice to get Brownie to miss with her in this game. Brownie then crumbled at the end, unable to convert from distance after Violetta did just that on the prior shot. Violetta closed out the win at 2-3, pulling ahead 2-1 in the ever-close series. Violetta made a ball on the break in game 4, but missed after Brownie hit a double-pot to reclaim the final shot advantage. Violetta stayed in range but couldn't find a hole in Brownie's game this time, as Brownie went on to win 0-2 after Violetta's late miss. The series is tied again at 2. Brownie made a ball on the break in game 5, and Violetta quickly had a miss to fall behind. Brownie would miss later in the game, but Violetta couldn't hold onto the tied position, and Brownie walked away with a 1-2 win to take the series 3-2. Brownie will host the Central Warriors captain Twilight in the bracket quarterfinals.
Apple Center, TodavÃa: Bells v. Strut. Longtime veterans meet in the blue cue's final 15-ball series of the third round. Golden's Strut popped up quickly after TodavÃa's Bells scratched on the break in game 1. Strut's offense dried up by the end, as Bells had a four-ball run before a cagey finish ultimately favored her as well. Bells' win gives her a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Bells made a ball on the break of game 2, and put the 15 perilously close to the bottom right. Bells had one eye on this on every turn, controlling the offense initially, but the Pilots' Strut struck all at once. Strut made a five-ball run-out, double-potting the 8 to the top side and the 15 at the bottom right for the win to tie the series at 1. Strut had a positive start with a three-ball run in game 3, but after some contested possession in the middle of the game, a pair of four-ball runs put Bells back in the lead for the series at 2-1. Bells used wonderful positioning to get the go-ahead win. Strut did his part in game 4, making things difficult for Bells by slowing the game down. Strut broke out on a late four-ball run, just missing on the 14, but Bells missed the 15 and Strut was able to put it away for the win, retying the series at 2. Bells brought the heat on offense with a six-ball run that put the 15 on the edge of the bottom right, but this time Strut protected it for himself. Eventually, Strut found a three-ball run-out capped with an 11-15 combination to the bottom right for the win, giving him the 3-2 series win as well. Strut will visit the Lighton Prestige's Katelynn in the bracket quarterfinals.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Fuchsia. The blue cue closes another bracket when it plays its last 10-ball series of the third round. Game 1 started very slowly, but once the offense showed up, it almost exclusively belonged to Midland's Fuchsia. Freedom's Roxy did make one shot after Fuchsia illegally potted a ball, but Fuchsia replied with the last two shots for the win and a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went faster, as the Predators' Fuchsia made a ball on the break. The Cascades' Roxy had a chance for a 2-10 combination to the top right, but she rattled it out, and left the 10 by the bottom left. Fuchsia then cut a 2-10 combination there, the tap-in finish enough for the win and 2-0 series lead. Roxy had some good looks in a shaky start to game 3, but a scratch after illegal contact while going for the 5 derailed her game. Fuchsia took over with a six-ball run-out, double-potting the 6 and 8 to the bottom side and bottom right before converting on the 10 three shots later. Fuchsia's win secured the series at 3-0 in her favor. Roxy again had an early error in game 4, and Fuchsia really made her pay for this one, ripping a massive eight-ball run-out with excellent execution of each shot to get a win, extending her series lead to 4-0. Fuchsia dominated again in game 5, starting with a four-ball run from the break and ending on a five-ball run-out a couple of turns later after exchanging misses in the middle of the game with Roxy. Fuchsia swept the series 5-0, and will host the Central Warriors' Noelle in the bracket quarterfinals.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Kirstin v. Precious. The final series today is with the silver cue playing Rotation. Everton's Kirstin never really got out of the gate in game 1, while Pronger's Precious made small runs early on to take a lead. Precious also double-potted the 3 and 15 to the bottom right and bottom side after Kirstin fouled. Precious capped the 8-0 win on a three-ball run-out, earning the 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Kirstin persisted in game 2, taking advantage of an error from the Tridents' Precious to spark a five-ball run. Kirstin later closed out the win at 8-1, tying the series at 1 after striking first with a big run. Kirstin and Precious exchanged three-balls runs rather quickly in game 3, but Kirstin took the lead on her second turn and never looked back. Kirstin would win 8-4 with a three-ball run-out, pulling ahead 2-1 in the series. Precious began with a relatively quick four-ball run to gain the lead in game 4, but she couldn't hold it. Kirstin pulled back with a three-ball run to take the lead, and she eventually closed the game at 8-6, clinching the series at 3-1. Precious started out well in game 5, but this effort also fell on its face, as Kirstin used three short bursts of offense to win 8-3, claiming a 4-1 series win. Kirstin will visit the Terrace City Knights rookie Quincy in the bracket quarterfinals. Precious is the 59th player eliminated from the Tournament, giving Kirstin her first kill of the year.
That's all for today. We will play the last eight series of the round tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Tournament 2018 - Round 3 Day 18
We're back with a delayed start today, but we still anticipate playing a full schedule of ten series. First up...
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Hoot. Meteors teammates are set to battle in the red cue's last 10-ball series of the round. Dani had a clear majority of possession in game 1, with Hoot only getting an illegal double-pot followed by a miss. Dani buried a six-ball run-out after having deferred the possession, the play working to give her a 1-0 series lead with the win. Dani didn't have as good a start in game 2, watching as Hoot hit a three-ball run early on. Dani recovered after a slow middle of the game, finding her way with a five-ball run-out for the win and 2-0 lead in the series. The two teammates combined for a quick game 3, with Dani striking on a four-ball run before making illegal contact. Hoot took the ball-in-hand to spark a five-ball run-out, giving him a win to cut the series to 2-1. Hoot had an untimely scratch while shooting at the 1 in a rough start to game 4. Hoot left the 1 too close to the 10, a combination Dani readily exploited from ball-in-hand for the win to clinch the series at 3-1. Dani continued with a healthy portion of the offense in game 5, closing out the game with five balls over three turns as Hoot sputtered near the end. Dani's big win here sealed a 4-1 series that sees her visit a former Meteor and current Pronger Trident, Zach, in the bracket quarterfinals. Hoot is the 54th player out of the Tournament, making Dani's second kill a bout of friendly fire.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Jeremias v. Strut. The Southeast gets a spotlight in the second series today, as the red cue stays on for Rotation. Royal's Jeremias had a positive start in game 1, but he couldn't sustain his offense for long. Golden's Strut eventually woke up with a five-ball run, and then iced off the 8-2 win with a three-ball run-out a couple of turns later to grab the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was a much closer battle on both sides, with neither player grabbing control on offense. The Crowns' Jeremias held the lead early on, but let it go as the Pilots' Strut pulled ahead late, and then held on to win 8-7 for a 2-0 series lead. The shooting quality was no better in game 3, as Strut managed to gain a small lead before partaking in a painfully slow back-and-forth with Jeremias. Strut eventually took the win at 8-4, securing the series at 3-0 in the process. Jeremias again took the early lead in game 4, but Strut countered with a pair to tie it and a three-ball run to surge ahead. Strut then answered Jeremias' pair with a pair of his own for the 8-5 win to move up to a 4-0 series lead. Strut had a three-ball run from the break before the game devolved into the usual messy play. Jeremias gathered a couple of extra points at the end before Strut closed out another 8-5 win to make it a 5-0 series sweep. Strut will host Wings of the Central Warriors in the bracket quarterfinals. Jeremias is the 55th player to be eliminated, with Strut earning his first kill of the year.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Jennifer Livilotti v. Chelsea. Two strong players clash in 7-ball with the red cue, the last series in this event for this cue. Eastside's Chelsea had a pair of balls potted on each of her turns in game 1, but she missed on the 6, allowing Terrace City's Jennifer to make a pair at the end of the game for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Jennifer made the 2 on the game 2 break, but couldn't corral the 1. The Sharks' Chelsea needed just a shot to cut the 1 to the bottom right, with the carom tapping the 7 into the top left for the win. Chelsea's tricky double-pot tied the series at 1. Game 3 saw both players struggle to land their shots after Chelsea made a pair from the break. Jennifer eventually broke the drought with a four-ball run-out, saved by a lucky bounce that put the 4 into the bottom side after it missed at the top right. Jennifer's big run put her ahead in the series at 2-1. Jennifer had more of the offense again in game 4, a three-ball run late putting her on the brink of victory. Chelsea capitalized when Jennifer missed the 7, pounding it to the top right to take the win, retying the series at 2 games apiece. Chelsea scratched on the break in game 5, but it wouldn't cost her this time, as Jennifer only made a pair of balls. Chelsea fired back with a little luck on her four-ball run-out for the win and 3-2 series win. Chelsea returns to Eastside in the bracket quarterfinals to host the Maplewood Lumberjacks' Whiskers.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Shaggy v. Smudge. This series is in the family, as a mother hosts her daughter for Rotation with the red cue. Whitewater's Shaggy had a positive start in game 1 with a quick pair, but Infinity's Smudge would use two three-ball runs to get ahead. Shaggy stalled Smudge near the end, but not for long enough, as Smudge won 8-3 for the 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Smudge had a dominant start with a four-ball run, and then added on to apply further pressure to the Shores' Shaggy. Smudge was slow to finish, allowing Shaggy a little offense before the host scratched. Smudge won 8-3 again, pushing her series lead to 2-0. Shaggy kept up with Smudge better in a hot start, keeping things close halfway through the game. Smudge refused to let Shaggy in at the end, rallying with a four-ball run-out to claim another 8-3 win to clinch the series at 3-0. Shaggy took the early lead in game 4, something she hadn't done since the opener. Smudge wouldn't tolerate it, tying the game relatively quickly and then using a four-ball run to pull ahead. Shaggy failed to counter this, and Smudge won 8-5 to extend her series lead to 4-0. Shaggy salvaged one win out of this series, dominating early and late in game 5, with a double-pot of the 4 and 5 to the left corners her highlight in an 8-2 win. Smudge still took the series 4-1, and will visit the Tysini Hummingbirds' Paps in the bracket quarterfinals.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stinky v. Smokey. Eastern Hills stalwarts collide in 8-ball with the red cue, its last appearance of the day. Diamond's Smokey took a defensive approach in a jittery and jolting game 1, while Freedom's Stinky collected a lot of offense early on. Smokey ended up with the win, his defense stalling Stinky enough for the visitor to surge ahead for the 1-0 series lead. The two players reversed roles in game 2, with the Gems' Smokey getting quickly down to his last ball but unable to shoot around a smothering defense applied by the Cascades' Stinky. Eventually, Stinky did a four-ball run, and then potted the 8 on his next turn to beat Smokey, tying the series at 1. Stinky made a ball on the break in game 3, but the offense remained evenly matched in a more energetic battle this time. Smokey missed a tap-in on his last ball, but Stinky soon gave possession back by rattling his last ball out. Smokey then made a final pair of shots for the win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Smokey had a ball on the break in game 4, but Stinky had all the early offense with a five-ball run. Smokey chipped back as Stinky struggled, but a scratch from Smokey caused a phantom touch on one of Stinky's balls, which fell at the bottom right. Stinky made the last two shots from the kitchen for the win, retying the series at 2. Smokey had an early five-ball run shuttered by a scratch. Stinky countered on a four-ball run with collateral damage, setting up a later three-ball run-out from Smokey, who buffered his shot against Stinky's last ball successfully to avoid a scratch. Smokey's win gave him the 3-2 series win, pitting him against a club mate in the bracket quarterfinals when he visits the Midland Predators' Rainmane. Smokey has his first kill of the year in making Stinky the 56th player ousted from the Tournament.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Cassie. The blue cue steps in now, playing Rotation between young opponents. Oceanside's Celestia rallied early to assemble a large lead, but Royal's Cassie stayed in game 1 with a little offense at first and then a three-ball run-out to claim the 8-7 comeback win. Cassie leads the series 1-0. The Waves' Celestia had a fortunate deflected combination in game 2, bouncing the cue off the 4 to make the 12-6-11-13-10-7 to the bottom right. The Crowns' Cassie still held the lead here, but on the next turn, Celestia had a double-pot to move ahead. Celestia would finish her 8-4 win after a stretch of tough play, finding a four-ball run-out to tie the series at 1 with. Celestia had her struggles with errors in game 3, sacrificing offense and positioning multiple times. Cassie used a four-ball run to build a lead, and while a scratch near the end slowed her down, it didn't stop her from winning 8-1 to regain the series lead at 2-1. Celestia collected an early lead against Cassie in game 4, but Cassie kept close halfway through the game. Celestia pulled away at the end with a five-ball run-out, including good positioning and a double-pot of the 10 and 12 to the right corners. Celestia's 8-3 win tied the series again at 2. Cassie stayed on pattern in game 5, striking early and making it difficult for Celestia to get a clear look. Cassie had a miscue that let Celestia find some offense, but Cassie closed the door soon after that, winning 8-2 to take the series 3-2. Cassie will visit the Westside Rockers' Slinks in the bracket quarterfinals.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Katelynn v. Ms. Kitty. A pair of veterans keep the blue cue in action as they meet in 15-ball. Pacific's Ms. Kitty showed a little extra quality in game 1, keeping Lighton's Katelynn pinned at first and then making the harder late shots. Ms. Kitty's boost of offense on the last pair of shots gave her the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty had a pair of shots off the game 2 break, but missed contact on the 3 led to the Prestige's Katelynn making a six-ball run from ball-in-hand. Ms. Kitty then shot back with a three-ball run, but Katelynn won by deflecting a shot off the 12 to pot the 15 at the top right, tying the series at 1. Ms. Kitty enjoyed the slower pace early in game 3, doing most of her damage at this time. Katelynn turned to a faster attack with a four-ball run near the end of the game, but her miss on the 13 allowed Ms. Kitty to make the last pair for the win. Ms. Kitty is back in the lead at 2-1 for the series. Ms. Kitty produced at a high pace early in game 4, making pairs of shots and generally bossing possession. Ms. Kitty's pace proved unsustainable, as she faltered on the 10, and Katelynn took over for a four-ball run-out for the win to retie the series at 2. Katelynn asserted a quick pace for game 5 with her opening four-ball run. Ms. Kitty tried to keep up, and had a three-ball run near the end to make a threat. Katelynn missed on the 12 at the top side, but it drifted all the way to the bottom left, setting her up for the winning tap-in on the 15 at the top right. Katelynn won the series 3-2, and will host her bracket quarterfinals appearance.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Chelsea v. Juno. The silver cue is now up to play 9-ball in this Eastern Hills Derby. Game 1 started off rocky until Stonebridge's Juno found a three-ball run. Eastside's Chelsea promptly answered that with a four-ball run-out, getting a bit of luck on her side to pick up the win and a 1-0 lead in the series. The Sharks' Chelsea had a pair of shots from the break in game 2, countered smoothly by a three-ball run from the Wolves' Juno. Chelsea struggled from here, while Juno capitalized with a pair of shots at the end for the win, tying the series at 1 game apiece. Juno had a lackluster break in game 3, leading to a slow start on both sides. Chelsea broke through eventually, corralling a six-ball run-out, the burst of offense again sending her to a win to go up 2-1 in the series. Juno certainly didn't play well in game 4, missing or fouling on most of her turns. Chelsea lacked a big run this time, which seems to be her key to victory, and Juno took advantage of that by making the last two balls for the win. Juno's win retied the series at 2. Tension eroded the quality of play in game 5, as neither player was interested in making a critical mistake. Juno, for all her efforts to avoid it, scratched late in the game. Chelsea took the 8 and 9 from ball-in-hand for the win and a 3-2 series win. Chelsea will host her bracket quarterfinals series.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Hannah. The blue cue is back in Rotation, with this series' winner getting hosting privileges next round. Pearl's Watermelon had an awful break in game 1, but used it to her advantage as Queens' Hannah rarely had a clear shot. Hannah didn't do herself any favors with errors and misses, leading to Watermelon winning 8-0 for the 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon had a better break in game 2, and also worse results for herself. The Flames' Hannah pulled away with the initial lead, and despite Watermelon's three-ball run to make it close, Hannah was able to seal off an 8-6 win to tie the series at 1. Hannah had a fantastic break in game 3, but couldn't do anything about a massive six-ball run Watermelon put on shortly after that. Hannah got closer near the end of the game, but Watermelon finished ahead 8-5 to regain the series lead at 2-1. Watermelon belted a pair on the break, and then added a couple of short runs while Hannah floundered, trying to get a grip on the game. Watermelon never let Hannah in, making the 6 deflected off the 12 to the bottom right, and a deflected 8-10 combination to the top right on the same shot for the 8-0 win to seal the series at 3-1. Hannah went rogue after Watermelon made a pair on the break, answering with a five-ball run to pull well ahead after a first turn that got her close. Hannah won 8-3 after Watermelon couldn't put the 10 in the bottom right. Watermelon wins the series 3-2, assuring she'll be home for the bracket quarterfinals.
Intel Center, Diamond: Cassandra v. Summer. The silver cue's last 10-ball series of the round is also our last series of the day. Diamond's Cassandra started with a three-ball run, but looked rattled after an illegally potted ball and deferred possession play by Maplewood's Summer. This worked out fine, as Summer would take game 1 on a four-ball run-out for the win, giving herself a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Summer couldn't say much about her game 2 break, but she put herself in a good position by working up a three-ball run near the end. Unfortunately, she left the 10 short at the bottom left, and the Gems' Cassandra cashed in with a tap-in for the win to tie the series at 1. Cassandra had little to be proud of early in game 3, although she was happy to defer possession to Summer when Summer committed an illegally potted ball. Summer flipped it on Cassandra, who gave away possession with missed contact, but Summer's four-ball run ended with a missed bank on the 10. Cassandra drilled the 10 to the top left, a bit of a stolen win but enough to put her up 2-1 in the series. Cassandra brought the crowd to their feet with her four-ball run early in game 4, only for Summer to seat them again as she smashed a six-ball run-out to absolute perfection for the win. Summer has retied the series at 2. The two players went back-and-forth in game 5, exchanging pairs of shots as they went. Cassandra had the first pair and the last pair, winning the game after Summer rattled the 9 out of the top right. Cassandra took the tense series 3-2, and will host Beth in the bracket quarterfinals. Summer is now the 57th player to exit the Tournament, her rookie campaign falling short of expectations, while Cassandra takes the league lead in kills at 3.
Tomorrow, we will again attempt to do ten series, although it may come up short this time. If tomorrow is a short day, Friday will be full as we look to close out the round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Hoot. Meteors teammates are set to battle in the red cue's last 10-ball series of the round. Dani had a clear majority of possession in game 1, with Hoot only getting an illegal double-pot followed by a miss. Dani buried a six-ball run-out after having deferred the possession, the play working to give her a 1-0 series lead with the win. Dani didn't have as good a start in game 2, watching as Hoot hit a three-ball run early on. Dani recovered after a slow middle of the game, finding her way with a five-ball run-out for the win and 2-0 lead in the series. The two teammates combined for a quick game 3, with Dani striking on a four-ball run before making illegal contact. Hoot took the ball-in-hand to spark a five-ball run-out, giving him a win to cut the series to 2-1. Hoot had an untimely scratch while shooting at the 1 in a rough start to game 4. Hoot left the 1 too close to the 10, a combination Dani readily exploited from ball-in-hand for the win to clinch the series at 3-1. Dani continued with a healthy portion of the offense in game 5, closing out the game with five balls over three turns as Hoot sputtered near the end. Dani's big win here sealed a 4-1 series that sees her visit a former Meteor and current Pronger Trident, Zach, in the bracket quarterfinals. Hoot is the 54th player out of the Tournament, making Dani's second kill a bout of friendly fire.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Jeremias v. Strut. The Southeast gets a spotlight in the second series today, as the red cue stays on for Rotation. Royal's Jeremias had a positive start in game 1, but he couldn't sustain his offense for long. Golden's Strut eventually woke up with a five-ball run, and then iced off the 8-2 win with a three-ball run-out a couple of turns later to grab the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was a much closer battle on both sides, with neither player grabbing control on offense. The Crowns' Jeremias held the lead early on, but let it go as the Pilots' Strut pulled ahead late, and then held on to win 8-7 for a 2-0 series lead. The shooting quality was no better in game 3, as Strut managed to gain a small lead before partaking in a painfully slow back-and-forth with Jeremias. Strut eventually took the win at 8-4, securing the series at 3-0 in the process. Jeremias again took the early lead in game 4, but Strut countered with a pair to tie it and a three-ball run to surge ahead. Strut then answered Jeremias' pair with a pair of his own for the 8-5 win to move up to a 4-0 series lead. Strut had a three-ball run from the break before the game devolved into the usual messy play. Jeremias gathered a couple of extra points at the end before Strut closed out another 8-5 win to make it a 5-0 series sweep. Strut will host Wings of the Central Warriors in the bracket quarterfinals. Jeremias is the 55th player to be eliminated, with Strut earning his first kill of the year.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Jennifer Livilotti v. Chelsea. Two strong players clash in 7-ball with the red cue, the last series in this event for this cue. Eastside's Chelsea had a pair of balls potted on each of her turns in game 1, but she missed on the 6, allowing Terrace City's Jennifer to make a pair at the end of the game for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Jennifer made the 2 on the game 2 break, but couldn't corral the 1. The Sharks' Chelsea needed just a shot to cut the 1 to the bottom right, with the carom tapping the 7 into the top left for the win. Chelsea's tricky double-pot tied the series at 1. Game 3 saw both players struggle to land their shots after Chelsea made a pair from the break. Jennifer eventually broke the drought with a four-ball run-out, saved by a lucky bounce that put the 4 into the bottom side after it missed at the top right. Jennifer's big run put her ahead in the series at 2-1. Jennifer had more of the offense again in game 4, a three-ball run late putting her on the brink of victory. Chelsea capitalized when Jennifer missed the 7, pounding it to the top right to take the win, retying the series at 2 games apiece. Chelsea scratched on the break in game 5, but it wouldn't cost her this time, as Jennifer only made a pair of balls. Chelsea fired back with a little luck on her four-ball run-out for the win and 3-2 series win. Chelsea returns to Eastside in the bracket quarterfinals to host the Maplewood Lumberjacks' Whiskers.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Shaggy v. Smudge. This series is in the family, as a mother hosts her daughter for Rotation with the red cue. Whitewater's Shaggy had a positive start in game 1 with a quick pair, but Infinity's Smudge would use two three-ball runs to get ahead. Shaggy stalled Smudge near the end, but not for long enough, as Smudge won 8-3 for the 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Smudge had a dominant start with a four-ball run, and then added on to apply further pressure to the Shores' Shaggy. Smudge was slow to finish, allowing Shaggy a little offense before the host scratched. Smudge won 8-3 again, pushing her series lead to 2-0. Shaggy kept up with Smudge better in a hot start, keeping things close halfway through the game. Smudge refused to let Shaggy in at the end, rallying with a four-ball run-out to claim another 8-3 win to clinch the series at 3-0. Shaggy took the early lead in game 4, something she hadn't done since the opener. Smudge wouldn't tolerate it, tying the game relatively quickly and then using a four-ball run to pull ahead. Shaggy failed to counter this, and Smudge won 8-5 to extend her series lead to 4-0. Shaggy salvaged one win out of this series, dominating early and late in game 5, with a double-pot of the 4 and 5 to the left corners her highlight in an 8-2 win. Smudge still took the series 4-1, and will visit the Tysini Hummingbirds' Paps in the bracket quarterfinals.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stinky v. Smokey. Eastern Hills stalwarts collide in 8-ball with the red cue, its last appearance of the day. Diamond's Smokey took a defensive approach in a jittery and jolting game 1, while Freedom's Stinky collected a lot of offense early on. Smokey ended up with the win, his defense stalling Stinky enough for the visitor to surge ahead for the 1-0 series lead. The two players reversed roles in game 2, with the Gems' Smokey getting quickly down to his last ball but unable to shoot around a smothering defense applied by the Cascades' Stinky. Eventually, Stinky did a four-ball run, and then potted the 8 on his next turn to beat Smokey, tying the series at 1. Stinky made a ball on the break in game 3, but the offense remained evenly matched in a more energetic battle this time. Smokey missed a tap-in on his last ball, but Stinky soon gave possession back by rattling his last ball out. Smokey then made a final pair of shots for the win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Smokey had a ball on the break in game 4, but Stinky had all the early offense with a five-ball run. Smokey chipped back as Stinky struggled, but a scratch from Smokey caused a phantom touch on one of Stinky's balls, which fell at the bottom right. Stinky made the last two shots from the kitchen for the win, retying the series at 2. Smokey had an early five-ball run shuttered by a scratch. Stinky countered on a four-ball run with collateral damage, setting up a later three-ball run-out from Smokey, who buffered his shot against Stinky's last ball successfully to avoid a scratch. Smokey's win gave him the 3-2 series win, pitting him against a club mate in the bracket quarterfinals when he visits the Midland Predators' Rainmane. Smokey has his first kill of the year in making Stinky the 56th player ousted from the Tournament.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Cassie. The blue cue steps in now, playing Rotation between young opponents. Oceanside's Celestia rallied early to assemble a large lead, but Royal's Cassie stayed in game 1 with a little offense at first and then a three-ball run-out to claim the 8-7 comeback win. Cassie leads the series 1-0. The Waves' Celestia had a fortunate deflected combination in game 2, bouncing the cue off the 4 to make the 12-6-11-13-10-7 to the bottom right. The Crowns' Cassie still held the lead here, but on the next turn, Celestia had a double-pot to move ahead. Celestia would finish her 8-4 win after a stretch of tough play, finding a four-ball run-out to tie the series at 1 with. Celestia had her struggles with errors in game 3, sacrificing offense and positioning multiple times. Cassie used a four-ball run to build a lead, and while a scratch near the end slowed her down, it didn't stop her from winning 8-1 to regain the series lead at 2-1. Celestia collected an early lead against Cassie in game 4, but Cassie kept close halfway through the game. Celestia pulled away at the end with a five-ball run-out, including good positioning and a double-pot of the 10 and 12 to the right corners. Celestia's 8-3 win tied the series again at 2. Cassie stayed on pattern in game 5, striking early and making it difficult for Celestia to get a clear look. Cassie had a miscue that let Celestia find some offense, but Cassie closed the door soon after that, winning 8-2 to take the series 3-2. Cassie will visit the Westside Rockers' Slinks in the bracket quarterfinals.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Katelynn v. Ms. Kitty. A pair of veterans keep the blue cue in action as they meet in 15-ball. Pacific's Ms. Kitty showed a little extra quality in game 1, keeping Lighton's Katelynn pinned at first and then making the harder late shots. Ms. Kitty's boost of offense on the last pair of shots gave her the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty had a pair of shots off the game 2 break, but missed contact on the 3 led to the Prestige's Katelynn making a six-ball run from ball-in-hand. Ms. Kitty then shot back with a three-ball run, but Katelynn won by deflecting a shot off the 12 to pot the 15 at the top right, tying the series at 1. Ms. Kitty enjoyed the slower pace early in game 3, doing most of her damage at this time. Katelynn turned to a faster attack with a four-ball run near the end of the game, but her miss on the 13 allowed Ms. Kitty to make the last pair for the win. Ms. Kitty is back in the lead at 2-1 for the series. Ms. Kitty produced at a high pace early in game 4, making pairs of shots and generally bossing possession. Ms. Kitty's pace proved unsustainable, as she faltered on the 10, and Katelynn took over for a four-ball run-out for the win to retie the series at 2. Katelynn asserted a quick pace for game 5 with her opening four-ball run. Ms. Kitty tried to keep up, and had a three-ball run near the end to make a threat. Katelynn missed on the 12 at the top side, but it drifted all the way to the bottom left, setting her up for the winning tap-in on the 15 at the top right. Katelynn won the series 3-2, and will host her bracket quarterfinals appearance.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Chelsea v. Juno. The silver cue is now up to play 9-ball in this Eastern Hills Derby. Game 1 started off rocky until Stonebridge's Juno found a three-ball run. Eastside's Chelsea promptly answered that with a four-ball run-out, getting a bit of luck on her side to pick up the win and a 1-0 lead in the series. The Sharks' Chelsea had a pair of shots from the break in game 2, countered smoothly by a three-ball run from the Wolves' Juno. Chelsea struggled from here, while Juno capitalized with a pair of shots at the end for the win, tying the series at 1 game apiece. Juno had a lackluster break in game 3, leading to a slow start on both sides. Chelsea broke through eventually, corralling a six-ball run-out, the burst of offense again sending her to a win to go up 2-1 in the series. Juno certainly didn't play well in game 4, missing or fouling on most of her turns. Chelsea lacked a big run this time, which seems to be her key to victory, and Juno took advantage of that by making the last two balls for the win. Juno's win retied the series at 2. Tension eroded the quality of play in game 5, as neither player was interested in making a critical mistake. Juno, for all her efforts to avoid it, scratched late in the game. Chelsea took the 8 and 9 from ball-in-hand for the win and a 3-2 series win. Chelsea will host her bracket quarterfinals series.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Hannah. The blue cue is back in Rotation, with this series' winner getting hosting privileges next round. Pearl's Watermelon had an awful break in game 1, but used it to her advantage as Queens' Hannah rarely had a clear shot. Hannah didn't do herself any favors with errors and misses, leading to Watermelon winning 8-0 for the 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon had a better break in game 2, and also worse results for herself. The Flames' Hannah pulled away with the initial lead, and despite Watermelon's three-ball run to make it close, Hannah was able to seal off an 8-6 win to tie the series at 1. Hannah had a fantastic break in game 3, but couldn't do anything about a massive six-ball run Watermelon put on shortly after that. Hannah got closer near the end of the game, but Watermelon finished ahead 8-5 to regain the series lead at 2-1. Watermelon belted a pair on the break, and then added a couple of short runs while Hannah floundered, trying to get a grip on the game. Watermelon never let Hannah in, making the 6 deflected off the 12 to the bottom right, and a deflected 8-10 combination to the top right on the same shot for the 8-0 win to seal the series at 3-1. Hannah went rogue after Watermelon made a pair on the break, answering with a five-ball run to pull well ahead after a first turn that got her close. Hannah won 8-3 after Watermelon couldn't put the 10 in the bottom right. Watermelon wins the series 3-2, assuring she'll be home for the bracket quarterfinals.
Intel Center, Diamond: Cassandra v. Summer. The silver cue's last 10-ball series of the round is also our last series of the day. Diamond's Cassandra started with a three-ball run, but looked rattled after an illegally potted ball and deferred possession play by Maplewood's Summer. This worked out fine, as Summer would take game 1 on a four-ball run-out for the win, giving herself a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Summer couldn't say much about her game 2 break, but she put herself in a good position by working up a three-ball run near the end. Unfortunately, she left the 10 short at the bottom left, and the Gems' Cassandra cashed in with a tap-in for the win to tie the series at 1. Cassandra had little to be proud of early in game 3, although she was happy to defer possession to Summer when Summer committed an illegally potted ball. Summer flipped it on Cassandra, who gave away possession with missed contact, but Summer's four-ball run ended with a missed bank on the 10. Cassandra drilled the 10 to the top left, a bit of a stolen win but enough to put her up 2-1 in the series. Cassandra brought the crowd to their feet with her four-ball run early in game 4, only for Summer to seat them again as she smashed a six-ball run-out to absolute perfection for the win. Summer has retied the series at 2. The two players went back-and-forth in game 5, exchanging pairs of shots as they went. Cassandra had the first pair and the last pair, winning the game after Summer rattled the 9 out of the top right. Cassandra took the tense series 3-2, and will host Beth in the bracket quarterfinals. Summer is now the 57th player to exit the Tournament, her rookie campaign falling short of expectations, while Cassandra takes the league lead in kills at 3.
Tomorrow, we will again attempt to do ten series, although it may come up short this time. If tomorrow is a short day, Friday will be full as we look to close out the round.
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Tournament 2018 - Round 3 Day 17
We're back for another full day of games. Leading off...
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Valencia v. Boots. The red cue is first up, playing 9-ball between these strong players. Golden's Valencia made a ball on the break in game 1, but erred in trying to hit the 1. Pearl's Boots took over with ball-in-hand, blasting an eight-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Boots had a majority of possession in game 2, highlighted by her four-ball run, but she scratched when she made the 9, gifting the win away to the Pilots' Valencia. The series is now tied at 1. Valencia finally showed a little comfort in game 3, opening with a four-ball run and then capitalizing on Boots' scratch to make the last two balls from ball-in-hand. Valencia pulled ahead 2-1 in the series with this win. Boots had another scratch in game 4, but early enough this time to recover from. Valencia failed to really develop a run, and her miss on the 7 gave Boots two easy shots to convert for the win, retying the series at 2 to set up a decisive final game. Valencia floundered a number of times in game 5, her shot on the 2 leaving it aligned with the 9 for Boots to create a successful combination play at the bottom right. Boots takes the win and 3-2 series win back to Pearl, where she hosts the North Modernistic Nighthawks' Cheddar in the bracket quarterfinals. Boots' second kill came here, making Valencia the 53rd player out of the Tournament in the win-or-go-home series.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Missy v. Marsell. The blue cue ends its 7-ball for the round in this series. Whitewater's Marsell needed only two turns in game 1, a four-ball run on the first and a three-ball run-out on the second after Capital City's Missy had illegal contact while aiming at the 5. Marsell's big attack earned him the win and 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Marsell opened with a three-ball run in game 2, but scratched while attempting to pot the 4. The Sharpshooters' Missy wouldn't let this game get away, making a four-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Neither player had their best in game 3, with a couple of errors from Missy leading to Marsell wasting two chances for big runs. Missy bounced back with a clean pair of shots at the end for the win, which puts her ahead 2-1 in the series. Marsell rocked a four-ball run early in game 4 after a slow start, but he made illegal contact on the next shot. Missy took over from ball-in-hand, her three-ball run-out giving her the clinching win in the 3-1 series. Missy made it quick and painless in game 5, sending the 7 to the top side on the break for the win and 4-1 series win. Missy will visit the North Modernistic Nighthawks captain Peach in the bracket quarterfinals.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Sage v. Stinky. Representatives of two good teams clash in 7-ball with the silver cue. Victoria's Sage only made a ball on the break in game 1, but still got the win when Freedom's Stinky saw his game-ending six-ball run end with a scratch as he potted the 7. Sage leads the series 1-0. The Spurs' Sage had a tougher time in game 2, missing a few shots, but the Cascades' Stinky didn't pick up the slack at all. Sage ended up winning when she made the 2 to set up a 3-7 combination to the bottom right that also fell. Sage's series lead is now at 2-0. Stinky did just about all he could in game 3, providing plenty of offense but just rattling the 7 out of the top left corner at the end. Sage made the tap-in to secure the win, sealing the series in her favor at 3-0. Sage eased up a bit in game 4, leading to a back-and-forth battle between the players. Sage just missed contact on the 7 when she had a chance, leading to Stinky taking the win from ball-in-hand to cut the series to 3-1. Sage had no problems in game 5, watching as Stinky scratched on a bad attempt at the 5. Sage then made a three-ball run-out to cap the win and her 4-1 series win. Sage will move onto the bracket quarterfinals.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Kirstin v. Nikolai. Two reliable players meet in 10-ball with the red cue after the lunch break. Freedom's Nikolai made a crucial decision in game 1, taking possession after Everton's Kirstin sank the 6 in an uncalled pocket. Nikolai's turn last four shots, finishing the game in a win to put the visitor ahead 1-0 in the series. Game 2 saw a massive step back from both players, leading to a choppy game. The Eagles' Kirstin had plenty of chances for a strong finish that went to waste until the Cascades' Nikolai finally buried the last three shots for the win and a 2-0 series lead. Game 3 had another slow start, and Kirstin sputtered again, eventually allowing Nikolai to break out on a six-ball run-out for the win. Nikolai's victory here clinched the series for him at 3-0. Nikolai left the 10 remarkably close to the top right on the game 4 break, leading both players to taking half-chances at combination shots. Kirstin finally came through with a combination on her third turn for the win, cutting the series to 3-1. Nikolai bounced back in game 5, making a pair of four-ball runs separated only by Kirstin's scratch. Nikolai's latter run was the winning play, giving him a 4-1 series win as he heads home to take on Vincent of the Viewpoint Sound Meteors in the bracket quarterfinals.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Gal Gadot. The blue cue will wrap up its 9-ball for the round with this series. Midland's Fuchsia had a clear majority of possession in game 1, highlighted by a four-ball run. North Modernistic's Gal struggled late, with Fuchsia making the last three shots over two turns for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Gal provided more offense in game 2, pacing the game with a lot of short runs. The Predators' Fuchsia had some chances late, but wasted the big shots, and Gal managed to scrape together enough for the win to tie the series at 1. Gal kept up her offense early in game 3 with a three-ball run, but the middle of the game saw the opponents tangle up a bit. Fuchsia came out stronger, closing with a three-ball run-out, the close win giving her a 2-1 series lead. Gal controlled the early stages of game 4 pretty well, but again let her grip slip late, allowing Fuchsia to storm back with a four-ball run-out for the win. Fuchsia also clinched the series at 3-1 with the late surge. Fuchsia dominated in game 5, a six-ball run highlighting her powerful shooting skills. Gal tried to poach the win late, but her miss on the 9 allowing Fuchsia to take the win for a 4-1 series win win. Fuchsia will host the Web City Spiders captain Shadow in the bracket quarterfinals.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Sweetheart. The last 12-ball series for the red cue is a massive all-Swifts battle. Gradley had a three-ball run from the break in game 1, but managed to butcher a couple of shots after that and never made another ball. Sweetheart took a slower approach that eventually paid off as she took the win and a 1-0 series lead. Sweetheart started with a three-ball run in game 2, and she came to a point where she elected to shoot to get onto her last ball. Gradley nearly made a rally from there, but he scratched in an attempt to get into position for his last ball. Sweetheart made her own last ball to the top side from the kitchen to push her series lead to 2-0. Sweetheart potted a pair of balls from the break in game 3, but she struggled on offense from there. Gradley's four ball run pressured Sweetheart, but she couldn't position herself faster than Gradley, who battled with her on the left side of the table before making his final ball for the win. Sweetheart remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Gradley delivered an ugly break in game 4, leaving clusters that slowed the game down. Gradley had just gotten onto his last ball after some creative shooting when Sweetheart pulled off a difficult three-ball run-out to secure the series in her favor at 3-1. Sweetheart had a strong break in game 5, and she raced Gradley to the bottom left, where a fierce positioning battle occurred. Sweetheart eventually bested her younger teammate to get the win for a 4-1 series win, which sends her on the road against the Modernistic Union's Daisy in the bracket quarterfinals.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Kiwi. Two highly competitive players are set to clash in Accuracy with the silver cue. Freedom's Nikolai brought an energetic start to game 1 that quickly fell apart when Terrace City's Kiwi imploded after her first two turns. Nikolai still won easily, but by an ugly 4-10 score to take a 1-0 series lead on. The Knights' Kiwi had a more impressive game 2 effort, while the Cascades' Nikolai crumbled in his shooting form. Kiwi held her ground even with some difficult shots, taking the win 2-5 to tie the series at 1. Kiwi only had to hold a lead after Nikolai had consecutive misses early in game 3, but she lost the lead a few balls before the end of regulation. Kiwi then missed on the final ball to fall behind, and Nikolai closed out the 2-3 win to put himself ahead 2-1 in the series. Nikolai seemed distracted in game 4, taking a lead at first but letting it slip away under pressure from Kiwi, who managed to hold on at the end for a 3-4 win to retie the series at 2 games each. Kiwi had two double-pots and a scratch with a potted ball in game 5, thrice shortening the runway she would eventually need and not have against Nikolai, who played perfectly this time in a 0-1 win to take the 3-2 series win. Nikolai is set to host a series in the bracket quarterfinals.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Marsell. An established star takes on an up-and-coming one in 10-ball with the silver cue. Tysini's Leandra had a decent attack and took a couple of creative chances in game 1, but Whitewater's Marsell was the one picking up the 10 at the end of the even game for his win and 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Shores' Marsell might have had a slight edge on offense, but he couldn't corral the 10 at the end. The Hummingbirds' Leandra mopped up Marsell's late miss, taking the win and tying the series at 1. Leandra finally provided a burst of offense in game 3, a late five-ball run that ended with her missing the 10 while scratching. Marsell put the 10 in the top side from ball-in-hand to poach the win, regaining his series lead at 2-1. Leandra had most of the offense in game 4, but she showed little command over her shot with a late and costly scratch. Marsell took over from here, a three-ball run-out all he needed to take the win that clinches the series at 3-1. Leandra finally struck back in game 5, getting the win as consolation on her second attempt at the 10 after Marsell had a feeble look at a bank to the top left. Marsell still won the series 3-2, and will visit the Swordpoint Blades captain Snowball in the bracket quarterfinals.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Bright. The blue cue's last appearance of the day is in Rotation. Southridge's Bianca had a slow start, and fell into a tie with a small surge from Pearl's Bright early on. Bianca then ripped a six-ball run-out, capped by a double pot of the 8 to the bottom right and the 9-15 combination to the top right for the 8-2 win that gave her a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Bright returned the favor in game 2, lacking the one big run but slowly chipping his way ahead of the Defenders' Bianca before closing out an 8-2 win. The series is now tied at 1. Bianca had a couple of critical scratches in game 3, wasting opportunities to keep things close. Bright took off after the second scratch, rallying with a three-ball run-out to close his 8-1 win. Bright now leads the series 2-1. Bianca continued to waste chances to produce offense, leaving two shots short and scratching when she had a chance to make a run, leading to Bright finishing off another 8-1 win with a double-pot 7-8 combination to the top right. Bright secured the series at 3-1 with this win. Bright couldn't keep it going in game 5, slipping up at times with errors as Bianca played her strongest game since the opener. Bianca walked away with an 8-6 win this time, but Bright advances to host the Infinity Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman after his 3-2 series win.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Shadow. In a preview of a future series between these players, they will close today's action with the red cue in 8-ball. Midland's Fuchsia demonstrated a bit more precision early on, and while Web City's Shadow made a small comeback effort, Fuchsia had plenty of time to put the 8 in the top left for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Fuchsia tried a similar strategy to her game 2 offense, but the Spiders' Shadow quickly changed Fuchsia's mind. Shadow began with a four-ball run, and remained ahead for the entire game, eventually picking the 8 from distance to the top left to grab the win. Shadow has tied the series at 1. Shadow had a good four-ball run to start game 3, but went cold on offense after that, allowing Fuchsia to briefly pull ahead on a five-ball run. Fuchsia failed twice on the 8 before Shadow knocked in the last two shots for the win to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Shadow didn't have anything on the break in game 4, leading to a back-and-forth battle between him and Fuchsia during the rest of the game. Fuchsia had the last push, making a well-crafted three-ball run-out for the win to retie the series at 2. Shadow brought the heat in game 5, battling with Fuchsia on the early turns before erupting with a six-ball run-out to grab the win. Shadow's massive finish gave him a 3-2 series win, and he will return home to host the Westside Rockers' Slinks in the bracket quarterfinals.
We'll be back with likely a full set of games again tomorrow, as we remain on track to finish the round on Friday.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Valencia v. Boots. The red cue is first up, playing 9-ball between these strong players. Golden's Valencia made a ball on the break in game 1, but erred in trying to hit the 1. Pearl's Boots took over with ball-in-hand, blasting an eight-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Boots had a majority of possession in game 2, highlighted by her four-ball run, but she scratched when she made the 9, gifting the win away to the Pilots' Valencia. The series is now tied at 1. Valencia finally showed a little comfort in game 3, opening with a four-ball run and then capitalizing on Boots' scratch to make the last two balls from ball-in-hand. Valencia pulled ahead 2-1 in the series with this win. Boots had another scratch in game 4, but early enough this time to recover from. Valencia failed to really develop a run, and her miss on the 7 gave Boots two easy shots to convert for the win, retying the series at 2 to set up a decisive final game. Valencia floundered a number of times in game 5, her shot on the 2 leaving it aligned with the 9 for Boots to create a successful combination play at the bottom right. Boots takes the win and 3-2 series win back to Pearl, where she hosts the North Modernistic Nighthawks' Cheddar in the bracket quarterfinals. Boots' second kill came here, making Valencia the 53rd player out of the Tournament in the win-or-go-home series.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Missy v. Marsell. The blue cue ends its 7-ball for the round in this series. Whitewater's Marsell needed only two turns in game 1, a four-ball run on the first and a three-ball run-out on the second after Capital City's Missy had illegal contact while aiming at the 5. Marsell's big attack earned him the win and 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Marsell opened with a three-ball run in game 2, but scratched while attempting to pot the 4. The Sharpshooters' Missy wouldn't let this game get away, making a four-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Neither player had their best in game 3, with a couple of errors from Missy leading to Marsell wasting two chances for big runs. Missy bounced back with a clean pair of shots at the end for the win, which puts her ahead 2-1 in the series. Marsell rocked a four-ball run early in game 4 after a slow start, but he made illegal contact on the next shot. Missy took over from ball-in-hand, her three-ball run-out giving her the clinching win in the 3-1 series. Missy made it quick and painless in game 5, sending the 7 to the top side on the break for the win and 4-1 series win. Missy will visit the North Modernistic Nighthawks captain Peach in the bracket quarterfinals.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Sage v. Stinky. Representatives of two good teams clash in 7-ball with the silver cue. Victoria's Sage only made a ball on the break in game 1, but still got the win when Freedom's Stinky saw his game-ending six-ball run end with a scratch as he potted the 7. Sage leads the series 1-0. The Spurs' Sage had a tougher time in game 2, missing a few shots, but the Cascades' Stinky didn't pick up the slack at all. Sage ended up winning when she made the 2 to set up a 3-7 combination to the bottom right that also fell. Sage's series lead is now at 2-0. Stinky did just about all he could in game 3, providing plenty of offense but just rattling the 7 out of the top left corner at the end. Sage made the tap-in to secure the win, sealing the series in her favor at 3-0. Sage eased up a bit in game 4, leading to a back-and-forth battle between the players. Sage just missed contact on the 7 when she had a chance, leading to Stinky taking the win from ball-in-hand to cut the series to 3-1. Sage had no problems in game 5, watching as Stinky scratched on a bad attempt at the 5. Sage then made a three-ball run-out to cap the win and her 4-1 series win. Sage will move onto the bracket quarterfinals.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Kirstin v. Nikolai. Two reliable players meet in 10-ball with the red cue after the lunch break. Freedom's Nikolai made a crucial decision in game 1, taking possession after Everton's Kirstin sank the 6 in an uncalled pocket. Nikolai's turn last four shots, finishing the game in a win to put the visitor ahead 1-0 in the series. Game 2 saw a massive step back from both players, leading to a choppy game. The Eagles' Kirstin had plenty of chances for a strong finish that went to waste until the Cascades' Nikolai finally buried the last three shots for the win and a 2-0 series lead. Game 3 had another slow start, and Kirstin sputtered again, eventually allowing Nikolai to break out on a six-ball run-out for the win. Nikolai's victory here clinched the series for him at 3-0. Nikolai left the 10 remarkably close to the top right on the game 4 break, leading both players to taking half-chances at combination shots. Kirstin finally came through with a combination on her third turn for the win, cutting the series to 3-1. Nikolai bounced back in game 5, making a pair of four-ball runs separated only by Kirstin's scratch. Nikolai's latter run was the winning play, giving him a 4-1 series win as he heads home to take on Vincent of the Viewpoint Sound Meteors in the bracket quarterfinals.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Gal Gadot. The blue cue will wrap up its 9-ball for the round with this series. Midland's Fuchsia had a clear majority of possession in game 1, highlighted by a four-ball run. North Modernistic's Gal struggled late, with Fuchsia making the last three shots over two turns for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Gal provided more offense in game 2, pacing the game with a lot of short runs. The Predators' Fuchsia had some chances late, but wasted the big shots, and Gal managed to scrape together enough for the win to tie the series at 1. Gal kept up her offense early in game 3 with a three-ball run, but the middle of the game saw the opponents tangle up a bit. Fuchsia came out stronger, closing with a three-ball run-out, the close win giving her a 2-1 series lead. Gal controlled the early stages of game 4 pretty well, but again let her grip slip late, allowing Fuchsia to storm back with a four-ball run-out for the win. Fuchsia also clinched the series at 3-1 with the late surge. Fuchsia dominated in game 5, a six-ball run highlighting her powerful shooting skills. Gal tried to poach the win late, but her miss on the 9 allowing Fuchsia to take the win for a 4-1 series win win. Fuchsia will host the Web City Spiders captain Shadow in the bracket quarterfinals.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Sweetheart. The last 12-ball series for the red cue is a massive all-Swifts battle. Gradley had a three-ball run from the break in game 1, but managed to butcher a couple of shots after that and never made another ball. Sweetheart took a slower approach that eventually paid off as she took the win and a 1-0 series lead. Sweetheart started with a three-ball run in game 2, and she came to a point where she elected to shoot to get onto her last ball. Gradley nearly made a rally from there, but he scratched in an attempt to get into position for his last ball. Sweetheart made her own last ball to the top side from the kitchen to push her series lead to 2-0. Sweetheart potted a pair of balls from the break in game 3, but she struggled on offense from there. Gradley's four ball run pressured Sweetheart, but she couldn't position herself faster than Gradley, who battled with her on the left side of the table before making his final ball for the win. Sweetheart remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Gradley delivered an ugly break in game 4, leaving clusters that slowed the game down. Gradley had just gotten onto his last ball after some creative shooting when Sweetheart pulled off a difficult three-ball run-out to secure the series in her favor at 3-1. Sweetheart had a strong break in game 5, and she raced Gradley to the bottom left, where a fierce positioning battle occurred. Sweetheart eventually bested her younger teammate to get the win for a 4-1 series win, which sends her on the road against the Modernistic Union's Daisy in the bracket quarterfinals.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Kiwi. Two highly competitive players are set to clash in Accuracy with the silver cue. Freedom's Nikolai brought an energetic start to game 1 that quickly fell apart when Terrace City's Kiwi imploded after her first two turns. Nikolai still won easily, but by an ugly 4-10 score to take a 1-0 series lead on. The Knights' Kiwi had a more impressive game 2 effort, while the Cascades' Nikolai crumbled in his shooting form. Kiwi held her ground even with some difficult shots, taking the win 2-5 to tie the series at 1. Kiwi only had to hold a lead after Nikolai had consecutive misses early in game 3, but she lost the lead a few balls before the end of regulation. Kiwi then missed on the final ball to fall behind, and Nikolai closed out the 2-3 win to put himself ahead 2-1 in the series. Nikolai seemed distracted in game 4, taking a lead at first but letting it slip away under pressure from Kiwi, who managed to hold on at the end for a 3-4 win to retie the series at 2 games each. Kiwi had two double-pots and a scratch with a potted ball in game 5, thrice shortening the runway she would eventually need and not have against Nikolai, who played perfectly this time in a 0-1 win to take the 3-2 series win. Nikolai is set to host a series in the bracket quarterfinals.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Marsell. An established star takes on an up-and-coming one in 10-ball with the silver cue. Tysini's Leandra had a decent attack and took a couple of creative chances in game 1, but Whitewater's Marsell was the one picking up the 10 at the end of the even game for his win and 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Shores' Marsell might have had a slight edge on offense, but he couldn't corral the 10 at the end. The Hummingbirds' Leandra mopped up Marsell's late miss, taking the win and tying the series at 1. Leandra finally provided a burst of offense in game 3, a late five-ball run that ended with her missing the 10 while scratching. Marsell put the 10 in the top side from ball-in-hand to poach the win, regaining his series lead at 2-1. Leandra had most of the offense in game 4, but she showed little command over her shot with a late and costly scratch. Marsell took over from here, a three-ball run-out all he needed to take the win that clinches the series at 3-1. Leandra finally struck back in game 5, getting the win as consolation on her second attempt at the 10 after Marsell had a feeble look at a bank to the top left. Marsell still won the series 3-2, and will visit the Swordpoint Blades captain Snowball in the bracket quarterfinals.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Bright. The blue cue's last appearance of the day is in Rotation. Southridge's Bianca had a slow start, and fell into a tie with a small surge from Pearl's Bright early on. Bianca then ripped a six-ball run-out, capped by a double pot of the 8 to the bottom right and the 9-15 combination to the top right for the 8-2 win that gave her a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Bright returned the favor in game 2, lacking the one big run but slowly chipping his way ahead of the Defenders' Bianca before closing out an 8-2 win. The series is now tied at 1. Bianca had a couple of critical scratches in game 3, wasting opportunities to keep things close. Bright took off after the second scratch, rallying with a three-ball run-out to close his 8-1 win. Bright now leads the series 2-1. Bianca continued to waste chances to produce offense, leaving two shots short and scratching when she had a chance to make a run, leading to Bright finishing off another 8-1 win with a double-pot 7-8 combination to the top right. Bright secured the series at 3-1 with this win. Bright couldn't keep it going in game 5, slipping up at times with errors as Bianca played her strongest game since the opener. Bianca walked away with an 8-6 win this time, but Bright advances to host the Infinity Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman after his 3-2 series win.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Shadow. In a preview of a future series between these players, they will close today's action with the red cue in 8-ball. Midland's Fuchsia demonstrated a bit more precision early on, and while Web City's Shadow made a small comeback effort, Fuchsia had plenty of time to put the 8 in the top left for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Fuchsia tried a similar strategy to her game 2 offense, but the Spiders' Shadow quickly changed Fuchsia's mind. Shadow began with a four-ball run, and remained ahead for the entire game, eventually picking the 8 from distance to the top left to grab the win. Shadow has tied the series at 1. Shadow had a good four-ball run to start game 3, but went cold on offense after that, allowing Fuchsia to briefly pull ahead on a five-ball run. Fuchsia failed twice on the 8 before Shadow knocked in the last two shots for the win to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Shadow didn't have anything on the break in game 4, leading to a back-and-forth battle between him and Fuchsia during the rest of the game. Fuchsia had the last push, making a well-crafted three-ball run-out for the win to retie the series at 2. Shadow brought the heat in game 5, battling with Fuchsia on the early turns before erupting with a six-ball run-out to grab the win. Shadow's massive finish gave him a 3-2 series win, and he will return home to host the Westside Rockers' Slinks in the bracket quarterfinals.
We'll be back with likely a full set of games again tomorrow, as we remain on track to finish the round on Friday.
Monday, October 1, 2018
Tournament 2018 - Round 3 Day 16
A new week of games is here, and should conclude with the end of the third round. Today's action starts with...
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Strawberry v. Kyle. The silver cue will be first up, playing 9-ball in the opening series. Victoria's Strawberry had a weak start in game 1, but Queens' Kyle was no better. Strawberry found her shot later in the game, eventually winning on a four-ball run-out for a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Kyle capitalized on the Spurs' Strawberry starting a mid-game run a little earlier in game 2. Strawberry ran out of steam as she got onto the 9, which Kyle converted easily for the win to tie the series at 1. Strawberry again had a late four-ball run in game 3 after a relatively good start from Kyle, who had a chance but missed on the 9 late in the game. Strawberry made the 9 on her second try to regain the series lead at 2-1. Strawberry had flaws in game 4, scratching on the break and then burying herself at the edge of the bottom right when making the 8 to prevent a look at the 9. Kyle gladly took the win from ball-in-hand, retying the series at 2. Kyle opened with a three-ball run from the break in game 5, and then went a bit cold. Strawberry picked up the pace from here, but failed to finish a run with a rattled shot on the 9, allowing Kyle the tap-in at the top left for his win. Kyle took the series 3-2, and will visit the Golden Pilots legend Dusty in the bracket quarterfinals. Strawberry is the 49th player eliminated this year, and Kyle has his first kill for making that happen.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Bryant v. Cheddar. Two solid players continue the 9-ball start, this time using the red cue. Maplewood's Bryant started well with a ball on the break in game 1, but couldn't keep shooting well. North Modernistic's Cheddar was only marginally better, and she only got the win when Bryant scratched while making the 9. Cheddar leads the series at a shaky 1-0. The Lumberjacks' Bryant was even better in game 2, making a seven-ball run in the middle of the game. Unfortunately, the Nighthawks' Cheddar made the first and last ball, picking up an unlikely win to push her series lead to 2-0. Cheddar made sure to seal the series quickly, her break causing the 5 to drift to the bottom side, which set up a lucky 1-9 combination to the top right as she flung the cue into a crowd of balls. Bryant had no chance to prevent this, as Cheddar clinched the series at 3-0. Bryant avoided the sweep in game 4, making a pair of shots at the end to counter a three-ball run from Cheddar that she had after a slow start. Bryant's win cuts Cheddar's series lead to 3-1. Bryant had a four-ball run to start game 5, and then made the 5-9 combination as a double-pot at the bottom right after a weak response from Cheddar. Bryant's win made it a 3-2 series win for Cheddar, who will be a visitor in her bracket quarterfinals series.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Cobalt v. Shawn. The red cue remains in action a little to the east, playing 10-ball. Stonebridge's Cobalt had some good moments in game 1, but mostly Midland's Shawn drove the game forward. Shawn brought the heat at the end with a well-played three-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Cobalt answered with an utterly dominant game 2, making an early pair after the Predators' Shawn went empty on the break. Cobalt took over after brief weak stretch, making an eight-ball run-out to tie the series at 1 with his win. Shawn deferred possession after Cobalt illegally potted the 4, leading to Cobalt having a five-ball run early in game 3. Shawn had a chance to finish on a run, but he sent the 10 wide at the bottom right, and Cobalt made it to take a 2-1 series lead for himself. Cobalt had another decent performance, although a few extra errors in game 4 made it interesting. Cobalt's scratch on the 7 led Shawn to ball-in-hand, but Shawn missed his second shot. Cobalt ended a second straight game with a bank on the 10, this win securing the series at 3-1 for the host. Cobalt still had a majority of the offense in game 5, but his lack of decisive shooting allowed Shawn to mop up the 10 at the end despite Shawn's poor decision-making earlier in the game. Cobalt walked away with a 3-2 series win, and he will visit the Eastside Sharks' Cubby in the bracket quarterfinals.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Twinkie II. After the lunch break, a pair of captains clash in Accuracy with the blue cue. Capital City's Chris made quick work of game 1, playing a near-perfect performance while Harrison's Twinkie II showed more weakness. Chris picked up the 1-4 win with ease to take the 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Chris scratched on the game 2 break, a mistake he never really recovered from. The Specters' Twinkie II held a lead for the latter parts of the game, turning it into a 2-4 win with a miraculous shot that saw the 11 deflect off the 14 and into the bottom side to help her tie the series at 1. Game 3 was a highlight performance on both sides, as Twinkie II and Chris maintained perfect efforts until five balls to go, when Chris had a miss. Twinkie II continued to stay perfect, picking up the 0-1 win for a 2-1 series lead. Chris got himself under control, pacing game 4 quite well when Twinkie II fell apart. Chris couldn't keep it perfect, settling for a 1-3 win to retie the series at 2 games apiece after the strong outing. Chris fell apart in game 5, missing shots early and then his last two to allow Twinkie II a 1-4 win for the 3-2 series win. Twinkie II advances visiting the Tysini Hummingbirds' Leandra in the bracket quarterfinals. Twinkie II has her first kill of the year, making Chris the 50th eliminated player.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sydney Sierota v. Shaggy. The silver cue steps back into the game for some 9-ball. Game 1 saw a weak first turn on both sides, followed by Harrison's Sydney popping a six-ball run. Sydney missed the 7, but Whitewater's Shaggy converted, igniting her three-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead to the visitor. Game 2 had a bit more complexity until the Shores' Shaggy missed on the 4. The Specters' Sydney answered with a five-ball run-out, just barely making three of the shots she needed for the win to tie the series at 1. Sydney showed a bit more aggression on the game 3 break, and then closed things out in fine form, making five balls over her last two turns with a 7-9 combination to the top right as the finishing shot. Sydney's win puts her ahead of Shaggy 2-1 in the series. Sydney had a much less convincing majority of possession in game 4, putting things on the line with a miss on the 7. Shaggy made it, but couldn't corral the 9 later, and Sydney put it away at the bottom right to seal the series at 3-1 with this win. Sydney had a couple of errors again in game 5, but nothing worse than Shaggy scratching on a bank attempt on the 9. Sydney took the game from ball-in-hand, completing a 4-1 series win that will see her host a bracket quarterfinals series in the next round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Shaggy v. Spice. The host has a quick turnaround from her last series, bringing the silver cue back home for its last 12-ball series of the round. Whitewater's Shaggy scratched and gave away a wild-card ball on the game 1 break. Victoria's Spice took over, making a pair from the kitchen and then positioning and executing a three-ball run-out when Shaggy had illegal contact later on. Spice easily won for a 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Spice returned the wild-card ball favor on the game 2 break, allowing Shaggy a little extra flexibility. Shaggy played a patient game, making her positioning precise. Spice provided a small scare on her four-ball run, but Shaggy made her last two shots on the next turn for the win to tie the series at 1. Shaggy again gave away a wild-card ball to start game 3. Spice did well on offense early on, but had a bit of trouble lining up her final ball thanks to Shaggy's defense. This strategy worked, as Shaggy swooped in for a three-ball run-out and the win, taking a 2-1 series lead with the win just in front of Spice. Shaggy didn't give up a wild-card ball on the break, but she did on the next shot as her defense-breaking play backfired. Shaggy then illegally potted a ball and couldn't stop Spice from taking over with a short run. Spice closed out with a pair of shots after Shaggy missed a low-percentage bank, with Spice's win retying the series at 2. Spice struck first with solids in game 5, but a back-and-forth game saw Shaggy get position at the bottom left. Spice tried a defensive play, but Shaggy evaded it, making the 11 for the win to take a 3-2 series win. Shaggy will be on the road against Harrison Specters top-seed Lexi in the bracket quarterfinals. Spice is the 51st player eliminated this season, with Shaggy picking up her first kill.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Fuchsia. The blue cue is next to finish an event, also playing its last 12-ball series of the round. Freedom's Roxy had a good break but not much luck from it in game 1, as Midland's Fuchsia kept pace. Roxy missed a kick to get positioning on a ball, and Fuchsia attacked with a four-ball run-out from there for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Fuchsia had a positive four-ball run from the game 2 break, giving her a step on the Cascades' Roxy immediately. Roxy found a few good shots and got positioned fairly well, but Fuchsia was efficient with her last two balls, winning three turns after the opening run to go up 2-0 in the series. Roxy had a large lead in game 3 when she fave Fuchsia a wild-card ball, the product of a sloppy shot. Fuchisa proceeded to charge back, but she had to give the wild-card ball back to make a defensive play. Roxy weathered one last push from Fuchsia before ending the game victorious, cutting the series deficit to 2-1. Roxy surrendered a wild-card ball on the game 4 break, and Fuchsia added a three-ball run right after that. Roxy had a four-ball run to get onto her last ball, but Fuchsia held position at Roxy's last pocket location, the bottom left. Roxy ultimately gave the game away to Fuchsia with a light touch, which gave Fuchsia the series as well at 3-1. Roxy absolutely dominated in game 5, making a four-ball run early on and adding a patient but effective attack that left Fuchsia unable to convert until her last turn. Roxy easily won, but Fuchsia advances to host a bracket quarterfinals series against the Victoria Spurs rookie Sage on a 3-2 series win.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Beth v. Shawn. The blue cue remains in action for a big series between veterans in Accuracy. Pearl's Beth held her own initially in game 1, but a spate of misses towards the end of the game confirmed the win for Midland's Shawn, who took a 1-4 result for the 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Shawn didn't have as great a start in game 2, but he played steady while the Surfers' Beth scuffled early. Shawn couldn't quite make it perfect, settling for a 1-3 win when he missed his last shot. Shawn leads Beth 2-0 in the series. Beth and Shawn engaged in a messy game 3 battle, with neither player able to hold onto a lead for long. The initial rack ended with a tie, forcing overtime, where Beth's empty break cost her the game. Shawn sent his only overtime shot to the top left for a 5-6 win to clinch the series at 3-0. Shawn didn't lose a step in game 4, keeping a lead despite some early struggles against Beth. Things didn't get better for Beth, as Shawn would close out a 1-4 win, which might have been generous to her. Shawn has a 4-0 lead in the series. Shawn couldn't complete the sweep in game 5, trailing for much of regulation before Beth dropped a shot to force overtime. Here, Shawn missed twice more, with Beth's conversion on her second shot enough for her to win 2-3. Shawn took the series 4-1, and he will host the Boston Swifts' Ice Cream in the bracket quarterfinals.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Midnight. The blue cue closes its round obligations in 8-ball with this series. Boston's Gradley started well in game 1, but had to weather an attack where Westside's Midnight made five balls over two turns before a little collateral damage. Gradley then closed with a three-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw only three turns, with the Swifts' Gradley taking a five-ball run from the break, the Rockers' Midnight firing back on a seven-ball run that just missed on the 8, and then Gradley closing out his win with a three-ball run-out. Gradley is up 2-0 in the series after that frantic battle. Midnight had plenty of offense to start in game 3, but a couple of scratches pinned her back. Gradley sputtered into action with a double-pot and scratch that kept Midnight in a weak position. Gradley then found small runs before putting a perfectly weighted shot on the 8 at the top right for the win to seal the series at 3-0. Gradley got a bit generous, giving Midnight some freebies in game 4. Midnight had her own good share of offense, but she couldn't get onto the 8 before Gradley's four-ball run-out came out of nowhere for the win. Gradley surges to a 4-0 series lead. Midnight had just pulled ahead of Gradley in a close game 5 battle when her trick shot attempt on her last solid led to the 8 falling illegally in the bottom right. This gifted Gradley the final win of his 5-0 series sweep. Gradley will host the Lighton Prestige's Nicole in the bracket quarterfinals in a Cola Wars Derby.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Hoppy v. Yekaterina Vasilyeva. The day's finale is the red cue's round finale in 15-ball. Southern's Hoppy had a strong appearance in game 1, peppering her offense throughout the rack, but she didn't do enough at the end. Victoria's Yekaterina turned a quiet game into a win with a three-ball run-out, good for a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Hoppy had a later-arriving offense in game 2, but that's more than the Spurs' Yekaterina can say in an embarrassing sequel to her win. Hoppy's highlight performance was a seven-ball run, and she made the last three balls on the next two turns for the win, tying the series at 1. Yekaterina redeemed herself in game 3 after Hoppy committed an early foul. Yekaterina had an early finish with a six-ball run-out capped by a spinning 4-15 kick combination to the top right for the win. Yekaterina is ahead 2-1 in the series. Hoppy came out firing in game 4, blasting a seven-ball run early on. Yekaterina countered on a three-ball run, but a later scratch after some back-and-forth led to Hoppy making a pair of shots for the win, tying the series again at 2. Yekaterina stormed back with a massive win in game 5, making a seven-ball run and then a pair of three-ball runs to suffocate Hoppy's offense. Yekaterina got the win on that third run, taking the series 3-2 to advance to the bracket quarterfinals, where she will visit the Archtown Arrows' Sally. Yekaterina took her second kill of the year, making Hoppy the 52nd eliminated player this year.
We'll be back tomorrow on another full day in the homestretch of round three.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Strawberry v. Kyle. The silver cue will be first up, playing 9-ball in the opening series. Victoria's Strawberry had a weak start in game 1, but Queens' Kyle was no better. Strawberry found her shot later in the game, eventually winning on a four-ball run-out for a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Kyle capitalized on the Spurs' Strawberry starting a mid-game run a little earlier in game 2. Strawberry ran out of steam as she got onto the 9, which Kyle converted easily for the win to tie the series at 1. Strawberry again had a late four-ball run in game 3 after a relatively good start from Kyle, who had a chance but missed on the 9 late in the game. Strawberry made the 9 on her second try to regain the series lead at 2-1. Strawberry had flaws in game 4, scratching on the break and then burying herself at the edge of the bottom right when making the 8 to prevent a look at the 9. Kyle gladly took the win from ball-in-hand, retying the series at 2. Kyle opened with a three-ball run from the break in game 5, and then went a bit cold. Strawberry picked up the pace from here, but failed to finish a run with a rattled shot on the 9, allowing Kyle the tap-in at the top left for his win. Kyle took the series 3-2, and will visit the Golden Pilots legend Dusty in the bracket quarterfinals. Strawberry is the 49th player eliminated this year, and Kyle has his first kill for making that happen.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Bryant v. Cheddar. Two solid players continue the 9-ball start, this time using the red cue. Maplewood's Bryant started well with a ball on the break in game 1, but couldn't keep shooting well. North Modernistic's Cheddar was only marginally better, and she only got the win when Bryant scratched while making the 9. Cheddar leads the series at a shaky 1-0. The Lumberjacks' Bryant was even better in game 2, making a seven-ball run in the middle of the game. Unfortunately, the Nighthawks' Cheddar made the first and last ball, picking up an unlikely win to push her series lead to 2-0. Cheddar made sure to seal the series quickly, her break causing the 5 to drift to the bottom side, which set up a lucky 1-9 combination to the top right as she flung the cue into a crowd of balls. Bryant had no chance to prevent this, as Cheddar clinched the series at 3-0. Bryant avoided the sweep in game 4, making a pair of shots at the end to counter a three-ball run from Cheddar that she had after a slow start. Bryant's win cuts Cheddar's series lead to 3-1. Bryant had a four-ball run to start game 5, and then made the 5-9 combination as a double-pot at the bottom right after a weak response from Cheddar. Bryant's win made it a 3-2 series win for Cheddar, who will be a visitor in her bracket quarterfinals series.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Cobalt v. Shawn. The red cue remains in action a little to the east, playing 10-ball. Stonebridge's Cobalt had some good moments in game 1, but mostly Midland's Shawn drove the game forward. Shawn brought the heat at the end with a well-played three-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Cobalt answered with an utterly dominant game 2, making an early pair after the Predators' Shawn went empty on the break. Cobalt took over after brief weak stretch, making an eight-ball run-out to tie the series at 1 with his win. Shawn deferred possession after Cobalt illegally potted the 4, leading to Cobalt having a five-ball run early in game 3. Shawn had a chance to finish on a run, but he sent the 10 wide at the bottom right, and Cobalt made it to take a 2-1 series lead for himself. Cobalt had another decent performance, although a few extra errors in game 4 made it interesting. Cobalt's scratch on the 7 led Shawn to ball-in-hand, but Shawn missed his second shot. Cobalt ended a second straight game with a bank on the 10, this win securing the series at 3-1 for the host. Cobalt still had a majority of the offense in game 5, but his lack of decisive shooting allowed Shawn to mop up the 10 at the end despite Shawn's poor decision-making earlier in the game. Cobalt walked away with a 3-2 series win, and he will visit the Eastside Sharks' Cubby in the bracket quarterfinals.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Twinkie II. After the lunch break, a pair of captains clash in Accuracy with the blue cue. Capital City's Chris made quick work of game 1, playing a near-perfect performance while Harrison's Twinkie II showed more weakness. Chris picked up the 1-4 win with ease to take the 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Chris scratched on the game 2 break, a mistake he never really recovered from. The Specters' Twinkie II held a lead for the latter parts of the game, turning it into a 2-4 win with a miraculous shot that saw the 11 deflect off the 14 and into the bottom side to help her tie the series at 1. Game 3 was a highlight performance on both sides, as Twinkie II and Chris maintained perfect efforts until five balls to go, when Chris had a miss. Twinkie II continued to stay perfect, picking up the 0-1 win for a 2-1 series lead. Chris got himself under control, pacing game 4 quite well when Twinkie II fell apart. Chris couldn't keep it perfect, settling for a 1-3 win to retie the series at 2 games apiece after the strong outing. Chris fell apart in game 5, missing shots early and then his last two to allow Twinkie II a 1-4 win for the 3-2 series win. Twinkie II advances visiting the Tysini Hummingbirds' Leandra in the bracket quarterfinals. Twinkie II has her first kill of the year, making Chris the 50th eliminated player.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sydney Sierota v. Shaggy. The silver cue steps back into the game for some 9-ball. Game 1 saw a weak first turn on both sides, followed by Harrison's Sydney popping a six-ball run. Sydney missed the 7, but Whitewater's Shaggy converted, igniting her three-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead to the visitor. Game 2 had a bit more complexity until the Shores' Shaggy missed on the 4. The Specters' Sydney answered with a five-ball run-out, just barely making three of the shots she needed for the win to tie the series at 1. Sydney showed a bit more aggression on the game 3 break, and then closed things out in fine form, making five balls over her last two turns with a 7-9 combination to the top right as the finishing shot. Sydney's win puts her ahead of Shaggy 2-1 in the series. Sydney had a much less convincing majority of possession in game 4, putting things on the line with a miss on the 7. Shaggy made it, but couldn't corral the 9 later, and Sydney put it away at the bottom right to seal the series at 3-1 with this win. Sydney had a couple of errors again in game 5, but nothing worse than Shaggy scratching on a bank attempt on the 9. Sydney took the game from ball-in-hand, completing a 4-1 series win that will see her host a bracket quarterfinals series in the next round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Shaggy v. Spice. The host has a quick turnaround from her last series, bringing the silver cue back home for its last 12-ball series of the round. Whitewater's Shaggy scratched and gave away a wild-card ball on the game 1 break. Victoria's Spice took over, making a pair from the kitchen and then positioning and executing a three-ball run-out when Shaggy had illegal contact later on. Spice easily won for a 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Spice returned the wild-card ball favor on the game 2 break, allowing Shaggy a little extra flexibility. Shaggy played a patient game, making her positioning precise. Spice provided a small scare on her four-ball run, but Shaggy made her last two shots on the next turn for the win to tie the series at 1. Shaggy again gave away a wild-card ball to start game 3. Spice did well on offense early on, but had a bit of trouble lining up her final ball thanks to Shaggy's defense. This strategy worked, as Shaggy swooped in for a three-ball run-out and the win, taking a 2-1 series lead with the win just in front of Spice. Shaggy didn't give up a wild-card ball on the break, but she did on the next shot as her defense-breaking play backfired. Shaggy then illegally potted a ball and couldn't stop Spice from taking over with a short run. Spice closed out with a pair of shots after Shaggy missed a low-percentage bank, with Spice's win retying the series at 2. Spice struck first with solids in game 5, but a back-and-forth game saw Shaggy get position at the bottom left. Spice tried a defensive play, but Shaggy evaded it, making the 11 for the win to take a 3-2 series win. Shaggy will be on the road against Harrison Specters top-seed Lexi in the bracket quarterfinals. Spice is the 51st player eliminated this season, with Shaggy picking up her first kill.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Fuchsia. The blue cue is next to finish an event, also playing its last 12-ball series of the round. Freedom's Roxy had a good break but not much luck from it in game 1, as Midland's Fuchsia kept pace. Roxy missed a kick to get positioning on a ball, and Fuchsia attacked with a four-ball run-out from there for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Fuchsia had a positive four-ball run from the game 2 break, giving her a step on the Cascades' Roxy immediately. Roxy found a few good shots and got positioned fairly well, but Fuchsia was efficient with her last two balls, winning three turns after the opening run to go up 2-0 in the series. Roxy had a large lead in game 3 when she fave Fuchsia a wild-card ball, the product of a sloppy shot. Fuchisa proceeded to charge back, but she had to give the wild-card ball back to make a defensive play. Roxy weathered one last push from Fuchsia before ending the game victorious, cutting the series deficit to 2-1. Roxy surrendered a wild-card ball on the game 4 break, and Fuchsia added a three-ball run right after that. Roxy had a four-ball run to get onto her last ball, but Fuchsia held position at Roxy's last pocket location, the bottom left. Roxy ultimately gave the game away to Fuchsia with a light touch, which gave Fuchsia the series as well at 3-1. Roxy absolutely dominated in game 5, making a four-ball run early on and adding a patient but effective attack that left Fuchsia unable to convert until her last turn. Roxy easily won, but Fuchsia advances to host a bracket quarterfinals series against the Victoria Spurs rookie Sage on a 3-2 series win.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Beth v. Shawn. The blue cue remains in action for a big series between veterans in Accuracy. Pearl's Beth held her own initially in game 1, but a spate of misses towards the end of the game confirmed the win for Midland's Shawn, who took a 1-4 result for the 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Shawn didn't have as great a start in game 2, but he played steady while the Surfers' Beth scuffled early. Shawn couldn't quite make it perfect, settling for a 1-3 win when he missed his last shot. Shawn leads Beth 2-0 in the series. Beth and Shawn engaged in a messy game 3 battle, with neither player able to hold onto a lead for long. The initial rack ended with a tie, forcing overtime, where Beth's empty break cost her the game. Shawn sent his only overtime shot to the top left for a 5-6 win to clinch the series at 3-0. Shawn didn't lose a step in game 4, keeping a lead despite some early struggles against Beth. Things didn't get better for Beth, as Shawn would close out a 1-4 win, which might have been generous to her. Shawn has a 4-0 lead in the series. Shawn couldn't complete the sweep in game 5, trailing for much of regulation before Beth dropped a shot to force overtime. Here, Shawn missed twice more, with Beth's conversion on her second shot enough for her to win 2-3. Shawn took the series 4-1, and he will host the Boston Swifts' Ice Cream in the bracket quarterfinals.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Midnight. The blue cue closes its round obligations in 8-ball with this series. Boston's Gradley started well in game 1, but had to weather an attack where Westside's Midnight made five balls over two turns before a little collateral damage. Gradley then closed with a three-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw only three turns, with the Swifts' Gradley taking a five-ball run from the break, the Rockers' Midnight firing back on a seven-ball run that just missed on the 8, and then Gradley closing out his win with a three-ball run-out. Gradley is up 2-0 in the series after that frantic battle. Midnight had plenty of offense to start in game 3, but a couple of scratches pinned her back. Gradley sputtered into action with a double-pot and scratch that kept Midnight in a weak position. Gradley then found small runs before putting a perfectly weighted shot on the 8 at the top right for the win to seal the series at 3-0. Gradley got a bit generous, giving Midnight some freebies in game 4. Midnight had her own good share of offense, but she couldn't get onto the 8 before Gradley's four-ball run-out came out of nowhere for the win. Gradley surges to a 4-0 series lead. Midnight had just pulled ahead of Gradley in a close game 5 battle when her trick shot attempt on her last solid led to the 8 falling illegally in the bottom right. This gifted Gradley the final win of his 5-0 series sweep. Gradley will host the Lighton Prestige's Nicole in the bracket quarterfinals in a Cola Wars Derby.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Hoppy v. Yekaterina Vasilyeva. The day's finale is the red cue's round finale in 15-ball. Southern's Hoppy had a strong appearance in game 1, peppering her offense throughout the rack, but she didn't do enough at the end. Victoria's Yekaterina turned a quiet game into a win with a three-ball run-out, good for a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Hoppy had a later-arriving offense in game 2, but that's more than the Spurs' Yekaterina can say in an embarrassing sequel to her win. Hoppy's highlight performance was a seven-ball run, and she made the last three balls on the next two turns for the win, tying the series at 1. Yekaterina redeemed herself in game 3 after Hoppy committed an early foul. Yekaterina had an early finish with a six-ball run-out capped by a spinning 4-15 kick combination to the top right for the win. Yekaterina is ahead 2-1 in the series. Hoppy came out firing in game 4, blasting a seven-ball run early on. Yekaterina countered on a three-ball run, but a later scratch after some back-and-forth led to Hoppy making a pair of shots for the win, tying the series again at 2. Yekaterina stormed back with a massive win in game 5, making a seven-ball run and then a pair of three-ball runs to suffocate Hoppy's offense. Yekaterina got the win on that third run, taking the series 3-2 to advance to the bracket quarterfinals, where she will visit the Archtown Arrows' Sally. Yekaterina took her second kill of the year, making Hoppy the 52nd eliminated player this year.
We'll be back tomorrow on another full day in the homestretch of round three.
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