Tournament 2018 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 9

We're back for likely a full day of games today, beginning with...

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Dani. A highly anticipated 12-ball series with the blue cue, its last of the round, leads off the day. Lighton's Acorn didn't have a big run in game 1, but he planned his shots much more efficiently than Viewpoint Sound's Dani. Acorn converted quickly at the end, his final pair to the left corners giving him the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Acorn gave away a wild-card ball on the game 2 break, and then scratched to end a three-ball run on his next turn, but still managed to complete the game before the Meteors' Dani could launch a successful counterattack. Acorn's win here pushes his series lead to 2-0. Acorn put in a bid for the best 12-ball game of all time, running the table from the game 3 break. This effort started with balls in both side pockets on the opening shot, followed by Acorn picking out the right corners before banking the 11 to the bottom left and kicking the 13 to the top left thanks to perfect execution. Acorn clinched the series at 3-0, and his fans are alight with joy at the most recent victory. Acorn had nothing on his game 4 break, allowing Dani to pick out stripes early. Acorn kept it close with a three-ball run in the middle, but didn't have enough time to make his last ball before Dani made her last three balls over two turns for the win. Acorn remains ahead 3-1 in the series. Dani was a little too generous in game 5, giving away a wild-card ball to Acorn. This was all he needed to slowly build his way to a win, giving him a 4-1 series win that sets him up to host the Southern Monarchs' Pounce in the bracket semifinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Nikolai. A battle of titans this year sees the silver cue conclude its 12-ball for the round at the start of this venue doubleheader. Freedom's Nikolai got off to a good start in game 1 before finding himself out of position on his last two shots. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy kept it close enough to rally with three balls over her last two turns for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Nikolai would not go quietly, leading off with a three-ball run in game 2. The Union's Ms. Puppy made a few shots but couldn't get in position for the remainder of her suit, as Nikolai smoothly advanced across the table and picked up the win to tie the series at 1. Nikolai had a three-ball run to start game 3, but he also gave away a wild-card ball. This was all Ms. Puppy needed, as she struck for a five-ball run-out thanks to fabulous positioning, her one-turn win restoring the series lead at 2-1 to the host. Nikolai refused to quit in game 4, getting very good positioning on his early shots. This bought him time to be patient for his last ball at the top side, while Ms. Puppy had to play strategically. Ms. Puppy had a scratch to stall Nikolai, but the visitor would get the win anyway, tying the series again at 2. Ms. Puppy held her ground in game 5, breaking out with a nice three-ball run and then picking through the rack while Nikolai straggled. Ms. Puppy took the win again, sealing the series at 3-2 to put her into a series against the Whitewater Shores' Shaggy in the bracket semifinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Kodiak v. Hannah. The blue cue returns to action for some 15-ball after the lunch break. Modernistic's Kodiak had a decent start in game 1, but he struggled in the middle, and his run at the end saw him rattle the 15 out of the bottom right. Queens' Hannah had played well enough to win and made sure to convert the 15 for the 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Hannah looked much more confident in game 2, working with short bursts of offense. Her last two turns were three-ball runs, and the Union's Kodiak found himself unable to stop Hannah from taking the win and a 2-0 series lead. Offense proved difficult to come by in the early parts of game 3. After breaking through the slow start, Hannah continued to outpace Kodiak, eventually beating him with a three-ball run-out to clinch the series at 3-0. Kodiak had at least a supermajority of the offense in game 4, including a late four-ball run to get onto the 15. Kodiak missed the 15, and Hannah cut it lightly to the bottom right to steal this win as her series lead moves to 4-0. Hannah pushed around offense quite a bit in game 5, but Kodiak was willing to battle at the end, making a three-ball run-out to avoid the sweep. Hannah settles for a 4-1 series win, and will return to this venue to meet Kodiak's Union teammate Puff I in the bracket semifinals. Hannah took her second kill of the year to make Kodiak the 95th eliminated player.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I v. Lize. Two players new to their teams meet in 10-ball with the silver cue. Pronger's Lize tried to find a 1-10 combination on her first turn in game 1, but she missed. Pacific's Twinkie I deflected the cue off the 1 to drive the 10 to the top right for the win, giving the host a 1-0 series lead. Honest offense was tough to come by in game 2, with the Volcanoes' Twinkie I getting most of her shots off from errors by the Tridents' Lize. One of these errors allowed Twinkie I to make the 7 and 8, but Lize banked the 9 to the bottom right and put the 10 in the bottom side for the win to tie the series at 1. Lize dominated the offense in game 3, using a seven-ball run on her second turn and a three-ball run-out on her third turn to easily defeat Twinkie I, who couldn't make her shots connect this time. Lize pulled ahead 2-1 in the series. Twinkie I got back on track in game 4, making five balls over her last two turns but leaving the 10 up at the top right. Lize converted on her first try, grabbing the win to seal the series at 3-1. Twinkie I charged again with a three-ball run in game 5, but Lize held her off at the end, executing a smart five-ball run-out for the win. Lize took the series 4-1, and will visit the Midland Predators star Rainmane in the bracket semifinals.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Snowball v. Marsell. Club-mates meet but it will be anything but friendly in another 10-ball series with the silver cue. Whitewater's Marsell had a decent start in game 1, but he had no chance to reply to Swordpoint's Snowball firing back on a five-ball run-out. Snowball owns a 1-0 series lead with the sharp attack. The Blades' Snowball didn't get as many clean looks in game 2, although she passed on taking a cheap-shot at the 5-10 combination after the Shores' Marsell scratched. Marsell gladly took over in the back half of the game, doing plenty to earn the win with chippy offense, all of which helped him tie the series at 1. Marsell had a commanding presence on offense in game 3, making pairs of shots throughout the game while Snowball struggled to keep her shots legal. Marsell's only mistake was missing a bank on the 9 at the bottom right, which allowed Snowball to pot the last two balls for the win. Snowball returns to a series lead at 2-1. Snowball had a chance to lock up the series in a back-and-forth game 4, but twice missed on the 10 at the bottom left. Marsell only missed the final ball once, burying it on a tap-in the second time to take the win that tied the series at 2. Snowball seemed to have the better of the offense in game 5, but difficulties on the 8 led Marsell to strike it to the bottom right on his second try before taking the 10 at the bottom side for the win. Marsell claimed a 3-2 series win, and is through to a visiting role in the bracket semifinals. Snowball is the 96th player eliminated from the Tournament, while Marsell takes his second kill this year.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Jasmine v. Gal Gadot. The silver cue remains in play, beginning a pair of Rotation series to finish off that bracket. North Modernistic's Gal struck first in game 1, but quickly succumbed to a four-ball run from Freedom's Jasmine, who would win 8-3 on a three-ball run-out after Gal scratched. Jasmine has a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Gal still had some errors in game 2, but these didn't hold her back. The Cascades' Jasmine never found a convenient run, allowing Gal to pummel a six-ball run-out to win by an 8-4 score. The series is tied at 1. Gal lacked the same big run in game 3, but maintained a steady stream of offense aided by a few errors from Jasmine. Gal ended up with an 8-3 win in the end this time, pulling ahead 2-1 in the series as she finds her shooting rhythm. Gal had a four-ball run followed by a three-ball run to establish her offense in game 4. Jasmine fired back with a four-ball run to get close, but she missed on the 13, and Gal put it away for an 8-5 win to clinch the series at 3-1. Gal fell behind quickly against Jasmine in game 5, although Jasmine faltered on offense toward the end of the game. Gal was able to tie the game before Jasmine pushed the 15 to the top left for the 8-7 win. Gal took the series 3-2, and will learn where her bracket semifinals series will be played at the end of the next series.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Quincy v. Kirstin. The second half of the silver cue's Rotation doubleheader is here. Everton's Kirstin started off well, taking the early lead, but Terrace City's Quincy had a three-ball run by shooting into clusters to take the lead. A couple of turns later, Quincy completed his 8-3 win with a four-ball run-out capped by double-potting the 8 to the bottom right and the 12 to the top right. Quincy leads the series 1-0. The Eagles' Kirstin began with a three-ball run early in game 2, only to see the Knights' Quincy counter on a six-ball run. Quincy struggled a bit from here until Kirstin scratched while potting the 11, giving Quincy the opening he needed to make a pair of shots for an 8-5 win. Quincy moves to a 2-0 series lead. Kirstin finally backed up her good starts with actual offense in game 3, using a pair of three-ball runs to take a commanding lead over Quincy. Kirstin had to be patient at the end before making her final shot to take the 8-1 win, cutting the series deficit to 2-1. Quincy fired back with a six-ball run to take a massive lead quickly in game 4. Kirstin answered on a four-ball run to tie the game with three balls left, but Quincy ultimately won 8-7 after a chase on the 15. Quincy secured the series at 3-1 with this win. Kirstin went off early in game 5, and then coasted to an 8-5 win despite a little pressure for Quincy as the game progressed. Quincy settled for a 3-2 series win, which lines him up to host an Urban rival and fellow rookie in the North Modernistic Nighthawks' Gal in the bracket semifinals. Kirstin is the 97th player to exit the Tournament, giving Quincy his first career kill.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Vladimir Vasilyev v. Spot. Eastern Hills youngster battle it out in the red cue's last 9-ball series of the round. Stonebridge's Vladimir looked good with a four-ball run early on, including a double-kiss to deflect the 4 to the bottom side. It wasn't enough to prevent Pronger's Spot from winning on a three-ball run-out, however. Spot took a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Spot took game 2 with a triple-pot on the break, burying the 7 in the top side, the 8 in the bottom right, and most importantly the 9 in the top right for the victory. The Wolves' Vladimir could only watch as Spot made it a 2-0 deficit against the host. Vladimir, desperate to keep himself in the series, used Spot's scratch on the game 3 break as the catalyst for his 1-9 combination to the top right from ball-in-hand. Vladimir converted the shot for a quick win, cutting the series to 2-1. Spot didn't have much on offense in game 4, allowing Vladimir to pace things with an early four-ball run. Vladimir slowed as the game went on, but still made the last two balls for the win, tying the series at 2 games apiece. Vladimir went stone cold for Stonebridge in game 5, biding his time against Spot before striking on a five-ball run-out to take the win and a 3-2 series win. Vladimir's ethically porous decision in game 3 proved vital as he is now set to host the Queens Flames' Violetta in a tough bracket semifinals match. Vladimir joins the league lead in kills at 3 while Spot is the 98th player out of the Tournament.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Cubby v. Cobalt. More Eastern Hills action features the red cue's last 10-ball series of the round. Eastside's Cubby had a problem with under-hitting his shots in game 1, allowing Stonebridge's Cobalt to boss possession. Cobalt sealed the win with a four-ball run-out at the end, his command impeccable as he took a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Cubby made improvements in game 2, but a miss on the 7 at the top right negated his benefit from better offense. The Wolves' Cobalt converted a three-ball run-out here, taking the win for a 2-0 series lead despite his drop in quality. Cubby took a turn toward dominance in game 3, using suffocating defense to stymie Cobalt early on before breaking out on a six-ball run-out for the win. Cubby's big win here cut the series deficit to 2-1. Cubby dropped the defense in game 4, a risky move used to generate more offense. Cobalt had a three-ball run and nearly deflected a shot on the 7 to push the 10 to the bottom left, but it stayed out. Cubby made the 7-10 combination as a tap-in that became a double-pot when the 7 dropped in the top side as Cubby won to tie the series at 2. Cubby challenged Cobalt all around the table, leading to a mixed bag on offense for both players. Cobalt knew he needed to strike at the end and did so on a three-ball run-out, cutting the 10 to the bottom left for the win. Cobalt knocked Cubby off 3-2 to earn a hosting role against the Viewpoint Sound Meteors' Vincent in the bracket semifinals. Cobalt took his first kill of the year to make Cubby's return campaign the 99th one to finish this year.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. A. Charlton. It's do or die time for both players in today's finale, which is the last Accuracy series of the round. Neither player looked particularly confident in game 1, with a mess of misses early on. Terrace City's Oreo slipped into a late tie, but Golden's Charlton fell behind again late and Oreo held on to win 4-5 for the 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Charlton had a much calmer game 2 performance, and she kept it close enough for a late miss by the Knights' Oreo to be decisive for the game. Charlton would tap in what Oreo missed to take a 1-2 win, tying the series at 1. Charlton had a good break in game 3, but two misses in a row caused her offense to fall apart, giving Oreo a lead that she wouldn't let go of. Oreo finished with a 1-2 win, regaining the series lead at 2-1. Charlton couldn't get herself back into the series in game 4, making an absolute mess with a handful of misses in the middle of the game. Oreo added to Charlton's misery with a number of positioning plays, leading to Oreo taking the 2-5 win to clinch the series at 3-1. Game 5 saw Oreo jump out to a decent lead, but let it fall apart by the end of regulation. Charlton managed to force overtime, but missed on the overtime break, and Oreo converted a shot to win 3-4. Oreo took the series 4-1, and will visit the Freedom Cascades' Nikolai in the bracket semifinals. Charlton is the 100th player to be eliminated, giving Oreo her first kill this year.

That's all for today's games. We end the bracket quarterfinals tomorrow, then take a three-day weekend for maintenance to prepare for the critical final rounds of the Tournament.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 8

We've got a reduced load of games today, playing only eight series. First up...

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I v. Noelle. The blue cue gets the first look today in 12-ball. Pacific's Twinkie I scratched on the game 1 break, but Central's Noelle couldn't get started from the kitchen. Twinkie I claimed solids, and then went on a positioning spree before her three-ball run. Noelle couldn't counter it, and Twinkie I won on her next turn for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went much slower, with the Warriors' Noelle getting down to her last two balls quickly before a tough battle for positioning. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I had a chance to win at the top left, but she rattled the shot out, and Noelle made her final pair on the next turn for the win to tie the series at 1. Noelle made a ball on the break in game 3, giving her a slight edge, and she used defense at the top left to keep Twinkie I at bay. Twinkie I did get onto her last ball but couldn't break Noelle's defense, and Noelle made a pair of shots again for the win, taking a 2-1 series lead. Noelle again struck on the break in game 4, but she didn't taking a commanding lead this time. Twinkie I lingered around just behind Noelle before risking her positioning on a three-ball run-out, which ended with her banking the 10 to the bottom side for the win. Twinkie I has retied the series at 2 with the impressive effort. Twinkie I gave away a wild-card ball early in game 5, but ended up having a better game than Noelle, as the visitor scuffled under pressure and allowed Twinkie I a clear path to victory at the end. Twinkie I took the series 3-2, and will host the Midland Predators' Fuchsia in the bracket semifinals.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Vincent Sullivan v. Crystal. The silver cue is up next to play Rotation. Queens' Crystal had the better of play in a tight game 1, as she and Viewpoint Sound's Vincent dueled for awhile before Crystal's three-ball run-out gave her an 8-5 win. Crystal leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Vincent fought back for himself in game 2, taking an early lead. Vincent struggled with some errors, but the Flames' Crystal didn't do much from ball-in-hand, and Vincent eventually found a four-ball run-out for the 8-3 win. Vincent's victory tied the series at 1. Vincent played cat-and-mouse with Crystal for much of game 3, often holding a good lead just dangling in front of Crystal. This ended when Crystal broke out on a four-ball run-out to steal the 8-7 win away, retaking the series lead at 2-1 in the process. Crystal took the early lead in a tense start to game 4, but it didn't matter much after Vincent took a five-ball run from ball-in-hand. Crystal didn't have an answer for that, and Vincent tapped in the 10 to make it an 8-4 win, tying the series again at 2. Vincent had a good start in game 5, with a pair of three-ball runs. Crystal answered the first of them with her own three-ball run, and then took the game on her next turn with a five-ball run-out for the 8-6 win. Crystal's 3-2 series win puts her in line to host the Oceanside Waves rookie Josie to renew those two teams' budding rivalry.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Shelley. The red cue comes on next for some 7-ball, the last series for it in that event. Royal's Jake looked quite good in game 1, making a pair on the break to ignite his seven-ball table-running effort. Infinity's Shelley could only watch Jake make every shot to earn himself a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Jake brought a quicker winning strategy in game 2, making the 1 to the bottom side while the 7 got bumped to the top side on the break, extending his series lead to 2-0 before the Torpedoes' Shelley has had a shot. Jake didn't dominate game 3 like he had in the previous two, actually allowing Shelley to take some shots this time. Shelley had a scratch while going for the 5, leading to Jake's three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand at the end. Jake secured the series at 3-0 with this win. Jake eased up a little more in game 4, allowing Shelley to try to solve a knot of shots this time. In the end, Jake banked the 7 to the bottom side for the win, pushing his lead in the series to 4-0. Jake and Shelley battled evenly again in game 5, but Shelley couldn't do anything to avoid the sweep when Jake buried the 5-7 combination to the top side to win the series 5-0. Jake will host the Central Warriors' Noelle in the bracket semifinals.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Jason N. v. Rudolph. A pair of rookies are set to battle in 8-ball with the blue cue. Swordpoint's Jason started off a bit slowly in game 1, but a three-ball run and a subsequent four-ball run-out combined with a lack of offense from Harrison's Rudolph meant that Jason easily took the win and 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Jason did reasonably well with a pair of three-ball runs in game 2, while the Specters' Rudolph elected to get the bulk of his offense on a five-ball run. Jason's late play was suspect, as he missed on his last ball and the 8 multiple times, while Rudolph quickly potted the 8 after finishing the solids. Rudolph's win tied the series at 1. Jason had a five-ball run early in game 3, and he quickly made another pair after that to get onto the 8, which he left near the bottom left. Rudolph, under pressure, rallied to make eight straight shots with excellent positioning, taking the win and a 2-1 series lead. Jason and Rudolph were not at their best for game 4, each one missing multiple shots they would normally make. Jason was first onto the 8, and he cut it to the top right, but a deflection off of Rudolph's last ball sent the cue to the top side for a scratch, gifting Rudolph the win and the series at 3-1. Jason looked drained to start game 5, giving away collateral damage quickly. Rudolph made a five-ball run, and then got the win after Jason had a scratch to officially end his offense. Rudolph took the series 4-1, and will be a visitor again in the bracket semifinals. Jason N. is the 92nd eliminated player this year, giving Rudolph his first career kill.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Quincy. After meeting yesterday, these players clash again in 8-ball with the blue cue. Central's Twilight came out with a seven-ball run off of a furious break, her hopes for vengeance high. Terrace City's Quincy made a three-ball run, but Twilight tapped the 8 to the bottom right to win, going up 1-0 in the series on her second turn. The Warriors' Twilight had a much weaker attack in game 2, while the Knights' Quincy kept the pace about the same. Both players had an unusually high amount of scratches, which worked to Quincy's favor when he finally made a four-ball run-out at the end for the win. Quincy has tied the series at 1. Twilight bounced back with a firm six-ball run in game 3, establishing quite a lead for herself. Quincy had a more fragmented attack, but Twilight was slow on her final ball and had to turn defensive to stop Quincy. The play worked, and Twilight made a pair of shots for the win, earning a 2-1 series lead. Quincy had the better start in game 4 with a short run, but he failed to back it up with anything. Twilight kept pace initially, and then used a four-ball run-out to take the win, clinching the series at 3-1 as well. Twilight had an empty break in game 5, allowing a seven-ball run from Quincy to materialize. Twilight had a five-ball run in response, but Quincy put the 8 in the top side for the win. Twilight won the series 3-2, getting her revenge and setting herself up to host the Lighton Prestige's Nicole in the bracket semifinals.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Shadow. The blue cue remains in play for a 9-ball series now. Midland's Fuchsia and Web City's Shadow didn't have much to separate each other in game 1, but they both rattled out late shots. Shadow's happened to be on the 9, which Fuchsia tapped in for a win and 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shadow had a bit better of the offense in game 2, but a scratch after his four-ball run put all that hard work to waste. The Predators' Fuchsia scooped up the last two shots, banking the 9 to the bottom side for the win to push her series lead to 2-0. Shadow pushed the offense again in game 3, finding a late three-ball run but missing his cut on the 9 at the bottom right. Fuchsia hasn't played poorly, but she's certainly gotten the bounces to go her way, and she tapped the 9 in here for the win to clinch the series at 3-0. Shadow didn't have good luck in game 4 either, making shots on every turn but still watching as Fuchsia buried the 9 he couldn't corral at the end. Fuchsia is up 4-0 in the series now after another fortunate win. Fuchsia still couldn't get much offense in game 5, as Shadow had a three-ball run late and then made the 8-9 combination to the bottom right on his next shot for the win. Fuchsia still won the series 4-1, and will visit the Victoria Spurs' Yekaterina in the bracket semifinals.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Lexi Woode v. Shaggy. A top seed welcomes a crafty veteran in 12-ball with the silver cue. Harrison's Lexi made a ball on the break, but had less favorable positioning later in game 1. Whitewater's Shaggy worked quickly through her shots, and put the 7 in the bottom right at the end for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Shaggy did well to get down to her last ball before the Specters' Lexi could make a shot in game 2. Shaggy didn't have much of a plan to address the bottom side, which Lexi defended well enough to pick up the win on a comeback, tying the series at 1. Lexi made two of her own and one for Shaggy as a wild-card ball on the game 3 break, and also scratched. Lexi had to play from behind, narrowly getting off the hook when Shaggy's five-ball run ended in a scratch that forced her to return the wild-card ball. Lexi just didn't have enough time to beat Shaggy, as the visitor took the 7 to the bottom left for the win and a 2-1 series lead. Shaggy gave Lexi a couple of wild-card balls in game 4, but made sure it didn't matter, making five balls over her first two turns with great positioning for her last shot. Lexi had a three-ball run to make it close, but Shaggy buried her last ball for the win to seal the series at 3-1. Shaggy popped out to a big lead again in game 5, and while she struggled to find a shot for the top side, Lexi found herself out of position on her final ball and committed illegal contact. Shaggy took the win at the top side, claiming a 4-1 series win to put herself in the bracket semifinals on the road. Lexi is the 93rd player ousted from the Tournament, giving Shaggy her second kill this year.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Paps v. Smudge. Southwestern rivals clash in today's finale series, using the red cue in its last Rotation series of the round. Tysini's Paps started game 1 with a pair of balls from the break, but Infinity's Smudge soon equaled it. Paps then went on a five-ball run that Smudge couldn't counter before kicking the 8 to the top right for the 8-3 win. Paps holds a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Paps again had to fight off an early challenge from the Torpedoes' Smudge. Tempers flared with missed shots and hard contacts as game 2 progressed, but Paps held his lead well enough to win 8-6, extending his lead in the series to 2-0. Paps jumped to the lead again in game 3, and he nearly had the win fairly early, but he scratched while potting the 11. Smudge churned her way back into a tie, but scratched on the 15 to sacrifice the result. Paps buried the 15 from ball-in-hand for the 8-7 win, securing the series at 3-0. Smudge refused to go empty in this series, blasting a six-ball run on her second turn of game 4 to take a commanding lead. After some jittery shots, Smudge found a clear one on the 9 to win 8-1, cutting the series deficit to 3-1. Smudge maintained her attack in game 5, battling with Paps initially before taking over at the end for an 8-4 win. Paps won the series 3-2, and will visit the Royal Crowns captain Nightfur in the bracket semifinals. Smudge is the 94th player to be eliminated this year, giving Paps his first kill of the year.

We're done for today, with plans to return to a full schedule tomorrow.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 7

We're back for what's shaping up to be a full day of games again as the Bracket Quarterfinals reach their final week. First up...

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Vincent Sullivan. The red cue gets the first look today, playing 10-ball. Freedom's Nikolai made a pair of balls on the break, but game 1 went slowly after that. Neither player started out comfortable, and it took awhile before Viewpoint Sound's Vincent rattled off a four-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 arguably played out even worse, as the lack of runs persisted. Neither player took control of the game, and frustrations began to show at the end before the Cascades' Nikolai made a long cut on the 10 for the win to tie the series at 1 despite his otherwise poor shooting. The Meteors' Vincent looked sharper in game 3 with a four-ball run and a pair of shots after that, but he scratched while making the 6. Nikolai took over with ball-in-hand on the 10, taking the win after potting three balls on the break. Nikolai is up 2-1 in the series. Vincent refused to go down without a fight, making the first five balls in game 4, and then pushing Nikolai around in the latter half of the game. Nikolai ended up botching his shot on the 10, and Vincent buried it for the win, retying the series at 2. Nikolai had to play for contact for much of game 5, and this didn't work so well for his style. Vincent cherished the moment, converting a 4-10 combination to the bottom side for the win, which gave him a 3-2 series win. Vincent will advance in a visiting role to the bracket semifinals.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Steven v. Patches. The silver cue is set to finish its 8-ball for the round with this series. Atlantic's Steven had a decent break in game 1, but it didn't work out for him later. Boston's Patches got onto the 8 with a six-ball run before settling for a contact play. Steven countered on a four-ball run, but Patches took the 8 on her next turn, earning a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Patches didn't have a good break in game 2, leading to a choppy battle with the Pirates' Steven. Late in the game, Steven had a pair of scratches, but Patches was unable to capitalize on them, giving up possession with missed contact. Steven then pushed forward on a four-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1. Steven played with a reckless aggression late in game 3, making a four-ball run with two instances of collateral damage to get onto the 8. Patches took full advantage of the freebies, working a three-ball run-out on her next turn for the win to retake the series lead at 2-1. Steven had a good offense in game 4, countering a four-ball run from Patches with his own three-ball run, but he twice missed on the 8, and Patches eventually rallied back to win with a three-ball run-out, clinching the series at 3-1 in the process. Patches had a tougher time making her shots in game 5, while Steven moved efficiently through clusters, holding a lead the whole game and making it count when he put down the 8. Patches won the series 3-2, and will visit the Infinity Torpedoes' Shelley in the bracket semifinals. Steven is the 88th eliminated player, giving Patches her second kill this year. This is also the end of the Atlantic Pirates Tournament season as a team.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Quincy v. Twilight. After the break, the red cue returns to play a 9-ball series. Central's Twilight came to play in game 1, finding a four-ball run in the middle and then beating Terrace City's Quincy with a pair of shots at the end. Twilight owns a 1-0 series lead early on. The Warriors' Twilight scuffled a bit to start game 2, giving a little confidence to the Knights' Quincy as he made a three-ball run. After another slow patch in the middle of the game, Twilight went off for a four-ball run-out, the big finish helping her push her series lead to 2-0. Twilight got a bit more aggressive in game 3, pushing her shots harder as she tried to pin Quincy in. This didn't work out, as Quincy escaped with a three-ball run-out at the end, kicking the 9 to the bottom side for the win, which cuts Twilight's series lead to 2-1. Quincy refused to back down in game 4, beginning with a three-ball run and then taking half of the remaining shots to pick up the win when Twilight couldn't find the 9 on a tough cut. Quincy's persistent attack tied the series at 2 with this win. Quincy struck again with a slower game 5, capitalizing when Twilight double-potted the 6 and 7 but also scratched. Quincy tapped in the 8 and cut the 9 from the ensuing ball-in-hand, easily taking the win for a 3-2 series win. Quincy will host the North Modernistic Nighthawks' Cheddar in the bracket semifinals as an Urban Derby.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Brownie v. Bianca. The blue cue plays its only series today to complete its 10-ball obligations for the round. Tysini's Brownie had the better of offense in game 1, but after a long fight on the 6, it took awhile to appear. Brownie beat Southridge's Bianca with a four-ball run-out, good for a 1-0 series lead after the win. The Hummingbirds' Brownie again got to pace the offense in game 2, while the Defenders' Bianca stumbled over some of her shots. Bianca had two instances of light contact, and one double-tapped shooting foul, all eventually leading to Brownie taking the last two shots for the win and a 2-0 series lead. Bianca finally showed some urgency in game 3, attacking with pace and blowing right by Brownie on a late six-ball run-out. Bianca's burst of offense earned her a win to cut the series to 2-1. Bianca didn't have much offense in game 4, watching as Brownie made a six-ball run to start this time. Bianca battled back at the end, taking the win after all with a pair of shots after Brownie couldn't add a supporting run. Bianca's win ties the series at 2. Bianca pulled off the full comeback despite not having much of the offense in game 5, answering runs of four and three balls by Brownie with a cut on the 10. Bianca took the series 3-2 with this win, and will face her Defenders teammate Stephanie in the bracket semifinals. Bianca is joining the league leaders for kills at 3, with Brownie now the 89th player eliminated.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Patches. The red cue is set to finish its Accuracy for the round when these two captains clash. Westside's Misty got the better of a difficult game 1, staying even at first before locking down with the lead. Boston's Patches spiraled a bit in the middle, but looked sharp at the end of Misty's 2-5 win, which gives the host a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Misty played to perfection for most of game 2, but fell apart toward the end. Lucky for Misty, the Swifts' Patches wasn't able to capitalize on these late mistakes, and Misty managed to take a 3-4 win this time, extending her lead in the series to 2-0. Misty kept herself and her team in the Tournament in game 3, winning a back-and-forth battle with Patches by a 3-4 score again to clinch the series at 3-0. Misty didn't have her best, but when Patches missed twice in a row late, Misty was able to take the definitive win. Patches avoided the sweep with a cleaner performance in game 4, outlasting a shaky comeback attempt from Misty to grab the 2-3 win. Misty remains ahead by a 3-1 lead in the series. Patches and Misty combined for a sloppy game 5 with the series already decided. Patches eventually scratched on a difficult last ball, allowing Misty to win 5-6, which pushes her series lead to 4-1. Misty will visit the Pronger Tridents rookie Lize in the bracket semifinals.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Ice Cream v. Juno. The red cue stays in action as the other remaining Swift hosts a 12-ball series. Boston's Ice Cream scratched on the game 1 break, giving Stonebridge's Juno an easy start. Juno took a moderate pace but still blew by Ice Cream for the win and 1-0 series lead with a confident offense. The Wolves' Juno made illegal contact on her first shot after the break after getting the suits confused, leading to the Swifts' Ice Cream making a four-ball run. Juno pulled back with a three-ball run to even things up, but Ice Cream beat her to the finish with a pair of shots at the left corners for the win. The series is tied at 1. Ice Cream had a rough start in game 3, allowing Juno to pick apart her suit pretty quickly with a four-ball run. Juno had trouble on her last ball at the bottom side, but an awkward hard miss from Ice Cream from ball-in-hand after getting down to her last ball defensively led to Juno potting her final ball for the win. Juno regained the series lead at 2-1 thanks to Ice Cream's mistake. Juno couldn't quite ignite the offense in the same way for game 4, while Ice Cream collected a four-ball run to pull ahead before sinking the last two balls soon after as Juno still sought positioning. Ice Cream's win retied the series at 2. Ice Cream came out on a mission in game 5, ripping a three-ball run from the break with a scratch, and then adding a four-ball run-out while surrendering a wild-card ball that Juno never got to put to use. Ice Cream won the series 3-2, and will host the Modernistic Union's Daisy in the bracket semifinals. Half the field is out, with Juno the 90th eliminated, giving Ice Cream her first kill of the year.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Chelsea v. Luigi. The silver cue is back in this series, ready to go for 9-ball. Eastside's Chelsea kept things pretty even with North Modernistic's Luigi before striking a 5-9 bank combination perfectly to the bottom right. Chelsea's surprising shot was the winner, giving her a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Chelsea couldn't get much beyond the break in game 2, as the Nighthawks' Luigi dominated the offense with a quick three-ball run and then intermittent bursts after that. Luigi managed to make the last pair of balls himself, taking the win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Luigi backed off on offense in game 3, while Chelsea didn't do much to fill the void, leading to a slow-moving game. Chelsea picked things up at the end, striking for a three-ball run-out to take the lead which restores her series lead at 2-1. Chelsea took care of business in game 4, controlling the pace of play while Luigi had errors on nearly every one of his turns. Chelsea took advantage of a late scratch by Luigi, making a three-ball run-out from the following ball-in-hand to secure the series at 3-1. Game 5 returned to a slow pace on both sides until Luigi found a three-ball run. Chelsea answered with a pair but left the 9 up at the top right for Luigi to tap in for the win. Chelsea advances on a 3-2 series win, and she'll host the Maplewood Lumberjacks' Whiskers in the bracket semifinals.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Marsell. The silver cue's last series of the day is also its last in 15-ball for the round. Web City's Jack did pull off a chaotic quad-pot in game 1, using the 2 to blast a cluster that sent four balls into the right corners. Jack did very little after that, with Whitewater's Marsell chipping his own path to a win and 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Jack continued to cede possession with many errors in a difficult game 2. The Shores' Marsell lost a bit of sharpness as well, but he gladly took as many free shots as Jack gave him. Marsell would benefit at the end, making the last pair of shots to take the win for a 2-0 series lead. Jack finally had a shining moment in game 3, making a nine-ball run to take the majority share of the offense, but he faltered on the 13. Marsell made the last three shots over two turns for the win, clinching the series at 3-0. Jack continued to have a better impression on offense in game 4, but after a three-ball run he missed three times and scratched while trying to make the 15. Marsell cleaned up the scraps, moving to a 4-0 series lead in the process. Marsell had a decent break in game 5, but Jack supplied a fantastic highlight, hitting the 2-15 combination to the top left off a 7-10 bumper, with the 2 also falling in the top side for the double-pot. Marsell still took the series 4-1, but it wasn't a flawless performance by any means. Jack is the 91st player ousted so far, with Marsell finally taking his first kill.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Zach v. Dani. The red cue returns to action as two highly-ranked players meet in 10-ball. Pronger's Zach had a good start in game 1, making some tricky shots to avoid a stagnant start. Viewpoint Sound's Dani did better at growing into the game, striking on her last two turns to pick up the win for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Meteors' Dani set the tone with an early seven-ball run in game 2, but she couldn't make contact for a cut on the 7. The Tridents' Zach finished the game from here with a three-ball run-out, his win going on to tie the series at 1. Zach looked uncomfortable in game 3, again holding only a minority of the possession. Zach's poor play here gave Dani another opening to attack, and she did so at the end with a three-ball run-out to pick up the win, reclaiming the series lead at 2-1 for herself. Dani tried to time her run better in game 4, making a three-ball run over the middle before an awkward miss on the 7. Zach fired back with a three-ball run of his own, just leaving the 10 outside the bottom left, where Dani had a tap-in to secure the game and the series at 3-1. Dani couldn't quite find her offense with as much success in game 5, but Zach didn't take the game quickly either. Instead, it was a choppy finish with Zach making the 10 after Dani couldn't play off the 9 that made it a 3-2 series win for Dani, who will visit the Commerce Tradewinds' Taylor in the bracket semifinals.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Shadow. Captains in the midst of good seasons collide in 12-ball with the red cue to end the day. Pearl's Watermelon looked in total control of game 1 after opening with a three-ball run, but she couldn't line up her last shot very well. Web City's Shadow came out of nowhere on a five-ball run-out, completing a comeback win for a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shadow had an empty break, but still managed to get onto his last ball faster than the Surfers' Watermelon. This didn't matter much, as defense was the core of Watermelon's game 2 effort, and when she removed it, she was faster to pot her last ball for the win, tying the series at 1. Watermelon blasted in a pair on the break in game 3, making it a three-ball run on her next shot. Shadow fired back with a decent run, but gave away a wild-card ball to Watermelon, who then positioned and knocked in her last two shots over three turns while Shadow struggled with positioning on his remaining shots. Watermelon is ahead 2-1 in the series. Watermelon opened with a four-ball run in game 4, putting a lot of pressure on Shadow, who replied with a crafty three-ball run along the bottom rail. A later scratch by Watermelon tilted the game favorably for Shadow, who made his last three shots over two turns to get the win, retying the series at 2. Shadow had a good break in game 5, pushing himself forward on offense. Watermelon offered plenty of pressure with her four-ball run, but Shadow answered on a three-ball run-out for the win and 3-2 series win. Shadow will be on the road in the bracket semifinals.

That's all for today's games. We'll play a reduced schedule tomorrow as we glide toward the finish of the round.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 6

We're playing a full day on a weekend here, beginning with...

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sydney Sierota v. Nicole. The silver cue gets the first look today in a series of 9-ball. Harrison's Sydney had a positive start in game 1, while Lighton's Nicole couldn't quite figure her offense out. Sydney managed to find a four-ball run-out at the end, cutting her way to a win and 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Nicole bounced back on offense in game 2, controlling the pace of the game and finding a late four-ball run to get onto the 9. Nicole missed, leaving an easy straight shot that the Specters' Sydney converted for the win to push her series lead to 2-0. Neither player really had a grasp on game 3, struggling in even measures especially as the game progressed. Sydney missed on the 9 twice, giving Nicole her successful third try to get the win, which cuts Sydney's series lead to 2-1. Sydney had a smoother performance in game 4, making a four-ball run over the middle to help keep the game moving. It wasn't enough, as she missed an 8-9 kick combination attempt, and Nicole made the last two balls on separate shots for the win, tying the series at 2. Game 5 reverted to a stingy attack on both sides. Sydney made one critical mistake, scratching on her attempt at the 7, which opened Nicole up for a three-ball run-out for the win and 3-2 comeback series win. Nicole will be on the road yet again in the bracket semifinals with this Cinderella bid. Nicole took her second kill of the year to make Sydney the 82nd eliminated player.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Kirstin v. Cassandra. Next up is some 15-ball with the red cue between confident opponents. Everton's Kirstin had some good looks in game 1, but she let it fade as the game progressed, and Diamond's Cassandra picked up the slack with five of the last six balls potted. Cassandra's late surge gave her the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Cassandra had a productive four-ball run to start game 2 despite a weak break, and then backed it up at the end with a four-ball run-out, topping the Eagles' Kirstin's three-ball run in the middle of the game. Cassandra's big runs give her a 2-0 series lead. Cassandra delivered another poor break in game 3, and this time it slowed down the early offense. Cassandra broke the funk with a four-ball run, and then added the 10 and 11-15 combination to the bottom right after Kirstin couldn't get more than a pair in response. Cassandra's combo shot secured the series for her at 3-0. Cassandra scratched early in game 4, allowing Kirstin to take a bit of offense. Cassandra had a five-ball run and a three-ball run a couple of turns later, but Kirstin took the three-ball run-out at the end to get the win, cutting the series to 3-1. Kirstin went full-powered in game 5, attacking with a seven-ball run early on and then countering Cassandra's limited possession with a three-ball run-out at the end. Cassandra still won the series 3-2, and will host her bracket semifinals series against the Maplewood Lumberjacks' Bryant.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Jasmine v. Violetta. Two of this year's best clash in 9-ball with the red cue in an epic series. Freedom's Jasmine had a pair of balls from the break in game 1, but missed contact with the 3 on a kick attempt. From ball-in-hand, Queens' Violetta did a seven-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead, executing her shots to her usual high standard. The Flames' Violetta made three balls on the break of game 2, but her offense went cold from there, allowing the Cascades' Jasmine a pair on her first turn and a three-ball run-out to close the game with a win. Jasmine has tied the series at 1 game apiece. Jasmine opened game 3 with a four-ball run before the offense slowed on both sides. Violetta's first turn was weak, but she made the final pair of shots after Jasmine couldn't assemble a second run. Violetta restored her series lead at 2-1 with this win. Violetta couldn't get a grip on her offense for game 4, and while Jasmine wasn't particularly sharp this time either, she made the shots she needed to for the win. Jasmine has retied the series at 2, setting up the desired final game to decide the series. Violetta waited patiently for a big moment in game 5, finding it at the end as she made a four-ball run-out to defeat Jasmine in the game and the 3-2 series. Violetta will play on the road again in the bracket semifinals.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Whiskers. A pair of club-mates battle in 9-ball as well, but with the silver cue. Southern's Dominic had a good break in game 1, but he benefited more from Maplewood's Whiskers having some shaky shots at the end. Dominic was able to win with the last two balls, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers had an impressive finish in game 2 after an uneventful duel with the Monarchs' Dominic early on. Whiskers used the 5 to split the 6 and 9, unintentionally making the 8 at the top left. Whiskers then cut the 5-9 combination to the bottom side for the win, tying the series at 1. Whiskers absolutely dominated in game 3, working a six-ball run from the break, and then burying a three-ball run-out when Dominic flubbed his shot on the 6. Whiskers pulled ahead 2-1 in the series with this win. Whiskers lacked a similar run in game 4, but a consistent presence on offense served her well. Dominic felt the pressure and missed on the 8 late in the game, allowing Whiskers to pot a pair for the win, clinching the series for her at 3-1. Whiskers had a four-ball run over the middle of game 5, but she got reckless and allowed Dominic to make a 7-9 combination to the top left for his second win. Whiskers settled for a 3-2 series win, advancing to the bracket semifinals. Dominic is the 83rd eliminated player this year, and the first kill for Whiskers.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Hannah. The red cue ends its 8-ball obligations for the round with this series. Atlantic's Delila made a ball on the break but couldn't sustain a run on either of her two turns. Queens' Hannah dominated with a five-ball run first and a crisp three-ball run-out to take the win for a 1-0 series lead after game 1. The Flames' Hannah had a slower start in game 2, allowing a bit of a battle with the Pirates' Delila early on. Hannah added a scratch to set her back, making her five-ball run-out at the end all the more impressive, the surge sending her to another win and a 2-0 series lead. Hannah found another five-ball run on her second turn in game 3, and then she used the 8 defensively at the end to stall Delila. The plan worked, as Delila couldn't pot her last stripe before Hannah tapped the 8 into the top right for the win to seal the series at 3-0. Hannah couldn't break out onto a run in game 4, as Delila finally did enough on defense to slow the visitor. Delila began with a four-ball run and then cruised to a win at the end, cutting the series to 3-1. Delila controlled the offense for the most part in game 5 as well, but she took a bad shot on the 8 at the end, illegally potting it to gift the win away to Hannah, who took the series 4-1. Hannah will visit the Todavía Stills' Prism in the bracket semifinals. Delila is the 84th player out of the Tournament, and Hannah recorded her first kill in the big series win.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Jennifer Livilotti v. Josie. Two determined foes clash in Rotation with the silver cue. Game 1 started out pretty even until Oceanside's Josie seized control of the offense. Josie then struggled with misses and a scratch, allowing Terrace City's Jennifer the full comeback topped by a four-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the 8-7 win and 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Jennifer couldn't get anything on a good break in game 2, but the Waves' Josie squandered a chance at a good run. Jennifer proceeded to use short bursts of offense effectively, building her lead and then closing out the win at 8-3 to move her series lead to 2-0. A poor break and a lack of clear shots ruined Jennifer's offense in game 3, allowing Josie to take a lot of her points from favorable shooting positions or ball-in-hand. Josie didn't use speed as her preference, instead chipping her way to an 8-5 win to cut the series to 2-1. Josie made a pair of balls on the break in game 4, and never really looked back, as Jennifer never pressured in this game. Josie used pairs to build her offense to an 8-1 win, tying the series at 2 with the dominant game. Josie trailed for most of game 5, as Jennifer slowly built her way to a lead, only to see it crash down when Josie found a five-ball run-out for the 8-6 win. Josie took the series 3-2, earning a visiting position in the bracket semifinals. Josie joins the league lead with her third kill, while Jennifer is the 85th ousted player this year.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sally v. Yekaterina Vasilyeva. The red cue finishes off another page for the round, this one being 15-ball. Victoria's Yekaterina gave away game 1, her deflection attempt off the 5 illegally touching the 15 and banking it to the top left. While she fumed at the official for the ruling, Archtown's Sally picked up a 1-0 series lead as a gift from the visitor. The two players combined for a boring start to game 2, but picked things up when the Arrows' Sally had a three-ball run. The Spurs' Yekaterina answered on a four-ball run, but she left the 15 at the bottom right, and Sally took the tap-in to win, moving ahead 2-0 in the series. Yekaterina made a 5-8-11-6-9 kick combination to the top left as a highlight shot in game 3. There wasn't much else positive for Yekaterina until the end of the game, as Sally missed on the 14. Yekaterina made it and then buried the 15 to the bottom left for the win, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Sally made a disaster of her offense in game 4, stagnant throughout until sending the cue off the table in response to Yekaterina's late five-ball run. Yekaterina used ball-in-hand to collect the last two shots for the win, tying the series at 2 after a less-than impressive start to the game. Game 5 saw Sally do alright early on, but gradually cede possession to Yekaterina. Sally was running out of steam near the end, and could only watch as Yekaterina lasered the 12-15 combination to the bottom left for the win. Yekaterina took the series 3-2, and will visit the North Modernistic Nighthawks' Luigi in the bracket semifinals. Yekaterina is now also on the league lead with three kills, making Sally the 86th eliminated player this year.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Bells. The host tries to correct his team's recent slide in this Accuracy series with the silver cue. Freedom's Nikolai played perfectly in game 1, leaving Todavía's Bells no path to make up for her early miss. Nikolai's brilliant shooting resulted in a 0-2 win and 1-0 series lead for himself. The Cascades' Nikolai had a scratch while potting two balls on the break of game 2, putting himself behind immediately. The Stills' Bells played an even game from that point, enough to pull out a 2-3 win to tie the series at 1 after a close battle. Nikolai returned to perfect form in game 3, while Bells floundered so much early on that the result was revealed rather quickly. A double-pot secured last-shot advantage for Nikolai, not that he needed it in a 0-4 win that restored his series lead at 2-1. Nikolai came out of the gate pretty slowly in game 4, making a mess of his early shots. This put him behind, and another miss in the middle of the game assured that Bells would hold on to win 2-3 despite a late miss of her own. Bells has retied the series again at 2. Nikolai and Bells did not bring their best in game 5, instead playing to a sloppy performance that favored Nikolai 4-5 in the end. Nikolai won the series 3-2 to earn a hosting position in the bracket semifinals. Nikolai took his first kill of the year, with Bells as the 87th player eliminated from the Tournament.

Ebay Center, Queens: Violetta v. B. Chapman. The blue cue's only appearance today is in 7-ball in this series. North Modernistic's Chapman gave a realistic challenge to Queens' Violetta in game 1, making a three-ball run late but leaving the 7 at the top right. Violetta had an easy tap-in for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Violetta pounded in a five-ball run in game 2, a powerful attack stymied by a missed contact on the 6. The Nighthawks' Chapman took over with ball-in-hand, making the last two shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw both players take a drastic step backward in quality of play, as they scuffled along for quite some time before Chapman buried a three-ball run-out to take a 2-1 series lead over Violetta. Chapman secured the series with a quick strike win in game 4, putting the 5 in the bottom right, the 6 in the top right, and the 7 in the bottom side off the break to earn a 3-1 series lead. Violetta salvaged game 5 with a three-ball run over the middle and the final pair of shots on her next turn after Chapman had a bad miss on the 6. Chapman still won the series 3-2, and will advance to the bracket semifinals.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Tigerette v. Peach. Urban captains go at it in 15-ball to close out today's games. Commerce's Tigerette showed better offense early in game 1, but had enough left over at the end to beat North Modernistic's Peach. Tigerette knocked in three of the last four balls for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Tigerette brought a more balanced offense to game 2, saving up some energy for the late game this time. The Nighthawks' Peach didn't come close to even in possession, and could only watch as Tigerette unleashed a five-ball run-out in the end to take another win for a 2-0 series lead. Tigerette came out blazing with a six-ball run fairly early in game 3. Peach did what she could to obstruct as the game progressed, but her lack of offense proved costly as Tigerette would make the last two balls for the win to seal the series at 3-0. A couple of cluster-busting shots in game 4 freed up the 15 and put it very near the bottom left. Tigerette took an errant swipe at it to put it on the edge, but it was Peach with a 3-15 kick combination for the win at the end, cutting the series to 3-1. Peach did a little better for herself in game 5, keeping pace with Tigerette on the offense and striking at the end to make the last two shots. Tigerette accepted a 3-2 series win, and she will play host to her Tradewinds teammate Rosemary in the bracket semifinals.

That's all for today. We are officially taking Sunday off, with action resuming on Monday with a full session.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 5

We're back to close out the week with a full day of games. We begin with...

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Nicole. This Cola Wars Derby is in 8-ball with the blue cue. Lighton's Nicole had a four-ball run early in game 1, pacing her attack to stay a step ahead of Boston's Gradley for the entire game. Gradley came close on a late push, but Nicole made two shots to take the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Gradley had a more productive start in game 2, making a four-ball run with a little collateral damage. The Prestige's Nicole stayed close but behind for most of the game, until she found a three-ball run-out ending with a tap-in on the 8 at the top left for the win. Nicole's series lead is now at 2-0. Gradley again started the attack in game 3, using a three-ball run with another collateral damage play. Nicole was a little more aggressive this time, wrangling the lead away and setting up the 8 at the top right before burying it on a tap-in on her next turn when Gradley couldn't do anything with his turn. Nicole clinched the series at 3-0. Gradley began with a seven-ball run in a feisty and defiant game 4 effort, but he didn't finish off the 8 on multiple chances, and Nicole punished that with a six-ball run-out for the win to move her ahead 4-0 in the series. Gradley continued to push early in game 5, but Nicole was willing to battle with him. This led to a number of choppy turns, with Nicole ultimately sticking herself in an impossible position on the 8 and still nearly converting. Gradley made it at the top left for the win, giving Nicole a 4-1 series win. Nicole advances to the bracket semifinals. Gradley is the 76th eliminated player, with Nicole grabbing her first kill of the year.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Peach v. Missy. The blue cue stays in action for a series of 7-ball. Capital City's Missy had every chance she needed to control game 1, but a rattled miss on the 4 ruined her game, allowing a sloppy effort from North Modernistic's Peach to be punctuated by a three-ball run-out for the win. Peach leads the series 1-0. The Nighthawks' Peach just about trimmed errors out of her offense in game 2, and then used a missed contact by the Sharpshooters' Missy to rally on a five-ball run-out from ball-in-hand. Peach's big finishing attack gave her a 2-0 series lead. Peach absolutely dominated in game 3, growing into the series with two balls from the break and a four-ball run-out after Missy couldn't corral any shots for a late push of her own. Peach's win confirmed the series in her favor at 3-0. Peach continued to find a variety of ways to win in game 4, suffering through a four-ball run by Missy that ended with a missed 5-7 combination at the bottom right. Peach deflected the cue off the 5 to tap the 7 in for the win, making it a 4-0 series lead now. Peach finally faltered in a close game 5, which saw her do her share of the offense before leaving the 7 lined up at the top side for Missy on the final turn. Missy converted for the win, giving Peach just a 4-1 series win to take with her into the bracket semifinals. Missy exits the Tournament as the 77th player knocked out, with Peach responsible in her first kill.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Wings. The red cue takes a turn next, playing Rotation between these two veterans. Golden's Strut started well in game 1, but Central's Wings did everything necessary to make it a back-and-forth battle between the two. Wings ultimately prevailed on an 8-6 win, chipping his way to the win at the end for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went much the same, with both players keeping things close initially. The Warriors' Wings went ahead after the middle of the game, but he couldn't close it out, as the Pilots' Strut charged back with a four-ball run-out to win 8-6. Strut's win tied the series at 1. Wings had all the control early in game 3, pinging his shots around and leaving Strut with virtually no clear looks. Wings just couldn't put the 10 in the top side, leading to Strut making the next six balls throughout a scattering of turns to steal the 8-7 win. Strut pulls ahead 2-1 in a tense series. Strut had a slow start in game 4, although Wings wasn't able to capitalize it as most of their early plays were for contact on the 2. Strut then broke out on a six-ball run to build a massive lead, and he shut the door with an 8-2 win to secure the series at 3-1. Strut couldn't get anything going in game 5, while Wings delivered a four-ball run-out to take the game 8-3. Strut settled for a 3-2 series win to put him on the road against the Everton Eagles' Cleo in the bracket semifinals. Wings is the 78th eliminated player this year, giving Strut his second kill.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Shiny v. Whiskers. A Northeastern Derby is renewed in Accuracy with the red cue. Maplewood's Whiskers was nearly untouchable save for a single miss in the middle of game 1, while Web City's Shiny fell behind early and never recovered. Whiskers won easily at 1-4, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shiny didn't let one bad game throw her off, returning fire with an exceptional game 2 performance. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers held even for awhile, but a couple of misses set her too far back, as Shiny buckled down in the end to win 1-3, tying the series at 1. Both players remained perfect for a large portion of game 3 before exchanging misses. Whiskers made her next shot, while Shiny faltered to fall behind. Whiskers would not bend after this, taking the 1-3 win to regain her series lead at 2-1. Whiskers delivered a spread break in game 4, leaving plenty of shooting options. Shiny did miss once in the middle of the game, but she recovered to leave Whiskers in bad positions twice late in the game. Whiskers missed both times, dropping the 1-2 result to Shiny, who tied the series again at 2. Whiskers and Shiny met in an epic game 5 battle, with Whiskers holding the lead late after a bad miss from Shiny. Whiskers couldn't strike from distance on the last ball, while Shiny converted to force overtime, and then won it two turns in after leaving Whiskers with a bad position. Shiny's 2-3 win gave her the series at 3-2 and a hosting spot in the bracket semifinals to go with it.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Puff III. Club-mates meet in the silver cue's only appearance today, in 7-ball. Oceanside's Celestia finally erupted for a seven-ball run-out after a poor start for both her and Everton's Puff III in game 1. Puff III had illegal contact to spark Celestia's run to the win that gave the host a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia didn't have as much control after the break in game 2, but the Eagles' Puff III barely took advantage of it, showing up very weak on offense. Celestia played patiently until finding a route to a four-ball run-out for the win, which extends her series lead to 2-0. Celestia continued to dominate on possession in game 3, a four-ball run at the start and a pair at the end overwhelming Puff III. Puff III's only mistake was a miss on the 5 at the bottom side on her second shot after Celestia's opening run. Celestia sealed the series at 3-0 with the win. Celestia kept going with a ball on the break before a tough start to game 4. Puff III couldn't pot the 3 later on, which Celestia did as a double-pot with the 6 at the right corners before a smooth cut on the 7 to the top right for the win to move her series lead to 4-0. Celestia made three balls on the game 5 break, sending the 4 to the bottom right, the 5 to the bottom side, and the 7 to the top side for the win. Celestia swept the series 5-0, earning her spot in the bracket semifinals. Puff III is the 79th player to exit the Tournament, giving Celestia her second kill this year.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Shaggy. A minor Urban Derby rivalry features next in 10-ball with the blue cue. Neither player had an easy start in game 1, but Whitewater's Shaggy very subtly found her way before Modernistic's Daisy really knew what was happening. Shaggy attacked with a six-ball run-out full of mid-range shots to get the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Shaggy scratched on the game 2 break, leading to a three-ball run and bad miss on the 4 for the Union's Daisy. Shaggy made Daisy pay for the mistake, cutting the 4 to the top right with the deflection sinking the 10 in the bottom right for the win and a 2-0 series lead. Daisy had the better of play in game 3, with a four-ball run early on and a later pair of shots, but she also scratched with the 10 as the only ball left. Shaggy wasted no time in potting the 10 to the bottom left for the win, clinching the series at 3-0 in the process. Daisy had a couple of positive moments in game 4, but when she missed on the 2, Shaggy took over to pot it to the bottom left before putting the 3-10 combination in the bottom right for the win. Shaggy's dedication to striking quickly gives her a 4-0 lead in the series. Daisy had some good offense in game 5 initially, but Shaggy took over with a six-ball run before two misses on the 10. Daisy had a chance to make the 10 on a slight cut, but left it outside of the top right, and Shaggy made the tap-in to finally get the win. Shaggy earned a 5-0 series sweep to put her on the road against the Central Warriors' Noelle in the bracket semifinals.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stephanie Livilotti v. Gizmo. The blue cue gets another turn in 10-ball. Eastside's Gizmo had a four-ball run, including a double-pot of the 4 and 5 to the left corners, in game 1, but he couldn't make it work at the end. Southridge's Stephanie answered with a three-ball run-out for the win, pulling ahead 1-0 in the series. The Defenders' Stephanie had a subdued attack in game 2, still providing offense but without as much pace this time. Stephanie's finish looked hot with trick plays on the 8 and 9, but her bank on the 10 stayed up at the top left. The Sharks' Gizmo scratched while trying to tap it in, giving Stephanie a free shot on the 10 for the win, which moves her series lead to 2-0. Stephanie found a new and creative way to pick up the win in game 3, this time going on a deep eight-ball run-out to find victory against a hapless Gizmo, who hasn't locked in his shot nearly enough. Stephanie's win seals the series at 3-0. Stephanie continued to gouge out chunks of offense, this time collecting a four-ball run from the break and two subsequent pairs of shots in another dominating win over Gizmo that runs her series lead to 4-0. Stephanie had another good game on offense in game 5, but it didn't hold up when a three-ball run of hers ended in a scratch. Gizmo took over with a three-ball run-out of his own to take the win, avoiding the sweep while taking a 4-1 series loss. Stephanie is into the bracket semifinals. Stephanie stays alive with her first kill of the year, making Gizmo the 80th eliminated player.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Chelsea v. Whiskers. The red cue is up next, ready to play 7-ball between strong veterans. Eastside's Chelsea took advantage of an untimely scratch for Maplewood's Whiskers in game 1. Chelsea converted the 2-7 combination to the bottom right straight from ball-in-hand for the win, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Sharks' Chelsea held her own on offense in game 2, waiting for a chance to strike. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers obliged with that, missing on the 6 and leaving Chelsea with an easy 6-7 combination to the bottom right. Whiskers' unfortunate positioning helped Chelsea push her series lead to 2-0. Chelsea made four balls on the break of game 3, but also scratched, sending one to each corner. Whiskers didn't get distracted, making the 2 on her first turn and then the 3 and 7 to the bottom side on her second turn for the win to cut the series to 2-1. Whiskers remained sharp early in game 4, but she drifted into a lesser offense as the game went on, missing twice on the 6. This eventually gave Chelsea the opening she needed to make a pair of shots at the end for the win, securing the series at 3-1 in favor of the host. Whiskers struck with a four-ball run in game 5, but a miss on the 5 turned possession right back to Chelsea, who won on her next turn with a pair of shots after Whiskers rattled the 6 at the bottom left. Chelsea had a 4-1 series win, and will visit the Web City Spiders' Ted in the bracket semifinals.

Apple Center, Todavía: Anton v. Klaus. A rookie takes on a sophomore as the blue returns for the next 7-ball series. Todavía's Anton began with a five-ball run from the break in game 1, but couldn't convert on the 6. Atlantic's Klaus took over from here, burying the last two shots to get a quick win and 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Klaus had a bad foul in the middle of game 2, missing contact with the 4 to give ball-in-hand to the Stills' Anton. The host Anton struck for a 4-7 combination to the top right to get the win, tying the series at 1. Anton began with a three-ball run from the break in game 3, and then took a slower approach at the finish. Klaus had chances to counter Anton, but mostly failed to produce offense as Anton marched away with the win to take a 2-1 series lead. Klaus seemed to find a little more offense early in game 4, working an early run. Anton wouldn't allow this at the end, taking ball-in-hand after Klaus' missed contact play and using it for a three-ball run-out to earn the win. Anton sealed the series at 3-1. Klaus finally had a chance to dominate in game 5, rallying with a six-ball run-out for a quick win. Anton still won the series 3-2, and will be hosting the North Modernistic Nighthawks captain Peach in the bracket semifinals at this venue. Klaus is the 81st eliminated player, with Anton taking his first career kill.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Pounce v. Bandit. Today's final series is in 12-ball with the blue cue, also playing out on the coast. Swordpoint's Bandit did better early in game 1, setting himself up for an easier finish as he made his last two balls while Southern's Pounce still sought positioning on three shots. Bandit leads the series 1-0. The Blades' Bandit made two balls on the break, but didn't have the best of positioning after that. The Monarchs' Pounce navigated the table well, but his attempt to line up his last ball bumped in one of Bandit's two remaining shots. Bandit quickly deposited the other in the bottom side, escaping a tough situation with a win to push his series lead to 2-0. Bandit illegally potted a ball on the game 3 break, but with a grey area in the rules for that, he kept possession. Pounce was willing to left Bandit thin the herd a bit before striking on his first and second turns, quickly finding himself down to his last ball. Pounce put the 13 near the bottom left, and then managed to stifle Bandit's options by making contact plays for half a dozen turns before converting it for the win. Bandit's series lead is down to 2-1 after this frustrating game. Pounce had a ball on the break in game 4, but Bandit supplied a four-ball run after that to induce a little panic. Bandit struggled to get positioning for his last two shots, but was nearly there after Pounce scratched. Bandit missed at the top side, allowing Pounce to pot two shots for the win, tying the series at 2. Pounce made two balls on the break, and then received a wild-card ball from Bandit. This nearly disrupted Pounce's rhythm, but he settled in and outplayed Bandit when each player was on their last ball. Pounce's win gives him a 3-2 series win, and puts him into the bracket semifinals.

We'll likely be back for eight to ten series tomorrow, depending on physical needs.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 4

We're ready to continue with action in the fourth round, beginning today with...

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Graham v. Cleo. Former club-mates meet in a series of Rotation with the red cue to kick things off. Everton's Cleo had the majority of early offense through short runs, frustrating Eastside's Graham for quite some time. Cleo scratched on the 9, which sparked Graham for a four-ball run, and he won with a three-ball run-out after the 11 proved too tricky for Cleo as well. Graham's 8-7 win puts him up 1-0 in the series. The Eagles' Cleo bounced back well in game 2, falling behind the Sharks' Graham initially but turning it into a back-and-forth battle to keep things interesting. Cleo would make the last two balls on sharp cuts to win 8-7, tying the series at 1. Cleo used a four-ball run to start in game 3, an impactful attack that paced the offense well. Graham cut into the deficit a little bit near the end, but Cleo pulled away and won 8-2, taking the series lead at 2-1 as she protected this lead better than in game 1. Graham bounced back with a four-ball run to start game 4, building up a nice lead. He allowed Cleo to get close to this initial attack before rattling off a few shorter turns to collect an 8-3 win, retying the series at 2. Graham struck first in game 5, but Cleo matched him with a three-ball run later on. From there, the two tangled in a fierce battle, ending with Cleo prevailing 8-6 for the 3-2 series win. Cleo will be hosting her bracket semifinals series. Cleo has her second kill this year, forcing Graham out as the 71st eliminated player.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Shawn v. Ice Cream. We continue with the blue cue up for Accuracy. Midland's Shawn had a good game 1 going for most of the rack, but two late misses dropped him into a tie, and Boston's Ice Cream did enough to force overtime. Shawn missed on the overtime break, and Ice Cream made a shot to win 2-3, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Shawn played a little smarter late in game 2, keeping a close game in his control by giving the Swifts' Ice Cream bad shooting positions. Ice Cream couldn't defy these plays, missing twice late to assure Shawn of his 2-5 win to tie the series at 1. Shawn and Ice Cream stayed perfect for a long time in game 3, but Ice Cream collapsed toward the end of the game. Shawn missed twice on a troublesome final ball, but he took the result at 2-4 to gain a 2-1 series lead of his own. Ice Cream's plans were foiled rather early in game 4, as she took a couple of sloppy misses and a scratch. She did manage to drag Shawn down through positioning at the end, but she couldn't force overtime, and Shawn made the final ball to take a 3-4 win. Shawn secured the series at 3-1 in the process. Shawn refused to budge from perfection in game 5, and while Ice Cream only missed once early, it was all Shawn needed in the 0-1 win. Shawn will host the winner of the next series in the bracket semifinals after this 4-1 series win.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Bright v. Roxy. The blue cue finishes its Accuracy for the round after the lunch break. Pearl's Bright had a decent start in game 1, but unraveled in the middle and at the end. Freedom's Roxy held a higher standard of play, fading late but holding on to win 3-5 for a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Bright bounced back, wrangling last shot duties away from the Cascades' Roxy after the visitor delivered a good break. Bright and Roxy exchanged misses once, but Bright held on from here while Roxy faltered. Bright's 1-2 win ties the series at 1. Roxy did a bit better with the late-game strategies in game 3, managing to drag Bright down into a tie on the last ball. Bright made a ball on his overtime break, and while Roxy made two shots herself, her third missed. Bright won this one 2-3, taking the series lead at 2-1. Bright stayed strong on the break in game 4, pushing Roxy around immediately. Roxy held her ground for awhile, but a late fade cost her the game and the series, as Bright grabbed the 3-4 win for a 3-1 series lead. Bright turned it up a notch with a perfect performance in game 5, while Roxy stumbled twice, leading to the 0-2 final score. Bright won the series 4-1, and will visit the Midland Predators captain Shawn in the bracket semifinals. Roxy is the 72nd player to get bumped from the Tournament, giving Bright his third kill of the year, which puts him among the league leaders.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Ted v. Puff I. The red cue begins a long stretch of series with this 7-ball match. Neither player grabbed game 1 by the horns, with a handful of errors and plenty of misses involved. Web City's Ted eventually converted on the 7 when Modernistic's Puff I failed to do so, giving Ted the 1-0 series lead. The Union's Puff I had a little more to her game with a three-ball run early on, but she couldn't back it up. The Spiders' Ted walked away with the win in game 2 on a three-ball run-out, putting him ahead 2-0 in the series. Puff I brought her best cuts in game 3, making do without good positioning by executing tougher shots on a five-ball run-out that Ted could only watch happen. Puff I's win cuts the series deficit to 2-1. Puff I had an empty break in game 4, and while she did alright early on, Ted charged back with a three-ball run and some defense to challenge her. Puff I didn't meet the challenge well, and Ted took the last two balls for the win, sealing the series in his favor at 3-1. Puff I dominated game 5 despite the win not changing the result of the series, using a four-ball run early on and the final pair of shots to beat Ted. With a 3-2 series win, Ted assured himself a hosting position in the bracket semifinals.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Vladimir Vasilyev v. Noelle. The red cue takes another turn in 7-ball this time. A slow start in game 1 never really lifted for Central's Noelle, who had a pair of misses on the 4 that eventually led to Stonebridge's Vladimir rallying with a four-ball run-out for the win. Vladimir leads the series 1-0. The Wolves' Vladimir made a ball on the break in game 2, but couldn't muster much other offense when it counted. The Warriors' Noelle played a patient game before striking in the 4 to the bottom right and the 5-7 combination at the top right for the win to tie the series at 1. Noelle made a pair on the break in game 3, and then added another pair after that before missing on the 5. Vladimir shot back with a pair of his own, but he left the 7 painfully close to the bottom right, where Noelle deposited it for the win. Noelle is now ahead 2-1 in the series. Vladimir kept things interesting in game 4, answering another pair of balls on the break from Noelle with his own five-ball run-out on his first and only turn, a brilliant stretch of shots to earn the win that tied the series at 2. Vladimir had a pair of balls on the break in game 5, but he also scratched, giving Noelle ball-in-hand. Noelle took full advantage of this, flipping the script from the previous game with a five-ball run-out to give her the win and a 3-2 series win. Noelle will advance to the bracket semifinals.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Bryant. The red cue continues its streak in a Northeastern Derby for 15-ball. Central's Dustin brought some serious offense in game 1, with a crafty six-ball run and a three-ball run near the end, but he left the 15 at the top right. Maplewood's Bryant took the opportunity and won on a tap-in for the 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Bryant did better on offense in game 2, with a five-ball run early on and a majority from that point on against the Warriors' Dustin, who tried but couldn't quite connect a big run of his own. Bryant and Dustin both had chances on the 15, but Bryant won with a tap-in on his second try, making it 2-0 in the series. Bryant took his share of chances on offense in game 3, again carrying majority possession, but he scratched while aiming at the 11. Dustin answered Bryant's final three-ball run with a pair of shots on the 11 and the 12-15 combination at the top side for the win to trim the deficit to 2-1. Dustin left the 15 dangerously close to the top right on the game 4 break, and after Bryant passed up an instant-win chance on one error by Dustin, he couldn't do the same a second time. Bryant left Dustin with no shot on the 3, then used the ensuing ball-in-hand on a 3-15 combination for the win to seal the series at 3-1. Bryant couldn't do much in game 5, as Dustin attacked with determination to pick up another win. Dustin had a couple of four-ball runs, and made the last two shots to get the win. Bryant still took the series 3-2, and will be on the road again in the bracket semifinals. Dustin is the 73rd player knocked out of the Tournament, giving Bryant his first kill in a do-or-die situation.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Lize v. Pounce. The red cue's tour is about half over entering this Accuracy series. The two players went perfect deep into game 1, and then Pronger's Lize fell apart with three straight misses. Then, surprisingly, Southern's Pounce missed his last three shots to force overtime, where he missed two more while Lize finally made a shot to win 4-5 for a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Pounce held a lead early in game 2 after the Tridents' Lize had an awkward miss. Lize couldn't get herself back in the game, and while Pounce missed once late, Lize scratched while potting the final ball. Pounce took the 1-3 win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Pounce butchered game 3 early on, taking a miss and never pressuring Lize to do the same. Lize took control when she led by two shots, an important advantage in the game that eventually ended 3-4 in her favor. Lize owns a 2-1 series lead now. Pounce stayed in the series with a dominant game 4, requiring most of the rack before he missed, and then converting a bank of the 13 to the bottom right to secure the 1-2 win that retied the series at 2 after Lize's early flubbed shot. Pounce had nothing on the break in game 5, but still had the easier path early in game 5. Lize made at least three remarkable shots to stay perfect before exchanging a miss with Pounce. In the end, Pounce had a miss on a kick attempt at the top side that left Lize with the 1-2 win and 3-2 series win. Lize will host another series in the bracket semifinals after advancing here.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Puff II v. Nightfur. Southeastern rivals and longtime members of their respective teams meet in Rotation with the red cue. Royal's Nightfur started with a three-ball run, and then stalled Boston's Puff II quite a bit to slow game 1 down. Nightfur closed with a four-ball run-out, taking the 8-3 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Puff II returned the favor with an 8-3 win in game 2. Puff II had a four-ball run on her first turn, and then used an error from the Crowns' Nightfur to complete the effort on a four-ball run-out, tying the series at 1 with a quick victory. Puff II looked posed to repeat the effort in game 3, but after a four-ball run on the break, she lost her way a bit. Nightfur quickly tied the game, and even pulled ahead in a congested middle part of the game. Nightfur made sure to take the win in the end, a three-ball run-out staking out the 8-6 victory to restore her series lead at 2-1. Puff II kept things close at first in game 4, battling with Nightfur in a shaky start, but Nightfur pulled away at the end, winning 8-2 and securing the series at 3-1 in the process. Nightfur let Puff II strike first again in game 5, then rattled off a seven-ball run to build a massive lead on the counterattack. Puff II used defensive positioning, but it didn't work when Nightfur kicked the 9 into the bottom left anyway to seal another 8-2 win. Nightfur's 4-1 series win gives her a hosting position in the bracket semifinals. Puff II is the 74th player out of the Tournament, and likely lucky to have lasted that long, while Nightfur took her first kill from a desperate position.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Boots v. Cheddar. The red cue's day ends with 9-ball between two strong veterans. Pearl's Boots took game 1 in two shots, making the 4 on the break and then using the 1 as a decoy to deflect the cue into the 9, which fell at the bottom right for the win. North Modernistic's Cheddar finds herself trailing Boots 1-0 in the series. The Surfers' Boots again made the 4 on the break in game 2, but that's where the similarities ended. The Nighthawks' Cheddar had two separate three-ball runs later on, the latter featuring a split shot with the 6 to bump the 7 into the bottom left before a deflected shot off the 6 put the 9 there as well for the win. Cheddar tied the series at 1 with her aggressive offense. In game 3, Cheddar and Boots exchanged pairs of shots early on before Boots committed an illegal contact foul. Cheddar took over with ball-in-hand, rattling in a five-ball run-out with masterful positioning and craft, and the win puts her ahead 2-1 in the series. Game 4 saw a drop-off in quality from both players, especially Cheddar in the late turns. Boots managed to drive the offense, converting the 9 on her third try to get the win which retied the series at 2. Boots scratched while potting the 2 on the game 5 break, leading Cheddar to respond with a quick three-ball run-out, using positioning to set up and convert a 4-9 combination to the bottom right. Cheddar's clutch finish gave her a 3-2 series win and puts her into the bracket semifinals, albeit in another visiting role. Boots is the 75th player to be eliminated, giving Cheddar her first kill of the year when she needed it most.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Shelley. The day ends with the silver cue's only appearance of the day in 8-ball. Terrace City's Oreo had a three-ball run from the break in game 1, but Infinity's Shelley made that look small with consecutive four-ball runs on her two turns to take the win. Shelley holds a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Shelley couldn't get anything going off the break in game 2, while the Knights' Oreo quickly recorded a five-ball run. Shelley had a chance to go on a deep run, but ended after three shots with a miss on the 6, and Oreo took over from there, picking up her last two shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Oreo took a four-ball run from the break but saw diminishing returns after that, while Shelley started with a more quiet offense but closed her win with five balls over her last two shots. Shelley also used a bit of defense between those turns to prevent Oreo from winning, as Shelley enjoys a 2-1 series lead. Shelley delivered a poor break in game 4, leaving Oreo to come in and clinically pick apart the various shots she needed. Shelley couldn't make enough of a comeback to stop Oreo at the end, with the host's win retying the series at 2. Oreo looked a little more menacing with a four-ball run that could have been more in game 5, but she fell off the pace and lost to Shelley two turns later, as Shelley's five-ball run-out gave her the win. Shelley took the series 3-2, and will be the host in her bracket semifinals series.

That's all for today's games. We'll likely play a full day tomorrow, a reduced schedule on Saturday, and then take Sunday off.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 3

After an unscheduled off day, the Tournament returns with an unconfirmed schedule for the day. We begin with...

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Lorde v. Jennifer Livilotti. The first series is 12-ball with the silver cue. Terrace City's Jennifer started better in game 1, but faced substantial pressure from Capital City's Lorde, who might have had a more realistic chance had she not scratched twice. Jennifer used the second scratch as fuel to pot her last two shots for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Lorde answered in game 2, striking on her second turn to claim stripes with shots at the side pockets. Lorde battled to find position on her last ball, and almost lost when the Knights' Jennifer made her last three-balls, but scratch on the two-rail bank she used for the last one. Lorde put the 13 in the top right for the win, tying the series at 1. Both players illegally potted balls at times in game 3, with Lorde doing it in the middle of the game, while Jennifer's came on her last ball. Jennifer's bad play led to ball-in-hand for Lorde on her last ball after some impressive shooting to take care of previous balls. Lorde made it straight in for the win, gaining a 2-1 series lead. Lorde struck on the break in game 4, leading Jennifer into a game of follow the leader. Lorde made a three-ball run and then a pair before Jennifer turned defensive with a strategic scratch. Jennifer couldn't play out of the effort, eventually giving Lorde a clear shot for her final ball, which Lorde converted to clinch the series at 3-1. Lorde started well again in game 5, but couldn't hold off an aggressive push from Jennifer near the end. Lorde's last ball was out of position after she went for a tough shot and missed, and Jennifer made her final pair quickly to take the win. Lorde won the series 3-2, and will host the Golden Pilots' Dusty in the bracket semifinals.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Sage. The blue cue takes a turn in 12-ball as these two league leaders clash. Victoria's Sage had a brilliant four-ball run early in game 1, and continued to use defensive pressure to stall Midland's Fuchsia. Sage's only mistake was missing her last ball from ball-in-hand, allowing Fuchsia to make her own final shot for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Sage again made things too easy for the Predators' Fuchsia in game 2, making a four-ball run but then ceding two wild-card balls at once. Fuchsia gave one of them back, but smartly aligned her shots to make the pair quickly later after Sage couldn't pot her final shot. Fuchsia leads the series 2-0. Fuchsia started off with some heat, quickly getting onto her last ball while giving Sage a wild-card ball. Fuchsia failed to legally pot her final ball multiple times, scratching at the top left and then flailing against Sage's defense at the bottom right. Sage ultimately picked up a three-ball run-out to steal the win, cutting the series to 2-1. Sage took stripes on the break in game 4, and didn't need much time to regret that, as Fuchsia ran all around Sage. Fuchsia lined up her last shot on one turn, and then buried it when Sage couldn't play defense, giving Fuchsia the series at 3-1. Game 5 was an absolute disaster on both sides, with Sage ultimately winning after logjams and awful missed shots. Fuchsia took the series 3-2, earning her spot in the bracket semifinals. Sage's good rookie year is over, the 66th eliminated player, while Fuchsia records her first kill of the year.

Apple Center, Todavía: Prism v. Tigerette. The red cue will start the afternoon with 8-ball between a sophomore and a captain. Todavía's Prism began with a five-ball run from the break in game 1, a fierce attack that slowed down as the game progressed. Commerce's Tigerette fired back on a late four-ball run, but twice missed the last stripe, allowing Prism to pot the 8 for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Tigerette showed better command in game 2, a four-ball run to start and a three-ball run following that getting her onto the 8. The Stills' Prism used a pair of three-ball runs to get close, but her battle with Tigerette favored the visitor's hard cut on the 8 to the top left. Tigerette tied the series at 1. Tigerette and Prism exchanged collateral damage turns early in game 3, although Prism turned selfish after Tigerette gave one ball away. Prism rallied from here with a six-ball run-out for the win, retaking the series lead at 2-1. Prism looked dangerous early in game 4, but her offense faded under pressure from Tigerette's four-ball run. Prism desperately tried to ignite a late run, but instead potted the 8 illegally to gift Tigerette the win to retie the series at 2. Tigerette started with a fierce pair of turns, each yielding collateral damage. Prism timed her strike just right, cutting in with a six-ball run-out for the win and 3-2 series win. Prism will host her bracket semifinals series.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Bright. The silver cue is back for a second straight 8-ball series. Two disparate styles clashed in game 1, as Modernistic's Daisy started slow and ended strong, while Pearl's Bright had a wild finish after a moderately hot start. Bright's three-ball run late left the 8 at the bottom side, ultimately the fifth shot in Daisy's run-out as she took the comeback win for a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Daisy burst out with a five-ball run on her second turn in game 2, countered effectively by a four-ball run from Bright, who eventually met with Daisy on the 8. Bright wasted a handful of chances to win, even wasting Daisy's scratch. Daisy finally put the 8 in the top left to extend her series lead to 2-0. Bright finally bossed possession in game 3, although just barely. Daisy had five balls over two turns in the quick game, while Bright answered with a five-ball run at the start and a well-positioned three-ball run-out on his next turn for the win. Daisy still holds a 2-1 series lead. Daisy threw everything she had into her opening run of six balls in game 4. After this, it took a long time to make her final stripe, and she only made things easier on the 8 by removing Bright's defense on her own. Bright had chipped his way back into the game with short turns, and then made the final pair of shots for the win, tying the series at 2. Bright had full control in game 5, similar to game 2 but with a better first run. Daisy was on her last solid, while Bright missed a few shots on the 8 before Daisy scratched. Bright again failed to strike from the kitchen, and Daisy made a pair of shots for the win and 3-2 series win. Daisy will host the Terrace City Knights captain Kiwi in the bracket semifinals.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Dreamy v. Bandit. Swordpoint Blades teammates meet in a big 9-ball series for club rivalry. Dreamy had a good start in game 1, but missed contact on the 4 led to Bandit striking for a three-ball run-out capped by a 5-9 combination to the top right. Bandit leads the series 1-0 after the good finishing skill. Bandit and Dreamy combined for a quick and balanced game 2 as well, this one going the distance. The quick exchanges of turns ultimately favored Bandit, who made the final pair of shots after an earlier three-ball run, while Dreamy had two pairs in the loss that gives Bandit a 2-0 series lead. Dreamy opened with a three-ball run after Bandit scratched on the break, but Dreamy went quiet after that. Bandit had a late four-ball run, just rattling the 9 away from a pocket. Dreamy then struck, potting the 9 to the top left for the win, cutting the series deficit to 2-1. Dreamy had a strong appearance in game 4, making every ball with two on the break, a five-ball run in the middle, and then the final pair when Bandit failed to offer a counterattack. Dreamy's win ties the series at 2, setting up a decisive finale between the teammates. Dreamy rallied with a five-ball run from the break in game 5, but she missed on the 5 and left a 5-9 combination for Bandit to pot in the top right. Bandit obliged, winning the game and the 3-2 series to earn a visiting spot against the Modernistic Union's Chimpy in the bracket semifinals. Dreamy is the 67th player to be eliminated, with Bandit's first kill this year coming in a bout of friendly fire.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Shadow v. Slinks. Two long-time stars meet in another marquee match on the day, playing 8-ball with the red cue. Web City's Shadow made a four-ball run from the break and added a three-ball run after it, but Westside's Slinks jammed things up. Slinks was patient before striking on a seven-ball run-out to claim the win and a 1-0 series lead thanks to her defense. The Rockers' Slinks took no time to imperil the Spiders' Shadow in game 2, striking for a raucous six-ball run from the break and then completing the shutout with a nice pair of shots on her second turn. Slinks leads the series 2-0 after that statement win. Shadow came out vicious in game 3, making a precise seven-ball run against all odds on his first turn. Slinks answered with a five-ball run of her own, but Shadow threaded the 8 between her two defensive marks for the win at the top left, cutting the series to 2-1. Things tightened up a bit on offense in game 4, with Shadow pulling away at a slower pace. Slinks didn't let him get away for long, using a three-ball run to get herself onto her final ball, but Shadow managed to chip the 8 to the top right for the win, tying the series at 2 as these bitter rivals will go the distance. Game 5 saw the players go back and forth the whole time, with Slinks slipping up a scratch being about the only difference. Slinks also had a kick chance on the 8, which she missed, allowing Shadow to take the win on his second try. Shadow will advance with a 3-2 series win, and will host the Diamond Gems captain Smokey in a big bracket semifinals showdown. Slinks' bounce-back year is over, the 68th ousted player, allowing Shadow to join the league lead in kills at 3.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Midnight v. Princess. The silver cue sees two desperate veterans meet in Accuracy. Westside's Midnight made two balls with an aggressive game 1 break, but fell apart after that, while Tysini's Princess maintained a perfect performance to earn the 0-4 win. Princess holds a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Princess made a ball late on the break in game 2, and then scratched on a later turn. The Rockers' Midnight couldn't sustain the lead at the end, dropping into a tie twice that forced overtime. Here, Princess again had a ball fall late on the break, and she won on the second turn when Midnight missed, the 2-3 result extending Princess' series lead to 2-0. Princess finally faltered in game 3, her break coming up empty before a couple of early misses. Midnight gladly took control on offense, holding it down to win 1-4 to cut the deficit to 2-1 in the series. Midnight waited too long to find her way into game 4, unable to do anything about Princess dazzling with shots all around the table. Midnight's chance passed as she missed twice late, giving Princess a 1-4 win to secure the series at 3-1. Midnight had a good finish to the series in game 5, burying most of her shots until a single miss late caused her to miss perfection. Princess struggled in the 1-3 loss, but took the series 3-2 to earn the right to visit the Pronger Tridents' Zach in the bracket semifinals. Princess survived in the do-or-die situation, earning her first kill while making Midnight the 69th eliminated player.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Noelle. The host takes her second series today, this one in 10-ball with the blue cue. Midland's Fuchsia had a shaky start to game 1, then rattled off a five-ball run before scratching while potting the 8. Central's Noelle took over for the last two shots, burying them easily for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Noelle started with a three-ball run off the break, but illegally potted the 10. Things simmered down in the middle, until the Predators' Fuchsia had a bad error that allowed Noelle to take over for a four-ball run-out and the win. Noelle moves to ahead 2-0 in the series. Noelle had a threatening five-ball run to start game 3, scaring Fuchsia a bit given her disadvantage in the series so far, but Noelle made only one of the last five balls. Fuchsia took two pairs of shots to get the win, making it a 2-1 series lead for Noelle now. Fuchsia did what she could in game 4, most notably on a four-ball run in the middle, but this came sandwiched by a pair of three-ball runs from Noelle, the latter of the two giving the visitor a win to clinch the series at 3-1. Noelle eased up after a three-ball run from the break to open game 5. Fuchsia stumbled around for a bit before latching on to a four-ball run-out, taking the win to leave Noelle with a 3-2 series win to advance on.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Twinkie II. A star hosts her former teammate in Accuracy with the blue cue as this day should make it through ten series cleanly. Tysini's Leandra missed twice early, and then another tap-in later on to give Harrison's Twinkie II plenty of runway. Twinkie II used as much as she could, claiming a 2-3 win after a sloppy finish, which gives her a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II saw the tables turn on her very quickly in game 2, as she missed a handful of early shots. The Hummingbirds' Leandra refused to buckle until the very end, satisfied with a 1-4 win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Leandra battled with Twinkie II early in game 3, but Twinkie II got the upper hand and used it to great success. Leandra fell behind, and then missed another shot late in the game, as Twinkie II stayed perfect in her 0-3 win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Twinkie II and Leandra fired off about a half-game of perfection before exchanging misses rapidly in game 4. Leandra was next to fall, and it would be the deciding miss, as Twinkie II held on from here to win 1-2, taking the series at 3-1 in the process. Leandra showed determination to exit the series gracefully, and she matched Twinkie II shot for shot to prove it. Twinkie II ultimately faltered at the end, giving Leandra a 2-4 win. Twinkie II will advance on a 3-2 series win, setting her up to face a Northeastern rival captain and a club-mate, the Central Warriors' Twilight, in the bracket semifinals. Twinkie II took her second kill of the year, making Leandra the 70th player out of the Tournament.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Rosemary. The silver cue closes out the day in this 15-ball series. Freedom's Roxy absolutely poached game 1, acting as the mortar between the bricks of Commerce's Rosemary, who had a pair of five-ball runs go to waste. Roxy made the last two shots for the win, grabbing the 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Roxy did a lot more on offense in game 2, using the 2 as a wrecking ball for a five-ball run early on. The Tradewinds' Rosemary weathered this storm, striking for six balls over her last two turns to get the win when Roxy left the 14 standing. Rosemary's big finish tied the series at 1. Roxy again started well in game 3 despite not having the break this time. Rosemary had to settle for choppy exchanges early on, before working her offense a bit harder at the end, this time making five of the last six balls over two turns for the win. Rosemary pulled ahead 2-1 in the series. Rosemary had a solid break in game 4, and then watched as offense escalated for the rest of the game. Roxy had a three-ball run end with an illegal contact play. Rosemary then had a four-ball run of her own end in a scratch, giving Roxy ball-in-hand for her legal five-ball run-out, which gave the host a win to tie the series at 2. Rosemary held her own on offense in game 5 quite impressively, using a lot of three-ball runs, including on the final turn when she finally vanquished Roxy. Rosemary took the series 3-2, and will play in the bracket semifinals against another Urban player.

That's all for today's action. We hope to be back tomorrow if possible.