Select Cricket 2019 - Week 8

After a long break from league play, cricket is back with Select starting the second segment of the season. First up...

IBM Nighthawks Nest, North Modernistic: The well-rested Nighthawks play the first of four games this week, sitting Gal, while the visiting Wolves bench Wild Thing. Juno began with 351 for Stonebridge, a decent offering to start the week. Peach answered with 402 for North Modernistic, shaking off the rust with some firm swings. Cobalt returned from a two-game suspension served over the United Cup with only 279 for the Wolves, weakening their advantage slightly. Cheddar covered the damage with 290 for the Nighthawks, leaving things uncomfortably close at the halfway mark. Hershey churned out 627 for Stonebridge on his attack, giving them a more confident lead. Lionel found an open groove and rode it to 492 for North Modernistic, but they trail slightly heading into the final turn. Vladimir notched 584 for the Wolves at the end, giving them a total of 1841 for the game. Luigi fell with 215 for the Nighthawks, leaving them in a loss at 1399. Stonebridge rises to 7-6, while North Modernistic falls to 9-6 in this preview of a second-round United Cup fixture.

Starbucks Cup, Archtown: Two of the three busiest teams in the division meet with the Nighthawks resting Cheddar and the Arrows sitting Dusky in the first of their five games this week. Peach looked a little sharper on the road, but managed a simple 391 for North Modernistic to start this game. Sally slapped 631 for Archtown to begin their attack with a lead. Gal tapped 361 for the Nighthawks to cover the deficit, but not by much. Sleepy B. answered with 341 for the Arrows, keeping things steady after her mild turn. Lionel clubbed 561 for North Modernistic, looking good in two appearances since the break so far. Hoppy lost the edge with only 260 on her turn for Archtown, putting them behind late in the game. Luigi piled on with 450 for the Nighthawks, sealing their offense at 1763. A. Charlton fell far short of catching up with a pathetic 89 for the Arrows confirming a loss at 1321. North Modernistic bounced back to 10-6, while Archtown slips to 5-9.

Google Pitch at Union Ground, Modernistic: The Union return from the United Cup with Puff I resting in the first of their four games this week, while the Spurs go without Mitchell. Spice had a dishearteningly low 227 for Victoria to begin this game. Ms. Puppy replied with 521 for Modernistic, giving them the lead after the first turn. Yekaterina fell off at 214 for the Spurs, as both of their big-name players show rust from a three-week layoff. Daisy added 341 for the Union, a modest supplement to the hosts' advantage. Sage tried to rally Victoria back into the game with 518 on her turn, but they've still got work to do. Kodiak chipped back with 319 for Modernistic, with both sides struggling to get a breakout attack. Strawberry couldn't cover the deficit against her former team, her 177 leaving the Spurs to lose at 1136. Sydney C. took 313 for the Union, keeping balance down the lineup as they close out the win at 1494. Modernistic didn't have the prettiest form, but improve to 6-7, while Victoria fall back into a three-way tie for the Select lead at 12-6.

IBM Nighthawks Nest, North Modernistic: The Nighthawks return home and sit Peach, while Salmo takes the bench as Dominic returns to full availability after his four-week developmental stint. Mams' pace dropped off drastically from her early season, producing just 256 for Southern to start with. Cheddar, in a rare lead-off effort, smashed 839 for North Modernistic to give them a sizable lead. Panda pushed back with 595 for the Monarchs, covering the deficit temporarily. Gal fired back with 514 for the Nighthawks, undoing most of that damage at the midway mark. Pounce ripped 490 for Southern with good pace, keeping the visitors in the fight. Lionel swatted 717 for the Nighthawks to cover the damage easily. Dominic didn't adjust well in his return from a developmental stint, ending at a measly 50 points to assure the Monarchs of a loss at 1391. Luigi slipped with 167 for the Nighthawks, but they still won at 2237. North Modernistic jumps to 11-6, while Southern gets pushed back to 4-13.

Starbucks Cup, Archtown: The Arrows begin a home tripleheader versus the Union, with Hoppy sitting out for the hosts while the visitors give rest to Sydney C. this time. Ms. Puppy put up 193 for Modernistic to start this game, a slower effort from the visiting captain. Sally punished the mistake with 560 for Archtown, giving them a noticeable early lead. Daisy got the Union back on track with 746 on her turn, covering the deficit with ease. Sleepy B. held little back with 579 for the Arrows on their second attack, restoring a smaller lead. Puff I melted at 346 for Modernistic, lightly recovering the deficit in the process. Dusky kept up with her teammates, pelting 548 for Archtown to boost their lead a bit. Kodiak went off with 675 for the Union, giving them a total of 1960 to force a response from the hosts. A. Charlton made it close with 290 for the Arrows, edging them ahead on 1977 for a tight win. Archtown improves to 6-9, just a half-game back of 6-8 Modernistic.

Starbucks Cup, Archtown: In the middle game of their tripleheader, the Arrows welcome a Northeastern rival in the Lumberjacks. Diddley takes regular rest for the visitors while A. Charlton takes a seat for the hosts. Whiskers lashed 576 for Maplewood to get things going, an imposing attack from their star player. Sally tripped up at 368 for Archtown, potentially showing a need for rest. Summer crushed 1184 for the Lumberjacks on the second attack, starting the new segment of the season in her best form. Sleepy B. crumbled at 112 for the Arrows, who appear to be overmatched here. Bryant launched another 745 for Maplewood, extending their lead quite nicely. Hoppy poked 341 for Archtown as they work to get out of this game. Gabe delivered 379 for the Lumberjacks, icing their offense at 2884. Dusky had only 205 as the Arrows took a stunning loss at 1026. Maplewood soars to first place at 9-4, while Archtown dives to 6-10.

Starbucks Cup, Archtown: The Arrow complete the tripleheader with another tough game as the Spurs visit. Sleepy B. will sit out for the hosts, while the visitors bench Yekaterina for the second time this season. Spice clubbed a quick 500 for Victoria, trying to jump on a tired hosting side immediately. Sally answered with 559 for Archtown, showing no weakness on the first turn. Sage slipped at 240 for the Spurs, leaving them vulnerable in the middle of the game. Hoppy did not capitalize on the mistake, making a worse one by hitting a paltry 81 points for the Arrows. Strawberry played with fire, hitting a middling 208 for Victoria to keep them in a dangerous position. Dusky struck with 589 for Archtown, pulling them ahead again with a player each to go. Mitchell couldn't save the Spurs with a pathetic 112, leaving them to lose at 1060. A. Charlton put up a solid 416 to cap the win for the Arrows at 1645. A mixed run at home sees Archtown up to 7-10, while Victoria crashes to 12-7, which puts them in fourth place currently. 

The Intel Pitch, Diamond: The Gems return from a failed United Cup run resting Shadow, while the Meteors give Frosty a long overdue game off in their first game back. Princess took an aggressive stance with 889 for Viewpoint Sound, giving them a hefty early lead. Smokey answered with 351 for Diamond, unable to keep up with the opposition initially. Hoot added a pacey 526 for the Meteors on the second attack, as it appears they're ready to pull away for the hosts. Pedey only pulled back 314 for the Gems, who don't have enough pop to stay competitive this time. Nibbles tacked on another 425 for Viewpoint Sound as they continue to dominate this game. Katelynn got most of that back with 420 for Diamond, but just matching is far from sufficient at this point. Dani added 411 for the Meteors at the end, giving them a final score of 2251. Leonardo folded quickly at 146 for the Gems, leaving them with a loss at 1231. Viewpoint Sound rises to 6-5 on the year, while Diamond drops back to 7-10.

 
Subway Field, Stonebridge: The Wolves go without Cobalt for performance reasons, while the Arrows rotate their roster to sit their captain Sally in their fifth and final game of the week. Sleepy B. returned to action in mediocre form with 260 for Archtown to begin this battle. Juno responded with 562 for Stonebridge, looking far more confident as she gives the hosts a lead. Hoppy replied with 407 for the Arrows, managing to cover the deficit with the effort. Hershey countered with 443 for the Wolves, doing his part to maintain their lead at the halfway point. Dusky dropped 556 for Archtown, challenging the hosts yet again. Wild Thing fought off the danger with 420 for Stonebridge, restoring a smaller lead late in the game. A. Charlton didn't force a response with 128 for the Arrows, sealing their loss at 1351. Vladimir had a shaky turn, producing 346 to help the Wolves finish with 1771. Stonebridge remains lurking just below the promotion line with an 8-6 record, while Archtown sinks to 7-11.

IBM Nighthawks Nest, North Modernistic: The Nighthawks complete a four-game week by sitting Luigi, while the visiting Sharks rest Gizmo for the first of two meetings in two weeks with this opponent. Graham had fantastic pace, but a too-fast swing cut him off at 390 for Eastside in a mixed-bag start. Peach countered with an even 500 for North Modernistic, trading pace for control. Chelsea turned an early scare into a nice backhand flick, but she couldn't replicate the effort later on as she ended with 258 for the Sharks. Cheddar tapped 339 for the Nighthawks to add a little more to their lead. Taylor M. exited at 240 for Eastside, as they just can't seem to keep control of high-pace turns. Gal slapped 487 for North Modernistic, pulling them a little closer to safety as the final players step up to bat. Cubby didn't make much of an effort to save the game, his 227 leaving the Sharks at 1115. Lionel cooled from his strong pace this week, with 274 to finish off a Nighthawks win at 1600 even. North Modernistic has done well with a 3-1 week to get to 12-6 in a tie for second, while Eastside stays in the cellar at 2-10.

Google Pitch at Union Ground, Modernistic: The Union end the week with a home doubleheader, sitting their captain Ms. Puppy while the visiting Gems bench Leonardo for standard rest. Shadow returned to the Diamond lineup in fine form, carving out 652 to open the scoring. Daisy held her own for awhile in a rare lead-off turn, but she ended up with 371 for Modernistic as they play from behind. Smokey hooked his way to 411 for the Gems on the second attack, making a good defensive play to keep the turn going. Puff I stayed a little back with 390 for the Union, unable to really have an explosive game at home yet. Pedey slipped up at 304 for Diamond, potentially weakening their lead at a critical time. Kodiak fought back with 544 for Modernistic, covering a large portion of the deficit heading into the final turn. Katelynn tacked on 328 for the Gems at the end, leaving them with a vulnerable 1695. Sydney C. faltered at the end but closed with 425 for the Union to give them 1730 in a narrow win. Results have been close for Modernistic as they move to 7-8, while Diamond sinks to 7-11.

Google Pitch at Union Ground, Modernistic: The Week 8 finale sees the Union sit Daisy for standard rest, while the visiting Meteors bench Nibbles for the same reason. Princess had a respectable 422 for Viewpoint Sound to lead things off. Ms. Puppy faded with 176 in a scattered turn for Modernistic that sees them start another game from a trailing position. Hoot didn't do so well with 240 for the Meteors, squandering the quality of their lead. Puff I made a small gain with 341 for the Union, getting them a little closer midway through the game. Frosty embarrassed herself with a measly 50 points for Viewpoint Sound in her return to the lineup, putting the visitors in a tricky position. Kodiak only hit 146 for Modernistic on his turn, the offense seemingly evading both teams in this one. Dani supplied 344 for the Meteors at the end to protect their lead with a reachable total of 1056. Sydney C. played hero with 500 for the Union at the end to cap a comeback win at 1163. Modernistic is even for the season at 8-8, while Viewpoint Sound drops back to 6-6.

Elite cricket will get a little attention tomorrow before qualifiers resume, with the volume of games yet to be determined.

Qualifiers 2019 - Day 22

The last day of qualifying this week has arrived, beginning with...

Queens Flames superstar Violetta playing 10-ball with the silver cue. Violetta went empty on the break and needed a bit of time to find her shot before finishing with 16 shots and no errors. It didn't take long for someone to finish qualifying, as Diddley ends 30th with Accuracy and the red cue in this game. Diddley knocked in a pair on the break, but struggled at the end to finish with 19 shots and no errors. Diddley closes with 166 shots and 10 errors across all of his qualifiers. The silver cue returns to action with Tysini Hummingbirds captain Leandra playing 8-ball. Leandra didn't get a ball on the break, but she did finish at 20 shots and no errors in a quick performance for the silver cue's last outing in the event. North Modernistic Nighthawks captain Peach takes the fourth game today, using the blue cue in 12-ball. Peach had nothing on the break, and then took a hard drop-off at the end to close with 29 shots and two errors. Commerce Tradewinds newcomer brings up the rear with 13-ball and the red cue. Solaris had an empty break as well, but took only one error in 22 shots in a dominating showing of positioning.

Harrison Specters sophomore Rudolph is the 31st player to complete qualifying as he shoots Accuracy with the red cue. Rudolph finished with 20 shots after an empty break, but couldn't keep the cue up as he took three errors. Rudolph ends with 187 shots and 19 errors overall. Boston Swifts stalwart Gradley gets a look at 10-ball with the red cue in the next game. Gradley made a good showing despite an empty break, taking 16 shots and only one error, while he only was frustrated to not get a chance to combine on the 10. Pacific Volcanoes veteran Twinkie I continues with the eighth game of the day, playing 15-ball with the blue cue. Twinkie I elected for an err-first strategy, taking seven errors over 28 shots after butchering her early play. Chicky Phil of the Pacific Volcanoes goes next, using the blue cue in 12-ball. Chicky Phil came up short with his quality, needing 28 shots and two errors despite making a ball on the break. At the back of the group, Harrison Specters captain Twinkie II joins the rank of the finished as the 32nd player to shoot Accuracy, using the silver cue. Twinkie II made two balls on the break and took no errors in her 17 shots, giving her qualifying totals of 157 shots and 16 errors, clearly on the good portion of the chart.

Group three gets going with Spot of the Pronger Tridents playing 15-ball with the red cue. Spot made two balls on the break and added four errors in 25 shots during his performance. The red cue stays in action for Cowzart of the Pacific Volcanoes, who plays 13-ball. Cowzart had no luck with positioning after an empty break, needing 31 shots but only one error to get out of the game. Back in 15-ball, Diamond Gems captain Smokey plays the 13th game of the day with the silver cue. Smokey didn't get anything on his break, but he had only three errors in 27 shots for the game in a decent showing. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I returns to be the 33rd player done with qualifying by playing Accuracy with the red cue. Twinkie I made a ball on the break and needed only 17 shots to clear the rack, taking no errors. Her totals stood at 171 shots and 21 errors across all sessions. Midland Predators third-year Fuchsia ends her qualifying 34th, playing Accuracy with the silver cue. Fuchsia struggled after an empty break left her with a compact game, ending at 19 shots but taking no errors. Fuchsia's totals were 164 shots and 9 errors in a clean qualifying run.

The fourth batch kicks off as Katharine of the Whitewater Shores plays Rotation with the blue cue. Katharine posted 30 shots and three errors after making a ball on the break, with a couple of short chases causing the inflation. Boston Swifts veteran Ice Cream takes the 17th game today, using the red cue in 15-ball. Ice Cream began well despite an empty break, but took four errors over 30 shots after an inexcusable short-range missed contact scratch. Back to Rotation, as Infinity Torpedoes captain Smudge plays in the event with the silver cue. Smudge didn't get a ball on the break, but limited herself to one error in 28 shots in a mostly positive outing. The silver cue stays in action as the Whitewater Shores' Twinkie III plays 12-ball. Twinkie III suffered three errors, one for over-potting at the bottom right on the break, and finished in 27 shots. Closing the group, Bandit of the Swordpoint Blades plays 13-ball with the red cue. Bandit started well with a ball on the break, but fell off pace late in the game, ending with 26 shots and three errors.

The 21st player drawn today is Westside Rockers veteran Slinks, who shoots Rotation with the red cue. Slinks had an empty break and suffered five errors, none intentional, over her 30 shots in a tough game. The red cue gets another crack at Rotation with Boston Swifts veteran Sweetheart. It didn't get better, as Sweetheart lost her cool while taking seven errors in 39 shots. Another Rotation game goes for Pearl Surfers veteran Boots, who will use the silver cue in the frustrating event. Boots did a fairly average job with 29 shots and five errors, although some residual anger at the end likely cost her a few of those shots. Golden Pilots newcomer Max plays 10-ball with the blue cue to change the pace. Max only scratched on the break, his lone error in 12 shots that ended with a 6-10 combination to the top right. Sierra of the Todavía Stills ends the group with 13-ball using the blue cue. Sierra made a ball on the break, but played herself out of a great game at the end, taking two errors and 24 shots throughout.

The Tridents' Spot heads the sixth group as the 35th player to finish qualifying when he shoots Accuracy with the silver cue. Spot drained four balls on the break, and then finished at 13 shots with no errors in an excellent finale. He totaled 168 shots and 18 errors in his qualifiers. Following that, Golden Pilots veteran Sparkles plays Rotation with the silver cue. Sparkles did make a ball on the break, but with five errors and a general lack of direction in her shots, she ended at 30 shots for the game. Lighton Prestige veteran Nicole is next, playing 12-ball with the red cue. Nicole attacked quite well with two balls on the break and just a lone error, ending with 16 shots after positioning herself with ease. Southern Monarchs veteran Pounce takes the next game, using the blue cue in 13-ball. Pounce went empty on the break, but also took no errors over 24 shots as he carefully worked his way around the table. Completing the group, Taylor S. of the Commerce Tradewinds is the 36th player to complete qualifying with the red cue in hand for Accuracy. Taylor S. made a ball on the break and ended with 18 shots and no errors, for totals of 205 shots and 13 errors in a tough campaign.

Another Tradewind, the captain Tigerette, opens group seven with the blue cue in hand for 12-ball. Tigerette had a ball on the break but took three errors trying to find positioning, ending with 25 shots for the game. Diamond Gems newcomer Leonardo keeps the blue cue active in his 12-ball qualifier. Leonardo popped off with three balls on the break, but he took four errors and finished with 24 shots after a mental lapse late in the game. Westside Rockers star Goatee wraps up her qualifying 37th by speed, using the red cue in Accuracy. Goatee continued a good run of play with a ball on the break, and then finished with no errors in 15 shots. Goatee totaled 158 shots and only 9 errors in her qualifying sessions. Stonebridge Wolves sophomore Vladimir plays the 34th game of the day, using the red cue in 15-ball. Vladimir dropped a ball on the break and then closed at 7 shots and no errors with a 6-15 combination to the top side. Wrapping up the set, Southridge Defenders veteran Caitlin plays 15-ball with the blue cue. Caitlin made a ball on the break while scratching for the first of her six errors over a sloppy and loose 28 shots.

Starting the eighth group, Nighthawks captain Peach tries 13-ball with the silver cue. Peach had no troubles in this appearance, taking a ball on the break and 23 shots with no errors. The 37th game of the day belongs to Westside Rockers captain Misty, who plays 15-ball with the red cue. Misty looked strong in this appearance, making two balls on the break and needing only 20 shots with two errors, both intentional, to complete the game. Misty's daughter, the Whitewater Shores captain Shaggy, is up next in 12-ball with the blue cue. Shaggy made three balls on the break and took no errors over the following 18 shots in a strong performance. Continuing along, Shaggy's daughter Sierra, of the Stills, plays her second game of the day in Rotation with the silver cue. Sierra had an ugly game with a lot of chasing but only three errors in her 34 shots after an empty break. Rounding out the batch, the Monarchs' Pounce also plays his second game of the day, using the blue cue in Rotation. Pounce had nothing on the break and four errors in 29 shots, and injured his foot in the process, while puts his cricket status in doubt for the upcoming Week 8 action.

The ninth group leads off with the Swifts' Sweetheart, who uses the blue cue in 15-ball in her second game of the day. Sweetheart managed a late ball on the break, and then closed at 27 shots with four errors in a fairly average performance. Freedom Cascades veteran Stinky draws in for the 42nd game of the day, playing 12-ball with the silver cue. Stinky made two balls on the break and dispatched the stripes quickly, attacking solids patiently in his 20 error-free shots. Golden Pilots star Dusty completes qualifying 38th by speed, using the silver cue for her Accuracy game. Dusty made nothing on the break but found two double-pots to finish in 14 shots without an error. She tallied 169 shots and 16 errors throughout qualifying. Terrace City Knights stalwart Oreo plays 12-ball with the blue cue in the next game. Oreo started quite well in her game, but one late error pushed her all the way up to 24 shots. Concluding the group, Sage of the Victoria Spurs plays 8-ball with the blue cue. Sage made a ball on the break, but lost control of herself on stripes, needing 24 shots and no errors.

The 46th player of the day is Midland Predators captain Shawn, who shoots 12-ball with the blue cue. Shawn starred in this appearance with only 17 shots and no errors after making one ball on the break. Maplewood Lumberjacks sophomore Summer plays 13-ball with the red cue in the next game. Summer showed no hesitation with a ball on the break, and while she had an early error, she recovered to finish with 20 shots. The Tradewinds' Solaris is set for his second game today, playing Rotation with the silver cue. Solaris stunned with a ball on the break and managed to finish with 20 shots despite taking three errors. Pronger Tridents veteran Zach goes next, shooting 15-ball with the blue cue. Zach was in good shape with four intentional errors after an empty break, but he had to chase on the 15 and ended up with 31 shots, ruining the performance. Finally, Freedom Cascades veteran Stripes plays 13-ball with the red cue. Stripes made a ball and took her only error on the break, and then finished with a decent 24 shots.

That's it for today and this week. Qualifiers resumes Monday, but in a capacity yet to be determined for game count.

Qualifiers 2019 - Day 21

We're back for Thursday action in qualifying. We begin with...

The Boston Swifts' Ice Cream playing Rotation with the red cue. Ice Cream had an awful opening game, taking 37 shots and six errors after an empty break, in what may be a sign of things to come. The red cue stays in action for Archtown Arrows mainstay Dusky, who will use it in 13-ball. Dusky made a ball on the break, but took one early error and scuffled with positioning, giving her 27 shots in the game. Tysini Hummingbirds rookie Sarah jumps in for the third game, using the silver cue in 9-ball. Sarah kept her game compact after making a ball on the break, needing only 11 shots and no errors to complete the effort. Southern Monarchs newcomer Salmo returns the red cue to action for 8-ball. Salmo was unlucky to go empty on his break, but he took no errors in his 23 shots during the game, a solid effort. Modernistic Union veteran Puff I closes the group with Rotation using the silver cue. Puff I chose to skip ethical play in her game, making a ball on the break and then using six errors to speed up the process as she scored 26 shots.

Midland Predators rookie Kitty goes sixth today, using the red cue in 15-ball. Kitty had nothing on a mediocre break, but found a quick finish by deflecting her attempt on the 2 to push the 15 to the top side, giving her 7 shots and one error. After that, Modernistic Union rookie Sydney C. plays Accuracy with the blue cue to become the 21st player done with qualifying. Sydney C. scratched on the break for her only error in the game, ending at 18 shots as she pushed her play forward late. She ends with 182 shots and 11 errors overall. Golden Pilots veteran Sparkles steps up to shoot 13-ball with the red cue in the next game. Sparkles had excellent control after making a ball on the break, taking just one error in a crisp 19 shots to close the effort. Continuing along, Infinity Torpedoes newcomer Hughbert plays 9-ball with the silver cue. Hughbert took an empty break and three errors, his loose shooting causing his score to rise to 19 shots. The silver cue will be on hand to end the batch, as the Swordpoint Blades' Stealth plays 13-ball. Stealth made a ball on the break and took three errors, but the last error helped him wrap the game up in 24 shots.

The third group begins with an ending, as Harrison Specters veteran Lexi plays Accuracy with the silver cue to finish 22nd in qualifying by speed. Lexi had an empty break and 21 shots with no errors, as her slightly loose shooting stalled her performance. Lexi ended with 204 shots and 19 errors, currently at the back of the pack. Maplewood Lumberjacks star Whiskers goes next with the blue cue in 10-ball. Whiskers had a pedestrian 17 shots and three errors after her empty break led to a slow start. Oceanside Waves captain Snuggle draws in next, playing 9-ball with the silver cue. Snuggle made a ball on the break but suffered three errors over 15 shots to complete his game. Viewpoint Sound Meteors leader Nibbles plays 13-ball with the red cue in the 14th game of the day. Nibbles scored 24 shots after making a ball on the break, smoothly navigating the rack with no errors. Rounding out the group, Sleepy B. of the Archtown Arrows does 12-ball with the silver cue. Sleepy B. needed 25 shots after making a ball on the break, struggling to stay legal early on with her pair of errors.

Group four leads off as Goatee of the Westside Rockers plays Rotation with the silver cue. Goatee popped off with a ball on the break and only 21 shots without an error in another star performance. Viewpoint Sound Meteors veteran Dani plays Accuracy with the silver cue, the 23rd player done with qualifiers. Dani made a ball while scratching on the break for her only error, and then finished at 19 shots in a good run of play. Dani totaled 190 shots and 22 errors in her sessions. Golden Pilots veteran Strut follows up with the 18th game of the day, shooting Rotation with the blue cue. Strut made a ball on the break and dodged errors well until taking two in the middle of the game en route to 26 shots. Boston Swifts superstar captain Patches is ready to take a turn in 9-ball with the silver cue. Patches found two balls on the break and managed to take only one error in 11 shots in a great outing. Wrapping up the group, Twinkie I of the Pacific Volcanoes plays 13-ball with the silver cue. Twinkie I could have had a great game, but she illegally potted the 8 early, giving her six errors in 23 shots as she still finished quickly.

The fifth batch gets going with Whiskers of the Lumberjacks using the silver cue in 12-ball for her second game of the day. Whiskers needed only 22 shots without an error after going empty on the break, a strong output for the rising star. Westside Rockers captain Misty is next up, keeping the silver cue active for Rotation. Misty had an interesting game, getting nothing on the break and taking three errors without intent, but still ending at 24 shots as numerous bounces favored her. The silver cue continues with Steven of the Atlantic Pirates set to play 15-ball. Steven made nothing on the break and took four errors, three with intent, but found an exit with a 6-8 combination to the top right that bumped the 15 to the bottom right. Steven ended with 19 shots in the game. Pacific Volcanoes veteran Cowzart has the blue cue in hand for 12-ball. Cowzart had two errors after making a ball on the break, but worked it out in 24 shots, taking some beneficial positioning at one point in the game. The 25th player drawn today is the 24th to finish qualifying, as Dreamy of the Swordpoint Blades plays Accuracy with the blue cue. Dreamy tried to be too cute with many of her shots on the left side of the table, ending at 23 shots and one error. Dreamy's totals were 173 shots and 12 errors.

Kicking off group six, Cobalt of the Stonebridge Wolves plays 13-ball with the silver cue. Cobalt had a decent start with a ball on the break, but he butchered it with a missed contact error and weak shooting at the end to run his score up to 27 shots. Pacific Volcanoes star Ms. Kitty jumps in for Rotation with the red cue. Ms. Kitty made two balls on the break, but elected to speed things up with five errors (four intentional) over 22 shots. Central Warriors veteran Noelle plays 15-ball with the blue cue in the 28th game of the day. Noelle required 35 shots and seven errors despite making a ball on the break, wasting a positive start. The blue cue remains in action for 12-ball played by the Todavía Stills' Prism. In her game, Prism sent a ball down on the break and closed with 22 shots and two errors after a double-pot on the final two balls went flawlessly. The blue will help complete the group as North Modernistic Nighthawks captain Peach plays 10-ball with it. Peach had two early errors before settling in to finish with 18 shots, all after an empty break.

Mr. Snowman of the Infinity Torpedoes opens the seventh group with 15-ball and the red cue. Mr. Snowman failed to pot a ball on the break, and then spiraled with seven errors and 31 shots in an ugly performance. Pacific Volcanoes captain Starlight is next up, shooting 15-ball with the silver cue. Starlight showed some intensity with a ball on the break, and while she was wild with four errors, she closed in 22 shots to score well. The blue cue is back as Southridge Defenders captain Debby plays 13-ball. Debby will want this game back, as she took seven errors all at once for illegal contact, a scratch, and prematurely potting the 8. She ended up with 35 shots and ten errors overall. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I returns for Rotation with the blue cue in her second appearance today. Twinkie I needed 28 shots and only two errors after her empty break, playing a clean style for this game. Atlantic Pirates captain Delila shoots 10-ball with the blue cue to finish this group. Delila made a ball on the break and then proceeded to waste the advantage with four errors in her 16 shots.

The eighth group starts with Caitlin of the Southridge Defenders playing Rotation with the blue cue. Caitlin made a ball on the break, and took only two errors over 28 shots in a solid performance. The 37th player drawn today is the 25th to finish qualifying, as Fluffina of the Infinity Torpedoes plays Accuracy with the silver cue. Fluffina went empty on a weak break, but took no errors and 20 shots for her game. She ends qualifying with 181 shots and 17 errors. Commerce Tradewinds newcomer Solaris is next to shoot, using the red cue in 12-ball. Solaris was on a good run at the start, but his last stripe gave him fits and 26 shots with two errors. Web City Spiders newcomer Waluigi takes the next game, using the silver cue in 15-ball. Waluigi didn't make a ball on the break, and it didn't get better from there with six errors over 32 shots. Terrace City Knights sophomore Melissa brings us into the dinner break with the red cue in hand for Accuracy as she becomes the 26th player done with qualifying. Melissa somehow avoided disaster after an empty break, taking no errors in 19 shots. She finished with 181 shots and 12 errors in her sessions.

After the break, Rosalina of the Whitewater Shores plays 13-ball with the silver cue. Rosalina made a ball on the break, but like many today, she lacked positioning, ending with three errors over 30 shots. The silver cue stays in action in today's 42nd game as the Freedom Cascades' Nikolai finishes qualifying 27th by playing Accuracy. Nikolai tried to play tough, but he went empty on the break and took an error in 21 shots, giving him totals of 195 shots and 17 errors. Next up, the Pronger Tridents' Spot plays Rotation with the red cue. Spot was solid with a ball on the break, and he skipped the clean play, taking seven errors in 27 shots. The silver cue returns to action with the Everton Eagles' Cleo playing 10-ball. Cleo didn't get a ball on the break, but she managed to limit herself to one error in 15 shots. Kodiak of the Modernistic Union concludes this group with 13-ball using the blue cue. Kodiak was caught playing the wrong event at first, and when he got on track, he needed 26 shots and one error to finish it up.

The final group is fronted by Mams of the Southern Monarchs playing Rotation with the blue cue. Mams made a ball on the break and finished in 28 shots despite taking five errors along the way. The blue cue stays in action for 15-ball with Capital City Sharpshooters veteran Missy. This game went unusually well, with only two errors in 24 shots despite an empty break to start it off. Missy will go back-to-back, completing her qualifiers with Accuracy and the red cue, the 28th player to finish. Missy didn't have the energy to compete this time, making a ball on the break before taking 28 shots and three errors in one of the worst Accuracy games ever. She ends with 179 shots and 13 errors overall. Back in 15-ball, the Rockers' Goatee plays her second game of the day with the silver cue. Goatee did reasonably well, taking an empty break but only three errors in 27 shots. Finally, Starlight of the Volcanoes is back for her second game today, finishing 29th by speed for qualifying as she uses the blue cue in Accuracy. Starlight took only 18 shots, with no errors and nothing on the break, giving her totals of 168 shots and 12 errors.

That's it for today's games. We'll play tomorrow before getting two days off.

Qualifiers 2019 - Day 20

The 13-ball majority era is currently in effect. We begin today's games with...

Viewpoint Sound Meteors newcomer Frosty playing 13-ball with the red cue. Frosty made two balls on the break and cleared the remainder of the rack in 22 shots with two errors in a solid opener to the day. The other Meteors newcomer, Princess, is next up in 13-ball, using the blue cue. Princess had a couple of balls on the break as well, but with three errors and 24 shots, her play was lacking in the late-game. Infinity Torpedoes newcomer Hughbert draws into the third game of the day, playing 8-ball with the red cue. Hughbert cracked a ball down on the break and made the rest of the rack in only 19 shots with no errors. Another Torpedo, the captain Smudge, plays 12-ball with the red cue. Smudge gathered 22 shots in her appearance, taking only one early error after an empty break. The Torpedoes see another player up, as Fluffina plays Rotation with the silver cue. Fluffina ended with 26 shots and two errors after a solid but empty break.

Group two sees Royal Crowns captain Nightfur at the head, playing 8-ball with the blue cue. Nightfur made a ball on the break and cruised to 17 shots with no errors in a remarkably strong showing. Victoria Spurs star Yekaterina goes seventh today, playing 12-ball with the blue cue. Yekaterina showed masterful control throughout the game, with one error and 19 shots to her name after making a ball on the break. Harrison Specters captain Twinkie II follows with the red cue in 15-ball. Twinkie II made nothing on the break and looked a bit shaky during the game, but she took an error that turned her game around, as she potted a 2-15 combination to the top right two shots later. She ended with 8 shots. Swordpoint Blades veteran Stealth plays 12-ball with the blue cue to follow that up. Stealth made a ball of each suit on the break, and then closed in 18 shots without an error in a strong performance. Kitty of the Midland Predators closes the group with the red cue in hand for Rotation. Kitty didn't get a ball on the break, but she could barely be stopped in this appearance, ending with 19 shots and one error.

After the break, Strut of the Golden Pilots plays 13-ball with the silver cue. Strut had a ball of each suit on the break, and while he took two errors, he finished with 22 shots for the appearance. Southern Monarchs newcomer Salmo plays the next game, using the red cue in 7-ball for his season debut with his new team. Salmo had nothing but the first of his two errors on the break, and he closed at 9 shots in a solid start to his new year. After that, Pacific Volcanoes captain Starlight plays 13-ball with the blue cue. Starlight had a miserable time after making a ball on the break, needing 37 shots and four errors to clear the rack. Maplewood Lumberjacks veteran Gabe jumps in for the 14th game, using the red cue in 9-ball. Gabe started well with a ball on the break, but slipped late in the game to end at 15 shots and no errors. Finishing the batch, Bells of the Todavía Stills plays 10-ball with the silver cue. Bells narrowly ended up empty on the break, and then took 16 shots with one error to finish the effort.

The 16th player drawn today is the Lighton Prestige newcomer Shiny, who plays 12-ball with the silver cue. Shiny required 18 shots and no errors after getting a ball on the break of what turned into a positive game. More 12-ball follows as Capital City Sharpshooters sophomore Pauline plays with the blue cue. Pauline sank a ball on her break and then rallied to 18 shots with two errors in a quick appearance. The Crowns captain Nightfur is back for her second game of the day, using the blue cue in 9-ball. Nightfur struggled a bit this time, taking a ball on the break but needing 16 shots to finish early with an 8-9 combination at the bottom left. She did manage to avoid errors. The silver cue is back as Westside Rockers newcomer Chimpy uses it in 12-ball. Chimpy struggled with five errors and 25 shots after making a ball on the break, which did more harm than good for his positioning. At the back of the group, Eastside Sharks captain Graham plays Rotation with the blue cue. Graham did not do well, taking three errors in 32 shots while staying on an honest shooting strategy that didn't pay off.

Group five kicks off with more Rotation with the blue cue, played by the Oceanside Waves' Dewey. This event and cue combination is becoming a graveyard, as Dewey needed 36 shots and seven errors with nothing on the break, and he left the appearance agitated. Volcanoes captain Starlight will step into the hostile combination of Rotation with the blue cue for her second game today. Starlight nipped the budding trouble with two balls on the break and only two errors over 24 shots. A Volcanoes newcomer, Cowzart, draws the 23rd game of the day, playing 10-ball with the red cue. Cowzart got a ball on the break while scratching for his only error, and then closed at 18 shots, the second half of the game proving quite challenging. The ball on the break validated 10-ball research this year. The red cue stays in action for the Everton Eagles' Kirstin, who plays 15-ball with it. Kirstin buried a ball on the break and completed the game in only 20 shots, taking only one error along the way. The Rockers' Chimpy returns to end this bunch with the silver cue in hand for 13-ball in his second game of the day. Chimpy started well and even took a fiendish hit to get himself ahead, but karma cut him down, giving him four errors and 26 shots as the final ball proved difficult to corral.

The sixth set gets going with 10-ball and the red cue for Freedom Cascades veteran Stinky. He got a ball late on the break, but still would take two errors for an illegally potted ball, giving him a total of 17 shots. Midland Predators star Rainmane steps in for 12-ball with the silver cue in the next game. Rainmane had nothing on the break, and ended up with two errors in 26 shots in a solid but unspectacular effort. Capital City Sharpshooters mainstay Missy plays Rotation with the red cue. Missy went painfully empty on the break, and then took four errors over 29 shots to complete the appearance. Stonebridge Wolves sophomore Vincent keeps the red cue up in Rotation in the 29th game of the day. Vladimir took a different route to get to the same place, ending with 29 shots and six errors after a scratch on the break encouraged him to disregard ethical play. Concluding the group, Roxy of the Freedom Cascades plays 13-ball with the blue cue. Roxy had a ball on the break and commanded the game well, taking only one error in her 20 shots.

The 31st player of the day is Lighton Prestige newcomer Citrus, who plays 12-ball with the red cue. Citrus only had a scratch on the break, and then ended with 22 shots and two errors in the game. The red cue stays up as the Predators' Rainmane returns for 13-ball in her second appearance today. Rainmane struggled around the table after scratching on the break, the first of her five errors in 36 shots in a frustrating appearance. Victoria Spurs captain Spice is the 33rd player to shoot today, using the blue cue in 15-ball. Spice dominated, making a ball on the break and needing only 21 shots with a single error in a strong performance. Pearl Surfers veteran Beth is set to play 10-ball with the silver cue in the next game. Beth made a ball on the break, and while she took two errors in the middle of the game, she closed at 17 shots. The Waves' Dewey comes on for 15-ball with the blue cue to complete the group. Dewey looked better at first with a ball on the break, but a string of misses in the back half of the game ran him up to 32 shots and three errors.

Leading off group eight, the Torpedoes captain Smudge is up for her second game today, using the blue cue in 13-ball. Smudge made a ball on the break, but took two errors and 27 shots in a fairly middling performance. More 13-ball follows in the 37th game of the day, as the Eastside Sharks Cubby plays in the event with the silver cue. Cubby made two balls on the break and cleared the rest of the rack in 22 shots with just one error. The blue cue's back in 13-ball for the Archtown Arrows newcomer Hoppy. She didn't find a ball on the break, and she had three errors in the game, but a strong start helped her close at 26 shots. The Torpedoes' Fluffina has her second game of the day in 15-ball, using the red cue. Fluffina got reckless after making two balls on the break, racking up ten errors, with the biggest play being her illegal contact potting of the 15 while scratching. Despite the hefty penalty, she ended with 26 shots. Wrapping up the group, Lize of the Pronger Tridents uses the blue cue for 10-ball. Lize had nothing on the break and 20 shots with two errors in a somewhat challenging game.

The ninth batch opens with Sugar of the Swordpoint Blades playing 12-ball with the blue cue. Sugar didn't get a ball on the break, but it didn't stop her from finishing with 22 shots and no errors. Maplewood Lumberjacks stalwart Bryant shoots 15-ball with the silver cue next. Bryant started well with a ball on the break, but suffered five errors and 33 shots as he scuffled in the early stages. The 20th player to finish qualifying is today's 43rd shooter, as Sprinkles of the Capital City Sharpshooters uses the red cue for Accuracy. Sprinkles went empty on the break but shot well, finishing with 16 shots despite taking an error. She totaled 167 shots and 13 errors overall. After that, Freedom Cascades captain Jasmine shoots 15-ball with the blue cue. Jasmine couldn't get a ball on the break, and then took three errors in 28 shots in a tough appearance. Rounding out the group, Hershey of the Stonebridge Wolves plays 10-ball with the blue cue. Hershey made a pair of balls on the break and added two errors before converting the 5-10 combination to the top right to end with 10 shots.

The final group starts with the Midland Predators' Fuchsia playing 15-ball with the silver cue. Fuchsia made a ball on the break and took an early error, but left the 15 near the bottom right, where a deflected shot off the 4 potted it to end her turn at 9 shots. The silver cue stays up as Southern Monarchs captain Panda plays 10-ball. Panda made a ball on the break as well, but with two errors and a long chase on the 1, he ended up with 23 shots in an early finish deflected off the 6 to pot the 10 at the top left. Archtown Arrows captain Sally steps up for the next game, using the blue cue in 12-ball. Sally went empty on the break, and then needed 30 shots with three errors to navigate the unfavorable rack. The 49th game of the day goes to Freedom Cascades veteran Nikolai, who plays 15-ball with the red cue. Nikolai made two balls on the break and played a bit of a crash-course game, getting good bounces early before fading late. He ended with 24 shots and no errors on an 11-15 combination to the bottom right. Pearl Surfers co-captain Watermelon ends the day with 10-ball and the silver cue. Watermelon posted 17 shots and one error after an empty break.

We'll be back tomorrow for another 50-game day.

Qualifiers 2019 - Day 19

We're back for another day of games, beginning with...

Harrison Specters veteran Sydney S. playing 8-ball with the silver cue. Sydney S. made a ball on the break and avoided errors over 21 shots for a good start to the day. Pacific Volcanoes veteran Twinkie I gets the next game, using the red cue for 12-ball. Twinkie I couldn't make a ball on the break in her appearance, needing 24 shots with one error to complete the game. Queens Flames newcomer Mario plays the third game of the day, using the silver cue in 9-ball. Mario had nothing on the break and took 15 shots with one error in the appearance. Diamond Gems veteran Pedey picks up the blue cue for 15-ball. Pedey made a ball on the break in this game, and had good pushes at the start and finish, but took two errors in the middle to total 26 shots. Web City Spiders newcomer Avril brings us to the lunch break with her 13-ball game using the red cue. Avril made a ball on the break and cleared the table in only 17 shots, as many of her misses were productive anyway. She had only one error.

Returning to action, the Oceanside Waves' Josie plays 12-ball with the silver cue. Josie made a ball on the break and took two errors in 21 shots for a solid game. Midland Predators rookie Kitty takes the next game in 13-ball with the blue cue. Kitty made a ball on the break, but bad positioning late in the game led to her taking four errors and 29 shots. Southern Monarchs veteran Dominic gets the eighth game of the day, playing Rotation with the red cue. Dominic didn't get a ball on the break, but he had only two errors and 23 shots after a strong middle section of the game. He goes again, keeping the red cue in hand for 15-ball in a second consecutive game. Dominic didn't have the same shot-making skill in this appearance, but an early glancing bank converted the 2-15 combination to the top right to end at 4 shots and no errors after an empty break. Queens Flames captain Crystal finishes the group and her qualifying, the 11th player to exit the first stage of the season, using the silver cue in Accuracy. Crystal needed 19 shots and no errors after going empty on the break, setting her qualifying totals at 186 shots and 21 errors in a middling performance.

The third group kicks off with Bandit of the Swordpoint Blades playing 12-ball with the silver cue. Bandit made two balls on the break while taking the first of his two errors, but he was sharp enough to end with 21 shots. Atlantic Pirates captain Delila follows that with the red cue in 9-ball. Delila had nothing on the break and nearly finished early, but scratched while potting the 9 on a trick play. She was forced to play out the rack and ended with 19 shots. The Pronger Tridents' Spot is set to play 13-ball with the blue cue in the next game. Spot excelled in the event with a ball on the break and no errors over his 20 shoots. Viewpoint Sound Meteors leader Nibbles is ready to go with the red cue in 12-ball. Nibbles made a ball on the break and added two errors in the appearance, which lasted only 20 shots as he quickly navigated the rack. Another group ends with the 12th qualifying finale, this one being for Pronger Tridents captain Precious as she plays Accuracy with the red cue. Precious closed the game with 19 shots and one error after making a ball on the break, giving her a strong 156 shots and 15 errors overall.

More Accuracy heads group four, as the Gems' Pedey is the 13th player to finish qualifying by using the silver cue in this game. Pedey went empty on the break but took no errors in a clean 17 shots to give him 181 shots and only 7 errors in total. The blue cue draws back in for 12-ball played by Stonebridge Wolves third-year Cobalt. He didn't get a ball on the break, but Cobalt also took no errors in his 20 shots in a stunning performances. Another 12-ball game sees the silver cue in hand for Whitewater Shores sophomore Katharine. This game also went well, as she had only one error in 18 shots after making a pair of balls on the break to spark the great game. The blue cue's back as the Viewpoint Sound Meteors newcomer Princess takes her turn in 12-ball. Princess struggled a bit with nothing on the break and two errors contributing to her ending at 23 shots. Closing out the batch, Kirstin of the Everton Eagles plays Rotation with the blue cue. Kirstin needed only 21 shots with one error after making a ball on the break in a good performance.

The fifth batch leads off with the Shores' Katharine returning for 13-ball with the blue cue. Katharine did a little worse in this game, getting a ball on the break but taking one error in 24 shots as she employed a cautious strategy. Everton Eagles star Puff III uses the silver cue in the 22nd game of the day, playing 15-ball. Puff III made a ball on the break and took four errors, two intentional, to end at 23 shots in a smart performance. Modernistic Union captain Ms. Puppy is next up, playing 12-ball with the blue cue. Ms. Puppy made two balls on the break, and while she suffered three errors, she finished the game in 19 shots. Queens Flames third year Hannah becomes the 14th player done with qualifying as she shoots Accuracy with the red cue. Hannah did well after an empty break, taking no errors and missing only once in her 16 shots. She closes with 177 shots and 16 errors overall. At the back of the group, Jake of the Royal Crowns plays Rotation with the blue cue. Jake made a mess of the break and took two early errors before settling in. He needed 36 shots to finish a game that was ugly from start to finish.

Group six begins as Shelley of the Infinity Torpedoes ends her qualifying run with Accuracy and the blue cue, the 15th player to finish. Shelley managed to pot a pair on the break, but her game came unraveled with loose shooting that gave her 20 shots. Her qualifying totals end at 168 and 16 errors in a good start to the campaign. The Pearl Surfers' Bright also finishes qualifying as the 16th player to play Accuracy, using the red cue. Bright went empty on the break but cleared the table in 19 shots with no errors, for totals of 188 shots and 15 errors. Swordpoint Blades newcomer Sugar takes a turn with the red cue in 10-ball. Sugar made three balls on the break but added two errors to push her score to a strong 14 shots. Eastside Sharks captain Graham takes the 29th game of the day, using the blue cue in 13-ball. Graham made a ball of each suit on the break, and ended with 22 shots and only one error in a strong game. Concluding the bunch, Quincy of the Terrace City Knights plays Accuracy with the silver cue as the 17th player to complete qualifying. Quincy had an empty break and one error over 19 shots to complete his sessions with 156 shots and just 6 errors.

The seventh group opens with Strut of the Golden Pilots playing 12-ball with the blue cue. Strut showed great efficiency in switching between suits as he completed the game with only one error over 19 shots. His close friend, the Westside Rockers' Goatee, is up next with the silver cue in 12-ball. Goatee did even better with a late ball on the break and no errors over her 17 shots, using as little time as possible for positioning before attacking with great haste. Continuing along, the Pronger Tridents' Zach plays 13-ball with the blue cue. Zach made a pair on the break, but ended up with three errors over 20 shots as he had to face a little collateral damage to finish the game. The blue cue stays in action for the Westside Rockers veteran Slinks' 13-ball qualifier. Slinks didn't get a ball on the break, but she held her ground to finish with 22 shots and one error. Diamond Gems newcomer Shadow wraps up the group with the blue cue in hand for 9-ball. Shadow made a ball on the break and took one early error before closing the game at 15 shots.

The eighth set starts as Victoria Spurs veteran Strawberry plays Rotation with the red cue. Strawberry needed 30 shots with three errors after a particularly poor empty break ruined the start of her game. The 37th player drawn today is Southern Monarchs veteran Pounce, who plays 12-ball with the silver cue. Pounce had two legal balls on the break and one illegally potted ball that gave him his lone error in 21 shots. After that, Archtown Arrows captain Sally plays 10-ball with the blue cue. Sally went empty on the break save for a scratch, the first of five errors she took while finishing in 14 shots on a 7-10 combination to the top right in a chaotic game. The blue cue remains in action as the Boston Swifts' Ice Cream shoots 13-ball. Ice Cream had a couple of balls on the break and played well with her shooting, but saw ten errors in the game: two for scratches, two for illegal play, one for a procedural violation, and five for illegally potting the 8. She still managed to end with 25 shots. Rounding out the group, Taylor S. of the Commerce Tradewinds plays 15-ball with the blue cue. Taylor S. didn't get a ball on the break and committed too strongly to clean play, ending with two errors in a sloppy 35 shots.

Diamond Gems newcomer Leonardo fronts the ninth group with 10-ball and the silver cue. Leonardo didn't get a ball on the break and struggled early in his game with an error, but he closed at 15 shots on a late burst. Another 10-ball game sees Swordpoint Blades veteran Stealth using the red cue. Stealth couldn't do as well, with three errors and 21 shots after scratching on an otherwise empty break. The Rockers' Goatee returns to action, using the silver cue in 13-ball for her second game today. Goatee wasn't dominant here, but she did get a ball on the break and suffered only one error in 24 shots. Swordpoint Blades captain Snowball is next up in 13-ball, using the red cue. Snowball had a lackluster performance, striking a ball on the break but ending with 30 shots and six errors after illegally potting the 8. The 45th played called to shoot is Pearl Surfers veteran Boots, who plays 13-ball with the silver cue. Boots needed 30 shots with two errors to overcome an empty break in another difficult appearance.

The final group sees Zach of the Tridents plays his second game of the day, using the blue cue in Rotation. Zach went empty on his break and took four errors to maintain a solid attack that ended in 29 shots. The blue cue stays in action as Modernistic Union veteran Puff I plays 13-ball. Puff I had an empty break, and that was only the beginning in a miserable game of 40 shots and six errors. The Monarchs' Dominic keeps the blue cue in action and will play Accuracy in his third game of the day. becoming the 18th player to finish qualifying this year. Dominic was nearly perfect in this game, with 16 shots and no errors after an empty break. Dominic finished with 155 shots and 6 errors overall. Another qualifying finale sees North Modernistic Nighthawks newcomer Lionel finish in Accuracy with the red cue as the 19th player to wrap up. Lionel was just a touch behind Dominic, ending with 17 shots and no errors on another empty break. Lionel closed with 136 shots and 11 errors, thanks to his zero-out in 13-ball. Closing the day, Maplewood Lumberjacks captain Diddley plays 15-ball with the silver cue. Diddley started extremely well with a ball on the break, and while he faded later, he ended at 25 shots and no errors.

We'll try to break the curse of the Wednesday's in tomorrow's games, featuring a potential late start.

Qualifiers 2019 - Day 18

We're expecting to continue on the 50 games per day pace this week, but recent events have suggested that a change may be needed to accommodate the back end of qualifying. Currently, the plan is to shift the originally scheduled final 10 days (50 each, with 70 on the last day) into 13 days of 40 games each, as that will make it easier to incorporate cricket back into the mix next week and going forward. With that tentatively planned, we begin today with...

Potter of the Pronger Tridents playing Rotation with the silver cue. Potter made a ball on the break, but took four errors, mostly productive, over his 24 shots in the game. The silver cue stays in action as Victoria Spurs captain Spice plays 13-ball. Spice couldn't get anything on the break, and she took one early error for a scratch before buckling down to close the game at 22 shots. Lighton Prestige star Spirit takes the third game of the day, playing Rotation with the blue cue. Spirit had a ball on the break, but she couldn't keep her positioning tight, leading to three errors in 28 shots in a decent outing. Pearl Surfers veteran Boots brings the silver cue back for 12-ball. Boots didn't make anything on her break, ending with 25 shots and one error after some cautious positioning cost her a few shots. Pacific Volcanoes veteran Leonette ends the group with the red cue in 15-ball. Leonette made two balls on the break, but wasted the advantage with four errors over a solid 25 shots in one of her better outings.

Group two kicks off with Shelley of the Infinity Torpedoes using the blue cue in 15-ball. Shelley made a ball on the break and hounded the 15 over her 14 shots with one error, eventually making it with a 5-15 combination to the bottom side. Boston Swifts veteran Ice Cream brings the red cue back to action in 12-ball for the seventh game of the day. Ice Cream made a ball on the break and closed the game out in 22 shots with no errors in a strong performance. Stonebridge Wolves captain Juno also uses the red cue in 10-ball. Juno struggled after a flat break, ending up with three errors and 24 shots in the game. Midland Predators rookie Kitty takes the next game, using the blue cue for 12-ball. Kitty didn't get a ball on the break, but her patient positioning early on helped her finish with 22 shots and only one error later on. Lighton Prestige newcomer Citrus plays 10-ball with the silver cue at the back of the group. Citrus did get a ball on the break, but she struggled early before settling in to finish with 19 shots and three errors.

Citrus' good friend Sprinkles, the Capital City Sharpshooters veteran, begins group three with the silver cue in hand for 15-ball. Sprinkles went empty on the break and took four errors after a mental mistake in the game, but she finished at 24 shots anyway in a good performance. Freedom Cascades veteran Roxy is the next player drawn, set to play 10-ball with the red cue. Roxy needed only 9 shots with two errors after getting a ball late on the break in an eventful appearance. Southern Monarchs newcomer Mams is ready to go in 13-ball with the blue cue. Mams finished the game in 21 shots with two errors after making a pair of balls on the break. North Modernistic Nighthawks third-year Luigi plays 10-ball with the red cue in the next game. Luigi did get a ball on the break, but one error and plenty of lesser mistakes caused him to wrap the game at 22 shots, as precision proved to be his enemy. The batch closes with Swordpoint Blades veteran Dreamy using the red cue for 15-ball. Dreamy buzzed around the table early with a ball on the break, but a pair of errors and long chases later in the game pushed her score to 27 shots.

The fourth group gets going as Rosemary of the Commerce Tradewinds plays 9-ball with the red cue. Rosemary made easy work of the game, with no errors and 7 shots to erase the sour taste of an empty break as she put the 4-9 combination in the top right. The Cascades' Roxy is today's first repeat player, using the silver cue in 12-ball in her second game. Roxy had nothing on the break, but kept a level head and finished the game in 18 shots with only one error, which came at the end. The 18th player called to shoot today is Infinity Torpedoes captain Smudge, who lines up 10-ball with the red cue. Smudge knocked in a pair on the break and took only one error near the end in a 13-shot game. The Prestige's Spirit returns for her second game of the day, using the red cue in 15-ball. Spirit did get a ball while scratching on the break for the first of her three errors in a rough game of 30 shots. The last two players' mother, Whitewater Shores captain Shaggy, is on to complete the group with her 10-ball game using the blue cue. Shaggy went empty on the break, but recovered to finish at 18 shots and one error for the game.

The fifth set leads off with Harrison Specters captain Twinkie II playing Rotation with the silver cue. Twinkie II didn't make a ball on the break and needed 26 shots with five errors to clear the rack. Terrace City Knights sophomore Melissa goes next, playing 15-ball with the blue cue. Melissa couldn't get a ball down on the break, and she struggled until deflecting a shot off the 11 to push the 15 to the top right, ending with 25 shots and three errors. Pronger Tridents veteran Zach uses the silver cue as he plays 12-ball. Zach didn't need a ball on the break to have a great game, cruising through the rack in 16 error-free shots. Pearl Surfers co-captain Neopolitan draws in next for 13-ball with the red cue. Neopolitan whiffed on the break as well, but clamped down to end in 19 shots and no errors in a stunning turn. The 25th player of the day is Nikolai of the Freedom Cascades, who uses the red cue for Rotation. Nikolai dug himself out of trouble after an empty break with intentional errors, totaling five fouls before cruising to finish at 26 shots.

Group six begins as Briana of the Queens Flames plays 13-ball with the blue cue. Briana made a ball on the break and had no errors in 26 shots, but she took her time finishing due to awkward positioning. Pronger Tridents captain Precious plays the 27th game today, using the red cue in 15-ball. Precious slammed a ball in on the break and then took four errors, all intentional, to finish with 23 shots in a savvy mix of reckless and heady. Continuing along, longtime Todavía Stills captain Easter plays 13-ball with the red cue. Easter got a ball on the break, but took two errors after bad positioning, which boosted her score up to 25 shots. The red cue stays in action as Lighton Prestige newcomer Shiny plays 10-ball. Shiny took an empty break, but ended up with 15 shots and only one error in the appearance. Concluding the group, Yekaterina of the Victoria Spurs plays 10-ball with the silver cue. Yekaterina made two balls on the break and only suffered one error in 10 shots in a fantastic performance.

The seventh group opens with Web City Spiders newcomer Waluigi playing Rotation with the blue cue. Waluigi made two balls on the break and took only two errors in his 21 shots in a great performance. Midland Predators captain Shawn shoots 10-ball with the red cue in the 32nd game of the day. Shawn fired off a ball on the break and finished the game at 14 shots despite taking a pair of errors. More 10-ball follows as Swordpoint Blades rising star Bandit uses the silver cue in the event. Bandit also made a ball on the break, but he struggled a bit more, with one error in 17 shots during the appearance. Tysini Hummingbirds veteran Paps is ready to go in Rotation with the silver cue. Paps belted a ball down on the break and managed to close in 25 shots, starting hot before a cautious finish that saw him take no errors. Wrapping up the group, Freedom Cascades captain Jasmine shoots Rotation with the red cue. Jasmine took a different approach, with four of her five errors coming with intent after she made a ball on the break. She also closed with 25 shots.

Group eight starts with Modernistic Union rookie Sydney C. shooting 15-ball with the blue cue. Sydney C. had nothing on the break and needed 28 shots with two errors to get out of the game. Viewpoint Sound Meteors newcomer Frosty moves things along with her 12-ball game with the blue cue. Frosty made three balls on the break, but her lack of positioning caused her to take an error and 21 shots to complete the effort. Taylor M., the Eastside Sharks rookie, becomes the ninth player done with qualifying as she plays Accuracy with the silver cue. Taylor M. needed 22 shots and one error after an empty break and some loose shooting throughout the game. She ends with 186 shots and 16 errors in a middle-ground qualifying campaign. The 39th game of the day goes to Pearl Surfers veteran Beth, who uses the blue cue for 9-ball. Beth struggled after an empty break, taking two errors and needing multiple chances at most balls, as she finished with 18 shots. Spirit of the Prestige rounds out the group and her qualifying sessions, using the silver cue in Accuracy as the tenth player to finish the opening stages of the season. Spirit nearly went empty on the break until three balls fell late all at once, and she closed with 17 shots and no errors. Spirit ends with 192 shots and 15 errors in a tough qualifying season.

The ninth group is fronted by Dani of the Viewpoint Sound Meteors, who plays 15-ball with the silver cue. Dani started with a promising run of play, but ended up at 35 shots and seven errors as the no-ball break turned ugly late. The silver cue stays up with Dewey of the Oceanside Waves playing 13-ball. Dewey got two balls on the break, but he butchered the late game and ended up with 25 shots and no errors in total. Lighton Prestige captain Acorn plays the 43rd game of the day, using the silver cue for 10-ball. Acorn had a couple of balls on the break, but he struggled with precision and ended up at 16 shots without an error. The Nighthawks' Luigi is back for his second game of the day, using the red cue in 12-ball. Luigi needed 21 shots after an empty break, but he only took one error in a solid performance. The 45th player of the day is Watermelon, the Pearl Surfers co-captain, who shoots 9-ball with the red cue. Watermelon had a ball on the break and one error at the end of a 13-shot game that saw her channel frustrations effectively.

The final batch is headed by Spurs captain Spice, whose second game of the day is in Rotation with the silver cue. Spice got a ball on the break and took four errors, two with intent, over her 24 shots in a strong appearance. The silver cue stays up for Rotation in the 47th game of the day as Terrace City Knights captain Kiwi steps up for a game. Kiwi sank three balls on the break, but ended up with five errors and 32 shots as her whole game fell apart in the second half of the rack. Boston Swifts veteran Sweetheart is next up, shooting 13-ball with the blue cue. Sweetheart ended with 28 shots and three errors after a positive start despite her empty break. The Modernistic Union sophomore Kodiak follows that with 12-ball and the blue cue. Kodiak had two balls on the break, but that did more harm than good, as it left him with many out-of-position plays. He took two errors and 28 shots to get out of the game. Diamond Gems newcomer Leonardo takes the last game today, playing 9-ball with the red cue. Leonardo made a ball on the break and then jumped to hit the 3 which bounced off the rail to bump the 8 in the top side for a highlight-reel play. He ended at 15 shots and no errors, miraculously.

The 12-ball majority is over, with 13-ball taking center stage for most of this week.

Qualifiers 2019 - Day 17

The final day of the third full week of qualifying is here, beginning with...

Bright of the Pearl Surfers shooting 15-ball with the blue cue. Bright started with a ball on the break and took only one early error over 22 shots in a fantastic first game of the day. More 15-ball awaits with Harrison Specters veteran Lexi playing in the event with the silver cue. Lexi needed 30 shots and two errors to complete the game after an empty break. Atlantic Pirates newcomer Jason N. is set to play with the silver cue in 13-ball. Jason N. played well with a ball on the break and one error in 23 shots, commanding the game throughout his appearance. Victoria Spurs star Yekaterina plays 9-ball with the silver cue in the fourth game today. Yekaterina struggled in this appearance, needing 19 shots with one error after a poor and empty break. Whitewater Shores star Twinkie III will use the red cue for 10-ball to end the group. Twinkie III made a pair of balls on the break and closed at 13 shots despite a pair of errors for scratches.

The second group gets going with Maplewood Lumberjacks captain Diddley playing Rotation with the silver cue. Diddley picked up a ball on the break, but had a couple patches of trouble that caused him to take three errors over 25 shots. The silver cue remains in action as Capital City Sharpshooters veteran Lorde plays 8-ball. Lorde looked a little shaky at times in her game, ending with 22 shots and no errors after going empty on the break. More silver cue action comes in the eighth game of the day, when Pacific Volcanoes mainstay Ms. Kitty plays 13-ball. Ms. Kitty performed very well with a pair on the break and only 21 shots with one error the rest of the way. Rotation is next, as Swordpoint Blades stalwart Dreamy keeps the silver cue in action again. Dreamy managed to put a ball down on the break, and then rushed at the end to finish with 27 shots and three errors in a mediocre outing. Modernistic Union veteran Puff I completes the group with 12-ball and the blue cue. Puff I made two balls on the break and cleared the rack from there in 22 shots with two errors.

Group three opens as Hannah of the Queens Flames plays 15-ball with the silver cue. Hannah couldn't get a ball down on the break, and she added two errors but closed in a solid 24 shots. Oceanside Waves third-year Celestia takes the 12th game today, using the red cue in 8-ball. Celestia had an awful time, making a ball on the break but taking three errors and showing no control in her 31 shots. Terrace City Knights veteran Oreo brings the blue cue back for some 10-ball. Oreo made a ball on the break, but two errors and some sloppiness slowed her to 19 shots for the game. Central Warriors veteran Wings plays next, using the red cue in Rotation. Wings started off well, but went empty on the break and picked up four errors in 31 shots as his quality faded. More Rotation caps this group, as Commerce Tradewinds star Taylor S. plays in the event with the silver cue. Taylor S. cruised through the rack in 24 shots with only one error, easily overcoming her empty break.

Another Tradewind starts the fourth batch, as Solaris plays 9-ball with the blue cue. Solaris made a ball on his break and then double-potted the 2 and 9 to the bottom side and bottom right to end at 5 shots and one error. Infinity Torpedoes star Fluffina keeps the blue cue in action with some 13-ball. Fluffina made a ball on the break and took only one error in a lapse of judgment, giving her 22 shots for the game. More 13-ball follows that, as Southridge Defenders veteran Caitlin shoots with the red cue in that event. Caitlin made a ball and took her only error on the break, and then finished with 21 shots in a strong performance. Eastside Sharks star Chelsea is next, using the silver cue in 10-ball. Chelsea made a ball on the break, but suffered an error early in the game and required 20 shots to complete the outing. The 20th game today keeps the silver cue in 10-ball as the Stonebridge Wolves' Cobalt plays. Cobalt gathered a ball on the break, but a pair of early errors and struggles with precision later on pushed him to 20 shots after he double-potted the 9 and 10 to the right corners.

The fifth group begins with the Viewpoint Sound Meteors' Dani playing Rotation with the red cue. Dani didn't get anything on the break and took four errors, two with intent, to end at 23 shots in a spirited appearance. Maplewood Lumberjacks sophomore Summer goes next, playing 12-ball with the silver cue. Summer played a cautious game after making a ball on the break, but many of her shots lined themselves up, and she took only one error in 21 shots. The silver cue remains in action with Everton Eagles newcomer Bear, who plays 15-ball this time. Bear went empty on the break, an unfortunate situation. He took two errors in 27 shots, putting in a fairly average weekend. Another Eagle, the veteran Kirstin, plays 13-ball with the blue cue in the 24th game of the day. Kirstin made a ball on the break to the top right, and then ended with 29 shots and two errors, losing her way a bit in the middle. The group closes with the Victoria Spurs' Strawberry also using the blue cue in 13-ball. Strawberry blasted three balls on the break and took two errors, still finishing with only 18 shots in a studly effort.

Bunch six leads off as Capital City Sharpshooters veteran Sprinkles plays Rotation with the red cue. Sprinkles couldn't get anything on a tight break, and she took two errors over 25 shots to complete the appearance. Todavía Stills veteran Bells draws the next game, using the blue cue for 9-ball. Bells poked a 2-9 combination to the top right to end with 4 shots and no errors after an empty break. She used good positioning skills to get the quick finish. The 28th player drawn today is the Central Warriors star Dustin, who keeps the blue cue active for 12-ball. Dustin didn't do that well in this appearance, needing 26 shots and an error after making two balls on the break, as positioning let him down. The Eagles' Bear returns for his second game of the day, shooting Accuracy with the red cue to become the eighth player to finish qualifying this year. Bear had nothing on the break and no errors in a 20-shot game, ending his sessions with 193 shots and 10 errors. The group concludes with North Modernistic Nighthawks newcomer Lionel shooting 15-ball with the red cue. Lionel couldn't break the slump of empty breaks, ending with 28 shots and three errors in his game.

The Tradewinds' Solaris returns for his second game at the head of group seven, playing 10-ball with the blue cue. Solaris couldn't quite make a ball on the break, but he had no errors in 15 shots in a strong display. The 32nd player called to shoot is Westside Rockers captain Misty, who uses the blue cue for 13-ball. Misty did alright for an empty break, limiting her errors to two among her 26 shots used to finish the outing. Next up, Jason N. of the Pirates plays his second game today in Rotation, using the silver cue. Jason N. couldn't find a ball on the break, and he took three errors before surging to finish at 26 shots. The Warriors' Dustin returns to play 13-ball with the red cue in his second game of the day. Dustin played confidently in this appearance, needing only 23 shots after a ball on the break, and he recorded just one error. Westside Rockers veteran Slinks rounds out the group with the red cue in hand for 12-ball. Slinks did quite well in this appearance, making two balls legally on the break, and adding only two errors in 16 shots to finish the game.

The eighth group is fronted by Viewpoint Sound Meteors veteran Hoot, who uses the silver cue in 13-ball. Hoot pounded in a pair of balls on the break, and then closed with 23 shots in a well-measured game, even though he had two errors as well. Tysini Hummingbirds veteran Charli goes 37th today, using the red cue for 9-ball. Charli made a ball on the break and took only one error in 14 shots, a strong performance from the star. Viewpoint Sound Meteors newcomer Princess goes next, using the red cue in her 10-ball appearance. Princess buried a ball on the break and cruised early, but three errors inflated her score to 16 shots. Swordpoint Blades captain Snowball takes the next game, using the blue cue in 12-ball. Snowball stunned with just 16 shots, including one error, after an empty break in one of the event's top performances. Wrapping up the group, Harrison Specters captain Twinkie II plays 13-ball with the silver cue. Twinkie II came out blazing with a ball on the break, but she struggled on the final ball, needing 24 shots and an error to finish.

The 41st player drawn today is Atlantic Pirates veteran Steven, who plays Rotation with the silver cue. Steven made a ball on a heavy break and took four errors as his play ebbed and flowed throughout his 26 shots. The silver cue stays up for Commerce Tradewinds sophomore Rosemary, who plays 8-ball with it. Rosemary started well despite an empty break, and made most her missed shots productive as she closed with 19 shots and no errors. The silver cue continues its run with 12-ball by the Queens Flames' Briana. She made a ball on the break, but took two errors in a tense positioning situation, ending at 24 shots. Maplewood Lumberjacks veteran Gabe brings the red cue up to the table for 8-ball. Gabe knocked a ball down on the break and took no errors over 19 shots in a strong game. Finishing the group, Pacific Volcanoes captain Starlight shoots 12-ball with the silver cue. Starlight had an empty break, but made quick work of the rack in 17 shots with no errors.

The 46th player to shoot today is Boston Swifts captain Patches, who will use the red cue for 8-ball. Patches cranked down two balls on the break and took no errors over 19 shots to complete the game. The red cue stays in action as Freedom Cascades veteran Nikolai plays 13-ball. Nikolai thundered two balls in on the break, but played cautious near the end to finish at 26 shots and one error. More 13-ball awaits for the Royal Crowns' Jake, who uses the silver cue in the event. Jake made a ball on the break and took only one error, but he needed 27 shots to get through the game. Stonebridge Wolves newcomer Wild Thing steps up for his 12-ball game with the red cue next. Wild Thing hammered in a pair on the break, and then needed only 19 shots with two errors the rest of the way, the second error helping set up his final push. The Meteors' Hoot ends the day with Rotation and the blue cue. Hoot showed no regard for the rules after an empty break, taking eight errors, all intentional, in 25 shots.

We'll return with more league action in Qualifiers on Monday. Both days this weekend will be for rest, as the players generally begin to enter tougher events.