Tournament 2019 - Round 2 Day 10

We end the second week of round two with a standard day on a condensed schedule. First up...

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Bryant v. Delila. The blue cue kicks off the day with some 10-ball. Atlantic's Delila suffered an illegally potted ball early in game 1, and that opened the door for Maplewood's Bryant to take possession and put the 5-10 bank combination in the bottom right two shots later. Bryant's firm finish gave him a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Delila looked poised for a big finish in game 2, but ended up with a five-ball run and a rattled 10 at the top left. The Lumberjacks' Bryant tapped it in for a cheap win to seal the series at 2-0. Delila took possession in an even game 3 after Bryant made a ball illegally. Delila then immediately scratched on the next shot, and Bryant made the final pair for the win and 3-0 series sweep that puts him in a hosting position in the third round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Nightfur v. Yekaterina. Continuing along, the blue cue stays up for 8-ball. Royal's Nightfur had a good start to game 1, but she briefly appeared to face danger on a six-ball run from Yekaterina. Nightfur stayed calm, earning the win with a three-ball run-out on the next turn to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Spurs' Yekaterina found a little early offense in game 2, but couldn't sustain the attack later. The Crowns' Nightfur roared all the way back on an eight-ball run-out, finishing the win by banking the 8 to the top side to clinch the series at 2-0. Nightfur just didn't have enough left for game 3, allowing Yekaterina to hang around at first and then convert a five-ball run-out to end it. Nightfur's 2-1 series win places her in a hosting position in round three.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Puff II v. Beth. Another blue cue series in the Southeast sees 15-ball being played. Boston's Puff II couldn't seem to get a grip on the offense in game 1, allowing Pearl's Beth to dictate the pace. Beth did so well and was rewarded with a win after a strong majority of the play, going ahead 1-0 in the series. Game 2 was a much faster battle between the players, even at first and then wide open. The Swifts' Puff II had a three-ball run, which the Surfers' Beth answered with a five-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Beth struggled to keep her offense going in game 3, fading as the game progressed. Puff II capitalized on the weakness to get her lone win of Beth's 2-1 series win, which will see Beth return home for the third round.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Bright. The blue cue goes once again, this time in Rotation. Midland's Fuchsia came out swinging in game 1, establishing a nice lead that Pearl's Bright erased with a four-ball run. Bright then won 8-5 two turns later with a three-ball run-out after some struggles in the late-game. Bright leads the series 1-0. The Surfers' Bright tried his hand at the early lead in game 2, and it suited him well. The Predators' Fuchsia tried to challenge but scratched twice, and Bright cruised to the 8-4 win to secure the series at 2-0. Bright again pulled ahead in game 3, making the 3 to the top side and 15 to the bottom right on an impressive double-pot. He slipped a little later on, but closed out the 8-5 win over Fuchsia to earn a 3-0 series sweep. Bright will visit Vincent of the Tysini Hummingbirds in the third round.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Sparkles v. Paps. The Southeast tour continues with 13-ball and the red cue. Golden's Sparkles took solids early in game 1 and then used a little defense to stall Tysini's Paps after his three-ball run. Sparkles got the better of Paps at the end with a pair of well-taken shots for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Sparkles made one of each suit on the game 2 break, and decided to stick with solids. The Hummingbirds' Paps pressured with a four-ball run on his next turn, but Sparkles unleashed a five-ball run-out after that to snag the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Paps started well in game 3, but he failed to find any possession with two balls left on the table. Sparkles took her time before striking for a three-ball run-out to earn the win. A 3-0 series sweep propels Sparkles to a third-round series at home against the Lighton Prestige's Nicole.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Mams v. Rosalina. We're back to Rotation with the blue cue for this series. Southern's Mams built a nice lead with some lucky bounces in game 1, while Whitewater's Rosalina struggled to get anything to go her way. Mams eventually finished with an 8-1 win to take the 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Rosalina led for part of game 2, but she wasn't able to make it stand at the end. The Monarchs' Mams rallied back to tie it, and when Rosalina miscued, Mams made the final pair for an 8-6 win to secure the series at 2-0. Mams gained the lead early in game 3 again, but by the end she was grappling with Rosalina for control. Rosalina prevailed, avoiding the sweep with an 8-7 win. Mams settled for a 2-1 series win that takes her to the third round.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Nibbles v. Melissa. Inexperienced players clash in 7-ball with the silver cue. Terrace City's Melissa missed contact on her first turn, leading to Viewpoint Sound's Nibbles posting a five-ball run, but Melissa took over for the last pair to snag the win. Melissa leads the series 1-0. The Knights' Melissa scratched on the break of game 2, and struggled throughout the game until she made the final pair of shots. The Meteors' Nibbles had his chances to compete and wasted them, allowing Melissa to clinch the series at 2-0. In game 3, it was a choppy battle between the players. Nibbles missed on the 7, his cut to the bottom right going wide and leaving it for Melissa to pot for the win and 3-0 series sweep. Melissa will play in round three after her first kill, making Nibbles the second player ousted from competition.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Chicky Phil v. Kirstin. Northeastern rivals tangle in 10-ball with the red cue. Web City's Chicky Phil started a little slow in game 1, but Everton's Kirstin didn't do anything about it. Chicky Phil then ripped a nine-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Chicky Phil collected scattered offense early in game 2, but he lost control at the end. The Eagles' Kirstin made the last three balls over two turns for the win to tie the series at 1. Chicky Phil posted a wild three-ball run late in game 3, but he came up short on the 9. Kirstin took over and made the final pair, wrangling away the 2-1 series win in the process. Kirstin will be a visitor again in the third round.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Strawberry v. Gal. The red cue stays on for a series of Rotation. Victoria's Strawberry brought the crowd to life by making four balls on the break. Game 1 was even from that point, with Strawberry winning 8-4 over North Modernistic's Gal to give the host a 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Strawberry got wild on a seven-ball run to open game 2, once again exciting the home fans. The Nighthawks' Gal chipped some offense back, but Strawberry shut the door for another 8-4 win to clinch the series at 2-0. There was no excitement at the start as Gal slowly build a lead. Strawberry erased it with a pair of three-ball runs to get on the verge of a win, but Gal took a three-ball run-out to win 8-7. Strawberry will advance to a visiting role in the third round after winning this series 2-1.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Dreamy v. Pounce. Club-mates meet in a 7-ball set with the silver cue. Southern's Pounce took a little time to find his offense in game 1, but capitalized when Swordpoint's Dreamy couldn't control the attack. Pounce won on a five-ball run-out to take the 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Pounce was called for a rare foul break in game 2, as he contacted the cue twice to open the game. The Blades' Dreamy didn't make anything of the sudden turnover, and Pounce ultimately won with a three-ball run-out to secure the series at 2-0. Dreamy didn't have much motivation to attack in game 3 after the embarrassing series loss. Pounce added to Dreamy's misery by banking in the 7 to the top side for the win and the 3-0 series sweep. Pounce advances to round three.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Vladimir v. Sarah. Junior club-mates clash as the blue cue cycles in for Accuracy. Stonebridge's Vladimir led for much of game 1, but couldn't make it hold up at the end of regulation, falling into a tie. Tysini's Sarah did her part to force overtime, and Vladimir scratched on the overtime break to give Sarah the 2-3 win and 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Vladimir felt snake-bit after his first shot jammed two balls at the edge of the bottom right. He never recovered, and the Hummingbirds' Sarah was perfect in a 0-3 win to seal the series at 2-0. Sarah trailed for a bit of game 3 after a perfect start on both sides. Vladimir couldn't hang onto the lead, missing his last two shots as Sarah surged to a 2-3 win and 3-0 series sweep. Sarah will take to the road again in the third round.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Gradley. Two strong competitors meet in 10-ball with the red cue. Boston's Gradley wasted a solid game 1 effort with an awkward contact on the 8. Pronger's Precious was thankful to her opponent for lining up her winning 8-10 combination at the bottom right, giving the host a 1-0 lead in the series. The Swifts' Gradley looked good initially in game 2, but he left a lot on the table at the end. The Tridents' Precious took advantage by making the final pair of shots for the win to seal the series at 2-0. In game 3, Precious opened on a four-ball run, but missed contact with the 3. Gradley then pulled off a six-ball run-out in response to get his lone win. Precious took the series 2-1 and will host Westside Rockers star Slinks in the third round.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Frosty v. Wings. The silver cue is back for 7-ball. After a mixed start in game 1, Viewpoint Sound's Frosty used a three-ball run-out to establish a 1-0 series over Central's Wings, as the latter had no impressive plays. The Meteors' Frosty found a four-ball run early in game 2, but her second turn was empty. The Warriors' Wings instead made three balls over his two turns to get the win, tying the series at 1 in the process. Wings had a little offense early in game 3, but he missed the 5 at a critical point in the game. Frosty double-potted the 5 to the bottom left and the 6 to the bottom side before turning the 7 in at the bottom right for the win. Frosty's 2-1 series win sets her up to host Gabe of the Maplewood Lumberjacks in the third round.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Neopolitan v. Pedey. Another 7-ball series on the coast uses the silver cue. Pearl's Neopolitan didn't get anything on the game 1 break, but Diamond's Pedey liked the distribution he saw. Pedey ran the table for a win and a 1-0 series lead in quick order. The Gems' Pedey nearly did the same thing on his second turn in game 2, but as he potted the 7, the cue fell in the bottom side. This gifted the win to the Surfers' Neopolitan, tying the series at 1 despite her not making a single ball yet. Pedey ultimately prevailed in game 3, as Neopolitan missed twice late in the game to allow Pedey some extra room to work. Pedey won the series 2-1 and will take to the road again in round three.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Nicole v. Vincent. A Southwestern derby match goes in Accuracy with the silver cue. A fairly even start to game 1 didn't hold up well for Lighton's Nicole, who missed a couple of late shots to make it an easy 1-3 win for Tysini's Vincent. The visiting Vincent leads the series 1-0. In game 2, the Wolves' Vincent was doing fine until he took a couple of misses in the middle of the game. The Prestige's Nicole held tight to her newfound lead, taking it to the end for a 1-2 win that tied the series at 1 game apiece. Nicole couldn't do the same in game 3, falling behind early on and never catching up with Vincent, who held his ground to win 1-4. Vincent won the series 2-1 and host his third-round series.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Bear v. Mams. The day ends with the silver cue in 8-ball. Everton's Bear grabbed stripes early in game 1. Southern's Mams went on a four-ball run but twice potted balls for Bear, who would rally on the following turn for a four-ball run-out. Bear's win gave him a 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Bear had another good start in game 2, but this one didn't stand. The Monarchs' Mams was much cleaned on her five-ball run-out, earning a win of her own to tie the series at 1. Bear found success in game 3 with the solids, as Mams missed all her stripes multiple times. Bear finished on a five-ball run-out to take the series 2-1, earning him a visiting role in the third round.

That's all for today. Tournament play returns on Monday for what could become a weird week.

Tournament 2019 - Round 2 Day 9

Today's pool action is set to begin in...

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Rosalina v. Zach. The blue cue's got dibs on the opening series in 15-ball. Game 1 went back and forth but didn't really favor either player. Pronger's Zach was strong over the middle, while Whitewater's Rosalina mustered a late three-ball run. She fell short of the 15, and Zach tapped it in to get the win and 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Rosalina again failed to keep control of game 2 near the end, making a pair but whiffing on the 12. The Tridents' Zach gladly stepped up on a three-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Rosalina's finish in game 3 was even more disappointing, as her five-ball run left her short. Zach got a lucky three-rail bank on the 14 and then tapped the 15 to the bottom right for the win and 3-0 series sweep. Zach will visit A. Charlton of the Archtown Arrows in the third round.

Sony Center, Queens: Violetta v. Leandra. High-powered players clash in Accuracy with the red cue. Game 1 stayed perfect for a long time before some sloppy finishing. Tysini's Leandra was worse at the end, and Queens' Violetta stayed on course for a 2-4 win to take the 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Leandra got the better of the Flames' Violetta in another strong battle for game 2. Violetta unraveled at the end, while Leandra missed only on the last ball to earn her 1-3 win to tie the series at 1. Violetta had a shaky start in game 3, but Leandra quickly fell into a tie that lasted to the final two balls. Here, Leandra had a miss and Violetta locked up a 1-2 win for the 2-1 series win. Violetta heads to the third round, where a road series versus the Westside Rockers' Goatee awaits.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Shelley v. Delila. The blue cue is back for another 15-ball set. Game 1 was never in doubt as Infinity's Shelley potted ten of the last eleven balls while Atlantic's Delila merely played for contact. Shelley finished by banking the 15 to the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Shelley failed to take the same kind of control in game 2, settling for single shots and slow play. Eventually, she was hit with the triple whammy, illegally contacting and potting the 15 and scratching all at once to gift a win to the Pirates' Delila, which tied the series at 1. Delila took full advantage of Shelley's mistake, making the 8 on the game 3 break before deflecting the 1-15 combination into the top right for a two-shot win. Delila took the series 2-1 and will head to round three in this event.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Lexi v. Delila. The visitor completes a road doubleheader in 13-ball with the red cue. Atlantic's Delila started out with a progressive attack in game 1. It gave her just enough of a lead to hold off a kick-happy Harrison's Lexi, who got onto the 8 but couldn't quite pot it before Delila made a pair for the win. Delila leads the series 1-0. The Pirates' Delila showed tactical brilliance after a hot start from the Specters' Lexi in game 2. Delila used the 8 at the bottom right as a defensive tool until she could make a three-ball run-out for her win, sealing the series at 2-0. Delila had some good looks in game 3, and both players worked four-ball runs to get to the late game. Lexi had just enough left to make the final pair of shots for the win, leaving Delila to advance to a third-round series in Web City versus the Spiders' Avril after a 2-1 series win.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Pounce. After the break, 10-ball will be played with the blue cue. Three-ball runs were the style in game 1, and Southern's Pounce had two of them to topple Central's Dustin in the opener. Pounce leads the series 1-0. The Warriors' Dustin recovered in game 2, flipping the offense around with an opening three-ball run. The Monarchs' Pounce had a chance to close it out but missed on the 10 instead, and Dustin tapped it in to tie the series at 1 with his win. Pounce had another chance to win in game 3, but his shot on the 10 ended in a scratch. Dustin converted for the win after controlling the early going, winning the series 2-1. Dustin heads to the third round.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Chicky Phil v. Stealth. Sneaky-good veterans meet in Accuracy with the red cue. Both players lived up to the hype in game 1, each missing once in the mid-game. Web City's Chicky Phil took the 1-2 win as Swordpoint's Stealth had a second miss on the final ball. Chicky Phil leads the series 1-0. The Spiders' Chicky Phil served up a weaker break in game 2, leading to a lot of congestion. This was costly for the host, as the Blades' Stealth picked off Chicky Phil's near misses to get the 4-6 win. Stealth's victory tied the series at 1. In game 3, Chicky Phil faded a bit after the middle of the game, allowing Stealth's lead to grow. Stealth then took three fouls in a row, and Chicky Phil won 4-5 to take the series 2-1. Chicky Phil will be on the road in round three.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Twilight. Stars with different styles meet in Rotation with the blue cue. Lighton's Spirit fell behind early in game 1 as Central's Twilight came out aggressively. Spirit rallied to tie it, but Twilight won 8-5 with a three-ball run-out to put herself ahead 1-0 in the series. The Prestige's Spirit found more consistency in game 2, staving off a three-ball run from the Warriors' Twilight with her own three-ball run-out. Spirit won the game 8-4, which tied the series at 1. In game 3, Spirit scuffled again at the start, giving Twilight all the time she needed to complete an 8-4 win on a three-ball run-out. Twilight won the series 2-1 and will host Lexi of the Harrison Specters in a contentious third-round Northeastern derby.

Sony Center, Queens: Briana v. Violetta. The second all-Flames series of the year in Rotation is played with the silver cue to end today's first half. Violetta had all the bounces in her favor early in game 1, staking out a big lead that Briana never caught up to. Violetta closed by banking the 11 to the top right for an 8-4 win to go up 1-0 in the series. Violetta was even more in control in game 2, looking confident in her shots rather than lucky. Briana found very little offense in Violetta's dominant 8-2 win to seal the series at 2-0. Violetta eased up in game 3, allowing Briana to build a little confidence in a back-and-forth 8-6 win. Violetta's 2-1 series win sees her take to the road for real for the first time in this event, as she'll visit Modernistic Union rookie Sydney C. in the third round.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Charli v. Spirit. Southwestern rivals collide in 15-ball with the red cue. Tysini's Charli split the early offense in game 1 with Lighton's Spirit. Things changed as Charli started attacking with urgency, which resulted in an eight-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Charli again kept it simple initially before cranking a seven-ball run later in game 2. The Prestige's Spirit had a chance to win but couldn't corral the 15, and Charli backed up her run to get the win, which clinched the series at 2-0. Charli picked up a six-ball run to start game 3, but she missed contact on the 4. Spirit gladly made the 4-15 combination from ball-in-hand to avoid the sweep, a petty move but successful. Charli's 2-1 series win puts her on the road in the third round, visiting the Viewpoint Sound Meteors' Hoot.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Isabella v. Sage. The visitor begins a road doubleheader in Rotation with the blue cue. Atlantic's Isabella was hot from the start, and she finished off an 8-1 win over Victoria's Sage by double-potting the 6 and 9 to the right corners. Isabella leads the series 1-0. The Pirates' Isabella couldn't duplicate the effort in game 2, falling behind early to a disjointed but fruitful attack from the Spurs' Sage. Eventually, luck turned in Sage's favor as she closed out an 8-4 win to tie the series at 1. Isabella jumped out to the lead in game 3, but Sage tracked her down in the mid-game and kept going. Sage eventually won 8-6 for the 2-1 series win, impressively moving herself into round three.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Sage. The visitor takes the blue cue with her to end her doubleheader in 15-ball. Victoria's Sage had eight balls over her first two turns in a dominant start, but Boston's Gradley stalled her as he picked up the last five balls in a slow but steady attack. Gradley won to take a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Gradley had a much less impressive game 2, but the Spurs' Sage was even worse with no cohesion at all in her attack. Gradley eventually won with a three-ball run-out to get the win, securing the series at 2-0. Gradley again carried most of the offense in a cleaner game 3, but Sage avoided the sweep with a 7-15 combination to the bottom right for her lone win. Gradley will be a visitor in his third-round series.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I v. Wings. The blue cue keeps going in 9-ball. Central's Wings had a four-ball run at one point in game 1, taking a majority of the offense but also a loss when Pacific's Twinkie I made the 9 on her second attempt. Twinkie I has a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I watched the Warriors' Wings make a three-ball run over the middle of game 2. She then copied the effort to close it out, a three-ball run-out earning the win and 2-0 series lead for Twinkie I. In game 3, Twinkie I had some good offense, but it was a fast game and Wings won with a pair at the end instead. Twinkie I will take the 2-1 series win, and she'll be the host in a third round set.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Zach v. Dominic. The blue cue's last series of the day comes in 13-ball. Pronger's Zach made a successful break stand up throughout game 1, as Southern's Dominic took way too long to set up at the left corners. Zach's sharp win gave him a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Dominic had things lined up at the side pockets late in game 2, but the Tridents' Zach just nudged him out of position. Dominic couldn't recover before Zach had made a pair for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Dominic finally wrestled his way into the lead in game 3, and while Zach threatened near the end, his last ball wouldn't fall. Dominic made a pair on the final turn to get the win, cutting Zach's series win to 2-1, which he'll take into a hosting spot in the third round.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Starlight v. Potter. Westward again for 10-ball with the red cue. Pronger's Potter came out hunting in game 1, and he found the 3-10 combination to the top right on his second turn for a quick 1-0 series lead over Pacific's Starlight. The Tridents' Potter attacked quickly in game 2, twice making the 10 illegally on his opening turn. He had another decent run but couldn't finish before the Volcanoes' Starlight struck back with a three-ball run-out for the win. Starlight tied the series at 1 in the process. Starlight made a four-ball run quickly in game 3, but that was where her offense ended. Potter found a cut on the 3 to the top left that deflected the 10 back to the bottom right for the win and 2-1 series win. Potter will play in round three.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Vladimir v. Prism. The red cue finishes its day in 15-ball. Luck was on the side of Todavía's Prism in game 1, who was shooting better than Stonebridge's Vladimir and then converted a deflection off the 5 to push the 15 in the top right. Prism's good play earned her the 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Vladimir kept the 15 out of danger better in game 2, forcing the game to go the distance. His late three-ball run had promise until he missed on the 14, and the Stills' Prism collected the final pair of shots to get the win that sealed the series at 2-0. Prism took a swipe at the 15 while working on the 5, but it wouldn't fall for her in game 3. Vladimir then did the same thing with the 6 to get the win, avoiding the sweep in Prism's 2-1 series win. Prism will have a host position in the third round.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Watermelon. A big finish to the day sees sisters meet in 7-ball with the silver cue. Terrace City's Kiwi held game 1 tight, making a pair on the break and finishing off the rack over the next five shots to take a 1-0 series lead over Pearl's Watermelon without the visitor ever shooting. The Knights' Kiwi made a pair on the break again in game 2, but scratched to end a three-ball run. The Surfers' Watermelon took right over with a four-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1 and rightfully setting up a decisive final game. Things tightened up very much in game 3, with only short turns to be seen. Kiwi got a pair at the end, just enough to take a 2-1 series win over Watermelon. Kiwi will host an Urban Derby in the third round.

Tomorrow will be a standard day if all goes well, with the hope for a quick finish.

Tournament 2019 - Round 2 Day 8

A new day of action with a slightly delayed start is here, beginning with...

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Neopolitan v. Wario. The silver cue will administer 10-ball to open the action. Pearl's Neopolitan made a four-ball run at one point in game 1, but couldn't support it well enough later on. Southridge's Wario instead shut the door with a pair of shots at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Wario had the better of play in game 2, making a five-ball run and following it up with the final pair of shots to defeat the Surfers' Neopolitan, sealing the series at 2-0. Wario couldn't finish the effort in game 3, slipping up on some late shots that allowed Neopolitan to pick up a win. Wario took the series 2-1 and will be a visitor in his third round series.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Slinks v. Cowzart. A current Rocker takes on a former teammate in 10-ball with the red cue. A back-and-forth game 1 saw Pacific's Cowzart seemingly grab control early, only for Westside's Slinks to wrestle the win away on a three-ball run-out that puts her ahead 1-0 in the series. Game 2 was a disaster on both sides as no runs developed and tensions began to run high. The Volcanoes' Cowzart eventually put away an 8-10 combination at the bottom right after the Rockers' Slinks scratched. This tied the series at 1. In game 3, Slinks locked back into form with a six-ball run, ending in an illegally potted ball. Cowzart made a pair but missed the 9, and Slinks took the final pair for the win and 2-1 series win. Slinks moves on to the third round.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Cobalt. The blue cue cycles in after the break for 7-ball. Stonebridge's Cobalt cranked a four-ball run to start game 1, but Atlantic's Delila got the win with a three-ball run-out on the counterattack. Delila holds a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Cobalt maintained a good chunk of the offense in game 2, challenging for the win but falling short. The Pirates' Delila secured the series at 2-0 as she won by banking the 7 to the bottom side. Delila didn't have her finishing skill in game 3, slipping up on a hard cut that allowed Cobalt to win with a tap-in. Delila won the series 2-1, setting herself up for a road series in the third round.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Sleepy B. More 7-ball is on the way, this time with the silver cue. Archtown's Sleepy B. struck quickly in game 1, making a three-ball run-out on her first turn. She capped it with a 3-7 bank combination to the bottom side to take a 1-0 series lead over Stonebridge's Hershey. The Wolves' Hershey managed a good chunk of early offense in game 2, but it didn't matter in the end as the Arrows' Sleepy B. claimed the final pair of balls to get the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Sleepy B. suffered a late scratch in game 3 after splitting the offense with Hershey, who took the 7 from ball-in-hand for the win. Sleepy B. still advances to round three on a 2-1 series win, and she'll be the visitor again next time.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Mr. Snowman v. Shelley. Torpedoes teammates meet in 12-ball with the silver cue. Game 1 saw Mr. Snowman jump out to an early lead on a three-ball run. Shelley got a little closer as the game progressed, but Mr. Snowman cashed in on the early advantage to get the win and 1-0 series lead. In game 2, Mr. Snowman put three solids in the same pocket on the break and scratched his way out of contention. Shelley was much cleaner in her performance, quickly working her way to a win to tie the series at 1. Shelley struggled with a pair of early scratches in game 3, setting her back at the end. Mr. Snowman used defense and a three-ball run to get the win, taking the series 2-1 in the process as he punched his ticket to the third round.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Dreamy. The red cue comes in to play 15-ball. Commerce's Rosemary showed good energy at the start, but Swordpoint's Dreamy stepped up to win game 1 with a six-ball run-out, earning a 1-0 series lead in the process. The Blades' Dreamy didn't get anything going on the break in game 2, leading to a much slower game. A sudden finished occurred as the Tradewinds' Rosemary made a four-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 was a mix of the two, with a somewhat slow start after a poor break from Rosemary. By the end though, Dreamy was unable to gain traction and Rosemary made a six-ball run-out, capped by banking the 15 to the bottom side for the win and 2-1 series win. Rosemary will visit the Midland Predators' Kitty in round three.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sally v. Tigerette. Back in 7-ball, the blue cue is on hand for this captains' battle. After a mixed start to game 1, Commerce's Tigerette used a three-ball run-out to get the better of Archtown's Sally for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Tigerette weathered a rough start to game 2, which saw the Arrows' Sally struggle just as much. At the end, Tigerette collected a pair of shots to get the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Tigerette had a little offense in game 3, but she couldn't measure up to Sally's four-ball run-out, salvaging a win for the host. Tigerette heads to the third round.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Melissa v. Brownie. Along to 9-ball, played with the red cue. Terrace City's Melissa couldn't get on track in game 1, allowing Royal's Brownie to hang around before the visitor caught a three-ball run-out for the win. Brownie leads the series 1-0. The Crowns' Brownie didn't get anything going in game 2, and the Knights' Melissa quickly took advantage. Melissa deflected a shot off the 2 to poke the 9 behind the 4 and into the top right for the win, tying the series at 1 with the tricky shot. Melissa failed to keep her game 3 effort clean, letting too many shots go to waste. Brownie mopped up a three-ball run-out at the end, winning the series 2-1 as well as she will now prepare to go on the road again in the third round.

Apple Center, Todavía: Prism v. Crystal. A pair of tougher-than-they-look players meet in 10-ball with the silver cue. Todavía's Prism went empty on the break and her next turn in game 1. Queens' Crystal took advantage of positioning, deflecting off the 1 to drive the 10 to the top right for a quick win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Flames' Crystal didn't have a quick answer in game 2, but after the Stills' Prism scratched to end a late four-ball run, Crystal wrangled a three-ball run-out for the win. This secured the series in Crystal's favor at 2-0. Crystal eased off in game 3, allowing Prism to dictate the pace a bit more. Prism enjoyed a healthy portion of the offense and picked up the win, leaving Crystal with a 2-1 series win. Crystal will visit Golden Pilots captain Valencia in the third round.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Smudge. A venue doubleheader begins with 13-ball and the blue cue. Pearl's Watermelon made a pair on the break in game 1 and didn't slow down despite solid pressure from Infinity's Smudge. Watermelon blocked Smudge off late to get the win and 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Smudge saw the Surfers' Watermelon make a pair on the break in game 2. Smudge then attacked the sides quickly and worked on picking out the corners, getting ahead and staying there for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was as tense and sloppy as they get. Smudge held an early lead, but scratched numerous times with two balls left. Watermelon plugged along until she could get the win, taking the series 2-1 as well. Watermelon will play in round three.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Bright v. Mitchell. The blue cue stays in action in 15-ball. Pearl's Bright had some good plays in game 1, but he was overwhelmed by a pair of four-ball runs from Victoria's Mitchell, the latter of which earned him the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Mitchell overwhelmingly dominated game 2, collecting at least 80 percent of the offense while the Surfers' Bright struggled to do much of anything. Mitchell earned the win and clinched the series at 2-0 with the big game. Bright avoided the sweep with big offense in game 3, mostly because Mitchell backed off the pace. Bright still impressed with a six-ball run-out, leaving Mitchell to advance to the third round on a 2-1 series that sets him up to face Tysini Hummingbirds captain Leandra.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Graham v. Ted. A battle of strong opponents commences in 8-ball. Web City's Ted pulled off an impressive six-ball run in game 1 to make things interesting, but Eastside's Graham recovered for a pair of shots to get the win. Graham leads 1-0 in the series. In game 2, the Sharks' Graham had confident plays but a few errors as well. The Spiders' Ted was looking for positioning after Graham scratched, but Ted put the 8 in the bottom right illegally instead, gifting the 2-0 series lead to Graham in the process. In game 3, both players started with a four-ball run and followed it up with a pair of shots. At the end, Ted made a pair when Graham missed on the last stripe. Graham had a 2-1 series win, which puts him in line to host his third-round series.

Intel Center, Diamond: Smokey v. Roxy. A captain and a veteran see the red cue finish its day in Rotation. Diamond's Smokey made a four-ball run early and a three-ball run-out at the end for an 8-7 win, but Freedom's Roxy did almost everything she could to make it interesting. Smokey owns a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw a similar pattern, except the Cascades' Roxy held the lead most of the time. She got on the verge of winning, but the Gems' Smokey pulled off a three-ball run-out to take an 8-7 comeback win, sealing the series at 2-0. Roxy dominated in game 3, leading her attack with a three-ball run and smothering Smokey 8-1 at the end. Smokey settled for a 2-1 series win that allows him to host Bianca of the Southridge Defenders in round three.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Kayla v. Bryant. Club-mates tangle in 8-ball for the silver cue's last series of the day. Maplewood's Bryant struck first in game 1, but Royal's Kayla fought back hard and made her win look easy. A big run and patient play on the 8 gave Kayla a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Bryant pushed farther ahead early in game 2, but again he peaked before winning. The Crowns' Kayla fought back, and when both scratched, Kayla attacked to get the win, securing the series at 2-0. Bryant finally broke through for a win in game 3, capitalizing on a relaxed pace from Kayla in the finale. Kayla took the 2-1 series win and will move on to the third round.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Hoppy v. Slinks. The blue cue comes aboard for Accuracy now. Archtown's Hoppy and Westside's Slinks engaged in a near-perfect game 1 until Hoppy missed her last two shots, giving Slinks a 0-2 win and a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Slinks had a fairly solid start to game 2, especially as the Arrows' Hoppy began to falter. Slinks slipped into a tie near the end, but Hoppy's late miss was enough for Slinks to win 3-4, sealing the series at 2-0 as well. Hoppy did her best in game 3, pushing Slinks to the perimeter and inducing many misses. Hoppy held on to win 2-4, cutting Slinks' series win to 2-1. Slinks will be a visitor again in the third round.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Juno v. Puff I. The blue cue finishes the day with a series of 12-ball. Stonebridge's Juno trailed for much of game 1, but she played enough defense at the top left to stall Modernistic's Puff I, who then committed illegal contact while making her last ball. Juno struck for a pair and took the win, going up 1-0 in the series. The Union's Puff I struck for solids quickly in game 2, and she continued to attack well throughout the game, winning on a four-ball run-out to tie the series at 1 with the Wolves' Juno. Game 3 saw Juno come out flying, but she wasn't able to keep in position and ended up potting Puff I's last ball instead. Puff I accepted a 2-1 series win and will visit the Infinity Torpedoes' Fluffina in the third round.

That's it today. We'll be back at the usual starting time tomorrow.

Tournament 2019 - Round 2 Day 7

Today's Tournament play begins with...

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Melissa v. Debby. A pair of Celebrity club-mates clash in 13-ball with the blue cue. Southridge's Debby had a four-ball run in game 1, but it went to waste as she never got a look on her last ball. Terrace City's Melissa took the comeback slowly but still got the job done for a win and a 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Debby again saw a good start wasted by frustrating positioning in game 2. The Knights' Melissa had no trouble mucking up the angles, and she surged on a three-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Melissa had a hot start with three balls from the break and a later three-ball run to get onto the 8, but she let it linger and Debby finished off the win instead. Melissa took the series 2-1 and will host Pacific Volcanoes captain Starlight in the third round.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Goatee v. Dusky. The red cue enters the fray for Accuracy. Westside's Goatee didn't miss a shot in game 1, the perfect performance manifesting as a 0-2 win over Archtown's Dusky for the early 1-0 series lead. The quality evaporated in game 2, as it was an ugly battle. The Rockers' Goatee blew a huge lead and barely forced overtime, where the Arrows' Dusky predictably missed on the break. Goatee converted an 11-10 combination to the bottom right to win 7-8, clinching the series at 2-0 in the process. In game 3, Goatee had a bad miss and a scratch to account for her mistakes. Dusky was unforgiving, winning 1-2 to avoid the sweep. Goatee settled for a 2-1 series win to earn her hosting spot in the third round. Goatee's win knocked Dusky from the Tournament, giving the host her first kill.

Intel Center, Diamond: Shadow v. Shaggy. The Bloodbath Derby gets a new twist as the league's top power-couple meet in 8-ball with the red cue. Whitewater's Shaggy had a four-ball run early in game 1, but she failed to back it up, and Diamond's Shadow charged to the win on a five-ball run-out. Shadow leads the series 1-0. The Shores' Shaggy couldn't quite corral the 8 at the end of a close game 2 battle, but the Gems' Shadow slammed it to the bottom side and scratched in the top side to gift the win to Shaggy anyway. This tied the series at 1. Shadow would regret dropping the last game, as he fell behind quickly in game 3 and Shaggy beat him to the finish to win the series 2-1. Shaggy heads to round three, where she'll visit an Urban rival in Modernistic Union rookie Sydney C.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Kitty v. Nikolai. The red cue stays on for this Rotation set that takes us into the daily break. Midland's Kitty popped a four-ball run from the break and kept the pressure on throughout game 1. Freedom's Nikolai had a double-pot erased by a scratch and never recovered as Kitty iced the win at 8-3 for a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Kitty stayed hot to start game 2, using a three-ball run to get the lead. The Cascades' Nikolai answered with his own three-ball run, but he got lost in the mid-game and Kitty emerged with the 8-4 win to secure the series at 2-0. Game 3 was about as fast as it gets, with Kitty making a pair and a four-ball run but watching Nikolai win 8-6 with a pair of four-ball runs on his only two turns. Kitty won the series 2-1, and she'll host her series in the third round.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Jack. After the break, the red cue stays up for 13-ball. Golden's Dusty had a good start in game 1, but she had to take a chance by potting a ball for Web City's Jack. The risk was not rewarded, as Jack made the final two shots for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Jack made a ball on the break in game 2 and held that advantage throughout. The Pilots' Dusty did get a chance on the 8 but couldn't convert, and Jack knocked it down at the top left to secure the series at 2-0. Dusty didn't go empty-handed in the series, winning on a three-ball run-out in game 3 after recording an earlier four-ball run to pressure Jack. In the end, Jack won the series 2-1, and he'll visit Neopolitan of the Pearl Surfers in the third round.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Mitchell v. Wario. The host plays against the man he replaced for a series of Rotation with the red cue. Southridge's Wario set the tone with an early five-ball run, and followed up with a three-ball run-out for the 8-1 win over Victoria's Mitchell. Wario confidently leads the series 1-0. Both players began with a three-ball run in game 2, followed by the Defenders' Wario making a four-ball run. The Spurs' Mitchell tied it late, but Wario sealed the series at 2-0 with an 8-7 win. Wario kept up the pace in game 3, attacking brilliantly to get an 8-3 win and a 3-0 series sweep over Mitchell. Wario will play in round three.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Valencia v. Sierra. Just four series after their parents battled, these sisters go head-to-head in 10-ball with the silver cue. Golden's Valencia had a majority of the offense in game 1 against an uncertain effort from Todavía's Sierra. It worked for Valencia, who put the 10 in the bottom side for the 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Valencia needed a little luck in an offense-starved game 2, and she got it with a 4-10 combination to the bottom right after the Stills' Sierra potted an uncalled shot. Valencia's win sealed the series at 2-0. Valencia couldn't complete the sweep, as Sierra weathered a lot of attack before firing a three-ball run-out to take game 3. Valencia's 2-1 series win stakes out another home series in the third round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stinky v. Juno. Eastern Hills rivals meet in another 10-ball series, this one with the red cue. Freedom's Stinky did a four-ball run-out on his second turn in game 1, including a 3-10 bank combination to the top right after his break left the 10 on edge. Stinky leads Stonebridge's Juno 1-0 in the series. The Cascades' Stinky put in another dominant effort in game 2, cranking out a seven-ball run-out after the Wolves' Juno supplied a little offense. Stinky's massive finisher clinched the series in his favor at 2-0. Game 3 was not as clean for Stinky, but Juno wasn't able to capitalize on his mistakes. Stinky won on a three-ball run-out and swept the series 3-0 to get into the third round.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Wild Thing v. Jason N. Another Eastern Hills derby is on tap for 8-ball with the blue cue. Stonebridge's Wild Thing worked hard for a four-ball run to get back into game 1, but he sank the 8 in the wrong pocket and gave a well-earned win to Atlantic's Jason N. instead. Jason N. leads the series 1-0. The Pirates' Jason N. used a five-ball run to gain the lead in game 2, but he scratched multiple times. The Wolves' Wild Thing tried to get back in the fight, but Jason N. was just good enough to win, sealing the series at 2-0. Wild Thing salvaged a result in game 3, collecting a balanced offense capped by a pair of shots with a bank on the 8 to the bottom side for his lone win. Jason N. took the series 2-1, sliding right into the third round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Missy v. Tigerette. The red cue draws in again for Rotation. Capital City's Missy blazed a seven-ball run from the break in game 1 before a scratch. Commerce's Tigerette shot back on a five-ball run, but Missy would win 8-5 on her third turn after some slopiness. Missy holds a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, it was the Tradewinds' Tigerette putting herself on the brink of victory with a seven-ball run. The Sharpshooters' Missy tried to keep a defensive presence on her shots, but Tigerette got around it and won 8-4 to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Tigerette got out to a massive lead again in game 3 after a three-ball run from the break and a good second attack. Missy again tried to stick around, but her scratch on the 9 allowed Tigerette to finish an 8-2 win to take the 2-1 series win. Tigerette will head to Southridge in the third round for a series versus the Defenders' Wario.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Steven. The blue cue cycles back for another 8-ball set. Boston's Gradley opened with a five-ball run in game 1, but didn't support it afterward. Atlantic's Steven roared back and claimed victory with a six-ball run-out to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Swifts' Gradley did better in a tighter game 2 battle, which saw the Pirates' Steven forced into defense at the end. It didn't matter, as Gradley surged by to get the victory, tying the series at 1. Steven took his time to get into game 3, watching as Gradley again got down to two balls. Gradley struggled again at this point, and Steven's five-ball run-out was enough to win for a 2-1 series win. Steven will be the host in his round three series.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Sprinkles v. Ms. Kitty. The red cue is up for another 8-ball series. Capital City's Sprinkles put on a relentless attack in game 1, quickly overwhelming Pacific's Ms. Kitty. Sprinkles picked up a fairly easy win and a 1-0 series lead with a strong finish. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles struggled much more in game 2, allowing the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty to pick up the win instead as she recovered from a slow mid-game with a four-ball run-out. Ms. Kitty's push tied the series at 1. Ms. Kitty delivered a stunning finish in game 3, making the 6 to the top right and the 8 to the bottom right on the break for an instant win that she didn't even realize at first. Ms. Kitty won the series 2-1 and will be a visitor in the third round.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stephanie v. Hannah. Now it's the Castle Derby on tap in Rotation with the red cue. Queens' Hannah burst out with a four-ball run early on, but Southridge's Stephanie covered that. Hannah got a second wind with a three-ball run and added the last shot as well for an 8-6 win to take the 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Stephanie held the lead a little bit in game 2, but the Flames' Hannah proved relentless, attacking at it as much as she could. She pulled forward and won on a three-ball run-out for an 8-5 score and a 2-0 series lead. Stephanie again gained an early lead in game 3, but Hannah erased it with a five-ball run-out to win 8-3, sweeping the series 3-0 in the process. Hannah will host the Swordpoint Blades' Sugar in the third round.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Kitty v. Niki. Onto 10-ball, with the blue cue in hand this time. In a back-and-forth game 1, Commerce's Niki showed some veteran poise by deflecting a shot off the 8 to pot the 10 at the bottom right, giving her the win and 1-0 lead in the series over Midland's Kitty. The Predators' Kitty kept herself in the series with a dominant effort in game 2, ripping a five-ball run early on and adding a pair at the end after the Tradewinds' Niki failed to slow things down. Kitty's burst of offense for the win tied the series at 1. Neither player wanted to see game 3 go the distance, and Niki made sure of it, potting the 1 and pulling off a 2-10 combination from a bad angle to the top side for the win. Niki's 2-1 series win over Kitty puts the visitor into round three for another road series.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Gabe v. Rudolph. Northeastern foes tangle in 12-ball with the blue cue. Maplewood's Gabe posted a four-ball run to start game 1, but his final ball was evasive. A missed contact led to Harrison's Rudolph making a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Rudolph spotted a wild-card ball to the Lumberjacks' Gabe in game 2. Gabe then made a four-ball run, but again his last ball was elusive. Rudolph rallied back with brilliant defensive positioning until he could execute a three-ball run-out for the win that clinched the series at 2-0. Rudolph completed the sweep in game 3, allowing Gabe to again get down to his last ball before slamming the door in the host's face. Rudolph's 3-0 series win propels him to a hosting position in the third round.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I v. Gradley. Today's finale comes in 7-ball with the red cue. Pacific's Twinkie I didn't let Boston's Gradley get to the table in game 1, executing a six-ball run-out capped by a 4-7 banked combination to the top right that also dropped the 4 in the top left for a double-pot. Twinkie I leads the series 1-0. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I can blame a pair of scratches for her loss in game 2, as the Swifts' Gradley made five balls from the free shots and took the win to tie the series at 1. Gradley opened on a three-ball run in game 3, but he was stopped right there as Twinkie I made a four-ball run-out on the next turn for the win. Twinkie I won the series 2-1 to advance to the third round.

We're done for today. Tomorrow's action will have a delayed start and will likely end later than usual as well.

Tournament 2019 - Round 2 Day 6

We're back after a weekend off, with a plan for what's to come. Expect similar five-day weeks for the next two weeks before a transition to six-day weeks for the final two weeks of the round. Today's action begins with...

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Kirstin v. Hershey. The red cue will be first used in 12-ball today. Everton's Kirstin gave away a wild-card ball on the break in game 1, allowing Stonebridge's Hershey to have extra flexibility. Hershey made it count, easily winning for the 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Kirstin received the wild-card ball in game 2 as the Wolves' Hershey struggled with positioning. Hershey made it interesting at the end, but missed contact on his last ball, allowing Kirstin to get the win that tied the series at 1. Game 3 was a battle to the end, with Kirstin potting an early three-ball run but failing to build on it. Hershey made the comeback to take the series 2-1 and will go on the road again in the third round.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Vincent. The blue cue comes aboard for 13-ball. Tysini's Vincent gained the edge early in game 1 and never let it go, even as Terrace City's Oreo pressured late. Vincent's solid positioning was enough for the win to give him a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Vincent again struck first in game 2, but it didn't work this time. The Knights' Oreo eventually pulled even and found a three-ball run-out in the end for the win to tie the series at 1. Vincent seemed to determined to wreck his game 3 effort, giving a pair away to Oreo, but Oreo never got set up for her shots at the side pockets. Vincent recovered and won on a three-ball run-out to take the series 2-1, earning him a hosting spot in the third round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Cassie v. Sweetheart. Southeastern rivals tangle in 9-ball with the red cue. Royal's Cassie came up with the win in game 1 after a back-and-forth battle with Boston's Sweetheart in a fast but shaky battle. Cassie leads the series 1-0. The Swifts' Sweetheart had a much better effort in game 2, keeping things mixed with the Crowns' Cassie initially before finding a four-ball run-out for the win. Sweetheart's burst of offense tied the series at 1. Game 3 saw Sweetheart find a four-ball run early on, answered by Cassie's three-ball run. Cassie came up with the win at the end after Sweetheart couldn't deposit the 9. Cassie won the series 2-1 and she'll host the Atlantic Pirates' Steven in the third round.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Snowball v. Sierra. The blue cue jumps in with 12-ball after the break. Swordpoint's Snowball had a promising start with a three-ball run, but she gave away a wild-card ball, which allowed Todavía's Sierra to surge with three balls over two turns for the game 1 win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Blades' Snowball worked some creative shots with her positioning in game 2, overcoming a more direct attack from the Stills' Sierra. Snowball's win tied the series at 1. Snowball struck first in game 3, but she wasn't able to hang on under pressure at the end. Sierra had good positioning to work with, making a four-ball run-out with a little collateral damage. Sierra won the series 2-1, but she'll be on the road in the third round.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Jennifer v. Stealth. The red cue is back for 10-ball in this series. Terrace City's Jennifer had a five-ball run to start game 1 and also made the final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead after Swordpoint's Stealth scratched. The Blades' Stealth picked up a bit more possession in game 2 as the Knights' Jennifer faltered on offense. Stealth found a three-ball run-out at the end to earn the win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 saw a chaotic finish, as Stealth scratched while potting the 9, but Jennifer's ball-in-hand attempt on the 10 bounced out of the bottom side. Stealth took it to the bottom left for the win to make it a 2-1 series in his favor, sending him to a road series in round three.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. A. Charlton. The blue cue draws in for 15-ball. Stonebridge's Hershey was better on offense in game 1, including a jump shot on the 3 to the bottom left. However, his play after Archtown's A. Charlton scratched near the end was puzzling, and it allowed Charlton to pot the last two balls on her next turn for the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 started with a lot of errors and mistakes, but the end was a thriller, as the Arrows' Charlton made a five-ball run, but the Wolves' Hershey won on a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Hershey had his chances in game 3, but it didn't amount to much offense. Charlton was a little sharper, especially at the end as she earned the win and 2-1 series win. Charlton will play in the third round.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Blizzard v. Shelley. The silver cue comes on for its debut today in 13-ball. Infinity's Shelley rattled off a six-ball run quickly in game 1, and she set up the 8 well, converting it to the bottom side on her next shot to stun Harrison's Blizzard. Shelley leads the series 1-0. The Torpedoes' Shelley had to get tactical in game 2, a move that didn't work as well. The Specters' Blizzard showed better planning to get this win, tying the series at 1 after a hard-fought battle. In game 3, Blizzard attacked on the break and kept it going after Shelley had a scratch. Blizzard's patient play resulted in a pair at the end for the win to get the 2-1 series win. Blizzard advances to the third round.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Dreamy v. Leandra. Southwestern stars collide in Rotation with the silver cue. Swordpoint's Dreamy came out swinging with a three-ball run on her first and last turns and a pair in the middle to best Tysini's Leandra 8-2 in game 1. Dreamy leads the series 1-0. The score was even more lopsided in game 2 as the Blades' Dreamy won 8-0, but it took her a little longer to get going before she finished off the Hummingbirds' Leandra with a five-ball run-out to seal the series at 2-0. Leandra avoided the sweep in style in game 3, making a six-ball run-out to overturn an early deficit for an 8-5 win. Dreamy still won the series 2-1, and she'll host the Todavía Stills' Sierra in round three.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Yekaterina v. Paps. A Southwestern battle occurs in 10-ball with the silver cue. Victoria's Yekaterina looked stronger in game 1, but definitely took over after Tysini's Paps missed contact on the 9. Yekaterina made the last two shots for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Yekaterina controlled the start and the end of game 2, while the Hummingbirds' Paps showed well in the middle. Yekaterina secured the series at 2-0 with a three-ball run-out to finish things off. In game 3, Yekaterina posted a strong six-ball run, but Paps fought it off with a pair at the end, including a hard bank on the 10 to the top left. Yekaterina settled for a 2-1 series win to put her into a hosting position for the third round.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Hughbert v. Goldy. The red cue's last series of the day comes in 13-ball. Everton's Goldy had slick positioning in game 1, getting through the solids much quicker than Infinity's Hughbert could put away the stripes. Goldy finished by banking the 8 to the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Goldy again flexed her strategic muscle in game 2, laying out her shots well. The Torpedoes' Hughbert got in the way a couple of times, but his late scratch sparked a three-ball run-out for Goldy's win to seal the series at 2-0. Goldy took too long to finish off a strong performance in game 3, buying Hughbert the time to make his final pair of shots for the win. Goldy's 2-1 series win puts her on the road in round three against a Northeastern rival in the Maplewood Lumberjacks' Summer.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Ted. The silver cue comes on for a stretch of three straight 12-ball series. Freedom's Roxy made a quick push in game 1, taking a pair from the break and finishing on a four-ball run-out before Web City's Ted knew what him him. Roxy leads the series 1-0. The Cascades' Roxy had another strong start in game 2, but the Spiders' Ted played a little more combative this time, pushing Roxy out of position. At the end, they each needed a side pocket and Roxy was a step ahead to grab the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Roxy completed the sweep despite giving away a wild-card ball on the game 3 break, as Ted never really got organized with his shots. Roxy's 3-0 series win puts her in the third round.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Snuggle. Continuing in 12-ball, a couple of veterans take up the silver cue. Lighton's Shiny and Oceanside's Snuggle had runs lined up by the end of game 1, but only Snuggle was able to execute his four-ball run-out for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw both players exchange wild-card balls, leading to added flexibility in the game. The Prestige's Shiny had better luck with her shots than did the Waves' Snuggle, and it was Shiny who finished the game with a win to tie the series at 1. Shiny overcame yielding a wild-card ball on the break to Snuggle in game 3, rallying with positioning to get the win. Shiny's 2-1 series win sets her up to host Jake of the Royal Crowns in the third round.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Starlight v. Dusky. The silver cue's 12-ball stretch ends here. Pacific's Starlight surrendered a wild-card ball in a reckless game 1 performance, leading to Archtown's Dusky winning on a four-ball run-out. Dusky leads the series 1-0. The Arrows' Dusky had a positive start in game 2, but she wasn't able to make it work for anything by the end, as the Volcanoes' Starlight had gained the advantage. Dusky's late scratch confirmed the win for Starlight, which tied the series at 1. In game 3, a long battle ensued. Starlight refused to surrender her positioning, while Dusky slipped up with a couple of scratches. Starlight did just enough to win, taking the series 2-1 as well as she will host Whiskers of the Maplewood Lumberjacks in the third round.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Summer v. Celestia. Young opponents are set to clash in Rotation with the silver cue. Maplewood's Summer jumped out to a nice lead, then scuffled in the mid-game. She had a brutal missed contact that allowed Oceanside's Celestia to get on the verge of winning, but Summer finished the 8-7 game with a three-ball run-out to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Lumberjacks' Summer took the early lead in game 2, but this one didn't hold as the Waves' Celestia made five balls over her last two turns to win 8-5, tying the series at 1. Celestia couldn't keep up with a vicious attack from Summer in game 3, leading to the host winning 8-3 to take the series 2-1. Summer will host Puff I of the Modernistic Union in the third round.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Delila. A daughter hosts her own mother in 12-ball with the blue cue. Infinity's Fluffina started with a five-ball run from the break in game 1 and ripped her last shot to the top right on the second turn, taking an easy 1-0 series lead over Atlantic's Delila. The Torpedoes' Fluffina had to put in a bit more effort in game 2, as the Pirates' Delila played a lot better to make things interesting. Fluffina still won, banking the 14 to the top left decisively for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Fluffina was strong again in game 3, but she faded just as Delila heated up to drop the final game. Fluffina settled for a 2-1 series win that puts her into round three.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Diddley v. Panda. Today's finale is in 9-ball with the blue cue. Maplewood's Diddley struck early in game 1, making a three-ball run-out with a 2-9 combination to the top right as the winning shot. Diddley leads 1-0 over Southern's Panda in the series. The Lumberjacks' Diddley wasn't as sharp in game 2, leaving plenty of opportunity for the Monarchs' Panda to create offense. Panda did just enough to get the win, slamming the 9 to the bottom right at the end to tie the series at 1. Panda kept the offense going in game 3, winning on a four-ball run-out to take the series 2-1. Panda will play in the third round.

That's it for today. We'll try to be quicker tomorrow before a delayed-start day on Wednesday.

Tournament 2019 - Round 2 Day 5

We're ready to attempt to end the first week of the second round. Leading off today...

BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Sugar. The blue cue is first on today, playing 12-ball. Westside's Misty had a solid start from the break in Game 1 and kept her edge over Swordpoint's Sugar to the end. Misty struck first on her final ball to get the win after some positioning, going up 1-0 in the series. The Rockers' Misty spotted a wild-card ball to the Blades' Sugar early in game 2, but it didn't matter. Misty had a three-ball run from the break and a pair at the end to pick up the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Misty wouldn't be denied in game 3 either, scratching on the break but still getting better positioning than Sugar. Misty swept the series 3-0 and will host her third-round series.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Potter v. Pauline. The blue cue stays in action for 8-ball. Pronger's Potter wasn't definitive enough in his offense in game 1, allowing Capital City's Pauline to use a six-ball run to get back into the game. Potter then missed the 8, and Pauline took the final pair of shots to get the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Pauline again left her offense for late, but this time her attempt at a run ended in a scratch. The Tridents' Potter had already made a four-ball run and had no trouble putting the 8 in the top right for the win to tie the series at 1. Potter attacked well in game 3, while Pauline got trapped by her own defense and never came close. Potter's win made it a 2-1 series win for him, which puts him in the third round.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Debby. The red cue comes aboard for a 12-ball series between captains. Tysini's Leandra took stripes on the game 1 break, but her positioning remained a little off throughout the game. A steady performance from Southridge's Debby was enough for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Debby struggled a bit more in game 2, falling behind and missing her shots. She tried to position herself, but she set up the Hummingbirds' Leandra for her final ball instead, and Leandra converted easily for the win to tie the series at 1. Leandra was good in game 3 as well, holding Debby back fairly well as the visitor struggled to set up a run. The run never came for Debby, as Leandra kicked the 4 to the bottom side for the win and 2-1 series win, which puts her into round three.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Jason V. v. Puff II. The blue cue returns to the table for another 8-ball set. Oceanside's Jason V. jumped out to a big lead in game 1, and Boston's Puff II answered with only a three-ball run, failing to come close. Jason V. took the 8 to the top right, putting himself ahead 1-0 in the series. The Swifts' Puff II was a little sharper on attack in game 2, but it fell apart at the end when she was out of position. The Waves' Jason V. instead countered on a six-ball run-out for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Jason V. kept up the vigorous offense in a contentious game 3 that saw Puff II offer her best challenge yet. Jason V. met the challenge to get the win and 3-0 series sweep, setting him up to host a Coastal rival in Todavía Stills captain Easter in the third round.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Hoot. Leaders of their teams clash in 15-ball with the red cue. Harrison's Twinkie II posted a six-ball run and came close to getting the game 1 win after a thorough attack, but she over-cut the 15 at the bottom right. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot gladly poached the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II again carried a majority of the offense in game 2, but a half-baked attempt at deflecting off the 6 to move the 15 caused trouble. The Meteors' Hoot buried the 6-15 combination to the top right for the win to seal the series at 2-0. A much choppier game 3 saw a lot less quality on offense with the series already decided. At the end, another mistake from Twinkie II led to another win by Hoot, who took the series in a 3-0 sweep. Hoot will return home for his third-round series.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Isabella v. Nightfur. The blue cue returns after the break for 9-ball. Atlantic's Isabella had fortune on her side in game 1, as her tap-in on the 6 at the bottom left ran to collect the 9 at the top right for a win and a 1-0 series lead over Royal's Nightfur. The Crowns' Nightfur showed a bit more intent in her double-pot to win game 2 early. She had made the 1 before sending the 2 and the 9 to the right corners, which tied the series at 1 with the Pirates' Isabella. In game 3, Nightfur went empty on the break and Isabella struck the 1-9 combination to the top left on her only shot for the win. Isabella took the series 2-1 and is set to appear in the third round.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Avril v. Taylor M. The red cue cycles back in for 13-ball. Web City's Avril found a three-ball run from the start and never backed down even as Eastside's Taylor M. attempted a comeback. Avril eventually kicked her last ball to the top left before putting the 8 in the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 reached a point of stalemate when the 8 blocked both players from potting at the top left. The Sharks' Taylor M. foolishly potted it anyway, gifting the win and the series to the Spiders' Avril, who leads the series 2-0 now. Taylor M. made up for her earlier mistakes with a five-ball run-out in game 3, a dominant stretch to prevent Avril from sweeping. The 2-1 series win in tow, Avril heads to round three.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Whiskers v. Lexi. The silver cue debuts for the day in 15-ball. Maplewood's Whiskers was energetic with a seven-ball run from the break, but Harrison's Lexi didn't make the second half of game 1 easy. Whiskers won anyway, tapping in the 15 at the bottom right when Lexi missed it, which gives Whiskers a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Lexi got a little more creative in her attack in game 2, making a five-ball run-out capped by a 6-15 combination at the top right to get the win over the Lumberjacks' Whiskers. This tied the series at 1. Lexi weathered a storm from Whiskers, who posted a five-ball run before the final push. Lexi made a three-ball run and added the 15 on the next turn for the win and 2-1 series win to get her into the third round.

Intel Center, Diamond: Shadow v. Chelsea. The red cue goes again, this time in 12-ball. Diamond's Shadow did well to get onto his last ball, but he didn't have enough time to convert it. Eastside's Chelsea pressured with a four-ball run and won with the final pair of shots two turns later. Chelsea holds a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Chelsea kept it up in game 2, starting with a four-ball run from the break. The Gems' Shadow managed to cover that damage, but Chelsea converted her last two shots with ease to seal the series at 2-0. Chelsea kept it quick again in game 3, making one of each on the break to spot Shadow a wild-card ball. Chelsea then finished off the sweep with a four-ball run-out for the win. Chelsea will host her series in the third round.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Sierra. Rotation is next, featuring the silver cue. Atlantic's Delila was hot at the start of game 1, slipped a little as Todavía's Sierra found offense in the mid-game, and then Delila finished with a three-ball run-out for an 8-5 win. Delila leads the series 1-0. The Pirates' Delila saw her fortunes fade in game 2, as the Stills' Sierra began with a four-ball run. Delila slowly tried to build up her offense, but Sierra was too far ahead to be caught. Sierra won the game 8-2, tying the series at 1. In game 3, it was more of the same for Sierra, who jumped out to the early lead and got on the verge of winning before making a mistake. Delila picked a couple of shots but fell far short as Sierra won 8-1 for the 2-1 series win. Sierra is set to join the third round.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Solaris v. Puff I. Another series of Rotation also uses the silver cue. Commerce's Solaris started behind in game 1 as Modernistic's Puff I enjoyed a good early attack. Solaris roared back on a four-ball run-out to pick up the 8-4 win eventually, going up 1-0 in the series. The Union's Puff I took the early lead and kept going in game 2, only coasting a little bit at the end before finishing off an 8-1 win over the Tradewinds' Solaris. The series stands tied at 1 game apiece. Puff I again took a big lead with a three-ball run early in game 3. Solaris tried to get back into things, but his miss on the 9 ended his offense, and Puff I would win 8-3 to secure the series at 2-1. Puff I will be a visitor in round three.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Steven v. Dusty. We continue with 9-ball and the red cue between veterans. Both players had three-ball runs in game 1, with Atlantic's Steven opening and closing with the stretches of offense to defeat Golden's Dusty. Steven has a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Steven didn't have the same smoothness to his offense in game 2, but after the Pilots' Dusty missed on the 8, Steven made the final pair of shots for the win. Steven clinched the series at 2-0 in the process. Steven had a little offense early in game 3, but he would be denied a sweep as Dusty rallied for a six-ball run-out to grab the win. Steven won the series 2-1, and he'll play in the third round.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: A. Charlton v. Fluffina. The blue cue gets another turn today in 13-ball. A close game 1 saw Infinity's Fluffina use the 8 defensively to stall Archtown's A. Charlton at the bottom right. Fluffina then potted the 8 on the next turn to nab the win for a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Arrows' Charlton and the Torpedoes' Fluffina each went corners first. Fluffina briefly looked to have an edge after Charlton scratched, but Charlton used the added flexibility to get a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Alternating bursts of offense and defense came from the players in game 3, with Fluffina getting onto the 8 first but missing. Charlton then finished a three-ball run-out to grab the win for a 2-1 series win. Charlton will host a third-round series.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Missy v. Leonardo. The blue cue's last series of the day comes in 15-ball. Capital City's Missy led off with a four-ball run in game 1, but her offense faded at the end. Diamond's Leonardo picked up the slack eventually, snagging the win for a 1-0 series lead after a 14-15 combination to the top right. The Gems' Leonardo had a fair amount of the offense in game 2, but he started to slip at the end and the Sharpshooters' Missy was able to snipe the 15 for the win. This tied the series at 1. Leonardo shined with an eight-ball run over the middle of game 3, but the majority possession did him no good at the end as Missy pocketed the last pair for the win. Missy won the series 2-1 and will advance to the third round.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Wild Thing v. Gizmo. Next up is 12-ball with the red cue. Stonebridge's Wild Thing gave up a wild-card ball on the break in game 1, and it came back to bite him as positioning was not his friend at the end. Eastside's Gizmo took his time to pot his last ball for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Wild Thing never really had a chance in game 2, as the Sharks' Gizmo cranked a four-ball run from the break. Wild Thing was forced to play defense-first, and Gizmo still put his last ball into the well-guarded bottom left. Gizmo secured the series at 2-0. Wild Thing wouldn't exit the series empty-handed, using just enough defense and trickery to stall Gizmo at the end of game 3. Wild Thing picked up the win, but a 2-1 series win sees Gizmo heading to round three versus Tysini Hummingbirds captain Leandra.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Spot v. Americus. Wrapping up the week's games, we have 10-ball with the silver cue. After an empty break in game 1, both players took attempts at the 1-10 combination to the bottom right. Midland's Americus was off-target, but Pronger's Spot converted for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Spot had a different approach for game 2, working a five-ball run-out after a balanced start to best the Predators' Americus again. Spot sealed the series at 2-0 with the big win. Americus had different plans for game 3, preventing Spot from sweeping by posting a 1-5-7 combination to the top right deflecting off the 10, which fell in the bottom right. Spot settled for a 2-1 series win to put him in the third round.

That's all for the first week. We'll try to get back on track with cricket sometime this weekend, as no Tournament play is scheduled until Monday.

Tournament 2019 - Round 2 Day 4

Today's action is ready to go with...

Intel Center, Diamond: Pedey v. Sugar. The red cue leads off today in Rotation. There was very little for fans to cheer about in game 1, as Diamond's Pedey had to fight for the late lead, but then scratched on the 13. Swordpoint's Sugar capitalized with a pair of shots at the end for the 8-7 win and 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Sugar turned things around with a dominant game 2, making a pair of three-ball runs and adding a pair on her third turn after the Gems' Pedey erred. Sugar's win clinched the series at 2-0. Sugar held the lead at times in a back-and-forth game 3, but she failed to close it out, leaving Pedey to make the final ball in his 8-7 win. Sugar took the series 2-1 and will be the visitor in her third-round series.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Wild Thing v. Watermelon. Two of the league's best so far clash in 9-ball with the red cue. Stonebridge's Wild Thing eventually managed a three-ball run-out to win game 1 after a struggle with Pearl's Watermelon unfitting of their status in the standings. Wild Thing leads the series 1-0. Game 2 saw an uptick in the pace of the offense, as the Wolves' Wild Thing smashed a three-ball run only to be answered by a four-ball run-out from the Surfers' Watermelon for the win. The series stands tied at 1. Wild Thing found an early three-ball run in game 3, but Watermelon made a five-ball run in response. Wild Thing's attempt on the 9 missed at the top side, and Watermelon buried it for the win and 2-1 series win, which sends her to the third round.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Mitchell v. Shadow. The red cue keeps going in this 13-ball edition of the Yellow Derby. Diamond's Shadow was unstoppable in game 1, attacking with a five-ball run and following up with the final pair after Victoria's Mitchell took a three-ball run. Shadow's two-turn win puts him ahead 1-0 in the series. The Gems' Shadow took solids on the game 2 break, and while it looked like the Spurs' Mitchell would challenge him after a three-ball run, Shadow had enough of a lead to weather the storm before picking up the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Shadow had some decent offense in game 3, but it was slower than before. Mitchell attacked well with a five-ball run-out to pick up the win, which left Shadow with a 2-1 series win to carry to round three.

Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Sugar. The blue cue is ready to go for its first series today, playing 8-ball. Todavía's Easter held the edge throughout game 1, as Swordpoint's Sugar stayed close but never caught up. Easter took the noticeable win to go up 1-0 in the series. Both players had inexplicable misses on the 8 late in game 2 after solid offense. The Stills' Easter put it lightly near the bottom side, but the Blades' Sugar missed contact at tap-in range, allowing Easter to get the win that sealed the series at 2-0. Sugar held the lead throughout game 3 until another brutal miss on the 8 rattled out of the top right. Easter took over with her final of shots for the win to sweep the series 3-0, which puts her in position to be a visitor in the third round.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Rudolph. The red cue returns after the break for 8-ball. Modernistic's Daisy had a positive start to game 1 and later added a four-ball run. Harrison Rudolph used a three-ball run to get close at the end, but illegal contact set up Daisy's last two shots from ball-in-hand to give her the 1-0 series lead. The Union's Daisy laid in wait for much of game 2 as the Specters' Rudolph made short turns. Daisy then unleashed an eight-ball run-out, leaving the cue on the edge of the bottom side as she picked up the win to seal the series at 2-0. Rudolph had a six-ball run in game 3 and still managed to take the loss as Daisy pulled back with five balls over the last two turns. Daisy swept the series 3-0 and will play in the third round.

Sony Center, Queens: Briana v. Starlight. The blue cue takes a turn now, playing 13-ball. Queens' Briana had a hot start in game 1, but it turned sour with two late scratches, the latter coming as she made the 8 to gift the win to Pacific's Starlight after a long positioning battle. Starlight holds a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Starlight had a strong game 2, making a five-ball run to counter a previous four-ball run by the Flames' Briana. Starlight then made her final pair of shots to scoop up the fast-paced win, clinching the series at 2-0. Starlight didn't have enough for the sweep in game 3, allowing Briana to pick up the win in her own time. Starlight won the series 2-1 and will be a visitor in the third round.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Gabe v. Gal. The red cue is back with 15-ball on deck. North Modernistic's Gal surged late in game 1, but her three-ball run ended short, and Maplewood's Gabe answered with a 9-15 combination to the bottom right to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Gabe again enjoyed a strong break in game 2, but his offense tailed off by the end. The Nighthawks' Gal swooped in for a pair of shots at the end, collecting the win to tie the series at 1 heading into the decisive game. Gal got flustered after a miscue toward the end of game 3, and she later missed a straight shot on the 15 at medium range. Gabe cleaned it up for the win and 2-1 series win that sets him against the Southern Monarchs' Dominic on the road in round three.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Snowball v. Lexi. A longtime captain takes on a league villain in Rotation with the blue cue. Harrison's Lexi had no trouble pulling ahead quickly in game 1, and Swordpoint's Snowball never caught up. Lexi cruised to the 8-3 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Lexi started a little slower in game 2, but she quickly righted the ship to pick up the 8-4 win after the Blades' Snowball saw her comeback attempt fall short. Lexi's victory sealed the series at 2-0. Snowball struck first and had a three-ball run in the middle of game 3, but it still wasn't enough as Lexi slammed the door at 8-6 to earn a 3-0 series sweep. Lexi will continue her Cinderella run as a visitor in the third round.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Sweetheart. The blue cue keeps going with 12-ball between club-mates. Boston's Sweetheart quickly got down to her last ball in game 1, but she never had good positioning on it, and Modernistic's Ms. Puppy slowly but surely rallied to pick up the win. Ms. Puppy took a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Sweetheart replicated the effort in game 2, but didn't get a different result, as her quick start burned out by the end. The Union's Ms. Puppy settled in and picked off shots individually to get another win, securing the series at 2-0. Ms. Puppy wasn't able to tack on another win, falling short in game 3 after a four-ball run-out from Sweetheart. Ms. Puppy's 2-1 series win puts her into round three.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Goldy. A captains' battle in Accuracy with the silver cue is up next. Both players were perfect into overtime, where Harrison's Twinkie II missed her third shot and Everton's Goldy converted to win 0-1 for the 1-0 series lead in a thrilling start. Game 2 was much higher scoring but still exciting, as the Eagles' Goldy thought she had a win only to scratch on the last ball. The failed play forced overtime, where the Specters' Twinkie II converted four straight and Goldy fell on her fourth shot. Twinkie II won 3-4 and tied the series at 1. Twinkie II looked dead on arrival in game 3, falling behind badly early on. Goldy then missed an unprecedented six straight shots, including her only attempt in overtime, to give Twinkie II the 5-6 win. Twinkie II's miracle comeback puts her in the third round versus the winner of the next series.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Twilight. The silver cue goes again in Accuracy. Golden's Dusty missed first in game 1, but she kept a steady shot and benefited from two scratches by Central's Twilight. Dusty won 1-2 to take the 1-0 series lead in a close battle in the Generations Derby. The Pilots' Dusty didn't have much room for improvement, but she did it anyway with a perfect game 2 to defeat the Warriors' Twilight 0-2. This clinched the series in Dusty's favor at 2-0. Dusty faded a little bit with a couple of late misses in game 3, allowing Twilight to salvage a 1-3 win to avoid the sweep. Dusty's 2-1 series win allows her to host Harrison Specters captain Twinkie II in the third round.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Graham v. Salmo. The host faces a former teammate in a 12-ball series with the silver cue. Eastside's Graham had a slower start than Southern's Salmo, with the latter working a four-ball run. Graham got onto his last ball, but positioning failed him and Salmo made his final pair for the win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Sharks' Graham put up a stronger fight in game 2, working a pair of three-ball runs to overwhelm a four-ball run by the Monarchs' Salmo. Graham's win tied the series at 1. Salmo was persistent in game 3, continuing a surprisingly pacey attack. Graham had decent positioning for his last two balls but no angles to strike them, and Salmo used the ball-in-hand from missed contact to make his last ball. Salmo won the series 2-1 and will advance to the third round.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Ms. Kitty. Onto 9-ball, this one with the red cue. Pacific's Ms. Kitty put her stamp on game 1 with a five-ball run-out, including a double-pot of the 4 to the top right and the 9 to the bottom side to take a 1-0 series lead over Whitewater's Katharine. The Shores' Katharine kept herself in the series with a strong game 2, getting on the right end of a back-and-forth with the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty. Katharine popped a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Katharine had a little offense at first, but Ms. Kitty won early again by glancing a shot off the 5 to push the 9 to the top left on a three-ball run-out. Ms. Kitty took the series 2-1 and will host Midland Predators captain Shawn in the third round.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Lize v. Snuggle. The silver cue takes a turn in 9-ball now. Pronger's Lize made a good push with a three-ball run, but Oceanside's Snuggle matched it at the end with his three-ball run-out for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Lize tried to up the pace in game 2, but that strategy soon backfired with errors. The latest of her errors, a missed contact situation, allowed the Waves' Snuggle to make a four-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win. Snuggle secured the series at 2-0 in the process. Lize took a cheap shot after Snuggle scratched in game 3, as she made the 9 by glancing off the 4 near the top right. Snuggle settled for a 2-1 series win and will be the visitor in his third-round series.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Stinky. The red cue is back with another 9-ball series. Central's Twilight had a three-ball run off the break in game 1 and then outmuscled Freedom's Stinky for the 9 in the end after a back-and-forth battle. Twilight's win puts her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Warriors' Twilight rattled off three balls on the break of game 2, but she never saw the table again. The Cascades' Stinky stormed back with a six-ball run-out, showing better control in his win to tie the series at 1. Stinky put in a good effort in game 3, challenging Twilight all over the table, but Stinky's play on the 9 was weak. Twilight cleaned it up for the win and 2-1 series to earn a hosting spot in round three.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Kitty v. Violetta. The red cue finishes off the day with 15-ball between a rookie and superstar. Queens' Violetta had a few self-inflicted wounds, including three scratches, but she still mustered a late three-ball run in game 1. Midland's Kitty had the better of play and picked off the 15 at the end for the win, a deserved 1-0 series lead in her hands. The Flames' Violetta again had troubles with scratching, the worst coming as she followed the 13 into the top right. The Predators' Kitty gladly took ball-in-hand to make the 15 to the bottom left for the win and 2-0 series lead. Kitty made it a quick ending in game 3, cranking a 4-15 banked combination to the bottom side to earn a 3-0 series sweep. Kitty will host her series in the third round.

That's it for today. Tomorrow may see the implementation of a new scheduling quirk, which would see a majority of the day's games played at the usual time, but the tail end getting moved to a night session or Saturday.