Tournament 2019 - Round 3 Day 6

We've got another day ready to go. First up...

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Ice Cream v. Bear. The silver cue will start today in 8-ball. Boston's Ice Cream started with a five-ball run in game 1, but she couldn't make it stand at the end. Everton's Bear pulled back and won on a six-ball run-out to take the 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Bear found himself behind early in game 2, then pulled ahead on a three-ball run. He didn't finish in time, as the Swifts' Ice Cream shot back on a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Ice Cream took too long to get her attack started in game 3, allowing Bear to plot and execute a four-ball run-out for the win. Bear won the series 2-1 and he'll visit Taylor S. of the Commerce Tradewinds in the bracket quarterfinals.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Nicole v. Gizmo. The blue cue goes next, playing 9-ball. Lighton's Nicole made a ball on the game 1 break, and then deflected a shot off the 1 to pot the 9 at the bottom right for a stunning two-shot win. Nicole leads 1-0 in the series over Eastside's Gizmo, who didn't shoot in the opener. The Prestige's Nicole had a strong full-game effort in game 2, potting a pair early and answering the Sharks' Gizmo with her own five-ball run-out. Nicole's burst to victory this time clinched the series for her at 2-0. Gizmo challenged a little harder in game 3, but Nicole used the 2 to deflect the cue into the 9 at the top right. Nicole's shot also saw the 2 in the top side for a game-winning double-pot. She swept the series 3-0 and will host her bracket quarterfinals series. 

Apple Center, Todavía: Prism v. Americus. The red cue takes a turn in 7-ball on the coast. Todavía's Prism had a solid chunk of offense, holding that position of strength to get the better of Midland's Americus in game 1. Prism leads the series 1-0 after potting the final pair. The Stills' Prism added a pair on the game 2 break, but she couldn't do anything with the 1. The Predators' Americus capitalized on the opening with a five-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Americus controlled the pace in game 3, as Prism was unable to do anything on her turns. Americus won with a four-ball run-out to give her a 2-1 series win. Americus will be on the road again in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Shelley v. Watermelon. Veterans clash in Rotation with the blue cue. Infinity's Shelley wrangled an early lead in game 1, and did enough to hold off a three-ball run by Pearl's Watermelon near the end. Shelley held on for an 8-6 win to take the 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Shelley made a solid effort to reverse an early deficit in game 2, but the Surfers' Watermelon charged back on a four-ball run-out to win this one by an 8-5 score. This tied the series at 1. Watermelon pulled off a four-ball run to take the lead in game 3, but Shelley fired back after that with a four-ball run of her own, and she added the last shot a turn later to win 8-6. Shelley won the series 2-1 and will host Pounce of the Southern Monarchs in the bracket quarterfinals.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Summer v. Puff I. More Rotation is on the way, with the silver cue taking this series. Modernistic's Puff I held quite a defensive line in game 1, giving Maplewood's Summer nothing to work with early on. Summer made a comeback effort, but Puff I closed the win at 8-4 to take the 1-0 series lead. The Union's Puff I employed her defensive strategy again in game 2, and it worked to the same effect as the Lumberjacks' Summer tried and failed to play from behind. Puff I won 8-4 again, sealing the series at 2-0. Puff I abandoned the defense in game 3, playing an all-out attack that stunned Summer even more. Puff I won 8-0 in the game and 3-0 in the series to earn her spot hosting Urban rival Jennifer of the Terrace City Knights in the bracket quarterfinals.

Sony Center, Queens: Hannah v. Leonette. The red cue is back for an Accuracy series. Queens' Hannah did well to force overtime after scratching on the game 1 break. However, she missed her second shot in the extra rack, and Pacific's Leonette won 5-6 to pull ahead 1-0 in the series. The Flames' Hannah unraveled completely in game 2, allowing the Volcanoes' Leonette to claim a very easy 2-7 win for the 2-0 series lead. Leonette couldn't hold a lead in game 3, as she missed in step with Hannah during regulation. In the extra rack, Leonette made a ball from the break to finally stop Hannah, who missed. Leonette won 3-4 and swept the series 3-0, meaning she'll be a visitor again in the bracket quarterfinals.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Cobalt v. Taylor S. Next up is 12-ball using the blue cue. Stonebridge's Cobalt had defense at the top side, but he removed it to attack the left corners. His offense came up short, and Commerce's Taylor S. surged ahead for the win to earn a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. showed some ambition in game 2, putting herself ahead easily. The Wolves' Cobalt clawed back with an attempt at a run, but he gave away a wild-card ball and Taylor S. made her last ball on the next shot. Taylor S. secured the series at 2-0 with this win. Taylor S. gave away a wild-card ball at the start of game 3, and Cobalt outplayed her over the rest of the game to get his lone win in the series. Taylor S. won the series 2-1 and will be a visitor again in the bracket quarterfinals. Cobalt is the 16th player to exit the Tournament, while Taylor S. earned her first kill of the year.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Pauline. The silver cue draws in for 13-ball. Harrison's Twinkie II put on quite the comeback in game 1, making a three-ball run but missing the 8. Capital City's Pauline fought back with a three-ball run-out, narrowly avoiding disaster as she won to take a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 turned into a bit of a race, with the Sharpshooters' Pauline finding the inside edge by making four balls over her last two turns. The Specters' Twinkie II didn't have the positioning to keep up as Pauline sealed the series at 2-0 with this win. Pauline gave away a wild-card ball early in game 3 but also overcame the disadvantage. Twinkie II played just well enough to win on a three-ball run-out to avoid the sweep. Pauline won the series 2-1 and will visit the Golden Pilots' Strut in the bracket quarterfinals.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Puff I. Club-mates meet in 10-ball with the silver cue. Golden's Dusty had a lot of early offense, but she couldn't make a run out of it. Modernistic's Puff I struck back on a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead on her lone successful turn. The Union's Puff I couldn't follow up her success in game 2, as the Pilots' Dusty attacked with more strength this time. Dusty rattled off an eight-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1 with the wonderful stretch of play. Dusty left the 10 near the top right on the game 3 break and she took plenty of swipes at it. Puff I failed to compose much offense, and Dusty eventually won by deflecting the cue off the 9 to drop the 10. Dusty won the series 2-1 and will host again in the bracket quarterfinals.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Charli. The host's second series of the day comes in 9-ball with the red cue. Pearl's Watermelon opened game on a four-ball run, but she never got back to the table when Tysini's Charli answered on a five-ball run-out. Charli leads the series 1-0. The Hummingbirds' Charli scratched on the break in game 2. The Surfers' Watermelon answered with a three-ball run, but Charli got the win two turns later on a 7-9 combination to the bottom right. Charli clinched the series at 2-0. In game 3, Watermelon had a few good looks early on, but Charli again stormed back with a four-ball run-out to earn the win and 3-0 series sweep. Charli's upset gets her into the bracket quarterfinals.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Ice Cream v. Diddley. The red cue stays in action for 10-ball. Maplewood's Diddley looked a little stronger at first in game 1, but he fell off at the end. Boston's Ice Cream was there to clean up the mess, sinking a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Ice Cream got too loose on offense in a choppy game 2, and she left the door open. The Lumberjacks' Diddley walked in with a pair of shots at the end to take the win that tied the series at 1 game apiece. Diddley was better in attack in game 3 with a four-ball run to his name, but he faltered twice late, and Ice Cream notched a pair of shots at the end for the win. Ice Cream won the series 2-1 and will head on the road in the bracket quarterfinals.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Mitchell v. Dominic. The blue cue cycles in for this 7-ball series. Victoria's Mitchell scratched on the break in game 1, leading to Southern's Dominic unleashing a seven-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Dominic scratched on the break in game 2, but the Spurs' Mitchell couldn't complete the role reversal, missing contact on the 3. Dominic took over for a five-ball run-out to clinch the series at 2-0 with another win. Dominic didn't have a big run in game 3, spreading the offense out a bit. Mitchell scratched as he made the 5 while trying to position for the 7. Dominic won the game from ball-in-hand, earning a 3-0 series sweep to put himself in the bracket quarterfinals.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Hoot v. Whiskers. The blue cue goes again in 9-ball. Game 1 started a bit tense on both sides, but as Viewpoint Sound's Hoot faltered, Maplewood's Whiskers capitalized for a four-ball run-out. Whiskers got the win and 1-0 series lead to start with. Game 2 was a little less organized, but at the end, the Meteors' Hoot had a chance on the 9. He missed it, and the Lumberjacks' Whiskers made no mistake, burying it at the bottom side for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Whiskers had an early four-ball run in game 3, but it didn't hold up when she missed on the 5. Hoot pulled back on a five-ball run-out for the win. Whiskers took the series 2-1 and will visit Nicole of the Lighton Prestige in the bracket quarterfinals.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Slinks. The red cue's last series of the day is here in 10-ball. Pronger's Precious had the better of the offense early in game 1, but she failed to kick the 10 into the bottom side at the end. Her missed contact allowed Westside's Slinks to take the win from ball-in-hand, and Slinks gladly did so for the 1-0 series lead. The roles reversed a bit in game 2, with the Rockers' Slinks controlling the offense for most of it. She then missed a bank on the 10, and the Tridents' Precious knocked the winning shot into the bottom side to tie the series at 1. Slinks had a lot of offense at the end of game 3, but she sank the 10 illegally and then missed a bank attempt, allowing Precious to get the win for a 2-1 series win. Precious is set to host the Boston Swifts' Ice Cream in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Panda. The blue cue gets one more look in 9-ball. Southern's Panda teed off with an early pair, which Central's Dustin answered with a three-ball run before Panda won game 1 on a four-ball run-out. Panda leads the series 1-0. The Warriors' Dustin showed a little more command and defense in game 2, but his weak shot on the 9 left it at the bottom right. The Monarchs' Panda gladly mopped up Dustin's late mistake, and Panda secured the series at 2-0 in the process. Dustin lacked finish late in game 3, getting a chance on the 9 but letting it waste. Panda converted for the win to sweep the series 3-0 on his way to the bracket quarterfinals.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Diddley v. Katelynn. Closing out the day, there's 15-ball with the silver cue. Maplewood's Diddley did alright early in game 1, but Diamond's Katelynn produced a crafty six-ball run-out capped by a 9-15 combination to the top right to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Katelynn lacked any massive, game-changing run in game 2, instead chipping offense in back and forth with the Lumberjacks' Diddley. It went that way to the end, where Katelynn made the 15 on her second try for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Katelynn drove the offense for much of game 3, but Diddley took over at the end to win on a three-ball run-out. Katelynn settled for a 2-1 series win, which gets her into a road series against the player she was traded for, the Lighton Prestige's Citrus. Katelynn also earned her first kill of the year, making Diddley the 17th eliminated player of the year.

That's all we've got today. We're feeling good heading into tomorrow, which will see the halfway point of the third round.

Tournament 2019 - Round 3 Day 5

We're back for another day of games. Leading off...

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Starlight v. Whiskers. The silver cue starts today in 12-ball. Pacific's Starlight gave up a wild-card ball on the game 1 break, but she was able to pull Maplewood's Whiskers out of position later. Starlight then made a pair for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Starlight gave up a wild-card ball to start game 2 as well, and also double-potted at the top right. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers would win on her second turn, making a crafty four-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw both players forced to play a strategic style. Whiskers was less skilled this time, unable to kick herself into position before Starlight potted her last ball for the win and 2-1 series win. Starlight is set to appear in the bracket quarterfinals.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Blizzard. Players on new teams collide in 13-ball with the silver cue. Lighton's Shiny struck for a pair on the game 1 break and held a lead over Harrison's Blizzard throughout the rest of the game. Shiny locked up the win and 1-0 series lead with a pair at the end. The Prestige's Shiny struck quickly again to start game 2, but it took awhile to get the rest of her offense on board. The Specters' Blizzard didn't push the pace, allowing Shiny the time to line up and convert her final two shots for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Shiny came close to giving game 3 away with her last ball pinned on the 8. She made illegal contact to free it, but Blizzard would win soon after with a three-ball run-out. Shiny settled for a 2-1 series win that will see her host Sydney C. of the Modernistic Union in the bracket quarterfinals.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Steven v. Jasmine. Eastern Hills rivals meet in 8-ball with the blue cue. Freedom's Jasmine picked up a four-ball run early in game 1, and then induced a late scratch from Atlantic's Steven. Jasmine cut the 8 to the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Jasmine found a five-ball run early in game 2, but she scratched her way out of contention. The Pirates' Steven steadily got back into the battle and picked up the win on a cut of the 8 to the top right to tie the series at 1. Jasmine had a lot of defense in game 3, but she was unprepared to handle Steven's strategic scratch near the end. Steven roared back on a three-ball run-out on the next turn, earning the win and 2-1 series win. Steven is set to visit Jason V. of the Oceanside Waves in the bracket quarterfinals. Steven picked up his second kill of the year to make Jasmine the 12th eliminated player.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Princess v. Shaggy. The red cue gets its debut today in Rotation. Viewpoint Sound's Princess survived a rough start to game 1, quickly taking over with a four-ball run. Whitewater's Shaggy had no answer and Princess surged to the 8-2 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Shaggy bounced back fairly well in game 2, scrapping with the Meteors' Princess initially. Shaggy then pulled ahead, and pushed a three-ball run-out at the end to win 8-3. Shaggy's victory tied the series at 1. Princess struck first in game 3, but took way too long to support it. Shaggy had built up a lead, and even as Princess tied the game, Shaggy fired back with a pair of shots for the 8-6 win to claim a 2-1 series win. Shaggy will be on the road for her bracket quarterfinals series.

Sony Center, Queens: Briana v. Tigerette: The silver cue is back for this 10-ball series between fiery foes. Commerce's Tigerette looked like the better player in game 1, but a late scratch derailed her effort. Queens' Briana cleaned up the 10 to the bottom right for the 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Tigerette saw the 10 fall illegally early in game 2, but she never got a chance at redemption. The Flames' Briana dominated at the end on a five-ball run-out to secure the series at 2-0 with this win. Briana wasn't as good in game 3, but she made a 9-10 combination to the bottom right for the win after Tigerette made a mess of her shots. Briana swept the series 3-0 to earn the right to host a series in the bracket quarterfinals.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Rosalina v. Luigi. Club-mates clash in 12-ball with the red cue. North Modernistic's Luigi had an easy start in game 1, and while Whitewater's Rosalina picked up a three-ball run, she was unable to catch up. Luigi made his last ball on a kick to the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Luigi didn't control game 2 as much, as the Shores' Rosalina came very close to a win but couldn't quite set up at the top side. Luigi pulled off a rare 11-15 kick combination to the bottom side and then cut the 11 to the bottom left for his win to clinch the series at 2-0. Rosalina struggled with positioning in game 3, but she kept Luigi at bay until she illegally potted a ball. Luigi took his final shot from ball-in-hand to win the series in a 3-0 sweep that sets him up to host a bracket quarterfinals set. Luigi earned his first kill of the year, while Rosalina is the 13th player out of the Tournament.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Midnight. Another 12-ball series sees Rockers teammate battle with the blue cue. Misty had a strong start in game 1 and came within a ball of winning, but she couldn't line up at the bottom left. Midnight roared back with a tough three-ball run-out to get the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw Midnight grab an early pair on the break turn. Misty fired back but again struggled to connect on her late attempts, and Midnight had time to get the win that sealed the series at 2-0. Midnight completed the sweep after getting the edge on Misty early on and waiting for Misty's late scratch. Midnight's 3-0 series sweep will see her go on an actual road trip in the bracket quarterfinals. Midnight's first kill came at the expense of Misty, the 14th player to exit Tournament play.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Neopolitan v. Cheddar. The silver cue is on for 9-ball here. Pearl's Neopolitan struck on the break and added a five-ball run-out at the end of game 1, overpowering North Modernistic's Cheddar with ease. Neopolitan holds a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Cheddar refused to back down in a sloppy game 2, attacking with a three-ball run-out at the end to surprise the Surfers' Neopolitan a bit. Cheddar's win tied the series at 1. Cheddar knocked a pair down on the game 3 break, but her second turn saw her make a 1-9 combination to the top left to complete the 2-1 series comeback over Neopolitan. Cheddar will take to the road again as her Cinderella run gets to the bracket quarterfinals.

Intel Center, Diamond: Shadow v. Katharine. The silver cue stays on for a Bloodbath derby match in 15-ball. Diamond's Shadow pulled off a ball on the break and then got the better of Whitewater's Katharine with a pair at the end. Shadow took the close win for a 1-0 series lead after game 1. The Gems' Shadow opened up a bit with a four-ball run in the middle of game 2, but it didn't hold up. The Shores' Katharine countered with a six-ball run-out to get the win, tying the series at 1. Both players had their moments in game 3, including a four-ball run on each side. Katharine couldn't quite corral the 15, and Shadow sent it to the top left for the win and 2-1 series win. Shadow will host again in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Tigerette v. Vladimir: The blue cue cycles in for 7-ball as the host gets her second series of the day. Commerce's Tigerette scratched on the break in game 1, allowing Stonebridge's Vladimir a four-ball run. Vladimir would win on his second turn to get the 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Vladimir scratched early in game 2, allowing the Tradewinds' Tigerette to pot a three-ball run. Vladimir then took over for a four-ball run-out on his next turn, securing the series at 2-0 in the process. Vladimir would have won game 3 on a five-ball run-out after a decoy on the 6 drove the 7 to the top left, but he also scratched to gift the win to Tigerette. Vladimir settled for a 2-1 series win that puts him on the road again in the bracket quarterfinals.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Ms. Kitty. The red cue's last turn of the day comes in 8-ball. Pacific's Ms. Kitty looked good early with a seven-ball run, but she scratched later and never made the 8. Stonebridge's Hershey fought back with a five-ball run before potting a pair on his last turn for the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 featured a slow start and a frenzied finish, with the Wolves' Hershey making a four-ball run, the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty answering on a three-ball run, and Hershey poking down the last two balls to get the win. Hershey clinched the series at 2-0. Hershey failed to take control in game 3, allowing Ms. Kitty to stay a step ahead this time. Ms. Kitty won by kicking the 8 to the top right. Hershey advanced on a 2-1 series win, and he'll host Sydney C. of the Modernistic Union in the bracket quarterfinals.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Citrus v. Jennifer. Big-name opponents play in 15-ball with the silver cue. A shaky battle in game 1 saw Lighton's Citrus gain control at the end, winning on a three-ball run-out with a decoy shot on the 11 that sent the 15 to the bottom side. Citrus leads Terrace City's Jennifer 1-0 in the series. The Prestige's Citrus brought pace in attack early in game 2, but she struggled late. The Knights' Jennifer made it interesting on the last two balls, giving herself bad positioning on the 15 but sending it to the top right for the win to tie the series at 1. Jennifer began on a seven-ball run in game 3 and held a majority of the offense, but a couple of late stumbles set up Citrus' winning attack. Citrus claimed the series at 2-1 and will head to the bracket quarterfinals.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sarah v. Violetta. Talented young players lock up in 9-ball with the silver cue. Tysini's Sarah put up a good fight early in game 1, but Queens' Violetta struck on a four-ball run-out at the end to snag the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Violetta got a ball and a scratch on the game 2 break. The Hummingbirds' Sarah was again good with a three-ball run, but she missed on the 8. Violetta gambled and won with a kick on the 8 setting up her clean shot on the 9 to the top right for the win. Violetta sealed the series at 2-0. Sarah had her chances in game 3 as well, but Violetta again took a risk that paid off with a tough cut on the 5-9 combination to the bottom right. Violetta's willingness to bet on herself earned her a 3-0 series sweep that puts her in the bracket quarterfinals.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Vladimir v. Sydney S. The silver cue stays in action for 8-ball. Stonebridge's Vladimir put on quite the rally in game 1 to get onto the 8, but his bank to the bottom side missed, and Harrison's Sydney S. converted to take the win and 1-0 series lead after leading for much of the game. The Specters' Sydney S. worked a five-ball run in game 2, but it was no match for a six-ball run-out by the Wolves' Vladimir, who turned a big deficit into a win. Vladimir tied the series at 1. Sydney S. had a decent attack going in game 3, but Vladimir again turned things around just in time with his precise five-ball run-out for the win. Vladimir took the series 2-1 and will host his series in the bracket quarterfinals.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stripes v. Dani. More 8-ball is played with the silver cue. Freedom's Stripes seemed to have a good start in game 1, but her accuracy diminished and Viewpoint Sound's Dani picked up the offense with a four-ball run-out for the win. Dani leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Dani didn't have as strong a performance in game 2, struggling a bit near the end. The Cascades' Stripes fired off a finishing run for the win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Dani took control fairly early in game 3 and ended up with the win on a bank of the 8 to the bottom left. Dani won the series 2-1 over Stripes and the former will head to Commerce in the bracket quarterfinals to face the Tradewinds' Rosemary. Dani's first kill of the year left Stripes as the 15th player out of the Tournament.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Niki. Urban rivals close out the day with the blue cue in hand for 10-ball. Modernistic's Daisy had the better of play in game 1, while Commerce's Niki settled for keeping up. At the end, Daisy found a pair of shots for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Union's Daisy had an awful start to game 2, and she wasn't able to shake it off. The Tradewinds' Niki rallied with a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out on consecutive turns to get the win to tie the series at 1. Daisy again faltered early in game 3, and while she had a little more late offense this time, Niki won with a three-ball run-out to take the series 2-1. Niki will host Sprinkles of the Capital City Sharpshooters in the bracket quarterfinals.

That's it for today. We should have more to play tomorrow.

Tournament 2019 - Round 3 Day 4

We're set to resume Tournament play after a hand injury, which persists but should be manageable. With this latest delay, the 2019 Tournament is all but guaranteed to spill into 2020. As such, there will be no Heart of the Game preseason competition in 2020. If health is maintained, the current Tournament cycle should end in January. We begin this day with...

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Lexi. The blue cue gets the first look today in Rotation between Northeastern rivals. Both players racked up four-ball runs in game 1, but Harrison's Lexi was a little quick on attack, staving off a late run from Central's Twilight. Lexi won 8-6 and took a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Lexi couldn't follow up in game 2, as the Warriors' Twilight took a four-ball run and never looked back. At the end, Twilight slammed the door for an 8-2 win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Twilight took over early in game 3 as well, and she sustained the attack long enough to win 8-3 for the 2-1 series win over Lexi. Twilight will return to road duty in the bracket quarterfinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Midnight v. Missy. The blue goes again for the first of three straight 15-ball sets. An even and fast-paced game 1 tipped in favor of Capital City's Missy at the end as she made three of the last four balls to best Westside's Midnight. Missy leads the series 1-0. The Sharpshooters' Missy stayed strong late in game 2, making six of the last eight balls this time. The Rockers' Midnight slowed the pace of the game, but it wasn't enough to stop Missy from clinching the series at 2-0. Midnight looked to have a chance late in game 3, but her three-ball run ended when she defended herself. Missy took over for a three-ball run-out to earn the 3-0 series sweep. Missy will host her bracket quarterfinals series.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Kitty v. Rosemary. Young players duel in 15-ball with the red cue. Midland's Kitty found a groove at the right time in game 1, surging to the win on a four-ball run-out after a gritty battle with Commerce's Rosemary. Kitty owns a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Rosemary met an unfortunate end in game 2, clipping the 15 on her second shot of the game and sinking it illegally at the bottom right on an attempt at the 2. The Predators' Kitty took the gifted win to secure the series at 2-0. Kitty won the series on her own merits with a strong showing in game 3, making four of the last six balls. Rosemary had a chance for the win but sent her shot on the 15 wide. Kitty swept the series 3-0 and will host her bracket quarterfinals series.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: A. Charlton v. Zach. The blue cue returns for 15-ball between club-mates. Archtown's A. Charlton surged with a seven-ball run in game 1, attacking with force near the end. Pronger's Zach rattled the 15 out of the top side, and Charlton scooped up the win for a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, both players left late chances on the table. The Arrows' Charlton eventually got enough under control to make a pair at the end for the win to seal the series at 2-0 over the Tridents' Zach. Charlton kept herself in control for game 3, with Zach unable to counterattack well enough to turn the result. Charlton swept the series 3-0 and will visit the Capital City Sharpshooters' Missy in the bracket quarterfinals. Zach is the tenth player out of the Tournament, and the first kill for Charlton.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Frosty v. Leonardo. The red cue is back for this 9-ball series. Viewpoint Sound's Frosty worked a three-ball run from the break, but she stumbled in the middle. Diamond's Leonardo picked up the pace and won with a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Leonardo was alright in game 2 with a ball on the break and a later three-ball run. He missed on the 8, setting up the Meteors' Frosty for the final pair of shots, which she took to win the game and tie the series at 1. Frosty failed in her initial positioning plan for game 3, but it worked out just fine as she made a 5-9 combination to the bottom right for the win. Frosty took the series 2-1 over Leonardo, and she'll host again in the bracket quarterfinals.

Apple Center, Todavía: Bells v. Wario. Down the coast, the silver cue gets a look in 10-ball. Game 1 was a back-and-forth battle that ultimately tipped to Todavía's Bells on the final pair of shots after Southridge's Wario couldn't extend his late run. Bells leads the series 1-0. The Defenders' Wario scratched as he potted the 5 in game 2. This set up the Stills' Bells for a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand, which gave her the series at 2-0 when she converted the sequence. Bells couldn't keep her performance clean in game 3, allowing Wario to work a five-ball run-out for his lone win. Bells took the series 2-1, and she'll be on the road in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Leonette. Energetic club-mates do battle in 15-ball with the red cue. Infinity's Smudge worked a seven-ball run from the break, stopped only by a scratch. Pacific's Leonette had a little offense, but Smudge would win with a late pair to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Torpedoes' Smudge saved her offense until the end of game 2, striking a seven-ball run-out to stun the Volcanoes' Leonette. Smudge's big attack clinched the series in her favor at 2-0. Game 3 was done quickly, as Smudge worked her way to a 3-15 combination at the top right to win again, sweeping out Leonette by a 3-0 series score. Smudge is off to the bracket quarterfinals.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Cassie v. Steven. Another 9-ball series uses the red cue to bring the day to half-completion. Royal's Cassie had plenty to be proud of in game 1, but she couldn't corral the 9 at the end. Atlantic's Steven tapped it to the top right for a cheap win that put him ahead 1-0 in the series. In game 2, the Pirates' Steven got a ball on the break but missed the 1. The Crowns' Cassie made the 1 and miscued on a 2-8 combination attempt. Steven then took the 2-8 to the bottom right and the 2-9 at the top right for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Cassie got a little redemption in game 3, finishing a four-ball run-out by double-potting the 2 cut to the bottom side and the 9 banked to the bottom left. Steven still won the series 2-1 to punch his ticket to the bracket quarterfinals. Steven earned his first kill of the year to make Cassie the 11th eliminated player.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Jack. Back in 15-ball, the silver cue draws in. Neither player dominated in game 1, but Web City's Jack did enough work at the end to snag the win after Midland's Fuchsia faltered late. Jack owns a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Jack remained bold in attack in game 2, but a late scratch turned the tides. The Predators' Fuchsia made the 11-15 combination from ball-in-hand to the top right for the win, tying the series at 1. The 15 lingered around the bottom right for quite some time in game 3. Both players had swipes at it, but Jack put it down in conjunction with his shot on the 9 to win the series 2-1 over Fuchsia. Jack heads to the bracket quarterfinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Stinky. A captain and a veteran battle in 10-ball with the red cue. Both players scrapped for positioning in game 1, but Freedom's Stinky gave up the battle by missing the 10. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy won by tapping it to the top right for the 1-0 series lead. In game 2, both players had chances for big runs, but the finish ended up being choppy. The Cascades' Stinky scratched on his bank attempt on the 10, and the Union's Ms. Puppy mopped up the win from ball-in-hand to secure the series at 2-0. Game 3 saw a stunning finish as Stinky pulled off a 3-10 combination from a bad angle to the bottom side to take the win early. Ms. Puppy settled for a 2-1 series win to put her in the bracket quarterfinals.

Sony Center, Queens: Violetta v. Potter. Outcast club-mates square up in 12-ball with the red cue. Queens' Violetta flexed a little skill in game 1, giving up a wild-card ball on the break and then burying Pronger's Potter positioning at the end. Violetta won on a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Violetta lacked positioning in game 2 after a rough distribution from the break. The Tridents' Potter quickly got down to his last ball, and Violetta made a three-ball run to match him before she missed on the 13 at the bottom left. Potter put his 3 in the top left for the win to tie the series at 1. Potter gave up a wild-card ball on the break in game 3, which essentially served as a white flag for him. Violetta controlled possession and needed just two tries for a tough kick on the 3 to the bottom left for her win. Violetta took the series 2-1 to get to the bracket quarterfinals.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Delila. A captains' battle occurs in 15-ball with the blue cue. Atlantic's Delila had to weather quite an attack from Victoria's Spice, with the latter clearly holding a majority of the offense. Delila still got the win with the final pair of shots for a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Delila took a more active approach to game 2, competing well with the Spurs' Spice this time. Delila turned it up at the end to get the last two balls for the win that sealed the series at 2-0. Delila got tricky in game 3 to make it a sweep for herself. Spice scratched on the 2, and Delila converted a 2-3-15 combination deflected off the 4 and into the bottom right. Delila's 3-0 sweep puts her on the road again in the bracket quarterfinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Sydney C. v. Violetta. The silver cue cycles in for Rotation. Modernistic's Sydney C. started out fine in game 1, but Queens' Violetta rallied ahead and then closed the win with a three-ball run-out. Violetta took a 1-0 series lead with her 8-4 win. The Flames' Violetta didn't have much early in game 2, and she had to take one on the chin as the Union's Sydney C. worked a seven-ball run for a massive lead. Sydney C. closed out the game as an 8-3 win to tie the series at 1. Sydney C. held the lead for most of game 3, but Violetta pulled back on a four-ball run-out for the 8-6 win to take the series 2-1. Violetta will continue this road-heavy bid in the bracket quarterfinals.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Taylor S. The silver cue's last series of the day comes in 8-ball. Commerce's Taylor S. had control for much of game 1, especially after a three-ball run got her onto the 8. She couldn't pot the winning shot, as Southridge's Bianca used defense to buy herself time to get the win by banking the 8 to the top left. Bianca leads the series 1-0. The Defenders' Bianca didn't get as much traction in the late-game, nor did she have time. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. had a big run before a scratch, then added a three-ball run-out with a ridiculous bank of the 13 to the top side, followed by a tough cut to make the 8 at the bottom right. Taylor S. earned her win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw a flurry of offense at the end, with Taylor S. asserting herself on a five-ball run, followed by Bianca making a four-ball run while also knocking down Taylor S.'s last ball. Bianca couldn't finish the run, and Taylor S. grabbed the win for a 2-1 series win that puts her in the bracket quarterfinals.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Sage v. Citrus. Southwestern rivals collide in 13-ball with the blue cue. Victoria's Sage dominated in game 1, with a three-ball run from the break and excellent positioning allowing her to take the win in three turns. Sage holds a 1-0 series lead over Lighton's Citrus. The Spurs' Sage didn't have the same level of performance in game 2, allowing the Prestige's Citrus to get ahead of her early. Sage tried to get back in it, but Citrus was fast enough to close out the win that tied the series at 1. Sage had to get creative again in game 3, as Citrus took positioning at the bottom left they both needed for their final ball. Sage tried to pot both balls, but only made Citrus', and the visitor banked the 8 to the top side on the next shot to win. Citrus claimed the series 2-1 and will take a turn hosting in the bracket quarterfinals.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sydney S. v. Pounce. The day ends with the blue cue in Rotation. Harrison's Sydney S. had quite the battle on her hands in game 1, just fending off Southern's Pounce in the back-and-forth 8-6 win she posted for the 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Pounce made a completely different impact in game 2, taking the lead at first and then blasting a six-ball run capped by double-potting the 5-7 combination to the bottom right with a 7-9-13-12 deflection to the top right for the 8-0 win. This stunned the Specters' Sydney S. as Pounce tied the series at 1 with confidence. Pounce stepped up again in game 3, a little less coordinated than before but still good enough to win 8-0 after taking three balls on the break. Pounce won the series 2-1 and will be a visitor again in the bracket quarterfinals.

If the hand injury stays under control, Tournament play will return to a six-day week.

Tournament 2019 - Round 3 Day 3

We're back for Tuesday's slate of games. Leading off...

Google Hall, Modernistic: Sydney C. v. Shaggy. The red cue gets the first look in an Urban derby 8-ball series. Whitewater's Shaggy had the first attack in game 1, but she didn't follow it up very well. Modernistic's Sydney C. pushed back to get the win on a three-ball run-out, going up 1-0 in the series. The Shores' Shaggy struck first in game 2 as well, but she scratched early. The Union's Sydney C. would make an impressive showing with a seven-ball run-out to win the game. This clinched the series at 2-0 in favor of Sydney C. In game 3, Sydney C. found an early five-ball run, Shaggy answered on a six-ball run, and Sydney C. won with a three-ball run-out. Sydney C. took a 3-0 series sweep to get to the bracket quarterfinals.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Kitty v. Dani. The red cue stays in action for Rotation. Midland's Kitty started and ended game 1 on three-ball runs, helping her establish a dominant lead and 8-2 win over Viewpoint Sound's Dani. Kitty leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Dani did a much better job in game 2 after the Predators' Kitty had a lousy break. Dani held the lead for much of the game, and while Kitty tied it late, Dani put the 15 in the top side for the 8-7 win to tie the series at 1. Dani had a strong break to start game 3. Kitty tied it in the middle with a three-ball run, but Dani shot back on a four-ball run-out capped by a deflected shot on the 11 to the bottom side that became a double-pot as the 14 fell in the top right. Dani won 8-4 and took the series 2-1 to get to the bracket quarterfinals.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Mitchell v. Hannah. Junior players clash in 10-ball with the blue cue. A close start gave way to Victoria's Mitchell winning game 1 on a pair of three-ball runs, while Hannah can blame a miss on the 7 for her loss. Mitchell owns a 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Mitchell had a five-ball run in the middle of game 2, but it went to waste as he struggled late. The Flames' Hannah countered by making two of the last three balls for her win to tie the series at 1. Mitchell did a better job of timing his attack in game 3, closing with a five-ball run-out this time. The late push gave Mitchell a 2-1 series win to put him in the bracket quarterfinals.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Cleo v. Dominic. Club-mates meet in Accuracy with the blue cue. Southern's Dominic was very sharp in game 1, missing once due to a scratch but making sure Everton's Cleo never really had a chance. Dominic won the game 1-3 to take a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Dominic did everything he needed to in game 2, getting a ball on the break and forcing the Eagles' Cleo into tougher shots. Dominic held on for the 2-5 win, securing the series at 2-0 as well. Dominic completed the sweep in a competitive game 3, which saw a couple of mistakes from Cleo again cost her in the 1-2 game. Dominic's 3-0 series win sets him up to visit Lorde of the Capital City Sharpshooters in the bracket quarterfinals.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Ice Cream. The silver cue draws in for this 9-ball series. Terrace City's Oreo looked good at the start of game 1, but she couldn't make it work at the end, as Boston's Ice Cream picked up the win instead. Ice Cream holds a 1-0 series lead despite her iffy play. The Knights' Oreo didn't really recover in game 2, as both players had slow starts. The Swifts' Ice Cream shook off the struggles quite well with a six-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Ice Cream stepped up and weathered an attack from Oreo in game 3. Ice Cream then made the final pair for the win to sweep the series 3-0, advancing to the bracket quarterfinals in the process.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Princess v. Leandra. A former dynamic duo will battle in 7-ball with the red cue. Viewpoint Sound's Princess attacked quite well with a five-ball run in the middle of game 1. Tysini's Leandra had a chance to bank the 7 but missed, and Princess put it in the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead. Both players had three-ball runs in game 2, each coming on their first turns. The Meteors' Princess would capitalize at the end as the Hummingbirds' Leandra missed the 7. Princess made it at the bottom left to clinch the series at 2-0. Princess looked pretty good to start game 3, but she missed the 6 and Leandra made a pair at the end for the win. Princess claimed the series win at 2-1 to get to the bracket quarterfinals.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Nightfur v. Violetta. Southeastern rivals tangle in this 8-ball series with the blue cue. Queens' Violetta began with a four-ball run in game 1, but she never got onto the 8 as her last ball proved elusive. Royal's Nightfur chipped her way into catching up to get the win, taking a 1-0 series lead on a three-ball run-out. The Flames' Violetta avoided the drop-off in game 2, making a seven-ball run that factored in all six pockets. The Crowns' Nightfur made one in response, but Violetta banked the 8 to the top right to get the win, tying the series at 1. Violetta didn't follow up well in game 3, leaving a lot of open shots on the table as Nightfur ran away with the win and 2-1 series win. Nightfur will host another Queens Flame in the bracket quarterfinals when Briana pays a visit.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Dreamy v. Sierra. Stalwarts for their teams are set to face off in Rotation with the silver cue. Todavía's Sierra struck first and held a lead early in game 1, but she stalled out by mid-game. Swordpoint's Dreamy rallied back later to win 8-6, picking up a 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Dreamy couldn't make a similar comeback in game 2, mostly because the Stills' Sierra played too fast to allow it. Sierra got the lead after a contested start and went on to win 8-2, which tied the series at 1. Dreamy gained the lead early in game 3, and while Sierra challenged and defended fiercely, Dreamy stepped away with an 8-5 win to win the series 2-1. Dreamy will be the visitor in her bracket quarterfinals series.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Mario. Another Southeastern derby is in 13-ball with the silver cue. Queens' Mario made a bone-headed play late in a close game 1, illegally potting a ball with adjudged intent. Golden's Strut made a three-ball run-out from there for the 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Strut commanded his positioning in game 2, starting with a three-ball run early on. The Flames' Mario did what he could to stay competitive, but Strut had pairs potted on each of the last two turns to get the win, which sealed the series at 2-0. Strut jumped out to a nice lead in game 3 after making one of each on the break. He faltered late, allowing Mario to make five balls over two turns before a scratch set Strut up to sink the 8 at the bottom right. Strut swept the series 3-0 and will host his appearance in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Andrew v. Leonette. The red cue is back for 7-ball. Central's Andrew was an absolute disaster in game 1, failing to pot a ball even with a handful of chances on the 7. Pacific's Leonette wasn't exactly great, but she got the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Leonette still looked a little shaky in game 2, but she benefited from the Warriors' Andrew missing a straight shot on the 7 to the top right. Leonette mopped up the miss for her own win, sealing the series at 2-0. Leonette looked her calmest in game 3, easily taking a pair on the break and another pair at the end to defeat Andrew for the 3-0 series sweep. Leonette is set to appear in the bracket quarterfinals. Andrew is the ninth player eliminated from Tournament play, with Leonette picking up her second kill.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Pounce v. Luigi. The red cue stays in action for 8-ball. North Modernistic's Luigi did the bulk of his attacking early in game 1, taking the lead at first. Southern's Pounce pushed back with a four-ball run, but the comeback fell short as Luigi put the 8 in the top left for the 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Luigi had a number of fouls early in game 2, which caused the Monarchs' Pounce to take control on a four-ball run. Luigi made a decent comeback effort, but Pounce closed the door for a win to tie the series at 1. Luigi had a six-ball run early in game 3, and while Pounce pushed back, he scratched and sank Luigi's last stripe on the same shot. Luigi put the 8 in the top right to win the series 2-1, and he'll host Nicole of the Lighton Prestige in the bracket quarterfinals.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Beth v. Prism. The silver cue is up for a Coastal derby in 8-ball. Todavía's Prism looked alright at the start, but Pearl's Beth rallied with a seven-ball run. Prism didn't recover, and Beth made the 8 to get the win and 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Prism kicked off game 2 with a three-ball run on her first turn. The Surfers' Beth replied with a four-ball run of her own, but Prism got the win with a five-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Prism did nearly everything right in game 3, but her one mistake cost her the game, as she sent the 8 to an uncalled pocket. Beth took the gifted win and the 2-1 series on that play despite struggling in the finale. Beth will host the winner of the next series in the bracket quarterfinals.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Whiskers v. Hoppy. More 8-ball is on the way with the silver cue in hand for this Northeastern rivalry. Maplewood's Whiskers made two stripes and a solid on the game 1 break but took solids for a six-ball run. She'd later scratch, but Archtown's Hoppy wasted the many advantages as Whiskers got the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Hoppy got the lead at the start in game 2, and she took a later calculated risk that paid off. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers couldn't catch her, and Hoppy cruised to the win to tie the series at 1. Hoppy pulled off an impressive run in game 3, making a seven-ball run-out with a woven bank on the 5 to the top left giving her perfect positioning for the 8 at the top right. Whiskers was shut out in the game and Hoppy won the series 2-1 to get to the bracket quarterfinals in Pearl versus the Surfers' Beth.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Kayla v. Bryant. The silver cue goes again between club-mates in Accuracy. An even battle in game 1 went to overtime, where Royal's Kayla couldn't get anything from the break. Maplewood's Bryant stood true to win 3-4 with a cut on the 8 to the bottom side for the 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Bryant played better in game 2, controlling the game with defensive positioning and strong shooting. The Crowns' Kayla had fallen apart by the end, with Bryant winning 1-5 to clinch the series at 2-0. Bryant didn't do so well in game 3, letting one get away from him as Kayla avoided the sweep with a 3-4 win. Bryant's 2-1 series win sends him to the bracket quarterfinals.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Wings v. Bandit. Another pair of club-mates clash in 13-ball with the red cue. Game 1 had a wild finish, with Central's Wings getting positioning at the mutually needed top left. Swordpoint's Bandit made Wings' ball, Wings missed on the 8, Bandit made his last ball and then missed on the 8, and Wings ended up with the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Wings had much worse positioning despite making a pair on the break in game 2. The Blades' Bandit went unchallenged in a moderately-paced attack for the win to tie the series at 1. Bandit started game 3 with a five-ball run and an intentional scratch on his last ball to get better positioning. Wings fired back with a four-ball run, but Bandit's lack of finish on the 1 to the top left bought Wings the time to get the win. Wings also won the series 2-1 and will host his series in the bracket quarterfinals.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Brownie v. Twinkie I. The day ends with the blue cue in Rotation. Royal's Brownie got off to a good start, faded long enough for Pacific's Twinkie I to tie it, and then pulled away for the 8-5 win in game 1. Brownie leads the series 1-0. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I found an early surge in game 2, riding the progress to the lead. At the end, the Crowns' Brownie tried to rally a couple of times, but Twinkie I held her off for the 8-4 win to tie the series at 1. Brownie left no doubts in game 3, working a five-ball run early on and cruising from there to the 8-0 shutout win. Brownie won the series 2-1 and will visit Vincent of the Tysini Hummingbirds in the bracket quarterfinals.

More to come tomorrow.

Tournament 2019 - Round 3 Day 2

The second day of the third round begins with...

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Puff I. The host plays a doubleheader, beginning with the blue cue in 12-ball. Infinity's Fluffina looked good at the start and added a three-ball run later, but Modernistic's Puff I had already made a five-ball run. When Fluffina scratched, Puff I needed only two more turns to pot her last ball for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fluffina made a three-ball run early in game 2, but she slipped late, allowing the Union's Puff I to get positioning. Puff I skipped a ball-in-hand play, and then potted Fluffina's last ball two turns later, gifting the game away to tie the series at 1. Fluffina didn't get her preferred solids in game 3, but she made the most of stripes with a four-ball run and a defensive play. Puff I couldn't rally back, and Fluffina got the win for a 2-1 series win. Fluffina will host her bracket quarterfinals series.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Kitty. Completing the host's doubleheader, there's Accuracy with the silver cue. Infinity's Fluffina made it look easy in game 1, as Midland's Kitty was unprepared for the pace of the game. Fluffina walked away with a 2-7 win and 1-0 series lead after Kitty never got a grip. The Torpedoes' Fluffina took her turn to struggle in game 2, while the Predators' Kitty played strong in a 1-4 win to tie the series at 1. Fluffina returned to form in game 3, dominating in a perfect performance while Kitty fell apart in the 0-5 game. Fluffina won the series 2-1 and will head to the bracket quarterfinals.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Quincy v. Easter. The silver cue stays on this time for 15-ball. Terrace City's Quincy had the better of play in game 1, while Todavía's Easter had to battle many mistakes. Quincy won with a four-ball run-out, capped by a 13-15 bank combination to the top left for the 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Quincy had a couple of convincing runs early in game 2, but his late play was unremarkable. The Stills' Easter put up a better fight to get the win, tying the series at 1 in the process. Easter and Quincy battled in a contested start to game 3, with Easter deflecting the cue off the 3 to pot the 15 at the top right for an early win. Easter took the series 2-1 and will play on the road in the bracket quarterfinals.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stinky v. Sydney C. A veteran and a rookie collide in 13-ball with the silver cue. Modernistic's Sydney C. had the advantage for most of game 1, but Freedom's Stinky made a three-ball run-out by kicking his last stripe to the bottom left before putting the 8 in the top right. Stinky leads the series 1-0. The Cascades' Stinky went empty on the game 2 break, leading to the Union's Sydney C. getting easy positioning. Sydney C. had a four-ball run of mostly tap-ins, and then got the win after cautious play later. Sydney C. made good use of her positioning again in game 3, working a little harder this time but seeing less push-back from Stinky. Sydney C. easily won, taking the series 2-1 to punch her ticket to the bracket quarterfinals.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Slinks. Gritty veterans collide in 7-ball with the red cue. Pronger's Precious made a pair on the break to start game 1, and added a 5-7 combination to the top left at the end of a dominant performance for the 1-0 series lead over Westside's Slinks. The Tridents' Precious went empty on the game 2 break and never got back to the table, as the Rockers' Slinks ran the table this time. Slinks' big run tied the series at 1. Slinks made the first two balls in game 3, but Precious would get the win with a crisp four-ball run-out. Precious won the series 2-1, and she'll host Solaris of the Commerce Tradewinds in the bracket quarterfinals.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Luigi v. Snowball. The red cue goes again in 10-ball. North Modernistic's Luigi had a strong start and an even better finish in game 1, closing the win on a three-ball run-out after Swordpoint's Snowball failed to keep up. Luigi leads the series 1-0. The Blades' Snowball waited as the Nighthawks' Luigi had a good start to game 2 as well. Snowball then struck a three-ball run-out capped by the 9-10 combination to the bottom right for the win to tie the series at 1. Snowball looked to have bad positioning in game 3, but she split between the 4 and 8 to cut the 3-10 combination to the bottom right for an impressive winning shot. Snowball took the series 2-1 and will be a visitor again in the bracket quarterfinals.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Shaggy. Back east, the blue cue draws in for 12-ball. Freedom's Nikolai made a ball on the break and never looked back in game 1, besting Whitewater's Shaggy in just three turns with help from Shaggy's missed contact. Nikolai owns a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Nikolai gave away a wild-card ball at the start of game 2, and while the Shores' Shaggy was a bit sloppy, she held the advantage long enough to get the win. Shaggy's victory tied the series at 1 heading into a decisive game. Shaggy yielded a wild-card ball in game 3, and Nikolai did damage with a three-ball run on the next turn. Nikolai had trouble with his last ball, but not enough to let Shaggy back in. Nikolai won the series 2-1, setting him up to host a bracket quarterfinals series.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Vincent v. Bright. Rotation is up next, using the blue cue as well. Tysini's Vincent struggled to gain traction early on, splitting the first half of game 1 with Pearl's Bright. Vincent then made four of the last five balls to get an 8-5 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Vincent looked a little stronger at first in game 2, but the Surfers' Bright kept right with him until the end. Vincent broke away and got the 8-6 win to seal the series at 2-0 after a tough battle. Vincent took game 3 off, chipping in a little offense and scrapping with Bright, who would win the game 8-3. Vincent took the series 2-1 and will continue to hold home-field advantage in the bracket quarterfinals.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Zach v. Kodiak. The second half of the day begins with 13-ball and the blue cue. Modernistic's Kodiak made a six-ball run in game 1 but couldn't finish on the 8. Pronger's Zach knew the situation was desperate and thoughtfully made a seven-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Union's Kodiak ripped a five-ball run early in game 2, but then saw the Tridents' Zach make six balls over the next two turns. Zach just missed a kick on the 8 toward the bottom right, allowing Kodiak to convert a pair for the win to tie the series at 1. Kodiak made two solids and a stripe on the break in game 3, and he navigated the ensuing battle carefully to get the win and 2-1 series win over Zach. Kodiak's frenzied attacks will feature again in the bracket quarterfinals.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Lionel v. Dustin. Strong foes clash in 10-ball with the blue cue. North Modernistic's Lionel had a majority of the offense in game 1 and made it stand for something when he made the final pair to bear Central's Dustin. Lionel leads the series 1-0. Game 2 was a little slower at the start, as the Warriors' Dustin made it chippy for a bit. The Nighthawks' Lionel wasn't bothered, rallying at the end for a four-ball run-out. Lionel clinched the series at 2-0. Lionel couldn't get anything going until a late three-ball run in game 3. Dustin surrounded it with a four-ball run and the final pair for his lone win in Lionel's 2-1 series win. Lionel will host his series in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Mr. Snowman v. Brownie. The red cue cycles in for a series of Accuracy. Infinity's Mr. Snowman kept a steady hand after missing a shot in game 1, while Royal's Brownie unraveled. Mr. Snowman ended up with a 1-3 win to build his 1-0 series lead on. The Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman scratched on the break in game 2, a mistake he wasn't able to recover from. The Crowns' Brownie locked up a 1-2 win this time, tying the series at 1 in the process. Mr. Snowman whiffed on his first shot, and Brownie never let him back into the game. By the time Brownie took her only miss, Mr. Snowman was out of range. Brownie won 1-3 and took the series 2-1 to get into the bracket quarterfinals.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Max v. Fluffina. The blue cue comes between siblings in 10-ball. A slow start to game 1 quickly turned into a three-ball run-out for Infinity's Fluffina, who buried the 3-10 combination to the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead over Golden's Max. Game 2 was slow throughout, with neither player able to make a huge impact on any given turn. The Torpedoes' Fluffina looked listless, and that gave the Pilots' Max enough time to get the win to tie the series at 1. Fluffina had a slightly better game 3, but she was limited to keeping defensive positioning at the end. Max eventually took a chance on cut and made the 10 to the top right to win the series 2-1. Max will head to a bracket quarterfinals series in North Modernistic against the Nighthawks' Lionel.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Delila. Also in the Southeast, the blue cue goes in 7-ball. Royal's Jake had a rough game 1, watching Atlantic's Delila make a five-ball run on her first turn. Delila just missed on the 7 at the bottom right, where Jake tapped it in for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Jake did a bit more to earn his win in game 2, holding off the Pirates' Delila early on and then finding his own four-ball run-out at the end. Jake secured the series at 2-0 with this win. Jake opened with a creative four-ball run in game 3, but he peaked too early. Delila fired back on a three-ball run-out for the win to avoid the sweep. Jake's 2-1 series win sets him up to host a bracket quarterfinals series.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Jake. The visitor completes a doubleheader with 12-ball and the silver cue. Lighton's Shiny had a good start from the break in game 1, keeping Royal's Jake at bay with defense. Shiny broke her own defense later, but Jake couldn't rally from there, and Shiny made her last ball for a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Shiny overfilled the top right at the start of game 2, a mistake she couldn't recover from. The Crowns' Jake got better positioning and ran away with a confident win to tie the series at 1. Jake had a habit of under-hitting his shots in game 3, a costly set of mistakes as Shiny pushed him out of position, forced him to scratch, and ultimately earned the win for herself. Shiny won the series 2-1 and will host Stinky of the Freedom Cascades in the bracket quarterfinals.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Rudolph v. Spot. Another 12-ball series sees the blue cue take a turn. Harrison's Rudolph made two stripes and a solid on the break in game 1, and gave away another wild-card ball while scratching at the end of the turn. Pronger's Spot, despite having double flexibility, couldn't find a run to finish it off. Rudolph won for a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Rudolph made a ball on the game 2 break, but he went quiet after that. The Tridents' Spot was on the verge of winning when Rudolph rallied with a five-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Rudolph wasn't able to get as much early success in game 3, allowing Spot to push with a four-ball run. Spot struck later as well to get the win. Rudolph claimed the series at 2-1 and will visit Fluffina of the Infinity Torpedoes in the bracket quarterfinals.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Lionel v. Strawberry. The day ends with the host's second series, playing Rotation with the red cue. North Modernistic's Lionel found some fortune on a run in game 1, and then held off a three-ball run from Victoria's Strawberry to get the 8-5 win. Lionel leads the series 1-0. The Nighthawks' Lionel had a good start in game 2, but he didn't sustain the attack later. The Spurs' Strawberry took over, with momentum carrying her to the 8-4 win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 looked a lot like the series opener, with Lionel getting on the brink of victory, Strawberry pushing back with a three-ball run, and Lionel answering for an 8-5 win to seal the series at 2-1. Lionel will host again in the bracket quarterfinals. Lionel picked up his first kill by making Strawberry the eighth player out of the Tournament.

We'll be back tomorrow with a similar workload, hopefully played slightly faster.

Tournament 2019 - Round 3 Day 1

We're set to begin the third round of Tournament play today, which is expected to last into early December. First up...

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Brownie. The red cue gets the first look with 9-ball. Victoria's Spice had a little jump early in game 1, and then followed it up after Royal's Brownie missed a bank on the 4. Spice made the 4 at the top right and put the 5-9 combination in the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Spice had an alright game 2, but she missed contact at a bad angle on the 9. The Crowns' Brownie won from ball-in-hand, tying the series at 1 in the process in a mediocre game. Another balanced but slow game saw Spice prevail by making the last two balls for the win and 2-1 series win over Brownie. Spice is the first player to punch her ticket to the bracket quarterfinals.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Peach v. Rosemary. The silver cue goes next, playing 8-ball between Urban rivals. North Modernistic's Peach had a decent start with a four-ball run. She scratched and struggled later, allowing Commerce's Rosemary to make it interesting, but Peach locked up the win on a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Rosemary tightened up on defense in game 2, and attacked a little better as well. The Nighthawks' Peach couldn't escape a late-game cluster, and Rosemary picked off the 8 on the next turn for the win to tie the series at 1. Peach failed to rally in game 3, getting onto the 8 but missing contact and sinking Rosemary's last ball. Rosemary sent the 8 long-distance to the top right for the win and 2-1 series win, which will allow her to host a bracket quarterfinals series.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Prism. The silver cue stays on here for a Rotation series. Todavía's Prism got the better of game 1 after an atrocious break by Terrace City's Oreo. The game started out close, but Prism made two pairs at the end to get the 8-4 win and 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Prism looked a bit more confident in game 2, helped by the fact that the Knights' Oreo couldn't figure anything out offensively. Prism capitalized on a late scratch from Oreo, double-potting the 10 to the top side and the 11 to the top right for a rare 9-2 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Prism had a good lead in game 3 thanks to an early three-ball run. Oreo caught up but couldn't corral the 15, and Prism escaped with an 8-7 win to sweep the series 3-0. Prism will return home for her series in the bracket quarterfinals.

Sony Center, Queens: Violetta v. Solaris. Hotshot youngsters meet in 7-ball with the red cue. Game 1 didn't really look like two of the best young players meeting, as Queens' Violetta struggled and Commerce's Solaris only got the win with a late pair of shots. Solaris leads the series 1-0. The players both had better looks in game 2, with the Flames' Violetta working a three-ball run before missing contact. The Tradewinds' Solaris shot back on a three-ball run-out for the win, securing the series at 2-0 as well. Another sloppy effort from Violetta in game 3 allowed Solaris to make a late pair of shots for the win to sweep the series 3-0. Solaris will play on the road in the bracket quarterfinals.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Jason V. v. Easter. Coastal rivals tangle in 8-ball with the blue cue. Oceanside's Jason V. had an early five-ball run that ended with a scratch. He later made a three-ball run, and Todavía's Easter failed to apply pressure. Jason V. would easily win for the 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Jason V. had a dominant share of the offense in game 2, attacking with a three-ball run early and a four-ball run on his next turn. The Stills' Easter made it interesting with a three-ball run of her own, but Jason V. potted the 9 at the bottom left to seal the series at 2-0 with this win. Jason V. wasn't able to complete the sweep as Easter attacked with a much more urgent pace in game 3. Easter would get this win, and Jason V. heads to the bracket quarterfinals with a 2-1 series win in hand.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Valencia v. Crystal. Southeastern captains meet with the silver cue in 10-ball. Golden's Valencia attacked decently in game 1, but she scratched while attempting at the 9. Queens' Crystal sandwiched that mistake from Valencia with pairs of shots to earn the win. Crystal owns a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Valencia took over the offense in the middle of game 2 with five balls over two turns. The Flames' Crystal made a pair in response but left the 10 at the bottom right, and Valencia tapped it in for the win to tie the series at 1. Both players brought intensity in game 3, with each of them making a three-ball run. Crystal's came at a better time, closing the game to win the series 2-1. Crystal will take to the road once again in the bracket quarterfinals.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Gradley. A Cola Wars derby sees the red cue playing Rotation. Lighton's Shiny set the pace in game 1, and Boston's Gradley fell far short of keeping up. Shiny picked up a pair at the end to seal an 8-3 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Shiny showed far less control in game 2, wildly spraying offense everywhere. She excelled late at defensive positioning to prevent the Swifts' Gradley from making a comeback effort. Shiny then locked up the win at 8-3 to clinch the series at 2-0. Shiny held the lead for most of a back-and-forth game 3, but she fell short on her final turn. Gradley responded with a three-ball run-out for the 8-7 win to avoid the sweep as Shiny advanced to the bracket quarterfinals on a 2-1 series win.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Graham. A captains' battle occurs in 9-ball with the blue cue. Eastside's Graham had a little luck early in game 1, but Tysini's Leandra got some nice bounces on a four-ball run-out to earn the win. Leandra went ahead 1-0 in the series with the strong finish. The Hummingbirds' Leandra started hot with a three-ball run, but she fell apart soon after that in game 2. The Sharks' Graham didn't pick up the pace until the end when he made the 9 to tie the series at 1. Leandra found a groove on her second turn in game 3, making a seven-ball run-out to run away with the 2-1 series win. Leandra advanced to the bracket quarterfinals with the decisive win.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Jennifer. The silver cue cycles in again for Rotation. Lighton's Acorn dodged multiple defensive attempts from Terrace City's Jennifer, working an early four-ball run. Jennifer got ahead late, but Acorn made a pair to win 8-7, earning a 1-0 series lead in a tough battle. The Prestige's Acorn had a little more positional luck in game 2, but it didn't translate into an easier game. The Knights' Jennifer controlled the pace and won 8-3, tying the series at 1 to set up a big finale. Jennifer got out to a big lead early in game 3, but Acorn did well to erase that advantage. He made illegal contact soon after, and Jennifer turned in a four-ball run-out for the 8-4 win to take the series 2-1. Jennifer will play on the road again in the bracket quarterfinals.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Oreo. The visitor's second series is in 8-ball with the blue cue. Terrace City's Oreo showed no mercy in game 1, making a six-ball run early on and following it up after Capital City's Chris failed to counterattack. Oreo got the win confidently to take a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Oreo again looked strong to start game 2, working a three-ball run. The Sharpshooters' Chris kept it close up to the end, where Oreo made the final three shots over two turns for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Chris had a lead in game 3 at the start, but he stalled out way too soon after a scratch. Oreo slowly worked her way back for the win to sweep the series 3-0, sending her to the bracket quarterfinals.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Summer v. Nicole. More 8-ball sees the red cue in action. Maplewood's Summer took her time to get solids in game 1, and despite a strong first run, she stalled multiple times at the end, limping onto the 8. She missed the last shot, and Lighton's Nicole completed her unlikely comeback for a win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Summer again started well before fading in game 2. The Prestige's Nicole rallied with a six-ball run that ended in a scratch. Summer kick-started her offense again, making the last three shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Summer was simply slow to start in game 3, a mistake that Nicole punished by taking the early lead. Nicole coasted into the finish but still got the win for a 2-1 series win. Nicole will be on the road again in the bracket quarterfinals.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Sugar v. Twinkie III. The blue cue is on hand for this Accuracy series. Swordpoint's Sugar played perfectly after a lackluster break in game 1, never letting Whitewater's Twinkie III in. Sugar picked up a 0-2 win for the 1-0 series lead, showing tons of confidence. The Blades' Sugar was unable to repeat that performance in game 2, never really seeing the lead this time. The Shores' Twinkie III wasn't great either, but she forced overtime and Sugar sent the cue ball off the table to allow Twinkie III an easy win. It was a 5-6 game that helped Twinkie III to tie the series at 1. Game 3 seemed to be in Twinkie III's control until she scratched twice to give away the lead. In overtime, she missed two shots, and Sugar locked down a 3-4 win to take the series 2-1. Sugar will advance to the bracket quarterfinals.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Bryant v. Sprinkles. Stalwarts of their teams clash in 10-ball with the blue cue. Capital City's Sprinkles had plenty of errors in game 1, but Maplewood's Bryant missed on the 9 after Sprinkles scratched. This led to the visitor making a pair at the end, banking the 10 to the top side for the win that gives Sprinkles a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Bryant again struggled at the start of game 2, but he recovered as the Sharpshooters' Sprinkles faltered. Bryant closed with a four-ball run-out this time to get the win, tying the series at 1. Sprinkles solved her offense issues in game 3, making a five-ball run and adding the last three shots over two turns when Bryant couldn't strike back. Sprinkles won the series 2-1 and will play on the road again in the bracket quarterfinals.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stinky v. Blizzard. The silver cue's last series today is in 12-ball. Freedom's Stinky looked very good at the start of game 1, but it didn't matter when Harrison's Blizzard got positioning on her last two balls. Stinky gave away one as a wild-card ball and Blizzard made the other for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Stinky capitalized on the Specters' Blizzard scratching and giving away a wild-card ball early in game 2. Stinky turned solids into a five-ball run-out on his first turn, tying the series at 1. Blizzard made two errors early in game 3, and Stinky again punished the mistakes, making a four-ball run-out on the latter error. Stinky won the series 2-1 to advance to the bracket quarterfinals.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Lorde v. Neopolitan. The blue cue gets a look in Accuracy. Capital City's Lorde had an awful start to game 1, but she got back on track by the end. Pearl's Neopolitan simultaneously fell apart, allowing Lorde to make it look easy in a 3-6 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Neopolitan had a slow start in game 2, and the deficit was too much to overcome as she improved later. The Sharpshooters' Lorde had a late miss but stood tall in a 2-3 win to seal the series at 2-0. Game 3 saw a scattered break that led to few good shots. Lorde sportingly played a positional shot with the game tied on the final ball, and Neopolitan won this time by a 3-4 score. Lorde took the series 2-1 to get into the bracket quarterfinals.

Sony Center, Queens: Briana v. Sage. The day ends with the blue cue playing 8-ball. Queens' Briana had a stronger effort in game 1, controlling the pace early on while Victoria's Sage tried to plot her strategy. Briana's quick pace helped at the end as well, and she went ahead 1-0 in the series. The Flames' Briana found her groove in game 2 with a six-ball run to get onto the 8. The Spurs' Sage couldn't counterattack that, and Briana eventually won to secure the series at 2-0. Briana kept it up in a competitive game 3, completing the sweep as Sage just fell short in the end. Briana is through to the bracket quarterfinals.

That's all for today's opening action. We'll play 12 more full days and one half-day in the third round.

Tournament 2019 - Round 2 Day 27

The last day of the second round is here. We begin with...

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sydney S. v. Katelynn. The silver cue is on for 15-ball as the host completes a split-day doubleheader. Diamond's Katelynn made the last three balls over two turns in game 1, picking up a slow and ugly win over Harrison's Sydney S. for the 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Sydney S. poached the game 2 win, taking the final pair after the Gems' Katelynn had a strong majority of the offense. Sydney S.'s win tied the series at 1. Katelynn had slightly better offense in game 3, but she won by throwing the cue at a cluster, striking the 6 and pinching the 15 to the bottom right to defeat Sydney S. Katelynn claimed the series 2-1 and will visit Diddley of the Maplewood Lumberjacks in the third round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Cobalt. The silver cue stays in action for this 13-ball set. Royal's Jake was upset after Stonebridge's Cobalt subverted the spirit of the game to get an advantage in game 1. Jake couldn't catch up in time to stop Cobalt from winning for the 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Cobalt scratched on the break in game 2, leading the Crowns' Jake to a four-ball run on his first turn. Jake used the 8 defensively until he could make it legally, picking up a strong win to tie the series at 1. Jake finished the comeback with a strong effort in game 3. Cobalt came close to catching up, but his scratch ended his bid. Jake won the series 2-1 and will visit the Commerce Tradewinds' Niki in round three.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Kirstin v. Watermelon. The blue cue takes a turn for Rotation. A back-and-forth game 1 saw Everton's Kirstin lead for much of the game, until Pearl's Watermelon banked in the 12 and 13 to the bottom side to win 8-6. Watermelon leads the series 1-0. The Surfers' Watermelon picked up a sizable lead in game 2, but nearly gave it away as the Eagles' Kirstin made two pairs of shots to tie the game. Watermelon put away the 15 at the end for the 8-7 win, sealing the series at 2-0. Kirstin led for much of game 3, but Watermelon rallied back on a five-ball run-out for the 8-7 win to secure a 3-0 sweep. Watermelon will visit the Infinity Torpedoes' Shelley in the third round.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Nicole v. Caitlin. Club-mates meet in 9-ball with the blue cue. Lighton's Nicole scratched on the break, but dominated after Southridge's Caitlin also had an early scratch. Nicole won on a six-ball run-out capped by a bank on the 9 to the bottom left. Nicole leads the series 1-0. The Prestige's Nicole kept her dominant run going in game 2, running the table in a basic nine shots to win again. This secured the series in her favor at 2-0 while the Defenders' Caitlin could only watch her bid come to an end. Nicole was alright in game 3, but her shot streak ended at 16. Caitlin capitalized at the end with a pair of shots for the win. Nicole settled for a 2-1 series win, which puts her against Gizmo of the Eastside Sharks in the third round.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Shaggy v. Dusty. Two big-name players collide in 12-ball with the blue cue. Whitewater's Shaggy struck at the sides quickly in game 1, and then got Golden's Dusty to give up a wild-card ball soon after. Shaggy then converted a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Shaggy made one of each on the game 2 break, and then defied conventional wisdom by accepting a corner over a side. The Pilots' Dusty wasn't quite sharp enough through the rest of the game, and Shaggy beat her with a ball each to go, sealing the series at 2-0 for Shaggy. In game 3, Shaggy looked alright for awhile, but Dusty executed a three-ball run-out just in time to get her lone win. Shaggy won the series 2-1 and will visit the Freedom Cascades' Nikolai in the third round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Princess. The blue cue keeps going in 13-ball. Capital City's Chris made one of each on the game 1 break, but his last ball proved elusive. Viewpoint Sound's Princess waited for Chris to make an error before striking for her own three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Chris struck back quickly in game 2, his first turn marking a seven-ball run-out after the Meteors' Princess was limited to a pair on the opening turn. Chris' one-turn win tied the series at 1. Chris tried to get better positioning with a kick shot in game 3, but it struck the 8 to the top left instead, way too early to count. Princess accepted the gifted win to take the series 2-1, and she'll host Golden Pilots captain Valencia in the third round.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Kiwi. Talented veterans clash in 12-ball with the blue cue. Golden's Strut made an impact early and held on despite poor positioning to get the win at the end, as Terrace City's Kiwi was just a turn too late on her positioning. Strut leads the series 1-0. The Pilots' Strut made one of each to start game 2, which would come back to bite him later. Strut had a three-ball run to get onto his last ball, but the Knights' Kiwi answered with a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Strut bounced back as Kiwi made one of each on the game 3 break. Strut rallied with a well-positioned five-ball run-out on the next turn to get the win and 2-1 series win. Strut will host Sierra of the Todavía Stills in round three.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sarah v. Fluffina. The host begins a home doubleheader in 7-ball with the red cue against a Southwestern rival. Tysini's Sarah had a four-ball run to open game 1, but it didn't work out, as Infinity's Fluffina made two of the last three balls for the win to go up 1-0 in the series. The Torpedoes' Fluffina didn't have much in the way of consistent offense in game 2. The Hummingbirds' Sarah also struggled, but she found her path forward with a pair of shots at the end to tie the series at 1. Sarah again had difficulty stretching long streaks of offense together in game 3, and Fluffina capitalized on it at the end to get the win. Fluffina won the series 2-1 and will visit Twinkie I of the Pacific Volcanoes in the third round.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sarah v. Summer. Completing the doubleheader, the silver cue is up in 9-ball. Maplewood's Summer appeared to have a bit more of the offense in game 1, but it didn't matter as Tysini's Sarah struck late for the 9 to get the win. Sarah owns a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Lumberjacks' Summer dropped off a bit on pace. The Hummingbirds' Sarah made a 4-9-5 combination to the bottom right that double-potted the 4 at the top right, and she would later add the last two shots for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Summer tried to get a little too creative at times in game 3, including on the shot on the 7 that ended her run at three balls. Sarah fired back with a pair to get the win, making it a 3-0 series sweep that sends her to the third round against the Queens Flames' Violetta.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stinky v. Bryant. Another silver cue series takes place in 12-ball. Freedom's Stinky had slightly better positioning than Maplewood's Bryant in game 1. Bryant tried to play defense, but Stinky kicked the 6 to the top right for the win and took the 1-0 series lead in the process. The Cascades' Stinky followed a similar pattern in game 2, striking early and establishing defense before getting himself set. The Lumberjacks' Bryant wasn't sharp enough to get ahead, and Stinky took the win on a three-ball run-out for the 2-0 series lead. Stinky took his game to another level in game 3, winning rather easily as Bryant lacked any clear looks on target. Stinky swept the series 3-0 and will host Blizzard of the Harrison Specters in round three.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Solaris v. Patches. A rising star meets an established one in 15-ball with the silver cue. Commerce's Solaris got a little lucky in game 1, scratching multiple times early on but making the 7-9-13-15 combination to the bottom right after Boston's Patches missed a 5-15 combination. Solaris leads the series 1-0. The Swifts' Patches decided to end game 2 early, taking ball-in-hand after the Tradewinds' Solaris fouled. Patches converted the 4-15 combination to the bottom right for the win, tying the series at 1 and eliciting boos from the crowd. Patches had a six-ball run late in game 3, but she scratched as she double-potted the 9 and 10. Solaris took over for a four-ball run-out, winning the game and the 2-1 series. Solaris will host Bryant of the Maplewood Lumberjacks in the third round.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Starlight v. Prism. Coastal rivals collide in 8-ball with the silver cue. Pacific's Starlight didn't quite have her offense under control in game 1, allowing Todavía's Prism to set the tone. Prism had no trouble earning the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Starlight got more aggressive in game 2, rattling off a nice run with a couple instances of collateral damage. The Stills' Prism couldn't catch up, and Starlight buried the 8 at the top right for the win to tie the series at 1. Starlight had a decent start in game 3, but she couldn't finish the effort as Prism rallied with a six-ball run-out for the win. Prism took the series 2-1, and she'll visit another Coastal rival in the third round when she faces the Pearl Surfers' Beth.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Debby. Another silver cue turn comes in 15-ball. Central's Dustin ascended to unstoppable status in game 1, making an eleven-ball run-out as Southridge's Debby could only watch the host work. Dustin's massive play puts him up 1-0 in the series. The Warriors' Dustin toned it down just a little in game 2 but still easily won over the Defenders' Debby. Dustin made a seven-ball run and a three-ball run-out on consecutive turns for the victory, which clinched the series in his favor at 2-0. Dustin didn't have a dominant share of the offense in game 3, but he was more than happy to pick up the final two balls after Debby couldn't finish the game. Dustin swept the series 3-0 and will host a Northeastern rival in the Harrison Specters' Lexi in the third round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Lorde v. Chicky Phil. The silver cue ends its time in the round with 9-ball. Capital City's Lorde had too many scratches in game 1, as her foul on the 4 led to Web City's Chicky Phil making a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win. Chicky Phil leads the series 1-0. The Sharpshooters' Lorde had a chance to win game 2 despite still lacking quality, but she sent the 9 wide. The Spiders' Chicky Phil cleaned it up at the bottom side for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Lorde again wasted late chances to get on the scoreboard, allowing Chicky Phil to ultimately take the series in a 3-0 sweep. Chicky Phil will host Acorn of the Lighton Prestige in round three.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Neopolitan v. Wings. Former teammates meet in the red cue's final series of 12-ball. Pearl's Neopolitan gave away a wild-card ball in game 1, and despite a late three-ball run, she couldn't overcome the disadvantage. Central's Wings picked up the win just in time for a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Neopolitan held the lead pretty much throughout game 2. She had the better positioning at the end as the Warriors' Wings gave away a wild-card ball late. Neopolitan then made her last shot for the win to tie the series at 1. Neopolitan had a good start in game 3, but a scratch and some poor positioning opened things up for Wings to get the win. Wings did his part, taking the series at 2-1 as he's set to visit the Eastside Sharks' Chelsea in the third round.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Melissa v. Zach. The blue cue ends the round with Rotation. After a slow start in game 1, Pronger's Zach attacked with a five-ball run-out to get the 8-2 win. Zach leads the series 1-0 over Terrace City's Melissa, who just couldn't keep up in the opener. Undeterred, the Knights' Melissa put in a good effort in game 2. She held the lead at two separate points and fought off the Tridents' Zach at the very end for an 8-5 win. Melissa's win tied the series at 1. In game 3, Zach had Melissa on the ropes, needing to pot just one more ball. Melissa instead made a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out on separate turns for the 8-7 win and 2-1 series win. Melissa will travel to Royal to take on Crowns captain Nightfur in the third round.

After some battles with fatigue, Tournament round two is done. Expect the third round to start by next Sunday.