It's the middle day of the First Round, which is a little more than three weeks into a six-and-a-half week run. We'll begin today with...
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Neopolitan v. Kodiak. The silver cue opens the day in 15-ball. Pearl's Neopolitan looked confident on offense despite getting almost no extended possession. Modernistic's Kodiak tried to fight back late, but scratched as he made the 14. Neopolitan then took the 15 from ball-in-hand for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Neopolitan again struggled to piece together a run in game 2, but the Union's Kodiak remained just as hapless. Kodiak tried a 6-15 combination to the top left which failed, and Neopolitan deflected off the 6 to pot the 15 there for the win that sealed the series at 2-0. Neopolitan had a little more of the offense in game 3 as well, making five of the last six balls. Kodiak, however, made the one that counted for the win, leaving Neopolitan to advance to the second round on a 2-1 series win.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Jane v. Puff I. The red cue draws in for a Rotation series. Modernistic's Puff I had a pair of three-ball runs in game 1, and Stonebridge's Jane could only answer one of them. Puff I went on to take an 8-3 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Jane refused to go quietly, keeping herself in the series with an 8-4 win in game 2. The Union's Puff I had a couple moments of offense, but nothing sustainable as Jane tied the series at 1. Jane got onto the final shot in game 3, but she missed multiple chances to convert. Puff I made four balls over her last two turns for the 8-7 win and 2-1 series win that sends her to Southern for a meeting with the Monarchs' Mams in the second round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Hoot v. Niki. More Rotation features the green cue. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot took it very close at the start of game 1, but his steady offense resulted in an 8-3 win over Commerce's Niki. Hoot leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Hoot scratched on the game 2 break, setting himself back almost immediately. The Tradewinds' Niki looked dangerous, but a late shake-up nearly cost her. Niki just managed an 8-5 win to tie the series at 1. A close battle emerged early in game 3, with Hoot clawing back from an early deficit. Niki then fired off a four-ball run-out for the 8-4 win to seal the series at 2-1. Niki advances to the second round.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Sage v. Lily. Back in 15-ball, there's the blue cue. Eastside's Lily saw some good offense go to waste early in game 1, as Victoria's Sage made five of the last seven balls for the win. Sage's persistent attack led her to the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw the Spurs' Sage take a small step back early on. The Sharks' Lily looked solid for awhile, but Sage made sure to secure the series with a 12-15 combination to the top left. Sage's series lead extended to 2-0. Sage struck quickly in game 3 after Lily failed to wrangle a 2-15 combination. Sage's 3-15 combination from range to the top left was good for a win and a 3-0 series sweep to put her in the second round.
Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Blaze. The purple cue gets all sticks active today with this 7-ball set. Todavía's Easter got off to a fantastic start, drilling the game 1 break in a way to hit the 7 at the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead against a stunned Infinity's Blaze. The Torpedoes' Blaze made a three-ball run in game 2, but the Stills' Easter sandwiched it with a pair of balls potted on each side, including the winning pair. Easter easily clinched the series at 2-0. Blaze had a chance to avoid the sweep in game 3, but his shot on the 7 was a little wide. Easter cleaned it up with a tap-in for the win and 3-0 series win that gets her into the second round.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Bandit v. Cubby. The blue cue returns to action in 8-ball. Web City's Cubby featured a five-ball run early in game 1, then finished it off with a three-ball run-out after Swordpoint's Bandit wasn't able to strike efficiently late in the game. Cubby leads the series 1-0. The Blades' Bandit had a massive lead early in game 2, but a late scratch slowed him down. That gave the Spiders' Cubby just enough time to snag the win, securing the series in his favor at 2-0. Cubby had too many scratches and misplays at the end of game 3, giving Bandit the space he needed for his lone win in the series. Cubby's 2-1 series win sees him on the road again in the second round as he visits Diamond Gems veteran Leonardo.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Diddley v. Jane. The visitor's second series today comes in 12-ball with the purple cue. Maplewood's Diddley started fairly well, but he was out of position late. Stonebridge's Jane then made a four-ball run to pull even before potting her last pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Diddley had good positioning and awful execution in game 2. The Wolves' Jane eventually gave away a wild-card ball, and Diddley failed to capitalize on it. Jane then tapped her last shot to the top left for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Diddley was just a bit more crafty than Jane in game 3, with both players getting very close to the finish. Diddley made a pair for the win, while Jane advances to the second round with a 2-1 series win; she'll face Central Warriors newcomer Graham on the road.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sugar v. Stealth. The First Round is half over with this 10-ball series using the red cue. Tysini's Sugar showed why she's top on the bracket, making a five-ball run early on and a four-ball run-out at the end for a dominant 1-0 series lead over Swordpoint's Stealth. Game 2 saw the Hummingbirds' Sugar make a three-ball run early on before things got a bit choppy. The Blades' Stealth got the last chop, taking the 10 to the bottom right for the win that tied the series at 1. Stealth brought heat with a seven-ball run on his second turn in game 3. Sugar then made a tough pair but left the 10 standing, where Stealth slammed it to the bottom left for the win and 2-1 series win. Stealth will visit another Southwestern rival, the Lighton Prestige's Citrus, in the second round.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Quincy v. Bright. Another 10-ball series uses the purple cue. Pearl's Bright struggled late in game 1 after a close start. Terrace City's Quincy wasn't great either until he banked the 10 hard to the bottom right for the win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Knights' Quincy maintained his possession edge with a five-ball run in game 2, but he peaked too early. The Surfers' Bright cleaned up the final pair of shots for the win, tying the series at 1. Quincy looked desperate in game 3, and for good reason with Bright confidently knocking in a three-ball run after claiming possession. Quincy made his shot on the 9 but scratched immediately, and Bright took the 10 from ball-in-hand for the win and 2-1 series win to put him through to the second round.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Melissa v. Nibbles. The venue doubleheader ends in 13-ball with the blue cue. Terrace City's Melissa ran circles around Web City's Nibbles this time. Melissa ended in three turns, the second a four-ball run that set her up later on the 8. Melissa owns a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Nibbles found a four-ball run in game 2 and looked set after the Knights' Melissa scratched. Nibbles took an illegal shot from the kitchen to position his last ball, but he never got a chance at it. Melissa roared back on a four-ball run-out, banking the 8 to the bottom side for the win that sealed the series at 2-0. Melissa had one of each on the game 3 break and went with solids for a four-ball run. Nibbles pulled back on his own four-ball run to get the lead, and he would finish the effort quickly for his lone win of the series. Melissa won the series 2-1 and heads to the second round.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Kayla v. Stinky. Newly-named captains battle in 12-ball with the purple cue. Game 1 was even very early on. Freedom's Stinky chose solids and made it work, but it looked like Royal's Kayla on stripes had a chance to make noise. Stinky finished with a shot on the 3 at the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Stinky had an empty break in game 2, and the Crowns' Kayla immediately turned out a four-ball run. Stinky tried defense, but Kayla overpowered him with patience and smart choices, getting the win to tie the series at 1. Kayla had two scratches early in game 3, leaving plenty of space for Stinky to operate. Stinky was relentless on offense, working left to right for the easy win and 2-1 series win that allows him to advance to round two.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Goldy v. Cheddar. Experienced veterans clash in 15-ball with the silver cue. Everton's Goldy mixed results and creativity in game 1, but faltered too much at the end. North Modernistic's Cheddar found a pair of shots to close her win for a 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Goldy didn't have many opportunities for runs in game 2, with the Nighthawks' Cheddar showing a lot of confidence. Cheddar left the 15 near the top left and cleaned it up a few turns later for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Goldy looked adrift in her shooting in game 3, rarely putting together much menace on her shots. Cheddar eventually corralled the 15 at the bottom left to complete a 3-0 series sweep, which will take her to Pearl to meet the Surfers' Neopolitan in the second round. This was Goldy's 100th unique opponent.
Sony Center, Queens: Violetta v. Americus. Southeastern foes meet in Rotation with the red cue. Queens' Violetta made a ball on the break and later had a three-ball run, but a slow finish from Midland's Americus still resulted in an 8-6 win. Americus is up 1-0 in the series. The Predators' Americus continued a loosely-organized onslaught of offense, while the Flames' Violetta was again unusually weak in possession. Americus won this game 8-3, clinching the series at 2-0. Violetta had the lead early in game 3, but she was unable to hold onto it at the end, as Americus' five-ball run-out was good for an 8-5 win. Americus swept the series 3-0 to get into the second round.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Lily v. Citrus. The host gets a second look today, using the green cue in 13-ball. Eastside's Lily did well with solids in game 1, but she couldn't dig her last ball out of a bad position. Lighton's Citrus got onto the 8 with a three-ball run, then buried it at the top right on the next turn for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Lily overcame one rookie mistake in game 2, overfilling the bottom right, but her positional play near the end was poor. The Prestige's Citrus punished it with a three-ball run-out for the win, securing the series in her favor at 2-0. Citrus got nothing on her game 3 break, but that worked out fine for her. Lily's first shot went into a cluster and illegally sank the 8 to the bottom right, gifting the win and 3-0 series sweep to Citrus. The visitor Citrus will host a Southwestern rival, the Tysini Hummingbirds' Hughbert, in the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Ms. Puppy. Captains and club-mates use the silver cue for 13-ball. Lighton's Acorn had two scratches and rough positioning and still got the first legal contact on the 8 in game 1. He also left it short at the bottom right, giving Modernistic's Ms. Puppy a well-earned win and 1-0 series lead. The Union's Ms. Puppy showed no mercy in game 2, a six-ball run from the break putting the Prestige's Acorn into a panic. Acorn made one shot before Ms. Puppy kicked the 8 to the top left for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Ms. Puppy remained strong on offense in game 3, attacking pretty thoroughly. Acorn got a three-ball run in response, but Ms. Puppy kicked the 8 into the bottom left for the win and the 3-0 series sweep. Ms. Puppy will hit the road again in the second round, destination to be determined.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Hoppy v. Steven. The silver cue closes the day in 7-ball. A back-and-forth battle in game 1 went in favor of Archtown's Hoppy as she buried the final pair of shots following Atlantic's Steven missing on the 6. Hoppy leads the series 1-0. The Pirates' Steven deserved better than what he got in game 2, a four-ball run ending with a cruel and narrow miss on the 7 at the bottom right. The Arrows' Hoppy made no mistake in converting it for the win to secure a series win at 2-0. Hoppy let game 3 get away from her, as Steven won with five balls potted over his three turns. Hoppy took the series 2-1, and she'll host Outcast club-mate and Pronger Tridents star Spot in the second round.
We'll continue the second half of the First Round tomorrow.
Sunday, June 7, 2020
Saturday, June 6, 2020
Tournament X - First Round Day 22
The games continue here today, beginning with...
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Shawn v. Molly. The blue cue gets the first look today in 12-ball. Midland's Shawn gave Southern's Molly a wild-card ball on the game 1 break, but a late scratch saw Molly put it back on the table. Shawn used an illegal shot from the kitchen to set up his winning shot, putting him ahead 1-0 in the series. The Predators' Shawn was good again to start game 2, but he couldn't line up his last shot toward the bottom side. This gave the Monarchs' Molly enough time to position and convert her final shots for the win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 saw Molly take stripes early on. Shawn used defense to slow her down, but he removed the defense too soon. Molly made a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win. Molly will head to the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Debby. More 12-ball also uses the blue cue. Whitewater's Marsell made one of each on the game 1 break, leading to a five-ball run on solids. With the wild-card ball, Diamond's Debby made the comeback, sinking five balls over two turns for the win and 1-0 series lead. The renegade style disappeared in game 2, which took a much more tactical turn. The Gems' Debby came quite close to a win, but a late scratch put her far enough behind for the Shores' Marsell to nab the win that tied the series at 1. Debby and Marsell played defense against each other pretty harshly to lengthen game 3. In the end, Debby made a pair for the win, taking the series 2-1 and earning the chance to host Central Warriors veteran Noelle in the second round.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Leonette v. Ice Cream. Seasoned veterans clash in Accuracy with the blue cue. Pacific's Leonette wasted her early lead in game 1, crumbling late as Boston's Ice Cream held on for a 4-6 win. Ice Cream is up 1-0 in the series. The Swifts' Ice Cream had another poor start in game 2, but there was no mercy from the Volcanoes' Leonette this time. The host Leonette played perfect and won 0-3, tying the series at 1. It was Ice Cream's turn to play perfect in game 3, pinning Leonette back after her early error. Ice Cream won the game 0-2 and the series 2-1 to get into the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Isabella v. Dustin. Energetic players meet in 10-ball with the purple cue. Atlantic's Isabella had a good start in game 1 with a three-ball run, but Central's Dustin finished stronger for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Isabella was confident late in game 2, but it was again the Warriors' Dustin doing the shooting. Dustin made the 7 in the wrong pocket, but Isabella deferred possession. Dustin then banked the 10 to the bottom left for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Dustin couldn't complete the sweep in game 3, a three-ball run ending as he missed contact on the 7. Isabella made the 7-10 combination from ball-in-hand for a consolation win to leave Dustin with a 2-1 series win. Dustin is set to visit Oceanside Waves star Celestia in the second round.
Intel Center, Diamond: Debby v. Waluigi. The host returns home for 7-ball with the red cue. Diamond's Debby made a pair on the break in game 1, but the rest of her offense was lackluster. Web City's Waluigi stepped up late with a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Waluigi had a slight edge in possession in game 2, as the Gems' Debby faltered a couple of times. Waluigi made the last pair at the end for the win, securing the series at 2-0. Debby scratched after making the 6, failing to pull off a positional attempt. Waluigi took the game 3 win from ball-in-hand, completing a 3-0 series sweep that sees him to the second round, where he'll visit the Midland Predators sophomore Kitty.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Spot. The top two Pronger Tridents clash in 9-ball with the red cue. In game 1, Precious began with a three-ball run. Spot had some moments on offense, but he scratched as he made the 7. Precious made the 9 from ball-in-hand for the win and 1-0 series lead. Precious continued to play pretty well to start game 2, but Spot took over by the end. Spot won with a three-ball run-out, glancing a shot off the 8 to bump the 9 to the bottom left. This tied the series at 1. Spot turned up the offense to a new level, with a three-ball run from the break and a four-ball run-out to get the 2-1 series win over his captain Precious. Spot zooms to the second round.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Ice Cream v. Strut. Southeastern rivals battle in 13-ball with the purple cue. Golden's Strut had a lead in game 1 before a security breach caused a pause. Boston's Ice Cream recovered with good positioning after that, and her bank of the 8 went to the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Ice Cream plucked a three-ball run from the break in game 2. The Pilots' Strut offered some resistance, but his positioning didn't allow much. Ice Cream then made three balls over her last two turns for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Ice Cream took stripes on the break, which appeared pretty bad. Strut did some damage on solids, but turned over a ball he potted as an overfill for Ice Cream. She spotted the ball to the bottom side and then executed a perfect five-ball run-out for the win to sweep the series 3-0. Ice Cream's brilliant play will shine on in the second round.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Gizmo v. Gal. A pair of Nighthawks meet in 10-ball with the green cue. Game 1 started off close on both sides, with Gizmo showing a slight edge. Gal erased that at the end on her three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. Play turned choppy in game 2, with runs tough to come by on both sides. Gal had another late three-ball run, but she couldn't get the 10 this time, and Gizmo tapped it to the top left to tie the series at 1. Gal had trouble stretching shots together in game 3 as well, and Gizmo took care of business with a pair at the end for the win. Gizmo won the series 2-1 and will play in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Graham. Central Warriors teammates square off in 9-ball with the silver cue. Graham tried to make a grand sweeping run to finish in game 1, but it wouldn't materialize for him. Noelle instead made a pair to get the win at the end, going up 1-0 in the series. Graham took over in game 2 with a five-ball run early on and a three-ball run-out on his second turn to get the win over Noelle. Graham's dominant effort tied the series at 1. Noelle took care of business in game 3, attacking with a six-ball run-out to silence Graham in this event. Noelle won the series 2-1 and is set to host Golden Pilots veteran Max in the second round.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Taylor M. v. Kitty. The silver cue remains active in 10-ball. Midland's Kitty ripped a six-ball run early in game 1, but Eastside's Taylor M. countered on a four-ball run-out on her second turn to get the win. Taylor M. owns a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Kitty had a four-ball run end with a scratch in the middle of game 2. From ball-in-hand, the Sharks' Taylor M. worked a three-ball run before missing the 10. Kitty put that down in the bottom left for the win, tying the series at 1. Taylor M. had more of the offense in game 3, but it wasn't enough in the end as she scratched. Kitty made a pair of shots at the end for the win and 2-1 series win. Kitty will face Stonebridge Wolves captain Juno in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Mr. Snowman v. Shiny. Two veterans play 7-ball with the purple cue. Central's Mr. Snowman went empty on the game 1 break, and Lighton's Shiny sparked a table-running seven-ball streak to get the win. Shiny leads the series 1-0 with her show of offense. The Prestige's Shiny made a pair on the break in game 2, but the rest of the offense went to the Warriors' Mr. Snowman, who earned this win on a four-ball run-out. Mr. Snowman has tied the series at 1. Game 3 was as close as any in the series, with Shiny coming up empty for critical shots. Mr. Snowman would claim the win, which gave him the series 2-1 and sent him to the second round.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Cleo v. Kayla. The green cue cycles in for this 15-ball set. Everton's Cleo did a strong job in game 1, battling with Royal's Kayla evenly at first. Cleo took over with a six-ball run-out at the end, earning the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was a bit of a mess on both sides, as no real runs developed. The Crowns' Kayla continued to skid in the late-game, where the Eagles' Cleo struck a three-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Cleo had an impressive six-ball run during game 3, but she scratched at the end of it. Kayla took over from ball-in-hand for a five-ball run-out to produce her lone win. Cleo's 2-1 series win sets her up to host Commerce Tradewinds star Solaris in the second round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Sparkles. The red cue's last appearance today is in 9-ball. Commerce's Rosemary put just enough power on her break to get the 9 to drift to the top left after she had already potted the 4 in the bottom left. Rosemary took a 1-0 series lead over Golden's Sparkles with the instant win. The Tradewinds' Rosemary blasted the 8 to the bottom left on the game 2 break but scratched on the next shot. The Pilots' Sparkles asserted herself with a six-ball run-out from ball-in-hand, capped by a 6-9 combination to the top left to tie the series at 1. Sparkles thought she had game 3 on the break as the 9 fell in the top left, but as she celebrated, the 6 jammed the cue into the top side for an instant loss. It was a stunning turn of fortune for Rosemary, who won the series 2-1 and advanced to the second round.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Cheddar v. Americus. Tough players go at it in 7-ball with the silver cue. Midland's Americus flubbed a few too many shots in game 1, allowing North Modernistic's Cheddar to win with less than her best performance. Cheddar leads the series 1-0. Game 2 was a little faster, as the Nighthawks' Cheddar started on a three-ball run. The Predators' Americus managed a pair, but Cheddar took the last pair for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Cheddar went empty on the game 3 break, but Americus couldn't get anything either. Cheddar then made a seven-ball run-out for the 3-0 series sweep and the trip to the second round.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Snuggle v. Niki. The silver cue stays on for Accuracy. Oceanside's Snuggle scratched on the break and struggled early, but pulled even with Commerce's Niki late. Snuggle failed to force overtime, and Niki took a 3-4 win for the shaky 1-0 series lead. A rough middle section in game 2 found the Waves' Snuggle trailing. He tried to position shots to give the Tradewinds' Niki a hard time, but Niki's banks were on point as she held the line for a 2-3 win. Niki secured the series at 2-0 with this victory. A close game 3 battle saw the players tied near the end. Niki played a miss and Snuggle took the 2-3 win to convert on his opponent's sportsmanship. Niki still won the series 2-1 and will play in the second round.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Blizzard v. Slinks. Today's finale is in 7-ball with the green cue. Harrison's Blizzard hit a sweet spot on the game 1 break, pinching the 7 into the top right to take a 1-0 series lead over Westside's Slinks without the latter taking a shot. The Rockers' Slinks got a quick response in game 2 as the Specters' Blizzard had a little less luck. Slinks cut the 2 to the bottom left, and the deflection off the 3 sent the 7 to the top left for the win, tying the series at 1. Slinks finished game 3 with a four-ball run-out after a tight start. Her shot on the 4 deflected the 7 into the bottom left for the win and 2-1 series win. Slinks will play host to club-mate and Westside Rockers teammate Midnight in the second round.
Tomorrow, we'll cross the halfway point of the First Round at mid-day's action.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Shawn v. Molly. The blue cue gets the first look today in 12-ball. Midland's Shawn gave Southern's Molly a wild-card ball on the game 1 break, but a late scratch saw Molly put it back on the table. Shawn used an illegal shot from the kitchen to set up his winning shot, putting him ahead 1-0 in the series. The Predators' Shawn was good again to start game 2, but he couldn't line up his last shot toward the bottom side. This gave the Monarchs' Molly enough time to position and convert her final shots for the win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 saw Molly take stripes early on. Shawn used defense to slow her down, but he removed the defense too soon. Molly made a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win. Molly will head to the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Debby. More 12-ball also uses the blue cue. Whitewater's Marsell made one of each on the game 1 break, leading to a five-ball run on solids. With the wild-card ball, Diamond's Debby made the comeback, sinking five balls over two turns for the win and 1-0 series lead. The renegade style disappeared in game 2, which took a much more tactical turn. The Gems' Debby came quite close to a win, but a late scratch put her far enough behind for the Shores' Marsell to nab the win that tied the series at 1. Debby and Marsell played defense against each other pretty harshly to lengthen game 3. In the end, Debby made a pair for the win, taking the series 2-1 and earning the chance to host Central Warriors veteran Noelle in the second round.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Leonette v. Ice Cream. Seasoned veterans clash in Accuracy with the blue cue. Pacific's Leonette wasted her early lead in game 1, crumbling late as Boston's Ice Cream held on for a 4-6 win. Ice Cream is up 1-0 in the series. The Swifts' Ice Cream had another poor start in game 2, but there was no mercy from the Volcanoes' Leonette this time. The host Leonette played perfect and won 0-3, tying the series at 1. It was Ice Cream's turn to play perfect in game 3, pinning Leonette back after her early error. Ice Cream won the game 0-2 and the series 2-1 to get into the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Isabella v. Dustin. Energetic players meet in 10-ball with the purple cue. Atlantic's Isabella had a good start in game 1 with a three-ball run, but Central's Dustin finished stronger for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Isabella was confident late in game 2, but it was again the Warriors' Dustin doing the shooting. Dustin made the 7 in the wrong pocket, but Isabella deferred possession. Dustin then banked the 10 to the bottom left for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Dustin couldn't complete the sweep in game 3, a three-ball run ending as he missed contact on the 7. Isabella made the 7-10 combination from ball-in-hand for a consolation win to leave Dustin with a 2-1 series win. Dustin is set to visit Oceanside Waves star Celestia in the second round.
Intel Center, Diamond: Debby v. Waluigi. The host returns home for 7-ball with the red cue. Diamond's Debby made a pair on the break in game 1, but the rest of her offense was lackluster. Web City's Waluigi stepped up late with a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Waluigi had a slight edge in possession in game 2, as the Gems' Debby faltered a couple of times. Waluigi made the last pair at the end for the win, securing the series at 2-0. Debby scratched after making the 6, failing to pull off a positional attempt. Waluigi took the game 3 win from ball-in-hand, completing a 3-0 series sweep that sees him to the second round, where he'll visit the Midland Predators sophomore Kitty.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Spot. The top two Pronger Tridents clash in 9-ball with the red cue. In game 1, Precious began with a three-ball run. Spot had some moments on offense, but he scratched as he made the 7. Precious made the 9 from ball-in-hand for the win and 1-0 series lead. Precious continued to play pretty well to start game 2, but Spot took over by the end. Spot won with a three-ball run-out, glancing a shot off the 8 to bump the 9 to the bottom left. This tied the series at 1. Spot turned up the offense to a new level, with a three-ball run from the break and a four-ball run-out to get the 2-1 series win over his captain Precious. Spot zooms to the second round.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Ice Cream v. Strut. Southeastern rivals battle in 13-ball with the purple cue. Golden's Strut had a lead in game 1 before a security breach caused a pause. Boston's Ice Cream recovered with good positioning after that, and her bank of the 8 went to the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Ice Cream plucked a three-ball run from the break in game 2. The Pilots' Strut offered some resistance, but his positioning didn't allow much. Ice Cream then made three balls over her last two turns for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Ice Cream took stripes on the break, which appeared pretty bad. Strut did some damage on solids, but turned over a ball he potted as an overfill for Ice Cream. She spotted the ball to the bottom side and then executed a perfect five-ball run-out for the win to sweep the series 3-0. Ice Cream's brilliant play will shine on in the second round.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Gizmo v. Gal. A pair of Nighthawks meet in 10-ball with the green cue. Game 1 started off close on both sides, with Gizmo showing a slight edge. Gal erased that at the end on her three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. Play turned choppy in game 2, with runs tough to come by on both sides. Gal had another late three-ball run, but she couldn't get the 10 this time, and Gizmo tapped it to the top left to tie the series at 1. Gal had trouble stretching shots together in game 3 as well, and Gizmo took care of business with a pair at the end for the win. Gizmo won the series 2-1 and will play in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Graham. Central Warriors teammates square off in 9-ball with the silver cue. Graham tried to make a grand sweeping run to finish in game 1, but it wouldn't materialize for him. Noelle instead made a pair to get the win at the end, going up 1-0 in the series. Graham took over in game 2 with a five-ball run early on and a three-ball run-out on his second turn to get the win over Noelle. Graham's dominant effort tied the series at 1. Noelle took care of business in game 3, attacking with a six-ball run-out to silence Graham in this event. Noelle won the series 2-1 and is set to host Golden Pilots veteran Max in the second round.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Taylor M. v. Kitty. The silver cue remains active in 10-ball. Midland's Kitty ripped a six-ball run early in game 1, but Eastside's Taylor M. countered on a four-ball run-out on her second turn to get the win. Taylor M. owns a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Kitty had a four-ball run end with a scratch in the middle of game 2. From ball-in-hand, the Sharks' Taylor M. worked a three-ball run before missing the 10. Kitty put that down in the bottom left for the win, tying the series at 1. Taylor M. had more of the offense in game 3, but it wasn't enough in the end as she scratched. Kitty made a pair of shots at the end for the win and 2-1 series win. Kitty will face Stonebridge Wolves captain Juno in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Mr. Snowman v. Shiny. Two veterans play 7-ball with the purple cue. Central's Mr. Snowman went empty on the game 1 break, and Lighton's Shiny sparked a table-running seven-ball streak to get the win. Shiny leads the series 1-0 with her show of offense. The Prestige's Shiny made a pair on the break in game 2, but the rest of the offense went to the Warriors' Mr. Snowman, who earned this win on a four-ball run-out. Mr. Snowman has tied the series at 1. Game 3 was as close as any in the series, with Shiny coming up empty for critical shots. Mr. Snowman would claim the win, which gave him the series 2-1 and sent him to the second round.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Cleo v. Kayla. The green cue cycles in for this 15-ball set. Everton's Cleo did a strong job in game 1, battling with Royal's Kayla evenly at first. Cleo took over with a six-ball run-out at the end, earning the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was a bit of a mess on both sides, as no real runs developed. The Crowns' Kayla continued to skid in the late-game, where the Eagles' Cleo struck a three-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Cleo had an impressive six-ball run during game 3, but she scratched at the end of it. Kayla took over from ball-in-hand for a five-ball run-out to produce her lone win. Cleo's 2-1 series win sets her up to host Commerce Tradewinds star Solaris in the second round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Sparkles. The red cue's last appearance today is in 9-ball. Commerce's Rosemary put just enough power on her break to get the 9 to drift to the top left after she had already potted the 4 in the bottom left. Rosemary took a 1-0 series lead over Golden's Sparkles with the instant win. The Tradewinds' Rosemary blasted the 8 to the bottom left on the game 2 break but scratched on the next shot. The Pilots' Sparkles asserted herself with a six-ball run-out from ball-in-hand, capped by a 6-9 combination to the top left to tie the series at 1. Sparkles thought she had game 3 on the break as the 9 fell in the top left, but as she celebrated, the 6 jammed the cue into the top side for an instant loss. It was a stunning turn of fortune for Rosemary, who won the series 2-1 and advanced to the second round.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Cheddar v. Americus. Tough players go at it in 7-ball with the silver cue. Midland's Americus flubbed a few too many shots in game 1, allowing North Modernistic's Cheddar to win with less than her best performance. Cheddar leads the series 1-0. Game 2 was a little faster, as the Nighthawks' Cheddar started on a three-ball run. The Predators' Americus managed a pair, but Cheddar took the last pair for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Cheddar went empty on the game 3 break, but Americus couldn't get anything either. Cheddar then made a seven-ball run-out for the 3-0 series sweep and the trip to the second round.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Snuggle v. Niki. The silver cue stays on for Accuracy. Oceanside's Snuggle scratched on the break and struggled early, but pulled even with Commerce's Niki late. Snuggle failed to force overtime, and Niki took a 3-4 win for the shaky 1-0 series lead. A rough middle section in game 2 found the Waves' Snuggle trailing. He tried to position shots to give the Tradewinds' Niki a hard time, but Niki's banks were on point as she held the line for a 2-3 win. Niki secured the series at 2-0 with this victory. A close game 3 battle saw the players tied near the end. Niki played a miss and Snuggle took the 2-3 win to convert on his opponent's sportsmanship. Niki still won the series 2-1 and will play in the second round.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Blizzard v. Slinks. Today's finale is in 7-ball with the green cue. Harrison's Blizzard hit a sweet spot on the game 1 break, pinching the 7 into the top right to take a 1-0 series lead over Westside's Slinks without the latter taking a shot. The Rockers' Slinks got a quick response in game 2 as the Specters' Blizzard had a little less luck. Slinks cut the 2 to the bottom left, and the deflection off the 3 sent the 7 to the top left for the win, tying the series at 1. Slinks finished game 3 with a four-ball run-out after a tight start. Her shot on the 4 deflected the 7 into the bottom left for the win and 2-1 series win. Slinks will play host to club-mate and Westside Rockers teammate Midnight in the second round.
Tomorrow, we'll cross the halfway point of the First Round at mid-day's action.
Friday, June 5, 2020
Tournament X - First Round Day 21
We're ready to continue league play today with the purple cue getting another day off. We're beginning with...
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Bright v. Jane. The red cue opens the day in 15-ball. Pearl's Bright got the heftier share of offense in game 1, using it well. Stonebridge's Jane tried a bank on the 15 but failed at the bottom right, where Bright knocked in the winning shot for a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Bright had another reasonable start to game 2, but reason left with the Wolves' Jane making a three-ball run-out. Jane had a couple of lucky plays before converting a good 10-15 combination to the bottom right for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was a little more difficult for both sides, especially near the end. Bright missed the 15 twice, and Jane was able to make it on her second try for the win and 2-1 series win. Jane will visit Maplewood Lumberjacks star Whiskers in the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Americus v. Sugar. More 15-ball follows with the silver cue. Midland's Americus had some offense early in game 1, but faltered later. Tysini's Sugar had a double-pot of the 2-13 combination to the bottom left, then cut the cue off the 3 to send the 15 to the bottom side for a quick win. Sugar leads the series 1-0. The Predators' Americus tried to keep things close in game 2, but a late scratch as he tried to position on the 14 cost him the series. The Hummingbirds' Sugar made the last pair of balls from ball-in-hand to seal the series at 2-0. Sugar went off in the latter parts of game 3, using a five-ball run and a four-ball run-out to push her way to the win. Sugar swept Americus 3-0 to get into the second round.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Lize v. Twinkie I. The blue cue is on for 13-ball. Southridge's Lize had a pair on the break and a three-ball run later, but Pacific's Twinkie I used a five-ball run and positioning to fuel her finish. Twinkie I then made a pair on the last turn for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I had another good start in game 2, while the Defenders' Lize got trapped on the right side of the table. Twinkie I had a late scratch, but recovered with a three-ball run-out for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Twinkie I couldn't quite find enough time for a finishing run in game 3, as Lize's good performance was rewarded with a win. Twinkie I still took a 2-1 series win to advance to the second round.
Sony Center, Queens: Crystal v. Lize. The visitor makes a short trip to finish her doubleheader against a Southeastern rival in 9-ball with the red cue. Queens' Crystal made quick work of game 1, sinking the 9 on the break at the bottom left to take a 1-0 series lead over Southridge's Lize. The Flames' Crystal looked serious in game 2, working a three-ball run from the break. She added a wicked triple-pot of the 2 to the bottom side, the 3 to the bottom left and the 4 to the top left as part of a five-ball run that ended with a miss on the 9. The Defenders' Lize poached this win at the top side to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw Lize drain four balls on the break and add two more before she missed the 5. Crystal made sure to finish strong with a three-ball run-out, winning the series 2-1 to move into the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Andrew v. Citrus. The red cue goes again in 10-ball. Freedom's Andrew had a positive start with a four-ball run in game 1, but he faltered with a late scratch. Lighton's Citrus pushed with a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Andrew had the edge on offense in game 2 with a pair of three-ball runs, but the Prestige's Citrus fired back with a late pair for the win. Citrus had been sloppy up to that finish, which gave her the series at 2-0. Citrus wouldn't get the sweep, as her good game 3 effort came up short on the 10. Andrew tapped it into the top left for the win, giving Citrus a 2-1 series win to play on in the second round.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Slinks. Next up, the blue cue is used in 12-ball. Oceanside's Celestia had the edge from the start of game 1, as Westside's Slinks was just a little too slow on offense. Celestia finished strong for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia didn't have as easy a time in game 2, struggling for positioning and overfilling at the top left. The Rockers' Slinks punished that last mistake by making her final pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Slinks looked dangerous at the start of game 3 until her positioning fell apart. Celestia struck a three-ball run to get ahead before making the 2 at the bottom side for the win and 2-1 series win. Celestia will host Coastal rival Cobalt of the Viewpoint Sound Meteors in the second round.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Toki v. Marissa. Rookies battle it out in 15-ball with the green cue. Eastside's Toki had a good start, but Maplewood's Marissa did well to keep pace with him. At the end, Toki broke away on a five-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Lumberjacks' Marissa worked a four-ball run early in game 2, showing a little strength on offense. She didn't support it much, and didn't really get the time to when the Sharks' Toki threw the cue at the 6 and got the 15 to drop at the bottom side. Toki's miracle kick gave him the win to seal the series at 2-0. Toki wasn't quite able to complete the sweep, as Marissa chipped in with smaller runs throughout game 3 to overwhelm him. Toki still won the series 2-1 and he will play in the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Potter v. Pounce. Up north, it's time for 12-ball with the blue cue. Pronger's Potter shut out Southern's Pounce in game 1. Potter started on a four-ball run and had good positioning throughout the win to pull ahead 1-0 in the series. The Monarchs' Pounce at least made it interesting in game 2, but he fell apart with a missed contact. That enabled the Tridents' Potter to pick up his three-ball run-out for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Game 3 saw Pounce come within a shot of a win, but he left the 9 in a bad position. Potter navigated trouble very well, using a three-ball run-out again for the win to make it a 3-0 series sweep that gets him into the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Smudge. A venue doubleheader closes in Accuracy with the silver cue. Pronger's Precious couldn't play at a high enough level, as Infinity's Smudge was perfect until her miss on the last ball. Smudge still got a 1-2 win, putting her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Torpedoes' Smudge kept game 2 competitive for awhile, but she fell off the pace at the end. The Tridents' Precious didn't have the best finish, winning 2-4 to tie the series at 1 despite her shaky play. Precious was in danger late in game 3, but a hard bank shot to the bottom left was good enough to force overtime. Here, Smudge missed both of her shots, and Precious got a conversion to win 4-5. Precious won the series 2-1 and is set to host Viewpoint Sound Meteors veteran Dani in the second round.
Sony Center, Queens: Mario v. Taylor S. The green cue cycles in with this 7-ball series. Queens' Mario didn't do himself many favors in game 1, while Commerce's Taylor S. failed to take advantage early on. Mario won with a six-ball run-out, including a bank on the 7 to the top right after his bad positioning play. Mario leads the series 1-0. The Flames' Mario scratched early in game 2, which the Tradewinds' Taylor S. punished with a three-ball run. Mario then got a chance and converted a pair of shots to win again, clinching the series at 2-0. Mario brought more heat to finish game 3, a four-ball run-out after Taylor S. missed the 4 being just what the host needed. Mario swept the series 3-0 to advance to round two.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sally v. Isabella. We'll use the silver cue in this 8-ball series. Neither player was particularly efficient in their shooting, but Atlantic's Isabella was too unsteady at the end. Archtown's Sally picked up the 8 late for the win with a little luck, giving her a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Isabella got close to the finish with a four-ball run, but she couldn't corral the last solid. The Arrows' Sally had a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out two turns later to get the win, which secured the series in her favor at 2-0. Isabella again had some chances late in game 3 to make the 8, but she wasn't good enough. Sally roared back on a three-ball run-out for the win, completing a 3-0 series sweep to get into the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Shaggy. Veterans collide in 7-ball with the green cue. Whitewater's Shaggy impressed with a three-ball run in game 1, but she missed the 7 on her one chance at it. Midland's Rainmane stepped in to grab the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Shaggy made the 7 on a combination play to the bottom side without even realizing it in game 2, tying the series at 1 against a stunned Predators' Rainmane. Game 3 saw Shaggy find total control at the end on a four-ball run-out to complete the comeback in a 2-1 series win over Rainmane. Shaggy will visit Boston Swifts captain Patches in the second round.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Blaze v. Jane. The visitor's second series today comes in Accuracy with the blue cue. Stonebridge's Jane can blame a scratch for her troubles in game 1, as she wasn't able to recover from the error. Infinity's Blaze just held on at the end to win 1-2, going up 1-0 in the series. Game 2 was a little more competitive for the Wolves' Jane, but she scratched on the final ball to fall behind. The Torpedoes' Blaze made the shot for a 2-3 win, which sealed the series for him at 2-0. Blaze was perfect until the last ball of game 3, where his miss forced overtime. He missed again on the overtime break, and Jane converted to get a 1-2 win. Blaze took the series 2-1 and will play in the second round.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Juno v. Sprinkles. The blue cue remains in action in 7-ball. Stonebridge's Juno didn't find much offense in game 1. Capital City's Sprinkles was better, but still needed two tries before she could make the 7 for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles did alright to start game 2, but it didn't last. The Wolves' Juno roared back to win on a three-ball run-out, capped by her bank of the 7 to the top right. This tied the series at 1. Sprinkles and Juno battled tightly again in game 3, with Sprinkles getting the three-ball run-out for the win this time. Sprinkles took the series 2-1 and will visit Southridge Defenders newcomer Lize in the second round.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Oreo. The red cue's last series today comes in 10-ball. Golden's Dusty found her offense at the end of a close game 1, working a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead over Terrace City's Oreo. The Pilots' Dusty had her solid plays early in game 2, but she struggled near the end. This time, the Knights' Oreo picked up the slack on a four-ball run-out from ball-in-hand to get the win. Oreo's surge tied the series at 1. Oreo kept the momentum going in game 3, working an eight-ball run-out after Dusty had another error. Oreo's massive push gave her the win and the 2-1 series win, which sends her to Royal to face Crowns newcomer Katelynn in the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Dusky v. Bandit. The day's finale is in 13-ball with the blue cue. Swordpoint's Bandit got onto the 8 in game 1, but he was too slow to finish the effort. Atlantic's Dusky got the positioning she needed for the win, converting two shots for a 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Bandit made a statement after the Pirates' Dusky was limited to one ball on the game 2 break. Bandit ran the table on his lone turn, the win in turn tying the series at 1. Bandit came pretty close in game 3, with things even after Dusky had a three-ball run. Dusky added three more shots on the next two turns for the win, taking the series 2-1 and setting herself up to host Midland Predators veteran Americus in the second round.
That's all for today's action. We'll resume First Round play tomorrow.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Bright v. Jane. The red cue opens the day in 15-ball. Pearl's Bright got the heftier share of offense in game 1, using it well. Stonebridge's Jane tried a bank on the 15 but failed at the bottom right, where Bright knocked in the winning shot for a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Bright had another reasonable start to game 2, but reason left with the Wolves' Jane making a three-ball run-out. Jane had a couple of lucky plays before converting a good 10-15 combination to the bottom right for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was a little more difficult for both sides, especially near the end. Bright missed the 15 twice, and Jane was able to make it on her second try for the win and 2-1 series win. Jane will visit Maplewood Lumberjacks star Whiskers in the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Americus v. Sugar. More 15-ball follows with the silver cue. Midland's Americus had some offense early in game 1, but faltered later. Tysini's Sugar had a double-pot of the 2-13 combination to the bottom left, then cut the cue off the 3 to send the 15 to the bottom side for a quick win. Sugar leads the series 1-0. The Predators' Americus tried to keep things close in game 2, but a late scratch as he tried to position on the 14 cost him the series. The Hummingbirds' Sugar made the last pair of balls from ball-in-hand to seal the series at 2-0. Sugar went off in the latter parts of game 3, using a five-ball run and a four-ball run-out to push her way to the win. Sugar swept Americus 3-0 to get into the second round.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Lize v. Twinkie I. The blue cue is on for 13-ball. Southridge's Lize had a pair on the break and a three-ball run later, but Pacific's Twinkie I used a five-ball run and positioning to fuel her finish. Twinkie I then made a pair on the last turn for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I had another good start in game 2, while the Defenders' Lize got trapped on the right side of the table. Twinkie I had a late scratch, but recovered with a three-ball run-out for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Twinkie I couldn't quite find enough time for a finishing run in game 3, as Lize's good performance was rewarded with a win. Twinkie I still took a 2-1 series win to advance to the second round.
Sony Center, Queens: Crystal v. Lize. The visitor makes a short trip to finish her doubleheader against a Southeastern rival in 9-ball with the red cue. Queens' Crystal made quick work of game 1, sinking the 9 on the break at the bottom left to take a 1-0 series lead over Southridge's Lize. The Flames' Crystal looked serious in game 2, working a three-ball run from the break. She added a wicked triple-pot of the 2 to the bottom side, the 3 to the bottom left and the 4 to the top left as part of a five-ball run that ended with a miss on the 9. The Defenders' Lize poached this win at the top side to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw Lize drain four balls on the break and add two more before she missed the 5. Crystal made sure to finish strong with a three-ball run-out, winning the series 2-1 to move into the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Andrew v. Citrus. The red cue goes again in 10-ball. Freedom's Andrew had a positive start with a four-ball run in game 1, but he faltered with a late scratch. Lighton's Citrus pushed with a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Andrew had the edge on offense in game 2 with a pair of three-ball runs, but the Prestige's Citrus fired back with a late pair for the win. Citrus had been sloppy up to that finish, which gave her the series at 2-0. Citrus wouldn't get the sweep, as her good game 3 effort came up short on the 10. Andrew tapped it into the top left for the win, giving Citrus a 2-1 series win to play on in the second round.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Slinks. Next up, the blue cue is used in 12-ball. Oceanside's Celestia had the edge from the start of game 1, as Westside's Slinks was just a little too slow on offense. Celestia finished strong for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia didn't have as easy a time in game 2, struggling for positioning and overfilling at the top left. The Rockers' Slinks punished that last mistake by making her final pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Slinks looked dangerous at the start of game 3 until her positioning fell apart. Celestia struck a three-ball run to get ahead before making the 2 at the bottom side for the win and 2-1 series win. Celestia will host Coastal rival Cobalt of the Viewpoint Sound Meteors in the second round.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Toki v. Marissa. Rookies battle it out in 15-ball with the green cue. Eastside's Toki had a good start, but Maplewood's Marissa did well to keep pace with him. At the end, Toki broke away on a five-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Lumberjacks' Marissa worked a four-ball run early in game 2, showing a little strength on offense. She didn't support it much, and didn't really get the time to when the Sharks' Toki threw the cue at the 6 and got the 15 to drop at the bottom side. Toki's miracle kick gave him the win to seal the series at 2-0. Toki wasn't quite able to complete the sweep, as Marissa chipped in with smaller runs throughout game 3 to overwhelm him. Toki still won the series 2-1 and he will play in the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Potter v. Pounce. Up north, it's time for 12-ball with the blue cue. Pronger's Potter shut out Southern's Pounce in game 1. Potter started on a four-ball run and had good positioning throughout the win to pull ahead 1-0 in the series. The Monarchs' Pounce at least made it interesting in game 2, but he fell apart with a missed contact. That enabled the Tridents' Potter to pick up his three-ball run-out for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Game 3 saw Pounce come within a shot of a win, but he left the 9 in a bad position. Potter navigated trouble very well, using a three-ball run-out again for the win to make it a 3-0 series sweep that gets him into the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Smudge. A venue doubleheader closes in Accuracy with the silver cue. Pronger's Precious couldn't play at a high enough level, as Infinity's Smudge was perfect until her miss on the last ball. Smudge still got a 1-2 win, putting her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Torpedoes' Smudge kept game 2 competitive for awhile, but she fell off the pace at the end. The Tridents' Precious didn't have the best finish, winning 2-4 to tie the series at 1 despite her shaky play. Precious was in danger late in game 3, but a hard bank shot to the bottom left was good enough to force overtime. Here, Smudge missed both of her shots, and Precious got a conversion to win 4-5. Precious won the series 2-1 and is set to host Viewpoint Sound Meteors veteran Dani in the second round.
Sony Center, Queens: Mario v. Taylor S. The green cue cycles in with this 7-ball series. Queens' Mario didn't do himself many favors in game 1, while Commerce's Taylor S. failed to take advantage early on. Mario won with a six-ball run-out, including a bank on the 7 to the top right after his bad positioning play. Mario leads the series 1-0. The Flames' Mario scratched early in game 2, which the Tradewinds' Taylor S. punished with a three-ball run. Mario then got a chance and converted a pair of shots to win again, clinching the series at 2-0. Mario brought more heat to finish game 3, a four-ball run-out after Taylor S. missed the 4 being just what the host needed. Mario swept the series 3-0 to advance to round two.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sally v. Isabella. We'll use the silver cue in this 8-ball series. Neither player was particularly efficient in their shooting, but Atlantic's Isabella was too unsteady at the end. Archtown's Sally picked up the 8 late for the win with a little luck, giving her a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Isabella got close to the finish with a four-ball run, but she couldn't corral the last solid. The Arrows' Sally had a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out two turns later to get the win, which secured the series in her favor at 2-0. Isabella again had some chances late in game 3 to make the 8, but she wasn't good enough. Sally roared back on a three-ball run-out for the win, completing a 3-0 series sweep to get into the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Shaggy. Veterans collide in 7-ball with the green cue. Whitewater's Shaggy impressed with a three-ball run in game 1, but she missed the 7 on her one chance at it. Midland's Rainmane stepped in to grab the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Shaggy made the 7 on a combination play to the bottom side without even realizing it in game 2, tying the series at 1 against a stunned Predators' Rainmane. Game 3 saw Shaggy find total control at the end on a four-ball run-out to complete the comeback in a 2-1 series win over Rainmane. Shaggy will visit Boston Swifts captain Patches in the second round.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Blaze v. Jane. The visitor's second series today comes in Accuracy with the blue cue. Stonebridge's Jane can blame a scratch for her troubles in game 1, as she wasn't able to recover from the error. Infinity's Blaze just held on at the end to win 1-2, going up 1-0 in the series. Game 2 was a little more competitive for the Wolves' Jane, but she scratched on the final ball to fall behind. The Torpedoes' Blaze made the shot for a 2-3 win, which sealed the series for him at 2-0. Blaze was perfect until the last ball of game 3, where his miss forced overtime. He missed again on the overtime break, and Jane converted to get a 1-2 win. Blaze took the series 2-1 and will play in the second round.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Juno v. Sprinkles. The blue cue remains in action in 7-ball. Stonebridge's Juno didn't find much offense in game 1. Capital City's Sprinkles was better, but still needed two tries before she could make the 7 for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles did alright to start game 2, but it didn't last. The Wolves' Juno roared back to win on a three-ball run-out, capped by her bank of the 7 to the top right. This tied the series at 1. Sprinkles and Juno battled tightly again in game 3, with Sprinkles getting the three-ball run-out for the win this time. Sprinkles took the series 2-1 and will visit Southridge Defenders newcomer Lize in the second round.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Oreo. The red cue's last series today comes in 10-ball. Golden's Dusty found her offense at the end of a close game 1, working a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead over Terrace City's Oreo. The Pilots' Dusty had her solid plays early in game 2, but she struggled near the end. This time, the Knights' Oreo picked up the slack on a four-ball run-out from ball-in-hand to get the win. Oreo's surge tied the series at 1. Oreo kept the momentum going in game 3, working an eight-ball run-out after Dusty had another error. Oreo's massive push gave her the win and the 2-1 series win, which sends her to Royal to face Crowns newcomer Katelynn in the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Dusky v. Bandit. The day's finale is in 13-ball with the blue cue. Swordpoint's Bandit got onto the 8 in game 1, but he was too slow to finish the effort. Atlantic's Dusky got the positioning she needed for the win, converting two shots for a 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Bandit made a statement after the Pirates' Dusky was limited to one ball on the game 2 break. Bandit ran the table on his lone turn, the win in turn tying the series at 1. Bandit came pretty close in game 3, with things even after Dusky had a three-ball run. Dusky added three more shots on the next two turns for the win, taking the series 2-1 and setting herself up to host Midland Predators veteran Americus in the second round.
That's all for today's action. We'll resume First Round play tomorrow.
Thursday, June 4, 2020
Tournament X - First Round Day 20
We're back for a new Thursday of games, beginning with...
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Mams. The silver cue opens today in 7-ball. Central's Noelle suffered an early scratch in game 1, but Southern's Mams failed to capitalize on it. Noelle then worked a five-ball run-out for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 had a similar cadence, but the Warriors' Noelle missed the 7 twice after her four-ball run. The Monarchs' Mams cleaned it up at the top left for the win, tying the series at 1. Noelle never got to the table in game 3, as Mams made a pair on the break and finished with a deflection off the 5 to pot the 7 at the bottom left. Mams won the series 2-1 and will host Diamond Gems captain Shadow in the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Cubby. Forest SC club-mates meet in Rotation with the blue cue. Web City's Cubby found an early four-ball run in game 1, but his offense died off rather quickly. Whitewater's Marsell chipped back and won with a three-ball run-out for the 8-5 final score. Marsell owns a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Marsell had a more balanced start in game 2, and he broke away in the middle. The Spiders' Cubby failed to launch a chase, allowing Marsell to seal the series at 2-0 with an 8-3 win. Marsell had a much slower attack in game 3, but he was never truly challenged by Cubby. Marsell won 8-5, sweeping the series 3-0 to earn the right to host North Modernistic Nighthawks captain Peach in the second round.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Katelynn v. Taylor S. The red cue gets a look in 10-ball here. Royal's Katelynn had most of the offense in game 1, while Commerce's Taylor S. didn't find much success. Katelynn buried a deflection off the 6 to knock the 10 in the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Katelynn looked ready to continue her fairly dominant play with a five-ball run during game 2. She missed on the 7, sparking a three-ball run-out from the Tradewinds' Taylor S. This victory for the visitor tied the series at 1. Katelynn didn't have much early in game 3 as Taylor S. chipped in offense. Katelynn then attacked with a five-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win, which put her in the second round.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Toki. Two Reality members clash in Accuracy with the red cue. Eastside's Toki sent Golden's Dusty spiraling early in game 1, then fell apart himself. A sloppy finish forced overtime, where Dusty's break was no good, allowing Toki to take a 6-7 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Toki didn't have as many troubles in game 2, although he briefly allowed the Pilots' Dusty to catch him near the end. Dusty then missed late, and Toki won 2-3 to secure the series at 2-0. Dusty finally put in a worthy effort in game 3, and a skid from Toki in the middle of the game allowed Dusty to win 1-3. Toki took the series 2-1 and will visit Web City Spiders newcomer Nibbles in the second round.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Yekaterina v. Acorn. Two of the Southwest's best tangle in 12-ball with the red cue. Both players spent more time ruining each other's shots than making their own at the end of game 1. Lighton's Acorn bent first with missed contact, allowing Victoria's Yekaterina to pot her last ball for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Yekaterina had a good start to game 2 and her positioning remained solid. The Prestige's Acorn desperately gave her a wild-card ball to set up his last shot, and Yekaterina missed her last ball. Acorn then tapped home a winning shot to tie the series at 1. Acorn gave away a wild-card ball on the game 3 break, an added advantage that made things much easier for Yekaterina. Acorn couldn't stop overfilling the top left, and Yekaterina used the free possession to get the win for a 2-1 series win, earning her place in the second round. Acorn has now played 100 unique opponents.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Chicky Phil v. Fuchsia. The host meets the player he replaced for a series of 15-ball with the purple cue. Midland's Chicky Phil didn't have a great performance in game 1, yielding a five-ball run and a three-ball run-out to Infinity's Fuchsia. The thorough offense gave Fuchsia a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fuchsia was a little weaker in game 2, as neither player found a great grip on the offense. The Predators' Chicky Phil really struggled late, allowing Fuchsia to get the win that clinched the series at 2-0. Chicky Phil didn't get a chance to make an impact in game 3. Fuchsia had most of the offense, winning with a three-ball run-out that ended as she bounced the cue off the 6 to send the 15 to the top left. Fuchsia swept the series 3-0 and will play in the second round.
Sony Center, Queens: Violetta v. Misty. In 13-ball, the blue cue is used. Westside's Misty was just a little sharper in game 1 than Queens' Violetta. At the end, Misty's better positioning helped her get the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Misty made one of each on the game 2 break. The Flames' Violetta managed a good attack, but Misty had a three-ball run to get onto the 8 before she made it at the top side a turn later. Misty sealed the series at 2-0 with this win. Violetta wouldn't come up empty in the series, taking game 3 after a late gamble eventually paid off when Misty failed twice on the 8. Misty won the series 2-1 and will visit Todavía Stills star Ruby in the second round.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Dewey v. Hughbert. Outcast sends a pair of players to battle in 13-ball with the green cue. Harrison's Dewey led for most of game 1, but his missed contact on his second try at the 8 was costly. Tysini's Hughbert turned the ball-in-hand play into a five-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Hughbert had a four-ball run on his second turn, a lead he held tightly for the rest of game 2. The Specters' Dewey tried to keep up but couldn't set up shots at the side pocket. Hughbert went on to win with a three-ball run-out to clinch the series at 2-0. Dewey again tried to line himself up and struggled in game 3, giving Hughbert time to manage a three-ball run-out for the win and 3-0 series sweep. Hughbert is off to the second round.
Sony Center, Queens: Mario v. Spirit. The silver cue returns to action in Rotation. Queens' Mario stepped up with an early four-ball run in game 1. Lighton's Spirit got some of it back, but Mario was strong enough to win 8-2 for the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Spirit held the lead in parts of game 2, but she wasn't able to finish it off. The Flames' Mario was dogged in his pursuit and managed to win 8-6, which secured the series in his favor at 2-0. Game 3 was a quick one, as Mario merciless pushed a five-ball run on his second turn and added a three-ball run-out after Spirit missed contact. Mario won the game 8-0 and swept the series 3-0 to earn the right to host Terrace City Knights veteran Melissa in the second round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Mams v. Ice Cream. The red cue is back for 12-ball. Boston's Ice Cream deployed a crafty three-ball run early on, giving her enough of an edge to hold off Southern's Mams later in game 1. Ice Cream won with a ball-in-hand play to take the 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Ice Cream had the better start in game 2, but it was a close finish after she gave away a wild-card ball and scratched while making her last ball. The Monarchs' Mams came close to a win, but her bank shot failed, and Ice Cream finished at the bottom side to seal the series 2-0. Mams did another good start in game 3, but she wasn't able to wrangle her last shot. Ice Cream had better positioning and sank the 9 to the top side for the win and 3-0 series sweep. Ice Cream will visit Viewpoint Sound Meteors star Princess in the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Spice. More 12-ball features the purple cue. Victoria's Spice received a wild-card ball early in game 1 and ended up a shot away from victory. Whitewater's Katharine answered with a late three-ball run-out, the brilliant turn snatching the win away from Spice. Katharine owns a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Katharine worked a remarkable four-ball run in game 2, but it wasn't quite enough. The Spurs' Spice played just enough defense to make Katharine miss contact. Spice then made her final pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Spice didn't have the best start but managed to get down to her last ball in game 3. Katharine tried defensive positioning after Spice scratched, but that failed. Spice still couldn't finish the game before Katharine kicked her last ball to the top right for the win and 2-1 series win. Katharine will play on into the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Prism v. Bells. Former teammates collide in Accuracy with the purple cue. Pronger's Prism had a few too many struggles early in game 1. Todavía's Bells got sloppy with scratches on her last two shots, but still won 2-3 for the 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Prism improved in game 2, but her early miss was all it took to put things out of reach. The Stills' Bells played a perfect game for the 0-1 win, clinching the series at 2-0. Bells eased up quite a bit in game 3, her finish coming on a particularly sour note. Prism held her ground late to take a 3-6 win, leaving Bells to head to the second round on a 2-1 series win.
Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Sunshine. The purple cue stays up for an 8-ball series. Royal's Sunshine got down to the 8 rather quickly in game 1, but it was behind the 3 that Todavía's Easter used for defense. Over two turns, Easter made seven balls to steal the win away after Sunshine couldn't finish the effort. Easter leads the series 1-0. The Stills' Easter didn't erupt on offense until the end, weathering a couple of poorly-finished runs by the Crowns' Sunshine. Easter was sharp with a four-ball run-out to get the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Easter didn't have much in the way of offense in game 3, letting Sunshine mostly run wild as he picked up his lone win. Easter took the series 2-1 and will play in the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Midnight v. Avril. The red cue's last outing today is in 13-ball. Westside's Midnight made game 1 very fast, as her fourth shot was a failed kick that resulted in the 8 going down prematurely. This gifted a win to Pronger's Avril, who leads the series 1-0 without taking a shot. The Tridents' Avril ended up gifting game 2 to the Rockers' Midnight as well. Avril's kick into a cluster sent the 8 to the top side, allowing Midnight to tie the series at 1. Game 3 finally saw a game get to full term. Avril led after an early burst of offense, and she was able to hold off Midnight long enough to win. Avril took the series 2-1, and she'll travel to Diamond for an Eastern Hills Derby versus the Gems' Autumn in the second round.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Greg v. Boots. A rookie meets a veteran in 7-ball with the purple cue. Archtown's Greg had five balls over his first two turns in game 1, but Pearl's Boots made a pair at the end to snatch the win away. Boots holds a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Boots rocked a four-ball run late in game 2, but she just missed on the 7. The Arrows' Greg took an odd bank on the 7, which fell in the top side somewhat surprisingly to give him the win that tied the series at 1. Greg wasn't all that confident in his play, but a split-shot on the 4 and 7 ended up sinking the 4 to the top right. Boots could only watch as Greg surged with a five-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win to advance to the second round. Atlantic Pirates rookie Buddy will come to Archtown to face Greg.
Intel Center, Diamond: Leonardo v. Rudolph. The 500th series of the Tournament comes in 15-ball with the silver cue to end the day. Diamond's Leonardo had a close call at the end of a game 1 he controlled on offense. Harrison's Rudolph tried and missed an 11-15 combination to the top left, and Leonardo converted it for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Leonardo spent all his energy on a four-ball run just after the middle of game 2. He struggled after that, but got the win when the Specters' Rudolph scratched as he made the 15. Leonardo secured the series at 2-0. Game 3 saw patience run low for both players with the series already decided. Leonardo still stepped up with a four-ball run-out capped by a 14-15 combination to the bottom side to sweep Rudolph 3-0 in the series. Leonardo is set to continue in the second round.
With 500 series in the book, the Tournament is quickly approaching halfway done with the First Round. More to come tomorrow.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Mams. The silver cue opens today in 7-ball. Central's Noelle suffered an early scratch in game 1, but Southern's Mams failed to capitalize on it. Noelle then worked a five-ball run-out for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 had a similar cadence, but the Warriors' Noelle missed the 7 twice after her four-ball run. The Monarchs' Mams cleaned it up at the top left for the win, tying the series at 1. Noelle never got to the table in game 3, as Mams made a pair on the break and finished with a deflection off the 5 to pot the 7 at the bottom left. Mams won the series 2-1 and will host Diamond Gems captain Shadow in the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Cubby. Forest SC club-mates meet in Rotation with the blue cue. Web City's Cubby found an early four-ball run in game 1, but his offense died off rather quickly. Whitewater's Marsell chipped back and won with a three-ball run-out for the 8-5 final score. Marsell owns a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Marsell had a more balanced start in game 2, and he broke away in the middle. The Spiders' Cubby failed to launch a chase, allowing Marsell to seal the series at 2-0 with an 8-3 win. Marsell had a much slower attack in game 3, but he was never truly challenged by Cubby. Marsell won 8-5, sweeping the series 3-0 to earn the right to host North Modernistic Nighthawks captain Peach in the second round.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Katelynn v. Taylor S. The red cue gets a look in 10-ball here. Royal's Katelynn had most of the offense in game 1, while Commerce's Taylor S. didn't find much success. Katelynn buried a deflection off the 6 to knock the 10 in the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Katelynn looked ready to continue her fairly dominant play with a five-ball run during game 2. She missed on the 7, sparking a three-ball run-out from the Tradewinds' Taylor S. This victory for the visitor tied the series at 1. Katelynn didn't have much early in game 3 as Taylor S. chipped in offense. Katelynn then attacked with a five-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win, which put her in the second round.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Toki. Two Reality members clash in Accuracy with the red cue. Eastside's Toki sent Golden's Dusty spiraling early in game 1, then fell apart himself. A sloppy finish forced overtime, where Dusty's break was no good, allowing Toki to take a 6-7 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Toki didn't have as many troubles in game 2, although he briefly allowed the Pilots' Dusty to catch him near the end. Dusty then missed late, and Toki won 2-3 to secure the series at 2-0. Dusty finally put in a worthy effort in game 3, and a skid from Toki in the middle of the game allowed Dusty to win 1-3. Toki took the series 2-1 and will visit Web City Spiders newcomer Nibbles in the second round.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Yekaterina v. Acorn. Two of the Southwest's best tangle in 12-ball with the red cue. Both players spent more time ruining each other's shots than making their own at the end of game 1. Lighton's Acorn bent first with missed contact, allowing Victoria's Yekaterina to pot her last ball for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Yekaterina had a good start to game 2 and her positioning remained solid. The Prestige's Acorn desperately gave her a wild-card ball to set up his last shot, and Yekaterina missed her last ball. Acorn then tapped home a winning shot to tie the series at 1. Acorn gave away a wild-card ball on the game 3 break, an added advantage that made things much easier for Yekaterina. Acorn couldn't stop overfilling the top left, and Yekaterina used the free possession to get the win for a 2-1 series win, earning her place in the second round. Acorn has now played 100 unique opponents.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Chicky Phil v. Fuchsia. The host meets the player he replaced for a series of 15-ball with the purple cue. Midland's Chicky Phil didn't have a great performance in game 1, yielding a five-ball run and a three-ball run-out to Infinity's Fuchsia. The thorough offense gave Fuchsia a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fuchsia was a little weaker in game 2, as neither player found a great grip on the offense. The Predators' Chicky Phil really struggled late, allowing Fuchsia to get the win that clinched the series at 2-0. Chicky Phil didn't get a chance to make an impact in game 3. Fuchsia had most of the offense, winning with a three-ball run-out that ended as she bounced the cue off the 6 to send the 15 to the top left. Fuchsia swept the series 3-0 and will play in the second round.
Sony Center, Queens: Violetta v. Misty. In 13-ball, the blue cue is used. Westside's Misty was just a little sharper in game 1 than Queens' Violetta. At the end, Misty's better positioning helped her get the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Misty made one of each on the game 2 break. The Flames' Violetta managed a good attack, but Misty had a three-ball run to get onto the 8 before she made it at the top side a turn later. Misty sealed the series at 2-0 with this win. Violetta wouldn't come up empty in the series, taking game 3 after a late gamble eventually paid off when Misty failed twice on the 8. Misty won the series 2-1 and will visit Todavía Stills star Ruby in the second round.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Dewey v. Hughbert. Outcast sends a pair of players to battle in 13-ball with the green cue. Harrison's Dewey led for most of game 1, but his missed contact on his second try at the 8 was costly. Tysini's Hughbert turned the ball-in-hand play into a five-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Hughbert had a four-ball run on his second turn, a lead he held tightly for the rest of game 2. The Specters' Dewey tried to keep up but couldn't set up shots at the side pocket. Hughbert went on to win with a three-ball run-out to clinch the series at 2-0. Dewey again tried to line himself up and struggled in game 3, giving Hughbert time to manage a three-ball run-out for the win and 3-0 series sweep. Hughbert is off to the second round.
Sony Center, Queens: Mario v. Spirit. The silver cue returns to action in Rotation. Queens' Mario stepped up with an early four-ball run in game 1. Lighton's Spirit got some of it back, but Mario was strong enough to win 8-2 for the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Spirit held the lead in parts of game 2, but she wasn't able to finish it off. The Flames' Mario was dogged in his pursuit and managed to win 8-6, which secured the series in his favor at 2-0. Game 3 was a quick one, as Mario merciless pushed a five-ball run on his second turn and added a three-ball run-out after Spirit missed contact. Mario won the game 8-0 and swept the series 3-0 to earn the right to host Terrace City Knights veteran Melissa in the second round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Mams v. Ice Cream. The red cue is back for 12-ball. Boston's Ice Cream deployed a crafty three-ball run early on, giving her enough of an edge to hold off Southern's Mams later in game 1. Ice Cream won with a ball-in-hand play to take the 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Ice Cream had the better start in game 2, but it was a close finish after she gave away a wild-card ball and scratched while making her last ball. The Monarchs' Mams came close to a win, but her bank shot failed, and Ice Cream finished at the bottom side to seal the series 2-0. Mams did another good start in game 3, but she wasn't able to wrangle her last shot. Ice Cream had better positioning and sank the 9 to the top side for the win and 3-0 series sweep. Ice Cream will visit Viewpoint Sound Meteors star Princess in the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Spice. More 12-ball features the purple cue. Victoria's Spice received a wild-card ball early in game 1 and ended up a shot away from victory. Whitewater's Katharine answered with a late three-ball run-out, the brilliant turn snatching the win away from Spice. Katharine owns a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Katharine worked a remarkable four-ball run in game 2, but it wasn't quite enough. The Spurs' Spice played just enough defense to make Katharine miss contact. Spice then made her final pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Spice didn't have the best start but managed to get down to her last ball in game 3. Katharine tried defensive positioning after Spice scratched, but that failed. Spice still couldn't finish the game before Katharine kicked her last ball to the top right for the win and 2-1 series win. Katharine will play on into the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Prism v. Bells. Former teammates collide in Accuracy with the purple cue. Pronger's Prism had a few too many struggles early in game 1. Todavía's Bells got sloppy with scratches on her last two shots, but still won 2-3 for the 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Prism improved in game 2, but her early miss was all it took to put things out of reach. The Stills' Bells played a perfect game for the 0-1 win, clinching the series at 2-0. Bells eased up quite a bit in game 3, her finish coming on a particularly sour note. Prism held her ground late to take a 3-6 win, leaving Bells to head to the second round on a 2-1 series win.
Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Sunshine. The purple cue stays up for an 8-ball series. Royal's Sunshine got down to the 8 rather quickly in game 1, but it was behind the 3 that Todavía's Easter used for defense. Over two turns, Easter made seven balls to steal the win away after Sunshine couldn't finish the effort. Easter leads the series 1-0. The Stills' Easter didn't erupt on offense until the end, weathering a couple of poorly-finished runs by the Crowns' Sunshine. Easter was sharp with a four-ball run-out to get the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Easter didn't have much in the way of offense in game 3, letting Sunshine mostly run wild as he picked up his lone win. Easter took the series 2-1 and will play in the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Midnight v. Avril. The red cue's last outing today is in 13-ball. Westside's Midnight made game 1 very fast, as her fourth shot was a failed kick that resulted in the 8 going down prematurely. This gifted a win to Pronger's Avril, who leads the series 1-0 without taking a shot. The Tridents' Avril ended up gifting game 2 to the Rockers' Midnight as well. Avril's kick into a cluster sent the 8 to the top side, allowing Midnight to tie the series at 1. Game 3 finally saw a game get to full term. Avril led after an early burst of offense, and she was able to hold off Midnight long enough to win. Avril took the series 2-1, and she'll travel to Diamond for an Eastern Hills Derby versus the Gems' Autumn in the second round.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Greg v. Boots. A rookie meets a veteran in 7-ball with the purple cue. Archtown's Greg had five balls over his first two turns in game 1, but Pearl's Boots made a pair at the end to snatch the win away. Boots holds a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Boots rocked a four-ball run late in game 2, but she just missed on the 7. The Arrows' Greg took an odd bank on the 7, which fell in the top side somewhat surprisingly to give him the win that tied the series at 1. Greg wasn't all that confident in his play, but a split-shot on the 4 and 7 ended up sinking the 4 to the top right. Boots could only watch as Greg surged with a five-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win to advance to the second round. Atlantic Pirates rookie Buddy will come to Archtown to face Greg.
Intel Center, Diamond: Leonardo v. Rudolph. The 500th series of the Tournament comes in 15-ball with the silver cue to end the day. Diamond's Leonardo had a close call at the end of a game 1 he controlled on offense. Harrison's Rudolph tried and missed an 11-15 combination to the top left, and Leonardo converted it for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Leonardo spent all his energy on a four-ball run just after the middle of game 2. He struggled after that, but got the win when the Specters' Rudolph scratched as he made the 15. Leonardo secured the series at 2-0. Game 3 saw patience run low for both players with the series already decided. Leonardo still stepped up with a four-ball run-out capped by a 14-15 combination to the bottom side to sweep Rudolph 3-0 in the series. Leonardo is set to continue in the second round.
With 500 series in the book, the Tournament is quickly approaching halfway done with the First Round. More to come tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Tournament X - First Round Day 19
We'll cross 300 series played in the First Round today. The action starts with...
BMW RockDome, Westside: Chimpy v. Whiskers. The silver cue starts the day in 7-ball. Westside's Chimpy didn't show much command in game 1, and it bit him later when Maplewood's Whiskers won on a three-ball run-out. Whiskers is ahead 1-0 in the series. The Rockers' Chimpy went for a three-ball run early in game 2, but his miss on the 4 sparked a four-ball run-out for the Lumberjacks' Whiskers. The late surge gave Whiskers a win to clinch the series at 2-0. Whiskers made an early pair before a scratch left the 2-7 combination for Chimpy to pot from ball-in-hand. Whiskers still won the series 2-1 and will advance to the second round.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Snuggle v. Brownie. The red cue steps in for a series of 13-ball. Oceanside's Snuggle made one of each on the game 1 break, taking solids. Royal's Brownie enjoyed the lead for awhile until Snuggle's three-ball run paved his way to victory two turns later. Snuggle owns a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Snuggle continued to play well, taking a five-ball run on stripes to start game 2. The Crowns' Brownie fired back on a three-ball run, but her illegal contact on the 8 set Snuggle up for his final pair of shots for the win. Snuggle secured the series at 2-0. Snuggle didn't really have any offense in game 3, as Brownie used a quick three-ball run and a four-ball run-out to get the win. Snuggle advanced with a 2-1 series win, and he'll visit Boston Swifts veteran Puff II in the second round.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Nightfur v. Kodiak. The silver cue returns for another 7-ball series. Eastside's Nightfur had a decent start to game 1, but it was her kick on the 3 that sent the 7 to the bottom side for the win in impressive fashion. She has a 1-0 series lead over Modernistic's Kodiak. The Sharks' Nightfur twice missed contact during game 2, making possession very easy for the Union's Kodiak. It was still a close call at the end, but Kodiak got the win to tie the series at 1. Nightfur thought game 3 would be easy for her, but it did not play out that way. Kodiak instead ripped a five-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win, the upset putting him into round two. This was Nightfur's 100th unique opponent.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Steven. Next up, there's Rotation with the purple cue. Lighton's Shiny did well to pace the attack in game 1, working her way to an 8-4 win. Atlantic's Steven had a three-ball run, but that was about it as Shiny went ahead 1-0 in the series. The Pirates' Steven didn't mess around in game 2, a four-ball run putting him ahead. The Prestige's Shiny struggled to keep up, and Steven ran away with an 8-2 win to tie the series at 1. Shiny had all the bounces going her way early in game 3, building up a big lead. It would fall slowly, as Steven chipped back into contention before winning on a three-ball run-out. Steven's 8-6 win gave him the series at 2-1 to send him into the second round.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Sparkles v. Shawn. The blue cue draws in for Accuracy. Golden's Sparkles missed first in game 1, but her good positioning later on pushed Midland's Shawn far behind by the end. Sparkles won 1-3 and took a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Sparkles didn't have as confident a performance in game 2, but it was good enough as the Predators' Shawn struggled in the middle. Sparkles missed late to make it a 2-3 win that sealed the series at 2-0 in her favor. Sparkles and Shawn kept it close in game 3, but Sparkles missed a couple at the end. Shawn sealed a perfect 0-2 win, while Sparkles goes to the second round on the road against the Everton Eagles' Bear after this 2-1 series win.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fuchsia v. Marissa. The silver cue's last series today comes in 9-ball after the lunch break. Infinity's Fuchsia started and ended game 1 on three-ball runs, the dominant share of the offense helping her take a 1-0 series lead over Maplewood's Marissa. The Lumberjacks' Marissa had a much better effort in game 2, but her four-ball run-out ended with a scratch as she banked the 9 to the top side. This gifted the win to the Torpedoes' Fuchsia, who clinched the series at 2-0 in the process. Fuchsia finished off the sweep with a three-ball run-out to take game 3 after a slow start on both sides. Fuchsia maintains home-table advantage into the second round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Omari. Younger players meet in 15-ball with the blue cue. Commerce's Rosemary had a good share of the early offense and sustained that attack throughout game 1 to get the win over Web City's Omari, giving the host a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Omari had multiple runs in game 2, especially early on. His offense abandoned him at the end, when the Tradewinds' Rosemary picked up the win on a three-ball run-out, securing the series at 2-0. Rosemary brought game 3 to a quick end with a 7-15 combination deflected off the 14 to the top left. The 14 then fell at the bottom right as Rosemary swept Omari 3-0 to get into the second round.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Bandit v. Cowzart. The purple cue gets a look in 12-ball. Swordpoint's Bandit gave away a wild-card ball after making one of each suit on the game 1 break. Pacific's Cowzart needed a little time, but he would win comfortably to pull ahead 1-0 in the series. The Volcanoes' Cowzart took a pair from the break in game 2, then surrendered a wild-card ball to the Blades' Bandit. Cowzart was good enough to get a three-ball run later, which Bandit answered by getting onto his last ball as well. Cowzart then kicked the 14 to the top left for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Cowzart wouldn't have any fortune late in game 3, as Bandit won with a pair of three-ball runs. Cowzart settled for a 2-1 series win, which puts him on the road in Freedom to face the Cascades' Stripes in the second round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Pounce v. Marsell. The visitor finally makes his season debut, using the blue cue in Accuracy. Southern's Pounce provided no warm welcome to Whitewater's Marsell in game 1. The host Pounce stayed perfect and won 0-3 to take a confident 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Marsell was a little more in control of his shots in game 2, but it wouldn't matter as the Monarchs' Pounce held a firm line. Pounce won this one by a 1-3 margin, clinching the series at 2-0 with his uncompromising play. Game 3 was surprisingly good and close, with Pounce taking a miss mid-game that Marsell used as leverage in the end. Marsell got the 0-1 win to avoid the sweep, while Pounce takes the 2-1 series win with him to the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Smokey v. Gal. Urban rivals meet in 7-ball with the green cue. Game 1 was a wasted effort for Whitewater's Smokey, who lucked his way into a five-ball run only to see North Modernistic's Gal make the final pair for the win. Gal leads the series 1-0. The Nighthawks' Gal put down a pair at the start and the end of game 2, while the Shores' Smokey had a little success in the middle. Gal's good finish sealed the series in her favor at 2-0. Game 3 saw Gal work a triple-pot off the break. Smokey didn't get much in his response, and Gal buried the 7 with a tap-in to the bottom right. Gal swept the series 3-0 to move on to the second round.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Quincy v. Diddley. The green cue stays on for an Accuracy series. Both players missed early, but Terrace City's Quincy was perfect from there and took a 1-2 win over Maplewood's Diddley. This gave Quincy the 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Diddley did a lot of defensive positioning in game 2, and eventually got the Knights' Quincy to scratch back into a tie near the end. Quincy's overtime break failed, and Diddley earned the 1-2 win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 went back and forth at times, with Quincy struggling more to hold on. At the end, Quincy's miss on the final ball let Diddley off the hook for a 3-4 win. Diddley took the series 2-1 and will visit Royal Crowns veteran Brownie in the second round.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Summer v. Lionel. The purple cue exits the day in 10-ball in the 300th series of the round. North Modernistic's Lionel looked good early in game 1, and with no challenge from Maplewood's Summer, Lionel offered a five-ball run-out to get the win. Lionel leads the series 1-0. The Lumberjacks' Summer illegally potted the 2 and made a contact play on the 3 after the Nighthawks' Lionel deferred possession. Lionel then surprisingly attacked with a seven-ball run-out that featured a double-pot of the 4 to the bottom side and the 8 to the top left, sealing the series at 2-0 in impressive fashion. Lionel didn't get as much of the offense in game 3, as it was Summer who made a six-ball run. Summer fell short on the 9, allowing Lionel to pot a pair for the win, the 3-0 series sweep, and the trip to the second round.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Kirstin v. Daisy. In Accuracy, the red cue gets a turn. Stonebridge's Kirstin maintained a standard of perfection in game 1, leaving no room for Modernistic's Daisy to keep up. Kirstin took a 0-2 win for a 1-0 series lead early on. The Wolves' Kirstin remained very strong in game 2, matching the Union's Daisy with a mid-game miss. Daisy was unable to keep the pace at the end, and Kirstin pushed her back for a 1-3 win to seal the series at 2-0. Kirstin eased up quite a bit in game 3, while Daisy went all-out for a win to avoid the sweep. The result was Daisy playing a perfect 0-3 win, leaving Kirstin to reach the second round on a 2-1 series win.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Summer v. Leandra. The host gets a second appearance today, playing 15-ball with the blue cue. A chippy start to game 1 saw the 15 slowly drift toward the top left. There, Maplewood's Summer missed a deflection off the 5 to pot it. The positioning recycled for Tysini's Leandra, who converted on a similar play for the win and 1-0 series lead. The start of game 2 was very similar to the game before, but the offense picked up with a four-ball run by the Lumberjacks' Summer later on. The Hummingbirds' Leandra tried to counter but couldn't pot the 15. Summer tried to bank it to the bottom side, but it went in the top right on the second bank, giving Summer a surprising win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw Summer seemingly spend all of her offense too soon, but she was let off the hook as Leandra scratched on her attempt at the 15. Summer made the winning shot from ball-in-hand, taking the series 2-1 to earn the road spot versus the Terrace City Knights' Quincy in round two.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Yekaterina v. Boots. The blue cue goes again in 8-ball. Pearl's Boots unleashed a six-ball run in game 1, but she missed her chance at the 8. Victoria's Yekaterina immediately struck back on a five-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Yekaterina got no miracle comeback in game 2, as the Surfers' Boots posted a five-ball run and turned defensive until she could make the 8. Boots accomplished the task for the win, tying the series at 1. Yekaterina quickly got down to the 8 in game 3, but she missed it twice. Boots took advantage of that, rallying for a comeback win in the game and the series. Boots' 2-1 series win puts her on the road versus Westside Rockers veteran Goatee in the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Snuggle. A captains' battle in 8-ball with the red cue ends the day. Oceanside's Snuggle did everything but win in game 1, quickly getting onto the 8 before he missed it twice. Pronger's Precious cleaned it up with a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Tridents' Precious looked alright at the start of game 2, but she couldn't sustain the pace near the end. The Waves' Snuggle wasn't exactly sharp either, but he made the final pair of shots for the win, tying the series at 1. Snuggle faltered early in game 3, and a late four-ball run only matched one of Precious' attacks. Precious would pot the 8 to the bottom left to take the series 2-1 as she advances to the second round.
We'll be back tomorrow with a more difficult day of games.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Chimpy v. Whiskers. The silver cue starts the day in 7-ball. Westside's Chimpy didn't show much command in game 1, and it bit him later when Maplewood's Whiskers won on a three-ball run-out. Whiskers is ahead 1-0 in the series. The Rockers' Chimpy went for a three-ball run early in game 2, but his miss on the 4 sparked a four-ball run-out for the Lumberjacks' Whiskers. The late surge gave Whiskers a win to clinch the series at 2-0. Whiskers made an early pair before a scratch left the 2-7 combination for Chimpy to pot from ball-in-hand. Whiskers still won the series 2-1 and will advance to the second round.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Snuggle v. Brownie. The red cue steps in for a series of 13-ball. Oceanside's Snuggle made one of each on the game 1 break, taking solids. Royal's Brownie enjoyed the lead for awhile until Snuggle's three-ball run paved his way to victory two turns later. Snuggle owns a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Snuggle continued to play well, taking a five-ball run on stripes to start game 2. The Crowns' Brownie fired back on a three-ball run, but her illegal contact on the 8 set Snuggle up for his final pair of shots for the win. Snuggle secured the series at 2-0. Snuggle didn't really have any offense in game 3, as Brownie used a quick three-ball run and a four-ball run-out to get the win. Snuggle advanced with a 2-1 series win, and he'll visit Boston Swifts veteran Puff II in the second round.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Nightfur v. Kodiak. The silver cue returns for another 7-ball series. Eastside's Nightfur had a decent start to game 1, but it was her kick on the 3 that sent the 7 to the bottom side for the win in impressive fashion. She has a 1-0 series lead over Modernistic's Kodiak. The Sharks' Nightfur twice missed contact during game 2, making possession very easy for the Union's Kodiak. It was still a close call at the end, but Kodiak got the win to tie the series at 1. Nightfur thought game 3 would be easy for her, but it did not play out that way. Kodiak instead ripped a five-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win, the upset putting him into round two. This was Nightfur's 100th unique opponent.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Steven. Next up, there's Rotation with the purple cue. Lighton's Shiny did well to pace the attack in game 1, working her way to an 8-4 win. Atlantic's Steven had a three-ball run, but that was about it as Shiny went ahead 1-0 in the series. The Pirates' Steven didn't mess around in game 2, a four-ball run putting him ahead. The Prestige's Shiny struggled to keep up, and Steven ran away with an 8-2 win to tie the series at 1. Shiny had all the bounces going her way early in game 3, building up a big lead. It would fall slowly, as Steven chipped back into contention before winning on a three-ball run-out. Steven's 8-6 win gave him the series at 2-1 to send him into the second round.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Sparkles v. Shawn. The blue cue draws in for Accuracy. Golden's Sparkles missed first in game 1, but her good positioning later on pushed Midland's Shawn far behind by the end. Sparkles won 1-3 and took a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Sparkles didn't have as confident a performance in game 2, but it was good enough as the Predators' Shawn struggled in the middle. Sparkles missed late to make it a 2-3 win that sealed the series at 2-0 in her favor. Sparkles and Shawn kept it close in game 3, but Sparkles missed a couple at the end. Shawn sealed a perfect 0-2 win, while Sparkles goes to the second round on the road against the Everton Eagles' Bear after this 2-1 series win.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fuchsia v. Marissa. The silver cue's last series today comes in 9-ball after the lunch break. Infinity's Fuchsia started and ended game 1 on three-ball runs, the dominant share of the offense helping her take a 1-0 series lead over Maplewood's Marissa. The Lumberjacks' Marissa had a much better effort in game 2, but her four-ball run-out ended with a scratch as she banked the 9 to the top side. This gifted the win to the Torpedoes' Fuchsia, who clinched the series at 2-0 in the process. Fuchsia finished off the sweep with a three-ball run-out to take game 3 after a slow start on both sides. Fuchsia maintains home-table advantage into the second round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Omari. Younger players meet in 15-ball with the blue cue. Commerce's Rosemary had a good share of the early offense and sustained that attack throughout game 1 to get the win over Web City's Omari, giving the host a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Omari had multiple runs in game 2, especially early on. His offense abandoned him at the end, when the Tradewinds' Rosemary picked up the win on a three-ball run-out, securing the series at 2-0. Rosemary brought game 3 to a quick end with a 7-15 combination deflected off the 14 to the top left. The 14 then fell at the bottom right as Rosemary swept Omari 3-0 to get into the second round.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Bandit v. Cowzart. The purple cue gets a look in 12-ball. Swordpoint's Bandit gave away a wild-card ball after making one of each suit on the game 1 break. Pacific's Cowzart needed a little time, but he would win comfortably to pull ahead 1-0 in the series. The Volcanoes' Cowzart took a pair from the break in game 2, then surrendered a wild-card ball to the Blades' Bandit. Cowzart was good enough to get a three-ball run later, which Bandit answered by getting onto his last ball as well. Cowzart then kicked the 14 to the top left for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Cowzart wouldn't have any fortune late in game 3, as Bandit won with a pair of three-ball runs. Cowzart settled for a 2-1 series win, which puts him on the road in Freedom to face the Cascades' Stripes in the second round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Pounce v. Marsell. The visitor finally makes his season debut, using the blue cue in Accuracy. Southern's Pounce provided no warm welcome to Whitewater's Marsell in game 1. The host Pounce stayed perfect and won 0-3 to take a confident 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Marsell was a little more in control of his shots in game 2, but it wouldn't matter as the Monarchs' Pounce held a firm line. Pounce won this one by a 1-3 margin, clinching the series at 2-0 with his uncompromising play. Game 3 was surprisingly good and close, with Pounce taking a miss mid-game that Marsell used as leverage in the end. Marsell got the 0-1 win to avoid the sweep, while Pounce takes the 2-1 series win with him to the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Smokey v. Gal. Urban rivals meet in 7-ball with the green cue. Game 1 was a wasted effort for Whitewater's Smokey, who lucked his way into a five-ball run only to see North Modernistic's Gal make the final pair for the win. Gal leads the series 1-0. The Nighthawks' Gal put down a pair at the start and the end of game 2, while the Shores' Smokey had a little success in the middle. Gal's good finish sealed the series in her favor at 2-0. Game 3 saw Gal work a triple-pot off the break. Smokey didn't get much in his response, and Gal buried the 7 with a tap-in to the bottom right. Gal swept the series 3-0 to move on to the second round.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Quincy v. Diddley. The green cue stays on for an Accuracy series. Both players missed early, but Terrace City's Quincy was perfect from there and took a 1-2 win over Maplewood's Diddley. This gave Quincy the 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Diddley did a lot of defensive positioning in game 2, and eventually got the Knights' Quincy to scratch back into a tie near the end. Quincy's overtime break failed, and Diddley earned the 1-2 win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 went back and forth at times, with Quincy struggling more to hold on. At the end, Quincy's miss on the final ball let Diddley off the hook for a 3-4 win. Diddley took the series 2-1 and will visit Royal Crowns veteran Brownie in the second round.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Summer v. Lionel. The purple cue exits the day in 10-ball in the 300th series of the round. North Modernistic's Lionel looked good early in game 1, and with no challenge from Maplewood's Summer, Lionel offered a five-ball run-out to get the win. Lionel leads the series 1-0. The Lumberjacks' Summer illegally potted the 2 and made a contact play on the 3 after the Nighthawks' Lionel deferred possession. Lionel then surprisingly attacked with a seven-ball run-out that featured a double-pot of the 4 to the bottom side and the 8 to the top left, sealing the series at 2-0 in impressive fashion. Lionel didn't get as much of the offense in game 3, as it was Summer who made a six-ball run. Summer fell short on the 9, allowing Lionel to pot a pair for the win, the 3-0 series sweep, and the trip to the second round.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Kirstin v. Daisy. In Accuracy, the red cue gets a turn. Stonebridge's Kirstin maintained a standard of perfection in game 1, leaving no room for Modernistic's Daisy to keep up. Kirstin took a 0-2 win for a 1-0 series lead early on. The Wolves' Kirstin remained very strong in game 2, matching the Union's Daisy with a mid-game miss. Daisy was unable to keep the pace at the end, and Kirstin pushed her back for a 1-3 win to seal the series at 2-0. Kirstin eased up quite a bit in game 3, while Daisy went all-out for a win to avoid the sweep. The result was Daisy playing a perfect 0-3 win, leaving Kirstin to reach the second round on a 2-1 series win.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Summer v. Leandra. The host gets a second appearance today, playing 15-ball with the blue cue. A chippy start to game 1 saw the 15 slowly drift toward the top left. There, Maplewood's Summer missed a deflection off the 5 to pot it. The positioning recycled for Tysini's Leandra, who converted on a similar play for the win and 1-0 series lead. The start of game 2 was very similar to the game before, but the offense picked up with a four-ball run by the Lumberjacks' Summer later on. The Hummingbirds' Leandra tried to counter but couldn't pot the 15. Summer tried to bank it to the bottom side, but it went in the top right on the second bank, giving Summer a surprising win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw Summer seemingly spend all of her offense too soon, but she was let off the hook as Leandra scratched on her attempt at the 15. Summer made the winning shot from ball-in-hand, taking the series 2-1 to earn the road spot versus the Terrace City Knights' Quincy in round two.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Yekaterina v. Boots. The blue cue goes again in 8-ball. Pearl's Boots unleashed a six-ball run in game 1, but she missed her chance at the 8. Victoria's Yekaterina immediately struck back on a five-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Yekaterina got no miracle comeback in game 2, as the Surfers' Boots posted a five-ball run and turned defensive until she could make the 8. Boots accomplished the task for the win, tying the series at 1. Yekaterina quickly got down to the 8 in game 3, but she missed it twice. Boots took advantage of that, rallying for a comeback win in the game and the series. Boots' 2-1 series win puts her on the road versus Westside Rockers veteran Goatee in the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Snuggle. A captains' battle in 8-ball with the red cue ends the day. Oceanside's Snuggle did everything but win in game 1, quickly getting onto the 8 before he missed it twice. Pronger's Precious cleaned it up with a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Tridents' Precious looked alright at the start of game 2, but she couldn't sustain the pace near the end. The Waves' Snuggle wasn't exactly sharp either, but he made the final pair of shots for the win, tying the series at 1. Snuggle faltered early in game 3, and a late four-ball run only matched one of Precious' attacks. Precious would pot the 8 to the bottom left to take the series 2-1 as she advances to the second round.
We'll be back tomorrow with a more difficult day of games.
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Tournament X - First Round Day 18
We've got more action today, beginning with...
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Diddley v. Solaris. The red cue opens the day in Rotation. Maplewood's Diddley had virtually all of the early offense in game 1, but he could not find a finishing shot. Commerce's Solaris made five balls over his last two turns to get the 8-7 win and 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Solaris had the better start to game 2, but it was a close battle on both sides. The Lumberjacks' Diddley pulled even multiple times but still couldn't close it out before Solaris banked the 15 to the bottom left for another 8-7 win. Solaris sealed the series at 2-0. Solaris looked much more confident in game 2, his five-ball run featuring a pair of double-pots. Diddley didn't get close at all, as Solaris won 8-3 to confirm his 3-0 series sweep to move along to the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Chimpy v. Celestia. The red cue stays in action for this 8-ball series. Westside's Chimpy had a questionable start to game 1 at times, with Oceanside's Celestia pressuring with a four-ball run. Chimpy then recovered to win on a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia attacked more significantly with a five-ball run early in game 2. The Rockers' Chimpy countered on a four-ball run, but Celestia had time to finish the win to tie the series at 1. Celestia had a nice attack to get down to her last ball, but Chimpy was there with a five-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win. Chimpy advances to the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Kitty v. Stripes. One more time for the red cue, this one in 7-ball. Midland's Kitty popped off with the 7 bouncing to the top side on the game 1 break for a quick 1-0 series lead over Freedom's Stripes. The Predators' Kitty still had energy on offense in game 2, but she was a little erratic. The Cascades' Stripes earned the win this time, tying the series at 1. Game 3 saw Stripes scratch on her second shot of the game. Kitty never let Stripes back to the table, a six-ball run-out serving to give the host the win. Kitty took the series 2-1 and will play in the second round.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Molly. Coastal rivals clash in Accuracy with the purple cue. Both players scratched in game 1, but it was Pacific's Ms. Kitty who fell behind with a late failed cluster-buster. Southern's Molly held on for a 1-2 win and 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty was undeterred in game 2, working quite well early on and holding a 2-4 win as the Monarchs' Molly faltered late under pressure. The series is tied at 1. Ms. Kitty took a turn to perfection in game 3, winning a 0-2 result against Molly this time. Ms. Kitty won the series 2-1 and will play in the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stripes v. Summer. Another Accuracy series sees the host get a second outing today, with the blue cue in hand. Maplewood's Summer couldn't make her early lead hold up in game 1, as Freedom's Stripes forced overtime and won 2-3 with her first shot in the extra rack. Stripes holds a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Stripes had another slow start, but things only got worse for her in game 2. The Lumberjacks' Summer was far from dominant, simply good enough to win 3-5 to tie the series at 1. Stripes held the lead for a portion of game 3, but she unraveled at the end, and Summer was able to win by a 3-5 score again. Summer won the series 2-1 and will host Boston Swifts star Gradley in the second round.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Dewey v. Neopolitan. The purple cue is back for this 8-ball set. Harrison's Dewey worked a three-ball run-out in game 1, overcoming his scratch on the break to punish Pearl's Neopolitan for slow play. Dewey leads the series 1-0. The Surfers' Neopolitan tried to keep game 2 close, but her scratch set up the Specters' Dewey for a shocking four-ball run-out capped by banking the 8 to the bottom right. Dewey secured the series at 2-0 with the effort. Neopolitan came fairly close to victory in game 3, but Dewey responded on a five-ball run-out for the win and the 3-0 series sweep. Dewey will host a Northeastern rival in Central Warriors captain Twilight in the second round.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Lionel v. Noelle. Top qualifiers meet in 15-ball with the red cue. A choppy game could have gone either way. It came down to the 11-15 combination at the top left, which North Modernistic's Lionel missed and Central's Noelle mopped up for the win and 1-0 series lead. An unremarkable game 2 had a memorable finish, as the Nighthawks' Lionel capped a three-ball run-out with an unintended bank of the 15 to the bottom side for the win over the Warriors' Noelle. The series is tied at 1. Lionel worked a five-ball run at one stage of game 3, but a turn later saw Noelle pot the final pair of shots for the win. Noelle took the series 2-1 and will visit Terrace City Knights veteran Jennifer in the second round.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Greg v. Cowzart. The green cue makes its daily debut in 13-ball. Archtown's Greg took solids after making one of each on the game 1 break. Pacific's Cowzart applied early pressure, but he let up. Greg then made a four-ball run and added a couple more shots for the win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Arrows' Greg made three balls for the Volcanoes' Cowzart in game 2, an impressive and stupid show of generosity. Cowzart was glad to accept the help that paved his way to a win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw Cowzart make one of each on the break, but he quickly succumbed to another rambunctious attack from Greg. This one was more focused as Greg pummeled solids for the win and 2-1 series win to get into a second round series versus Queens Flames newcomer Pauline.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Sierra. Big-name stars meet in 12-ball with the purple cue. Midland's Rainmane had a big break in game 1, but she unwittingly set up Todavía's Sierra at every pocket. Sierra didn't make it as a single run, but Rainmane gave away a wild-card ball to set up Sierra's three-ball run-out on her second turn. Sierra owns a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Sierra gave away a wild-card ball on the game 2 break, but the Predators' Rainmane gave it back with a late scratch. This gave Sierra time to play some defense, which again halted Rainmane long enough for Sierra to get the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Sierra gave away a wild-card ball late in game 3 and nearly got away with it, but her last shot was a bad miss. Rainmane made the last pair for the win, leaving Sierra to head to the second round with a 2-1 series win.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Solaris v. Gizmo. The host's second series today is in 8-ball with the purple cue. Commerce's Solaris found a difficult seven-ball run on his second turn in game 1, but it wouldn't be enough. North Modernistic's Gizmo answered with a six-ball run and took a pair on the next turn for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Gizmo had a similar fast offense in game 2, working a four-ball run that removed the defense of the Tradewinds' Solaris. Gizmo followed up with a three-ball run-out for the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Gizmo eased up in game 3, taking a calm approach on offense. Solaris had more success and got his lone win, while Gizmo moves on to round two with a 2-1 series win.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Tigerette v. Midnight. The venue doubleheader ends in 7-ball with the green cue. Commerce's Tigerette didn't get much control in game 1, instead stuck watching as Westside's Midnight pushed her way to victory. Midnight leads the series 1-0. The Rockers' Midnight went for a three-ball run in the middle of game 2, but it didn't work out. The Tradewinds' Tigerette then buried a pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Tigerette saw a late three-ball run end with a scratch as her positioning play on the 7 failed. Midnight won the game and the 2-1 series from ball-in-hand to punch her ticket to the second round.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Waluigi v. Cheddar. The green cue remains active in Rotation. North Modernistic's Cheddar delivered a nice run in game 1, but Web City's Waluigi got the 8-6 win after potting five balls during his last two turns. Waluigi moved ahead 1-0 in the series. The Spiders' Waluigi struggled early in game 2 and couldn't keep up in the end. A good attack put the Nighthawks' Cheddar ahead, and she finished it off as an 8-3 win to tie the series at 1. Waluigi had trouble keeping the cue ball on the table, but he almost got lucky as Cheddar struggled to be consistent. Cheddar then finished with a pair of shots for an 8-5 win, taking the series 2-1 to earn her spot in the second round.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Taylor M v. Cobalt. The blue cue's last outing today is in 9-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Cobalt took control late in game 1, aided by sloppy play from Eastside's Taylor M. Cobalt's strong finish was enough to give him the win and 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Cobalt didn't have the same impact in game 2, which looked like it had the potential to be a long battle. The Sharks' Taylor M. shortened it with her miss on the 3 sending the cue off the 6 to bump the 9 to the top left for the win. This tied the series at 1. Taylor M. pushed a five-ball run off the break in game 3, but the ending was much tighter. Cobalt just couldn't get organized, and Taylor M. finished victorious for a 2-1 series win to put her in the second round.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Maggie v. Fluffina. A rookie meets a veteran in 8-ball with the purple cue. Infinity's Fluffina made quick work of game 1, winning on her second turn with a five-ball run after a modest effort from Modernistic's Maggie. Fluffina is up 1-0 in the series. The Union's Maggie had a more aggressive six-ball run on her first and only turn in game 2. The Torpedoes' Fluffina struck back on an eight-ball run-out, the massive attack earning a win and securing the series in her favor at 2-0. Fluffina required three turns in game 3, but she shut out Maggie this time, setting the tone with a six-ball run before adding a ball on the last two turns. Fluffina easily swept the series 3-0 and will play in the second round after winning against her 100th unique opponent.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stephanie v. Cobalt. The visitor's second series of the day comes in 7-ball with the purple cue. There was no rhythm to game 1, which favored Viewpoint Sound's Cobalt as he made a late pair for the win and 1-0 series lead over Southridge's Stephanie. The Meteors' Cobalt made the Defenders' Stephanie pay double for a bad start to the series. Cobalt's game 2 break sent the 6 to the bottom side and the 7 to the top left for the win, clinching the series in his favor at 2-0. Stephanie salvaged a result with a five-ball run-out to take game 3 after Cobalt didn't show much command. Cobalt's 2-1 series win sets him up to visit Eastside Sharks rookie Lily in the second round.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Kirstin v. Juno. A pair of Wolves meet in 13-ball with the silver cue to end today's action. Kirstin made better use of her positioning in game 1, getting small runs of offense compared to the choppy single-shot efforts Juno had. Kirstin had no challenge when earning the win for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was not quite as smooth for Kirstin, but she still kept herself well ahead of the captain Juno, who had only slightly better positioning. Kirstin was able to sink the 8 at the top left for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Kirstin had another challenging game 3, but Juno was unable to corral her last ball. Kirstin's three-ball run-out made this a 3-0 series sweep to put her in the second round.
That's all for today. Expect delayed starts to be a factor this week, but it should have no impact on completion of scheduled action.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Diddley v. Solaris. The red cue opens the day in Rotation. Maplewood's Diddley had virtually all of the early offense in game 1, but he could not find a finishing shot. Commerce's Solaris made five balls over his last two turns to get the 8-7 win and 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Solaris had the better start to game 2, but it was a close battle on both sides. The Lumberjacks' Diddley pulled even multiple times but still couldn't close it out before Solaris banked the 15 to the bottom left for another 8-7 win. Solaris sealed the series at 2-0. Solaris looked much more confident in game 2, his five-ball run featuring a pair of double-pots. Diddley didn't get close at all, as Solaris won 8-3 to confirm his 3-0 series sweep to move along to the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Chimpy v. Celestia. The red cue stays in action for this 8-ball series. Westside's Chimpy had a questionable start to game 1 at times, with Oceanside's Celestia pressuring with a four-ball run. Chimpy then recovered to win on a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia attacked more significantly with a five-ball run early in game 2. The Rockers' Chimpy countered on a four-ball run, but Celestia had time to finish the win to tie the series at 1. Celestia had a nice attack to get down to her last ball, but Chimpy was there with a five-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win. Chimpy advances to the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Kitty v. Stripes. One more time for the red cue, this one in 7-ball. Midland's Kitty popped off with the 7 bouncing to the top side on the game 1 break for a quick 1-0 series lead over Freedom's Stripes. The Predators' Kitty still had energy on offense in game 2, but she was a little erratic. The Cascades' Stripes earned the win this time, tying the series at 1. Game 3 saw Stripes scratch on her second shot of the game. Kitty never let Stripes back to the table, a six-ball run-out serving to give the host the win. Kitty took the series 2-1 and will play in the second round.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Molly. Coastal rivals clash in Accuracy with the purple cue. Both players scratched in game 1, but it was Pacific's Ms. Kitty who fell behind with a late failed cluster-buster. Southern's Molly held on for a 1-2 win and 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty was undeterred in game 2, working quite well early on and holding a 2-4 win as the Monarchs' Molly faltered late under pressure. The series is tied at 1. Ms. Kitty took a turn to perfection in game 3, winning a 0-2 result against Molly this time. Ms. Kitty won the series 2-1 and will play in the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stripes v. Summer. Another Accuracy series sees the host get a second outing today, with the blue cue in hand. Maplewood's Summer couldn't make her early lead hold up in game 1, as Freedom's Stripes forced overtime and won 2-3 with her first shot in the extra rack. Stripes holds a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Stripes had another slow start, but things only got worse for her in game 2. The Lumberjacks' Summer was far from dominant, simply good enough to win 3-5 to tie the series at 1. Stripes held the lead for a portion of game 3, but she unraveled at the end, and Summer was able to win by a 3-5 score again. Summer won the series 2-1 and will host Boston Swifts star Gradley in the second round.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Dewey v. Neopolitan. The purple cue is back for this 8-ball set. Harrison's Dewey worked a three-ball run-out in game 1, overcoming his scratch on the break to punish Pearl's Neopolitan for slow play. Dewey leads the series 1-0. The Surfers' Neopolitan tried to keep game 2 close, but her scratch set up the Specters' Dewey for a shocking four-ball run-out capped by banking the 8 to the bottom right. Dewey secured the series at 2-0 with the effort. Neopolitan came fairly close to victory in game 3, but Dewey responded on a five-ball run-out for the win and the 3-0 series sweep. Dewey will host a Northeastern rival in Central Warriors captain Twilight in the second round.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Lionel v. Noelle. Top qualifiers meet in 15-ball with the red cue. A choppy game could have gone either way. It came down to the 11-15 combination at the top left, which North Modernistic's Lionel missed and Central's Noelle mopped up for the win and 1-0 series lead. An unremarkable game 2 had a memorable finish, as the Nighthawks' Lionel capped a three-ball run-out with an unintended bank of the 15 to the bottom side for the win over the Warriors' Noelle. The series is tied at 1. Lionel worked a five-ball run at one stage of game 3, but a turn later saw Noelle pot the final pair of shots for the win. Noelle took the series 2-1 and will visit Terrace City Knights veteran Jennifer in the second round.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Greg v. Cowzart. The green cue makes its daily debut in 13-ball. Archtown's Greg took solids after making one of each on the game 1 break. Pacific's Cowzart applied early pressure, but he let up. Greg then made a four-ball run and added a couple more shots for the win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Arrows' Greg made three balls for the Volcanoes' Cowzart in game 2, an impressive and stupid show of generosity. Cowzart was glad to accept the help that paved his way to a win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw Cowzart make one of each on the break, but he quickly succumbed to another rambunctious attack from Greg. This one was more focused as Greg pummeled solids for the win and 2-1 series win to get into a second round series versus Queens Flames newcomer Pauline.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Sierra. Big-name stars meet in 12-ball with the purple cue. Midland's Rainmane had a big break in game 1, but she unwittingly set up Todavía's Sierra at every pocket. Sierra didn't make it as a single run, but Rainmane gave away a wild-card ball to set up Sierra's three-ball run-out on her second turn. Sierra owns a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Sierra gave away a wild-card ball on the game 2 break, but the Predators' Rainmane gave it back with a late scratch. This gave Sierra time to play some defense, which again halted Rainmane long enough for Sierra to get the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Sierra gave away a wild-card ball late in game 3 and nearly got away with it, but her last shot was a bad miss. Rainmane made the last pair for the win, leaving Sierra to head to the second round with a 2-1 series win.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Solaris v. Gizmo. The host's second series today is in 8-ball with the purple cue. Commerce's Solaris found a difficult seven-ball run on his second turn in game 1, but it wouldn't be enough. North Modernistic's Gizmo answered with a six-ball run and took a pair on the next turn for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Gizmo had a similar fast offense in game 2, working a four-ball run that removed the defense of the Tradewinds' Solaris. Gizmo followed up with a three-ball run-out for the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Gizmo eased up in game 3, taking a calm approach on offense. Solaris had more success and got his lone win, while Gizmo moves on to round two with a 2-1 series win.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Tigerette v. Midnight. The venue doubleheader ends in 7-ball with the green cue. Commerce's Tigerette didn't get much control in game 1, instead stuck watching as Westside's Midnight pushed her way to victory. Midnight leads the series 1-0. The Rockers' Midnight went for a three-ball run in the middle of game 2, but it didn't work out. The Tradewinds' Tigerette then buried a pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Tigerette saw a late three-ball run end with a scratch as her positioning play on the 7 failed. Midnight won the game and the 2-1 series from ball-in-hand to punch her ticket to the second round.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Waluigi v. Cheddar. The green cue remains active in Rotation. North Modernistic's Cheddar delivered a nice run in game 1, but Web City's Waluigi got the 8-6 win after potting five balls during his last two turns. Waluigi moved ahead 1-0 in the series. The Spiders' Waluigi struggled early in game 2 and couldn't keep up in the end. A good attack put the Nighthawks' Cheddar ahead, and she finished it off as an 8-3 win to tie the series at 1. Waluigi had trouble keeping the cue ball on the table, but he almost got lucky as Cheddar struggled to be consistent. Cheddar then finished with a pair of shots for an 8-5 win, taking the series 2-1 to earn her spot in the second round.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Taylor M v. Cobalt. The blue cue's last outing today is in 9-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Cobalt took control late in game 1, aided by sloppy play from Eastside's Taylor M. Cobalt's strong finish was enough to give him the win and 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Cobalt didn't have the same impact in game 2, which looked like it had the potential to be a long battle. The Sharks' Taylor M. shortened it with her miss on the 3 sending the cue off the 6 to bump the 9 to the top left for the win. This tied the series at 1. Taylor M. pushed a five-ball run off the break in game 3, but the ending was much tighter. Cobalt just couldn't get organized, and Taylor M. finished victorious for a 2-1 series win to put her in the second round.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Maggie v. Fluffina. A rookie meets a veteran in 8-ball with the purple cue. Infinity's Fluffina made quick work of game 1, winning on her second turn with a five-ball run after a modest effort from Modernistic's Maggie. Fluffina is up 1-0 in the series. The Union's Maggie had a more aggressive six-ball run on her first and only turn in game 2. The Torpedoes' Fluffina struck back on an eight-ball run-out, the massive attack earning a win and securing the series in her favor at 2-0. Fluffina required three turns in game 3, but she shut out Maggie this time, setting the tone with a six-ball run before adding a ball on the last two turns. Fluffina easily swept the series 3-0 and will play in the second round after winning against her 100th unique opponent.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stephanie v. Cobalt. The visitor's second series of the day comes in 7-ball with the purple cue. There was no rhythm to game 1, which favored Viewpoint Sound's Cobalt as he made a late pair for the win and 1-0 series lead over Southridge's Stephanie. The Meteors' Cobalt made the Defenders' Stephanie pay double for a bad start to the series. Cobalt's game 2 break sent the 6 to the bottom side and the 7 to the top left for the win, clinching the series in his favor at 2-0. Stephanie salvaged a result with a five-ball run-out to take game 3 after Cobalt didn't show much command. Cobalt's 2-1 series win sets him up to visit Eastside Sharks rookie Lily in the second round.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Kirstin v. Juno. A pair of Wolves meet in 13-ball with the silver cue to end today's action. Kirstin made better use of her positioning in game 1, getting small runs of offense compared to the choppy single-shot efforts Juno had. Kirstin had no challenge when earning the win for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was not quite as smooth for Kirstin, but she still kept herself well ahead of the captain Juno, who had only slightly better positioning. Kirstin was able to sink the 8 at the top left for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Kirstin had another challenging game 3, but Juno was unable to corral her last ball. Kirstin's three-ball run-out made this a 3-0 series sweep to put her in the second round.
That's all for today. Expect delayed starts to be a factor this week, but it should have no impact on completion of scheduled action.
Monday, June 1, 2020
Tournament X - First Round Day 17
After an unplanned day off, the Tournament resumes today with a standard output. First up...
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Toki v. Lionel. Two strong qualifiers start the day in 9-ball with the green cue. Eastside's Toki didn't show much command in game 1, letting North Modernistic's Lionel get comfortable with an early four-ball run. Toki had a late chance on the 9 but missed, and Lionel converted for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Toki did better with a four-ball run late in game 2, but he again faltered on the 9. The Nighthawks' Lionel gladly potted it instead to get the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Lionel let a fast-paced game 3 get away from him as Toki's strong finish earned the host a win. Lionel won the series 2-1 and will visit Stonebridge Wolves newcomer Kirstin in the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Kirstin. The purple cue is next up for 8-ball. Whitewater's Katharine had a slightly slower start to game 1, but Stonebridge's Kirstin fell off the pace later on. Katharine picked up the slack for the win, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Shores' Katharine looked good again in game 2, especially with a late four-ball run to get her close to victory. The Wolves' Kirstin stepped up to deny that, using a four-ball run-out of her own for the win to tie the series at 1. Kirstin made a good rally near the end of game 3, but it ended in missed contact. Katharine took the final pair of shots for the win and her 2-1 series win to earn the trip to Pacific, where she'll face the Volcanoes' Twinkie I in the second round.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Marissa v. Omari. Rookies collide in Accuracy with the purple cue in this Northeastern Derby. A close battle in game 1 went in favor of Web City's Omari, who just held on for a 1-2 win over Maplewood's Marissa. Omari's tight win put him ahead 1-0 in the series. The Spiders' Omari made a pair on the game 2 break and never looked back, holding a perfect effort all the way through to beat the Lumberjacks' Marissa 0-2. Omari's determined play clinched the series at 2-0. Omari remained perfect in game 3 as well, while a scratch and a miss early on doomed Marissa to another 0-2 loss. Omari swept the series 3-0 and will travel to Golden to face the Pilots' Max in the second round.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Vladimir v. Celestia. The venue doubleheader closes with the red cue in 13-ball. Maplewood's Vladimir made one of each on the game 1 break and chose solids. Oceanside's Celestia had a good chance for a late run, but even with a scratch, Vladimir was faster as he converted a three-ball run-out for the win. Vladimir owns a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Vladimir had much less success on offense in game 2, while the Waves' Celestia barreled through the rack in good time. Celestia's win tied the series at 1 with confidence. Celestia completed the series comeback in game 3, getting a good start and holding on at the end after Vladimir missed contact on his set-up shot. Celestia made a pair of shots with ball-in-hand for the 2-1 series win that sees her advance to a second round series in Modernistic against the Union's Puff I.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Wario. Another 13-ball series with the red cue goes next. Central's Noelle made one of each on the game 1 break, but stripes presented a much more favorable spread. She took them, and Southridge's Wario could do nothing with solids, leaving Noelle with an easy win and a 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Wario had little mercy defensively in game 2, but his four-ball run was the only surge of offense he could manage. The Warriors' Noelle eventually worked her way to the win to secure the series at 2-0. Wario had his best chance at a win in game 3, but he couldn't quite solve his positioning before Noelle won on a three-ball run-out. The 3-0 series sweep puts Noelle in round two.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Toki. The visitor's second series today is in 12-ball with the red cue. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy yielded a wild-card ball on a sloppy game 1 break, and Eastside's Toki quickly turned in a four-ball run to take hold. Toki won on his second turn, going up 1-0 in the series. The Union's Ms. Puppy turned on the offense in game 2, attacking with a bit more vigor that the Sharks' Toki failed to match. Ms. Puppy's strong performance earned a win, tying the series at 1. Ms. Puppy again surrendered a wild-card ball to start game 3, but Toki's inability to piece together a run allowed Ms. Puppy to get the win with a tough cut on the 12 at the top side. Ms. Puppy won the series 2-1 and will play in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Omari. These Northeastern rivals are each on their second series of the day as they use the silver cue in 10-ball. Game 1 went back and forth as each player had a good early run. The choppy ending saw Web City's Omari leave the 10 short at the bottom right for Central's Noelle to tap in for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Noelle made a six-ball run that ended with a scratch late in game 2. The Spiders' Omari had no trouble taking the final pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Omari had a good challenge in game 3, including a late three-ball run, but he left the 10 at the top left. Noelle had done her fair share of offense and finished with a tap-in to win the series 2-1 and move on to the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Andrew v. Stealth. The blue cue makes its daily debut in 15-ball. Freedom's Andrew started game 1 with good pace, and while that faded at the end, Swordpoint's Stealth was unable to fill the void. Andrew continued on for the win and took a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Andrew took his game to another level in game 2, working a four-ball run early on and a nine-ball run-out to silence the Blades' Stealth. Andrew's massive finish sealed the series at 2-0. Andrew worked another six-ball run in the middle of game 3, and came up clutch on the final pair after Stealth's three-ball run came up short in the end. Andrew swept the series 3-0 to move into the second round.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Cowzart v. Pauline. The red cue draws in for 8-ball. Pacific's Cowzart used a three-ball run to get onto the 8, but Queens' Pauline kept him at bay with long-distance positioning. Pauline then eventually made a three-ball run-out for the win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Flames' Pauline worked a four-ball run in game 2 to apply pressure after falling far behind, but she didn't support it. The Volcanoes' Cowzart made his five-ball run earlier stand with a win, tying the series at 1. Cowzart tried to make a late push in game 3, but a four-ball run was enough of a lead for Pauline to hold on. Pauline put the 8 in the top left for the win and 2-1 series win to get her into the second round.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sugar v. Twilight. Reality club-mates do battle in Accuracy with the blue cue. Central's Twilight got away with some late sloppiness in game 1 given how good her early play was, putting Tysini's Sugar too far behind to catch up. Twilight won 2-3 despite a late scratch and leads the series 1-0. The Warriors' Twilight didn't have enough in overtime to grind out a win, missing two of her three shots in the extra rack. The Hummingbirds' Sugar was a little better in the 2-3 win, tying the series at 1. Twilight fell behind quickly in game 2, but pushed Sugar behind later on. Twilight didn't have enough in the tank to keep the lead, and Sugar went on for a 4-6 win to take the series 2-1. Sugar is set to appear in the second round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Taylor S. v. Sweetheart. The red cue goes again in 15-ball. Commerce's Taylor S. did what she could on offense in game 1, but her four-ball run ended with illegal contact. Boston's Sweetheart took over with a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Sweetheart again looked to have an edge on offense in game 2, but her missed contact on the 15 was a brutal mistake. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. punished it anyway, taking the win from ball-in-hand to pull even in a 1-1 series. Taylor S. weathered a slow start in game 3, waiting for her opportunity as Sweetheart had offense without menace. Taylor S. then ripped a nine-ball run-out to take the 2-1 series win, earning the right to host the Stonebridge Wolves' Kirstin in the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Buddy v. Leonette. The silver cue exits the day in 12-ball. Atlantic's Buddy made a pair on the game 1 break, but he held his defense at the bottom left for too long. Pacific's Leonette had little trouble getting ahead and picking up the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Buddy led again late in game 2, but he wasn't confident in his positioning at all. The Volcanoes' Leonette took her time until a three-ball run-out materialized for her win to secure the series at 2-0. Leonette had poorer positioning in game 3, making it difficult to sustain any offense. Buddy would cut her off at the end with a good finish to the top right for the win, leaving Leonette with just a 2-1 series win. Leonette is headed to the second round after a victory against her 100th unique opponent.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Niki v. Diddley. In 10-ball, the blue cue is used. Commerce's Niki ripped a four-ball run late in game 1, but the 10 was too steep an angle for her to corral. Maplewood's Diddley had lacked offense for most of the game until he sank the 10 at the bottom left for the 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Diddley did a bit more early in game 2, but his error on the 4 led to the Tradewinds' Niki winning with a five-ball run-out capped by a 9-10 combination to the top left. Niki's surge of offense tied the series at 1. Game 3 came to a sudden end with Diddley deflecting a shot off the 5 to bump the 10 to the bottom left. Diddley took the series 2-1 and will advance to the second round.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Cheddar v. Precious. A strong battle between veterans occurs in 13-ball with the red cue. Pronger's Precious came within a ball of getting onto the 8 in game 1, but North Modernistic's Cheddar simply bumped her out of the way. Cheddar then attacked viciously to get the win and 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Cheddar again trailed for much of game 2, but a four-ball run got her onto the 8. The Tridents' Precious didn't have time to react before Cheddar earned the win to seal the series at 2-0. Cheddar was merciless in game 3, a four-ball run the defining moment of the blowout win that made it a 3-0 series sweep over Precious. Cheddar advances to the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stripes v. Dustin. The purple cue is ready for 12-ball. Central's Dustin played a sharp game 1 effort, ending with a three-ball run-out to distance himself from Freedom's Stripes. Dustin leads the series 1-0. The Warriors' Dustin made a pair on the game 2 break, but he stalled out and later scratched to kill his progress. The Cascades' Stripes was decisive and creative in her attack, doing enough to get the win that tied the series at 1. Dustin had some good looks early on in game 3, but a few too many errors weighed him down. Stripes used better positioning to earn the win and 2-1 series win, which puts her in round two.
Apple Center, Todavía: Sierra v. Sleepy B. The day ends in 13-ball with the green cue. Todavía's Sierra got caught trying to position a stubborn 1 that wouldn't line up. In that time, Archtown's Sleepy B. worked her way to the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Sleepy B. took stripes after making one of each on the game 2 break. It seemed fine until the Stills' Sierra managed a four-ball run for the lead. Sierra would easily finish the game victorious, tying the series at 1. Sierra left the 8 a little short at the top left in game 3, a costly mistake punished by a five-ball run-out from Sleepy B. That burst gave Sleepy B. the 2-1 series win, and she'll visit Royal Crowns rookie Sunshine in the second round.
We'll be back with another day tomorrow.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Toki v. Lionel. Two strong qualifiers start the day in 9-ball with the green cue. Eastside's Toki didn't show much command in game 1, letting North Modernistic's Lionel get comfortable with an early four-ball run. Toki had a late chance on the 9 but missed, and Lionel converted for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Toki did better with a four-ball run late in game 2, but he again faltered on the 9. The Nighthawks' Lionel gladly potted it instead to get the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Lionel let a fast-paced game 3 get away from him as Toki's strong finish earned the host a win. Lionel won the series 2-1 and will visit Stonebridge Wolves newcomer Kirstin in the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Kirstin. The purple cue is next up for 8-ball. Whitewater's Katharine had a slightly slower start to game 1, but Stonebridge's Kirstin fell off the pace later on. Katharine picked up the slack for the win, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Shores' Katharine looked good again in game 2, especially with a late four-ball run to get her close to victory. The Wolves' Kirstin stepped up to deny that, using a four-ball run-out of her own for the win to tie the series at 1. Kirstin made a good rally near the end of game 3, but it ended in missed contact. Katharine took the final pair of shots for the win and her 2-1 series win to earn the trip to Pacific, where she'll face the Volcanoes' Twinkie I in the second round.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Marissa v. Omari. Rookies collide in Accuracy with the purple cue in this Northeastern Derby. A close battle in game 1 went in favor of Web City's Omari, who just held on for a 1-2 win over Maplewood's Marissa. Omari's tight win put him ahead 1-0 in the series. The Spiders' Omari made a pair on the game 2 break and never looked back, holding a perfect effort all the way through to beat the Lumberjacks' Marissa 0-2. Omari's determined play clinched the series at 2-0. Omari remained perfect in game 3 as well, while a scratch and a miss early on doomed Marissa to another 0-2 loss. Omari swept the series 3-0 and will travel to Golden to face the Pilots' Max in the second round.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Vladimir v. Celestia. The venue doubleheader closes with the red cue in 13-ball. Maplewood's Vladimir made one of each on the game 1 break and chose solids. Oceanside's Celestia had a good chance for a late run, but even with a scratch, Vladimir was faster as he converted a three-ball run-out for the win. Vladimir owns a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Vladimir had much less success on offense in game 2, while the Waves' Celestia barreled through the rack in good time. Celestia's win tied the series at 1 with confidence. Celestia completed the series comeback in game 3, getting a good start and holding on at the end after Vladimir missed contact on his set-up shot. Celestia made a pair of shots with ball-in-hand for the 2-1 series win that sees her advance to a second round series in Modernistic against the Union's Puff I.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Wario. Another 13-ball series with the red cue goes next. Central's Noelle made one of each on the game 1 break, but stripes presented a much more favorable spread. She took them, and Southridge's Wario could do nothing with solids, leaving Noelle with an easy win and a 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Wario had little mercy defensively in game 2, but his four-ball run was the only surge of offense he could manage. The Warriors' Noelle eventually worked her way to the win to secure the series at 2-0. Wario had his best chance at a win in game 3, but he couldn't quite solve his positioning before Noelle won on a three-ball run-out. The 3-0 series sweep puts Noelle in round two.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Toki. The visitor's second series today is in 12-ball with the red cue. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy yielded a wild-card ball on a sloppy game 1 break, and Eastside's Toki quickly turned in a four-ball run to take hold. Toki won on his second turn, going up 1-0 in the series. The Union's Ms. Puppy turned on the offense in game 2, attacking with a bit more vigor that the Sharks' Toki failed to match. Ms. Puppy's strong performance earned a win, tying the series at 1. Ms. Puppy again surrendered a wild-card ball to start game 3, but Toki's inability to piece together a run allowed Ms. Puppy to get the win with a tough cut on the 12 at the top side. Ms. Puppy won the series 2-1 and will play in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Omari. These Northeastern rivals are each on their second series of the day as they use the silver cue in 10-ball. Game 1 went back and forth as each player had a good early run. The choppy ending saw Web City's Omari leave the 10 short at the bottom right for Central's Noelle to tap in for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Noelle made a six-ball run that ended with a scratch late in game 2. The Spiders' Omari had no trouble taking the final pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Omari had a good challenge in game 3, including a late three-ball run, but he left the 10 at the top left. Noelle had done her fair share of offense and finished with a tap-in to win the series 2-1 and move on to the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Andrew v. Stealth. The blue cue makes its daily debut in 15-ball. Freedom's Andrew started game 1 with good pace, and while that faded at the end, Swordpoint's Stealth was unable to fill the void. Andrew continued on for the win and took a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Andrew took his game to another level in game 2, working a four-ball run early on and a nine-ball run-out to silence the Blades' Stealth. Andrew's massive finish sealed the series at 2-0. Andrew worked another six-ball run in the middle of game 3, and came up clutch on the final pair after Stealth's three-ball run came up short in the end. Andrew swept the series 3-0 to move into the second round.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Cowzart v. Pauline. The red cue draws in for 8-ball. Pacific's Cowzart used a three-ball run to get onto the 8, but Queens' Pauline kept him at bay with long-distance positioning. Pauline then eventually made a three-ball run-out for the win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Flames' Pauline worked a four-ball run in game 2 to apply pressure after falling far behind, but she didn't support it. The Volcanoes' Cowzart made his five-ball run earlier stand with a win, tying the series at 1. Cowzart tried to make a late push in game 3, but a four-ball run was enough of a lead for Pauline to hold on. Pauline put the 8 in the top left for the win and 2-1 series win to get her into the second round.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sugar v. Twilight. Reality club-mates do battle in Accuracy with the blue cue. Central's Twilight got away with some late sloppiness in game 1 given how good her early play was, putting Tysini's Sugar too far behind to catch up. Twilight won 2-3 despite a late scratch and leads the series 1-0. The Warriors' Twilight didn't have enough in overtime to grind out a win, missing two of her three shots in the extra rack. The Hummingbirds' Sugar was a little better in the 2-3 win, tying the series at 1. Twilight fell behind quickly in game 2, but pushed Sugar behind later on. Twilight didn't have enough in the tank to keep the lead, and Sugar went on for a 4-6 win to take the series 2-1. Sugar is set to appear in the second round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Taylor S. v. Sweetheart. The red cue goes again in 15-ball. Commerce's Taylor S. did what she could on offense in game 1, but her four-ball run ended with illegal contact. Boston's Sweetheart took over with a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Sweetheart again looked to have an edge on offense in game 2, but her missed contact on the 15 was a brutal mistake. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. punished it anyway, taking the win from ball-in-hand to pull even in a 1-1 series. Taylor S. weathered a slow start in game 3, waiting for her opportunity as Sweetheart had offense without menace. Taylor S. then ripped a nine-ball run-out to take the 2-1 series win, earning the right to host the Stonebridge Wolves' Kirstin in the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Buddy v. Leonette. The silver cue exits the day in 12-ball. Atlantic's Buddy made a pair on the game 1 break, but he held his defense at the bottom left for too long. Pacific's Leonette had little trouble getting ahead and picking up the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Buddy led again late in game 2, but he wasn't confident in his positioning at all. The Volcanoes' Leonette took her time until a three-ball run-out materialized for her win to secure the series at 2-0. Leonette had poorer positioning in game 3, making it difficult to sustain any offense. Buddy would cut her off at the end with a good finish to the top right for the win, leaving Leonette with just a 2-1 series win. Leonette is headed to the second round after a victory against her 100th unique opponent.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Niki v. Diddley. In 10-ball, the blue cue is used. Commerce's Niki ripped a four-ball run late in game 1, but the 10 was too steep an angle for her to corral. Maplewood's Diddley had lacked offense for most of the game until he sank the 10 at the bottom left for the 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Diddley did a bit more early in game 2, but his error on the 4 led to the Tradewinds' Niki winning with a five-ball run-out capped by a 9-10 combination to the top left. Niki's surge of offense tied the series at 1. Game 3 came to a sudden end with Diddley deflecting a shot off the 5 to bump the 10 to the bottom left. Diddley took the series 2-1 and will advance to the second round.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Cheddar v. Precious. A strong battle between veterans occurs in 13-ball with the red cue. Pronger's Precious came within a ball of getting onto the 8 in game 1, but North Modernistic's Cheddar simply bumped her out of the way. Cheddar then attacked viciously to get the win and 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Cheddar again trailed for much of game 2, but a four-ball run got her onto the 8. The Tridents' Precious didn't have time to react before Cheddar earned the win to seal the series at 2-0. Cheddar was merciless in game 3, a four-ball run the defining moment of the blowout win that made it a 3-0 series sweep over Precious. Cheddar advances to the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stripes v. Dustin. The purple cue is ready for 12-ball. Central's Dustin played a sharp game 1 effort, ending with a three-ball run-out to distance himself from Freedom's Stripes. Dustin leads the series 1-0. The Warriors' Dustin made a pair on the game 2 break, but he stalled out and later scratched to kill his progress. The Cascades' Stripes was decisive and creative in her attack, doing enough to get the win that tied the series at 1. Dustin had some good looks early on in game 3, but a few too many errors weighed him down. Stripes used better positioning to earn the win and 2-1 series win, which puts her in round two.
Apple Center, Todavía: Sierra v. Sleepy B. The day ends in 13-ball with the green cue. Todavía's Sierra got caught trying to position a stubborn 1 that wouldn't line up. In that time, Archtown's Sleepy B. worked her way to the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Sleepy B. took stripes after making one of each on the game 2 break. It seemed fine until the Stills' Sierra managed a four-ball run for the lead. Sierra would easily finish the game victorious, tying the series at 1. Sierra left the 8 a little short at the top left in game 3, a costly mistake punished by a five-ball run-out from Sleepy B. That burst gave Sleepy B. the 2-1 series win, and she'll visit Royal Crowns rookie Sunshine in the second round.
We'll be back with another day tomorrow.
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