Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 7

We'll go with another full day today. We begin with...

Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Strut. South Division rivals clash in 8-ball with the green cue to lead things off. Golden's Strut held the lead early on, but a scratch stalled him out. Royal's Jake won within the next two turns to take a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Strut got down to the 8 in game 2, but he couldn't bring it home this time either. The Crowns' Jake made a three-ball run-out for the win and clinched the series at 2-0. In game 3, Jake had a chance to get the sweep but got sloppy near the end. Strut wasn't much better but he was able to win. Jake took the series 2-1.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Chimpy v. Dustin. The green cue stays active in 13-ball. Westside's Chimpy got shut out in game 1, as Central's Dustin commanded the game quickly. Dustin finished with a bank of the 8 to the bottom left through traffic, earning a 1-0 series lead in style. The Rockers' Chimpy made a four-ball run early in game 2, then coasted to the finish. The Warriors' Dustin applied pressure late but choked on his one chance at the 8, which Chimpy then converted to the bottom left. The series is tied at 1. Dustin had the right positioning for a moment in game 3, but he missed a shot. Chimpy put him in a tough spot, and Dustin illegally sank the 8 on the next turn to gift the game and the series away. Chimpy won the series 2-1. This was Dustin's 100th unique opponent.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Blake v. Bear. The purple cue draws in for Rotation. Freedom's Blake had a turn in the middle of game 1 that gave her control, and Commerce's Bear couldn't keep up. Blake won 8-5 to take a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Bear had a lead at one point in game 2, but he let it slip as the Cascades' Blake answered on a three-ball run. Blake eventually finished with an 8-4 win to secure the series at 2-0. Bear got a little redemption in game 3 with a four-ball run to take the lead. Blake made a pair, but Bear immediately replied with a pair to win 8-3. Blake took the series 2-1.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Patches v. Dreamy. More purple cue action comes in 15-ball. Oceanside's Patches couldn't gain control on offense, and that led to some chances for Swordpoint's Dreamy. At the end of game 1, Dreamy made the 15 for the win and 1-0 series lead after a bad miss from Patches. The Blades' Dreamy went empty on the game 2 break, and the Swifts' Patches turned a failed bank on the 1 into sinking the 15 at the top left on her lone shot. Patches tied the series at 1. Dreamy fouled late in game 3 as her shot on the 9 failed. Patches converted the 10-15 combination with a deflection off the 9 to get the win, earning a 2-1 series win.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Kitty v. Dewey. The blue cue activates in 9-ball. Midland's Kitty had the better play in game 1. Both players rattled the 9 out on their first looks, but Stonebridge's Dewey didn't get a second try after Kitty buried it to the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Kitty was poor to start game 2, and it cost her when the Wolves' Dewey jammed a shot off the 1 that deflected the 9 into the bottom left and the 6 into the top left. The series is tied at 1. Dewey had a chance on the 9 in game 3, but he couldn't pick it up. Kitty made it to the bottom left for the win and 2-1 series win.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Bear v. Jake. Both players get a second series today, playing Accuracy with the purple cue. Commerce's Bear scratched on the break and took a few turns to get on track. Royal's Jake had just one scratch and plenty of good luck in game 1 for his 1-5 win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Jake had a little trouble in the middle of game 2, and that led to the Tradewinds' Bear holding steady to earn a 1-2 win. This tied the series at 1. Jake made a double-pot in game 3 to give Bear the last-shot advantage. Bear squandered this by falling behind on the last ball, and Jake made it for a 1-2 win to take the series 2-1.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Rosalina. The red cue's lone appearance is in 8-ball. Victoria's Rosalina struck first in game 1, but Pronger's Precious fought it off with an eight-ball run-out on her third turn. Precious' win put her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Spurs' Rosalina made a four-ball run in game 2, but that came sandwiched between the Tridents' Precious opening the game on a five-ball run and closing it with a three-ball run-out. Precious didn't get much offense in game 3 as Rosalina made a seven-ball run early on. Two turns later, Rosalina got the win to avoid the sweep in Precious' 2-1 series win.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Hoot v. Sally. Captains collide in 7-ball with the green cue. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot made the 2 and the 7 to the left corners on the game 1 break to earn a quick 1-0 series lead over Archtown's Sally. The Meteors' Hoot scratched on his first turn in game 2. The Arrows' Sally replied with a three-ball run, but she missed on the 4, and Hoot had a three-ball run-out for the win. This secured the series at 2-0 for Hoot. In game 3, Hoot needed only two shots to get the win with a 1-7 combination at the bottom right as he completed the 3-0 sweep over Sally.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sugar v. Dusky. More 7-ball features the blue cue. Tysini's Sugar had the better offense in game 1, taking the win over Atlantic's Dusky with a three-ball run-out. Sugar leads the series 1-0. The Hummingbirds' Sugar worked a three-ball run late in a sloppy game 2, but she missed a long shot on the 7. The Pirates' Dusky picked it off at the end for the win, tying the series at 1. Dusky had a poor first turn in game 3, but she made a four-ball run-out later to get the win and a 2-1 series win over Sugar.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Molly v. Sleepy B.: In 9-ball, the purple cue takes a turn. Southern's Molly scratched on the game 1 break, but Archtown's Sleepy B. had a scratch on the 7 near the end. Molly took the 9 from ball-in-hand for an easy win and 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Molly had her fair share of offense in game 2, but double-potting the 7 and 8 to the bottom side and bottom right left her no angle on the 9. She missed, and the Arrows' Sleepy B. sent it to the top right for the win to tie the series at 1. Sleepy B. had an unfortunate scratch in game 3, as that led to Molly working a six-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win. Molly took the series 2-1.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Snowball v. Nightfur. Back in 8-ball, the green cue cycles in. Westside's Snowball opened game 1 with a five-ball run on stripes. Zenith's Nightfur fired back with a three-ball run and a four-ball run-out on consecutive turns to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Skywatchers' Nightfur started slow again in game 2, but answered with a six-ball run. The Rockers' Snowball responded this time with a five-ball run-out, including a gutsy cut on the 8 to the bottom right to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was the closest of them all, which saw Nightfur get down to her last ball before Snowball made a three-ball run-out for the win. Snowball won the series 2-1.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stinky v. Fuchsia. The purple cue is done for the day after this 7-ball set. Freedom's Stinky went empty on the game 1 break, and Infinity's Fuchsia missed her attempt at an early finish. Stinky then ran the table on his second turn to earn the win and 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fuchsia continued to waste limited chances on offense, with two misses in game 2. These led to a three-ball run and a four-ball run-out for the Cascades' Stinky, who sealed the series at 2-0 with the win. Fuchsia did better on offense in game 3, making a pair of shots at the end to earn the win. Stinky still advanced to the first round with a 2-1 series win.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Mario. A burgeoning rivalry plays in 10-ball with the silver cue. Web City's Jack had his looks early in game 1, but he was too aggressive late. Queens' Mario nabbed the 10 cleanly and took the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Mario had the better play in game 2, but he couldn't corral the 10 at the end on a bank attempt. The Spiders' Jack plucked it at the top right and earned the win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 was pretty tight as both players refused to budge much. Jack held his ground better in the end with four of the last five balls to earn the win and 2-1 series win over Mario.

Apple Center, Todavía: Pedey v. Starlight. West Division rivals battle with the silver cue in 7-ball. Todavía's Pedey posted a four-ball run early in game 1 and then added a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead over Pacific's Starlight. In game 2, the Volcanoes' Starlight made a six-ball run on her first turn, but couldn't get a play on the 7. The Stills' Pedey stole the win with a snipe to the top left, securing the series in his favor at 2-0. Pedey had a lucky bounce early in game 3, but he couldn't cash it in later as Starlight finished strong to get her lone win. Pedey advanced on a 2-1 series win. This was Starlight's 100th unique opponent.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Gabby. The green cue closes the day in 9-ball. Southern's Gabby had some positive moments in game 1, but her finishing wasn't there, and Harrison's Twinkie II took the final pair after Gabby scratched. Twinkie II leads the series 1-0. The Specters' Twinkie II put in a similar effort in game 2, but the Monarchs' Gabby stepped up her game this time. Gabby finished with a four-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Twinkie II wasn't able to make a shot in game 3, as Gabby made a trio of three-ball runs for the win and 2-1 series win. 

We should be back for more action tomorrow.

Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 6

After a couple of days off for rest, Tournament play returns today. We begin with...

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Kelsea. The opening series has the green cue in Accuracy. Capital City's Kelsea kept up early in game 1, but faded late as Boston's Gradley refused to budge. Gradley won 1-4 and took a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 had some chaotic play, but the Swifts' Gradley stayed calm and picked up a 2-5 win over the Sharpshooters' Kelsea this time. Gradley clinched the series at 2-0. Kelsea turned it around with a strong game 3, beating Gradley 1-5 to avoid the sweep in a 2-1 series.

Sony Center, Queens: Briana v. Kelsea. The visitor finishes a road doubleheader in 8-ball with the blue cue. Capital City's Kelsea picked up the pace in game 1, but faded late as Queens' Briana applied pressure. Briana slipped later and Kelsea held on for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Briana got onto the 8 in game 2, but she left it near the top left. The Sharpshooters' Kelsea responded on a three-ball run-out for the win, pulling off a comeback for the win and 2-0 series lead. Game 3 saw Kelsea unravel a six-ball run early on. Briana made it close at the end, but Kelsea held on for the win and 3-0 series sweep. Kelsea heads to the first round.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Taylor S. The purple cue activates in 10-ball. Boston's Gradley made a few too many mistakes in game 1, and Commerce's Taylor S. cleaned up with the 10 cut to the top right at the end. Taylor S. holds a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Gradley sank the 1 in an uncalled pocket in game 2, and the Tradewinds' Taylor S. deferred possession back to him. Gradley then cut a 2-10 combination to the top left as intended for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was pretty close, but Gradley couldn't finish it off with a miss on the 9. Taylor S. stepped in to make the final pair for the win and 2-1 series win.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Starlight v. Goldy. A captains' battle goes in 10-ball with the silver cue. Pacific's Starlight fumbled possession with a missed contact in the middle of game 1. Everton's Goldy made a four-ball run but missed on the 10, and Starlight buried it to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Volcanoes' Starlight had a five-ball run in game 2, but she sank the 10 illegally and missed it on a second try. The Eagles' Goldy picked it off at the top side for the win to tie the series at 1. Goldy rattled off a four-ball run-out in game 3 after a close battle with Starlight early. This gave Goldy a 2-1 series win.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sally v. Omari. The green cue returns for some 8-ball. Archtown's Sally quickly got onto the 8 in game 1, but Zenith's Omari successfully stalled her with defense until he could catch up. Omari won with a bank of the 8 to the bottom left for a 1-0 series lead. The Skywatchers' Omari took the lead early in game 2 and never let go. The Arrows' Sally couldn't overcome the deficit before Omari sent the 8 to the top left, which clinched the series for him at 2-0. Sally jumped ahead of Omari in game 3, eventually finishing with a win to dodge the sweep. Omari instead advanced on a 2-1 series win.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sugar v. Jack. The purple cue cycles in with Accuracy. Tysini's Sugar made a ball on the game 1 break, but she faltered late. Web City's Jack was steady enough at the end to win 2-3, going up 1-0 in the series. The Spiders' Jack was once again solid in game 2, while the Hummingbirds' Sugar lost her pace early on. Sugar never tasted the lead as Jack won 2-4, sealing the series for him at 2-0. Sugar avoided the sweep in game 3, going nearly perfect until a late miss left her with a 1-2 win. Jack won the series 2-1 overall.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Maggie. The silver cue takes a turn in 12-ball. Modernistic's Maggie was excellent at defense in game 1, baiting Victoria's Spice into a pair of missed contact plays. Maggie made three balls from that, earning the win and 1-0 series lead. The Union's Maggie began game 2 with a four-ball run, but she couldn't line up for her final shot at the top side. The Spurs' Spice chipped back slowly and ended up with the win to tie the series at 1. Maggie looked good with a four-ball run early in game 3, but positioning prevailed for the Spurs' Spice. She kicked a shot on the 14 at the top right to ignite a five-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Ice Cream v. Paps. A South Division rivalry is next, using the red cue in 15-ball. Boston's Ice Cream didn't find much joy in game 1, as Zenith's Paps posted three notable runs, the last of which earned him a win. Paps leads the series 1-0. The Skywatchers' Paps remained strong on offense in game 2, even as the Swifts' Ice Cream got more involved. Ice Cream missed her chance on the 15 and Paps converted it to seal the series at 2-0. Paps put the 15 near the top left on the game 3 break, but he never got to finish it. Ice Cream made a 4-15 combination to avoid the sweep as Paps advanced on a 2-1 series win.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Cubby v. Omari. The silver cue exits after this 13-ball series. Zenith's Omari had a solid comeback effort in game 1, but he scratched near the end. Archtown's Cubby stepped up to earn the win and 1-0 series lead over his former teammate from last season. The Skywatchers' Omari got onto the 8 in game 2, but his positioning was poor after a four-ball run. He ended up gifting a ball to the Arrows' Cubby, who made his next pair of shots for the win. Cubby clinched the series at 2-0. Cubby made a ball to the top side early in game 3, but it was a five-ball run that established him as the runaway winner. He added the 8 to the top left for a 3-0 series sweep over Omari.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Bandit v. Greg. The blue cue is done after an Accuracy series. Swordpoint's Bandit slipped in the middle of game 1, and that led to an easy win for Archtown's Greg. He took the 1-0 series lead with a 2-4 win. The Arrows' Greg made a pair on the break but didn't improve in game 2. His two misses stuck him with a loss as the Blades' Bandit tightened his shooting for a 1-2 win to tie the series at 1. Greg held the lead throughout game 3, but lost control at the end. This created overtime, where Greg missed on his second shot and Bandit converted for a 4-5 win to take the series 2-1.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Ingrid v. Autumn. In 7-ball, the purple cue gets a look between South Division rivals. Southridge's Ingrid made a pair on the break and a pair on her final turn of game 1 for the win and 1-0 series lead over Diamond's Autumn. The Gems' Autumn struggled again in game 2, but the loss was still unlucky, as the Defenders' Ingrid deflected off the 5 to sink the 7 at the top left. The 5 also caromed into the top side for a double-pot, giving Ingrid the series at 2-0 with some style points. Game 3 saw Ingrid suffer a scratch early on. Autumn picked up some offense, but Ingrid closed with a four-ball run-out to complete the 3-0 series sweep.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Quincy v. Sydney C. A pair of Union players battle in 15-ball with the green cue. Quincy had a good start in game 1, but Sydney C. took over towards the end. Sydney C. prevailed with a four-ball run-out to earn a 1-0 series lead. Both players lost a bit of pace in game 2, but it was worse for Sydney C. Quincy instead picked things up later, winning on an 11-15 combination to the top right to tie the series at 1. Quincy had some moments in game 3, but he wasn't consistent enough. At the end, Sydney C. sniped the 15 to the bottom left for the win and 2-1 series win.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Sweetheart v. Bianca. Another South Division battle uses the red cue in 10-ball. Boston's Sweetheart popped off at the end of game 1 with a six-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead over Southridge's Bianca. The Swifts' Sweetheart had some good offense in the middle of game 2, but the Defenders' Bianca converted on a 6-10 combination to the bottom left to get the win. This tied the series at 1. Sweetheart retook control of the offense in game 3 with a six-ball run and a pair on the next turn for a dominant win over Bianca. Sweetheart won the series 2-1 to get into the first round.

Sony Center, Queens: Mario v. Josie. The red cue's day ends in 7-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Josie picked up a four-ball run-out after a slow start for both her and Queens' Mario in game 1. Josie leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Josie sank the 5 to the bottom left on the break, then followed up with a 1-7 combination to the bottom right for the win and 2-0 series lead over the Flames' Mario. In game 3, Josie seemed fine at the start, but couldn't find much offense at the end. Mario nabbed the 7 to the top right for the win, leaving Josie with a 2-1 series win.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Blaze v. Leonette. Ending the day, the purple cue is used in 12-ball between West Division players. Infinity's Blaze tried to make a comeback in game 1, but he couldn't sink his last ball. Pacific's Leonette made a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Leonette spent a long time trying to sink her last ball in game 2, but she instead scratched. The Torpedoes' Blaze then cashed in with a pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Blaze kept his offense strong in game 3, finishing with a bank to the top right to beat Leonette 2-1 in the series. 

That's it for today's games. We're still battling a bit of fatigue so consider the remainder of this week as a tentative continuation of the schedule.

Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 5

A delayed start sees a later run of action Friday. First up...

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Leonette v. Cubby. The purple cue is in for Accuracy to start the day. Pacific's Leonette had a couple of mistakes in game 1, but she held the last-shot advantage. Archtown's Cubby went empty on the overtime break, and Leonette took a 3-4 win for the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw some fireworks, as the Arrows' Cubby made a triple-pot and the Volcanoes' Leonette answered with a double-pot late in regulation. In overtime, Cubby scratched on his third shot and Leonette converted for a 1-2 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Leonette went perfect in game 3 for a 0-1 win, taking the series in a 3-0 sweep over Cubby.

Sony Center, Queens: Crystal v. Blake. The purple cue stays in action for 12-ball. Queens' Crystal had a good start to game 1, but it was her three-ball run at the end that was enough to defeat Freedom's Blake. Crystal is ahead 1-0 in the series. The Cascades' Blake had control in game 2, but a pair of scratches allowed the Flames' Crystal to cover her own mistakes. Crystal showed better quality at the end for the win that clinched the series at 2-0. Blake again came close to a win in game 3, but her missed contact on the 1 cost her. Crystal made a three-ball run-out with a kick on her last shot to the top right to complete the 3-0 series sweep.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Roxy v. Leonardo. The blue cue's lone appearance of the day is here in 9-ball. Diamond's Leonardo won game 1 on his first shot, missing a cut on the 1 at the top side but getting a carom to sink the 9 in the bottom left for the 1-0 series lead over Southridge's Roxy. The Gems' Leonardo had a four-ball run in the middle of game 2, but he faltered after that. The Defenders' Roxy replied with a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Neither player was very good in game 3, which ended with Leonardo making a 5-9 combination to the bottom left for a 2-1 series win over Roxy.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Frosty v. Starlight. More 9-ball features the purple cue. Freedom's Frosty scratched on the game 1 break, and Pacific's Starlight won on her second shot with a 2-9 combination to the top left for a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Frosty scratched twice in game 2, but the Volcanoes' Starlight had a costly scratch on the 3. Frosty took the ball-in-hand to make a 3-9 combination to the bottom right for the win, tying the series at 1. Frosty scratched twice again in game 3, while Starlight also had a pair of scratches. Frosty won with a 7-9 bank combination to the bottom left for the 2-1 series win, but she was fuming with her new home venue after the series. "It's ridiculous that there's this many scratches on this table," Frosty said, adding that she wants changes to be made.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Sydney C. v. Violetta. Another 9-ball series with the purple cue is up next. Modernistic's Sydney C. made seven balls over two turns, but a scratch after her second run allowed Queens' Violetta to poach the game 1 win for a 1-0 series lead. The roles reversed in game 2, as the Flames' Violetta made runs of three and four balls before ending her second turn with a miss on the 8. The Union's Sydney C. sank a pair after that for the win, tying the series at 1. The dominant player finally prevailed in game 3, as Violetta made a pair of four-ball runs sandwiched around Sydney C.'s lone turn after the break. Violetta won the series 2-1 and will play in the first round.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Nibbles v. Ms. Kitty. The red cue draws in for this 7-ball set. Web City's Nibbles controlled play in game 1 and beat Pacific's Ms. Kitty with a three-ball run-out. Nibbles leads the series 1-0. The Spiders' Nibbles looked good with a four-ball run in game 2, but he missed on the 6. Stunningly and out of nowhere, Ms. Kitty sank the 6-7 combination to the top right with the 6 drifting into the bottom right for a double-pot to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Both players had narrow misses on the 7 late in game 3, but it was Nibbles who ultimately converted to get the 2-1 series win.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Rudolph v. Stephanie. Players on new teams collide in 9-ball with the purple cue. Eastside's Rudolph had a slight edge in game 1 over Swordpoint's Stephanie, but it was a 2-9 combination to the top left that led to Rudolph taking a 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Stephanie did better at keeping game 2 even, but she missed her lone chance on the 9. The Sharks' Rudolph stepped up and buried it on a cut to the top left to secure the series at 2-0. Rudolph wasn't able to complete the sweep, as Stephanie started and ended game 3 with three-ball runs to get her lone win. Rudolph settled for a 2-1 series win.

Intel Center, Diamond: Leonardo v. Esmeralda. The host's second series of the day is in 10-ball with the green cue. Hard positioning made things difficult on both sides in game 1. Diamond's Leonardo prevailed with a 4-10 combination to the top left to go ahead 1-0 in the series over Harrison's Esmeralda. The Specters' Esmeralda looked better with a three-ball run in game 2, but the Gems' Leonardo answered it with a four-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Esmeralda had a foul in game 3, and Leonardo used the ball-in-hand to make a 2-10 combination to the top left. Leonardo swept the series 3-0 and will play in the first round.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Maren v. Dreamy. The silver cue steps up for Rotation. Apex's Maren had a three-ball run in the middle to take control of game 1, and Swordpoint's Dreamy didn't muster much of a response. Maren won 8-2 for the 1-0 series lead. The Wonders' Maren made a triple-pot on the game 2 break and held the lead for a bit, but she never had a chance to answer a five-ball run-out from the Blades' Dreamy, who won the game 8-5. The series is tied at 1. Dreamy sent the cue ball off the table on her game 3 break, but Maren's chance to take control was negated by a scratch. Dreamy surged ahead and held off Maren's comeback in an 8-6 win. Dreamy took the series 2-1.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Vincent v. Waluigi. East Division rivals meet in 13-ball with the purple cue. Web City's Waluigi made a mess of game 1 with multiple scratches, allowing Everton's Vincent to eventually get the win on a three-ball run-out. Vincent leads the series 1-0. The Spiders' Waluigi never had a chance to ignite his offense in game 2, as the Eagles' Vincent worked his way to the win in four turns. Vincent's cleaner play this time secured the series in his favor at 2-0. Vincent reverted to poor positioning and too many scratches in game 3, while Waluigi slowly found positioning on his last ball to get the win. Vincent advanced on a 2-1 series win.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Waluigi v. Gabby. The host completes a doubleheader in 12-ball with the red cue. Southern's Gabby had the edge early in game 1, but her inability to sink her last ball allowed Web City's Waluigi to make the comeback for a win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 took on the form of a race as the Spiders' Waluigi got off to a good start. The Monarchs' Gabby was patient and benefited from good positioning to pick up a shot at the bottom right for the win. The series is tied at 1. Gabby had a finish planned out in game 3, but couldn't spark the run before Waluigi cleaned things up for the win. Waluigi took the series 2-1.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Leonette v. Quincy. The host gets a second series today, using the silver cue in 7-ball. Pacific's Leonette dominated the offense in game 1, but a miss on the 7 allowed Modernistic's Quincy to strike at the bottom side. He converted for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Leonette had all the offense again in game 2, but twice missed on the 7. The Union's Quincy buried it to the top right on his second try for the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Quincy was a bit more involved in the offense in game 3, giving him a case for earning the win with a pair of shots at the end as he beat Leonette. Quincy swept the series 3-0.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Sweetheart. The purple cue checks out after Rotation. Boston's Sweetheart had the lead early in game 1, but Whitewater's Marsell slowly chipped back to pick up an 8-5 win and 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Sweetheart got closer to victory in game 2, but she stalled out a shot away. The Shores' Marsell was persistent and rallied on a four-ball run-out for the 8-7 win. Marsell clinched the series at 2-0. Sweetheart didn't get back on track for game 3, letting it completely slip away as Marsell swept the series 3-0 with an 8-2 win.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Sally. The green cue gets another look in 10-ball. Tysini's Leandra made a three-ball run-out at the end with a bit of fortune after a choppy game 1 battle with Archtown's Sally. Leandra leads the series 1-0. The Arrows' Sally had trouble stringing shots together in game 2. The Hummingbirds' Leandra wasn't a lot better, but she double-potted the 7-10 combination to the bottom right and top right corners for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Game 3 came to an early end when Leandra deflected a shot off the 3 to sink the 10 at the top left. Leandra swept Sally 3-0.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Isabella v. Prism. The day ends with Rotation and the silver cue between East Division rivals. Atlantic's Isabella appeared to be in good shape in game 1, but she lost control late as Pronger's Prism posted a pair of turns to rally to an 8-6 win. Prism leads the series 1-0. Game 2 was contested up to the middle, where the Tridents' Prism pulled away from the Pirates' Isabella. Prism held on in the end for another 8-6 win to secure the series at 2-0. Prism couldn't take control after a four-ball run got her level with Isabella. At the end of game 3, Isabella made a pair for the 8-6 win, leaving Prism to advance on a 2-1 series win. 

That's it for today. We'll be back tomorrow, hopefully with an on-time start.

Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 4

Tournament play rolls on today, but the blue cue will get the day off. The action is beginning with...

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Stephanie v. Avril. The purple cue starts the day in Accuracy. Game 1 wasn't pretty, but Pronger's Avril let too many opportunities pass by, allowing Swordpoint's Stephanie to grab a 5-6 win despite a poor performance. Stephanie leads the series 1-0. The Tridents' Avril had a better performance, but fell apart at the end. The Blades' Stephanie was also improved and earned a 2-3 win to secure the series at 2-0 after game 2. It was more of the same in game 3, as Avril lost control late and Stephanie claimed another 2-3 win to sweep the series 3-0.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Sprinkles v. Sarah. West Division stars collide in 12-ball with the purple cue. Tysini's Sarah took stripes at the sides quickly in game 1, giving her the extra boost needed to hold off a strong challenge from Capital City's Sprinkles. Sarah made a pair on her last turn for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Sarah went empty on the game 2 break, and the Sharpshooters' Sprinkles responded with a three-ball run. Sprinkles made a three-ball run-out a couple of turns later for the win to tie the series at 1. Both players ended up needing the top corners in game 3 after late scratches. The battle for positioning was won by Sarah, who then cut the 2 to the top right at the end to claim the 2-1 series win.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Jennifer. The red cue draws in for this battle in 9-ball in the North Division. Pearl's Watermelon had an empty break in game 1, and Terrace City's Jennifer deflected a shot off the 1 to sink the 9 at the top left on her first shot. Jennifer leads the series 1-0. A much slower game 2 saw the Knights' Jennifer struggle. The Surfers' Watermelon wasn't great either, but she picked up a three-ball run-out at the end for the win. Watermelon quickly took care of game 3, sending the 9 to the bottom left on the break for the win and 2-1 series win over Jennifer.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Snuggle v. Prism. The East Division gets its turn with the purple cue in 12-ball. Harrison's Snuggle scratched on the break in game 1, then followed in the footsteps of Pronger's Prism, who remained ahead and won with a shot to the top right. Prism leads the series 1-0. The Tridents' Prism had another positive start to game 2, and the Specters' Snuggle couldn't even muster a response this time. Prism walked away with the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Prism dominated game 3 with a five-ball run-out in response to Snuggle's three-ball run. Prism swept the series 3-0 to get into the first round. This was Snuggle's 100th unique opponent.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Goatee. Prime club-mates tangle in Rotation with the silver cue. A slow start was erased by Lighton's Acorn making a six-ball run. Westside's Goatee mounted a challenge, but Acorn held on for an 8-5 win to go up 1-0 in the series. The Rockers' Goatee was error-prone in game 2, leading to a lot of wasted possession. The Prestige's Acorn made three balls on the break and never trailed in an 8-2 win to seal the series at 2-0. Goatee put up a better challenge late in game 3, but she wouldn't finish it off, as Acorn grabbed the 8-7 win for a 3-0 series sweep.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Autumn. Onto 8-ball with the green cue. Infinity's Fluffina was not afraid to take chances, and it paid off in a three-turn win over Diamond's Autumn in game 1. Fluffina had seven balls over the last two turns to pull off the shutout for a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fluffina started game 2 well, but lost pace near the end. The Gems' Autumn gambled with hard deflected contact on the 8, but it ignited a four-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Autumn jumped out to a massive lead with a five-ball run early in game 3. She lost control later on, and Fluffina stormed back on a seven-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Graham v. Sally. Two of Forest SC's finest clash in Rotation with the green cue for an East Division set. Archtown's Sally had a three-ball run to briefly take the lead in game 1, but Central's Graham replied with a three-ball run-out for the 8-6 win. Graham leads the series 1-0. All of the offense for the Arrows' Sally in game 2 came from two errors by the Warriors' Graham early on. When Sally fouled twice late, Graham returned the favor to earn an 8-4 win that clinched the series in his favor at 2-0. Graham fell short of the sweep in a choppy game 3, which saw Sally collect and 8-4 win. Graham advanced on a 2-1 series win.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Buddy v. Nikolai. More East Division action features the red cue in 7-ball. Freedom's Nikolai had too much power on his shots, leading to a late scratch in game 1. Atlantic's Buddy deflected off the 6 to sink the 7 at the top left for a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Buddy went empty on the break in game 2. The Cascades' Nikolai quickly made a 1-6 combination to the top left with a deflection to add the 7 in the bottom left for the win. This tied the series at 1. Buddy couldn't make a shot on his lone turn in game 3, as Nikolai took a three-ball run off the break and a four-ball run-out to get the win and 2-1 series win. Nikolai is through to the first round.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Roxy. The silver cue checks in for 7-ball. Southridge's Roxy had a late foul in game 1 that led to Whitewater's Katharine making a three-ball run-out for the win. Katharine leads the series 1-0. The Defenders' Roxy wasn't able to clean up her play enough in game 2, as a miss on the 6 sealed her fate. The Shores' Katharine made the final pair and earned the win to seal the series at 2-0. Katharine was a little sloppy in game 3, costing her a chance at the sweep when Roxy made a four-ball run-out for the win. Katharine settled for a 2-1 series win.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Chimpy v. Waluigi. Enigmatic opponents face off in 15-ball with the purple cue. Westside's Chimpy had an unfortunate error on the 3, and Web City's Waluigi capitalized with a 3-15 combination to the top right from ball-in-hand. Waluigi took a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Waluigi wasn't able to strike quickly again in game 2, leading to a full game. At the end, he missed a few shots, and the Rockers' Chimpy made the final pair for the win to tie the series at 1. A back-and-forth battle in game 3 eventually favored Waluigi, who ran away with it on a six-ball run-out for the 2-1 series win over Chimpy.

Apple Center, Todavía: Pedey v. Whiskers. More 15-ball uses the red cue. Maplewood's Whiskers came close to a win in game 1, but she left the 15 at the bottom left. Todavía's Pedey made the tap in for the win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Stills' Pedey had a decent attack early in game 2, but the Lumberjacks' Whiskers made the last seven balls over two turns for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 went slowly at first, then suddenly fell to Whiskers as her shot on the 7 set off a chain reaction that sent the 15 into the bottom side for the win and 2-1 series win over Pedey.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Goatee v. Dreamy. Back up north, the red cue stays in action for Accuracy. In game 1, a close battle emerged that eventually went to overtime. Swordpoint's Dreamy was empty on the overtime break, and Westside's Goatee converted for a 1-2 win and 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Goatee lost her way a bit near the end of game 2, fading late as the Blades' Dreamy held on just enough for a 2-4 win. This tied the series at 1. Dreamy will rue a scratch on the break of game 3, as that error was the margin of difference in Goatee's 2-3 win. Goatee took the series 2-1.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Cobalt v. Spice. The silver cue's done for the day after this 9-ball outing. Victoria's Spice couldn't take control in a choppy game 1, leading to Viewpoint Sound's Cobalt taking the win with a pair at the end. Cobalt holds a 1-0 series lead. Another tight battle in game 2 saw the Meteors' Cobalt stumble late while the Spurs' Spice picked up the final pair for a win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 went a little faster, thanks to Cobalt pulling off a difficult five-ball run-out to beat Spice. Cobalt won the series 2-1 to book his ticket to the first round.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Lorde v. Marsell. The red cue checks out with 13-ball. Southern's Lorde made some noise on stripes early, but Whitewater's Marsell made a run to take control of game 1. He added a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Lorde played through an overfill in game 2, controversially getting herself into a better position before the Shores' Marsell noticed. Marsell tried to catch up, but Lorde took the win and tied the series at 1, leading to some simmering resent from the visitor. Lorde made quick work of Marsell in game 3, barely needing three turns to clear the solids and sink the 8 at the top left. Lorde won the series 2-1, although not without questions of integrity.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Angelica v. Dusty. The finale today is in 12-ball with the green cue. Lighton's Angelica took her offense in pairs in game 1, leading to a very quick attack to stun Golden's Dusty. Angelica got the win and took a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Angelica had a four-ball run in game 2, but couldn't get positioning for her last ball. The Pilots' Dusty answered on a four-ball run and then used ball-in-hand to finish the game after Angelica missed contact. The series is tied at 1. Dusty had everything in line for a win in game 3, but she missed on her last ball. Angelica bounced back to sink her final pair for the win and 2-1 series win. 

That's it for today. We'll have our first Friday session tomorrow.

Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 3

We're ready to resume Tournament play today. Leading off...

Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Brownie. Veterans collide in Rotation with the purple cue. Pronger's Precious looked in control in game 1, but it didn't last, and Royal's Brownie made a five-ball run-out for the 8-6 win and 1-0 series lead. Scratches held the Tridents' Precious back in game 2, but she still held a lead for most of the game. The Crowns' Brownie had one scratch on the 15, allowing Precious to earn an 8-7 win to tie the series at 1. Precious erupted with a seven-ball run from the break in game 3, giving her a huge lead. Brownie made a pair before a miscue, and Precious won 8-2 to take the series 2-1.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Goldy v. Taylor S. A captains' battle in 15-ball uses the purple cue as well. After a brutally slow start to game 1, Everton's Goldy found a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead over Commerce's Taylor S. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. didn't really improve much in game 2. The Eagles' Goldy started and ended with three-ball runs, including a cluster-busting 9-15 bank combination to the top right to seal the series at 2-0. Taylor S. nearly had a chance at a late run, but she scratched. Goldy picked up a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand to claim the win and sweep the series 3-0.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Twinkie III v. Smudge. The red cue checks in for an 8-ball series. Infinity's Smudge put in a good effort but couldn't corral the 8. Whitewater's Twinkie III made a three-ball run-out at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Twinkie III had one good turn in game 2, but the Torpedoes' Smudge responded to it with a six-ball run-out, cruising to the win. Smudge has tied the series at 1. A closely played game 3 went down to the wire, where Smudge converted a four-ball run-out to beat Twinkie III 2-1 in the series.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Cowzart v. Acorn. The Wonders' home opener comes in Accuracy with the silver cue. Apex's Cowzart let game 1 get away with two late misses and a scratch in overtime, as Lighton's Acorn held true to win 4-5. Acorn holds a 1-0 series lead. Another late fade doomed the Wonders' Cowzart in game 2, as Acorn did enough to claim a 3-4 win this time. Acorn clinched the series at 2-0. Cowzart did his best in game 3 to salvage one win from the series, taking a 1-3 result over Acorn. On a 2-1 series win, Acorn heads to the first round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Ellie v. Ms. Puppy. The silver cue stays active for 8-ball. Capital City's Ellie had a steady offense throughout game 1, while Modernistic's Ms. Puppy tried and failed to catch up at the end. Ellie sent the 8 to the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Ellie started slower in game 2, but she recovered with a three-ball run-out for the comeback win over the Union's Ms. Puppy. Ellie sealed the series at 2-0. Ms. Puppy had a couple of noticeable runs in game 3, but she couldn't pick up the 8. Ellie was steady again and swept the series 3-0.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Klaus. The silver cue goes again in 13-ball. Tysini's Leandra made two stripes and a solid off the break, but Central's Klaus fired back with strong offense throughout and a three-ball run-out for the game 1 win. Klaus is up 1-0 in the series. The Warriors' Klaus made a pair on the break but was mostly quiet after that as the Hummingbirds' Leandra paced the play in game 2. Leandra had no trouble earning the win to tie the series at 1. A slow start in game 3 gave way to Leandra's five-ball run-out for the win. She had collateral damage, so Klaus had a chance to fight back, but he missed his first shot on that turn. Leandra took the series 2-1.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Lindsay v. Spirit. A rookie and a star collide in 8-ball with the silver cue. Stonebridge's Lindsay wasn't bad in game 1, with a five-ball run to get onto the 8, but she stalled out. Lighton's Spirit fought back with a six-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Spirit had a decent attack in game 2, but the Wolves' Lindsay kept things close this time. Lindsay then made a pair at the end for the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, runs were back in the spotlight. Spirit scratched on her attempt at the 8 to end a four-ball run, and Lindsay made sure her earlier five-ball run mattered as she earned the win and a 2-1 series win.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Twilight. The purple cue is done for the day after this 13-ball set. Whitewater's Katharine stunned with a six-ball run off the break, and Central's Twilight couldn't battle back in game 1. Katharine won on her second turn for a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Katharine slowed things down early in game 2, as the Warriors' Twilight carved out some offense. Twilight's positioning failed her late, and Katharine won on a three-ball run-out to secure the series at 2-0. Twilight got down to her last ball in game 3, but she again failed to strike late. Katharine bounced back on a three-ball run-out and finished the series sweep at 3-0.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Missy v. Bianca. The green cue's lone appearance today is in 7-ball. Capital City's Missy won on the game 1 break with the 6 in the bottom left and the 7 in the top side for a 1-0 series lead over Southridge's Bianca. The Sharpshooters' Missy had a three-ball run in the middle of game 2, but the Defenders' Bianca answered it with a pair in response. Bianca's late strike gave her the win to tie the series at 1. Missy couldn't get much going in game 3, and her scratch as she made the 6 sealed her fate in a loss. Bianca took the 7 easily and won the series 2-1 to get into the first round.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Anna v. Gal. In Rotation, the blue cue gets a turn. Terrace City's Anna had a three-ball run early in game 1, but North Modernistic's Gal kept a consistent attack to cover it. Gal ended up winning 8-4 to take the 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Gal never trailed in game 2, controlling the pace of play in a balanced game. The Knights' Anna made a couple of plays but couldn't get ahead as Gal won 8-4 again to seal the series at 2-0. Gal got on the verge of a win in game 3, but couldn't quite bring it home. Anna made six balls over three turns to get the 8-7 win to avoid the sweep in Gal's 2-1 series win.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Strawberry v. Wild Thing. Another series for the blue cue is in 8-ball. Web City's Wild Thing held a lead for most of game 1. Victoria's Strawberry responded with a seven-ball run to get both players on the 8, and she made it on her second try for the 1-0 series lead over Wild Thing. The Spurs' Strawberry took too long on offense in game 2, opening the door for the Spiders' Wild Thing to make a comeback on a five-ball run-out. The series is tied at 1. Wild Thing struggled to get any offense in game 3, and Strawberry made him pay with a five-ball run-out of her own. Strawberry sealed the series at 2-1.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Wario v. Oreo. The red cue is up for 15-ball. Southridge's Wario had some good moments in game 1, but he got caught on illegal contact and couldn't establish a late run. Terrace City's Oreo was cleaner to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. Neither player had much control in game 2, with the Defenders' Wario finally grabbing a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1 with the Knights' Oreo. In game 3, Wario made an eight-ball run off the break, but he faltered after that. Oreo took six of the last seven balls over two turns for the win and 2-1 series win. Oreo will be in the first round.

Porsche Events Center, Zenith: Paps v. Starlight. The Skywatchers' home opener is in 13-ball with the red cue. Pacific's Starlight had a missed contact late in game 1, and Zenith's Paps replied with a four-ball run-out, including a bank of the 8 to the bottom side for a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Starlight got onto the 8 in game 2, but she couldn't find a play on it. The Skywatchers' Paps made the 2 after illegally potting it on a previous turn, then added a kick on the 8 to the bottom right for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Starlight got a bit more creative on offense in game 3, buying her enough time to finish cautiously for the win. Paps took the series 2-1.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Carly. North Division rivals meet in 12-ball with the silver cue. Westside's Carly used one run to get on the board and a three-ball run-out at the end to beat Commerce's Rosemary in game 1 for a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Rosemary only got one turn in game 2, as the Rockers' Carly began with a four-ball run and made another pair after that to pick up a quick win. Carly secured the series at 2-0. Rosemary was effective on offense in game 3, and she fended off a late attack from Carly to avoid the sweep. Carly settled for a 2-1 series win to get into the first round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Peach. The day ends with captains playing 10-ball with the blue cue. Capital City's Chris picked off a five-ball run in game 1, but he missed on the 10, and North Modernistic's Peach mopped it up at the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. A bad break in game 2 slowed down the offense, but the Sharpshooters' Chris broke loose for a three-ball run-out while the Nighthawks' Peach only watched. Chris' surge tied the series at 1. Chris handled most of the offense early in game 3, but Peach fought back on a four-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win. 

We'll continue tomorrow with more games.

Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 2

The second day of the season is here, leading off with...

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Peach v. Spot. The red cue starts today in Accuracy. North Modernistic's Peach was alright to start game 1, but she missed late, and Pronger's Spot took the win by a 2-3 score for the 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Peach couldn't gain traction in game 2, making it easy for the Tridents' Spot to seal the series at 2-0. Spot had one miss late to take the win at 1-4. Peach was at her best in game 3, picking up a 1-3 win as Spot struggled later in the game. Spot took the series 2-1 and will play in the first round.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Rocky v. Wild Thing. The blue cue gets the second series today, playing 12-ball as we revert back to the old-school rules in the event. Web City's Wild Thing had a surge in the middle of game 1, but Oceanside's Rocky fought it off with defense and earned the win. Rocky leads the series 1-0. The Waves' Rocky made it too easy for the Spiders' Wild Thing in game 2, sinking two of each on the opening turn. Wild Thing got positioning late and easily took the win to tie the series at 1. Rocky didn't have the positioning to keep up in game 3, and Wild Thing was able to make a late pair for the win and 2-1 series win. Wild Thing is in the first round.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Smokey. The silver cue draws in for a 15-ball series. Central's Twilight tried to make do despite a bad break in game 1. Pacific's Smokey didn't do much until his kick on the 4 collected the 15 at the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight did better in game 2, but she fouled as she potted the 15 on a cut to the bottom left that led her to scratch in the top right. She gifted the win away to the Volcanoes' Smokey, who clinched the series at 2-0. Smokey couldn't get his offense going in game 3, and Twilight ended up taking a strong win to salvage a 2-1 series loss to Smokey.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Mams. The green cue is next up, playing Rotation. Midland's Rainmane held a lead for much of game 1, but Swordpoint's Mams fired back on a three-ball run-out to take the 8-7 win. Mams leads the series 1-0. The Blades' Mams jumped out to a large lead in game 2, and the Predators' Rainmane never challenged it. Mams ran away with an 8-1 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Mams was relentless in game 3, making a six-ball run-out for the 8-2 win over Rainmane. This completed Mams' 3-0 series sweep to get into the first round.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Mr. Snowman. The first appearance of a player on an expansion team comes in 12-ball with the green cue in this North Division set. Apex's Mr. Snowman had a productive appearance in game 1, but couldn't make his shot to the bottom side. Pearl's Watermelon beat him there for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon had a good start in game 2, but she fouled late. The Wonders' Mr. Snowman took a four-ball run-out in response to get the win, tying the series at 1. Watermelon had a decent start, but couldn't find a late run. Mr. Snowman was there for three balls over his last two turns for the win and 2-1 series win.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Kelsea v. Bear. The silver cue is back in 15-ball. Capital City's Kelsea made a four-ball run early in game 1, but Commerce's Bear recovered with a four-ball run of his own. Bear got the win with a 13-15 combination to the top side for the 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Bear made a ball and scratched on the break in game 2. The Sharpshooters' Kelsea won two shots later with a 2-15 combination to the bottom side, tying the series at 1. Bear had some chances late in game 3 with four balls over two turns, but Kelsea fired a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Wild Thing v. Twilight. Both players make their second appearance today in 9-ball with the silver cue in a battle of East Division foes. Web City's Wild Thing missed contact on the 2 in game 1, and Central's Twilight used ball-in-hand to make a 2-9 combination for the win. Twilight holds a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight made a brilliant play to sink the 2 to the bottom left and pick up the 9 at the top left on a double-pot in game 2. This stunning play secured the series for her at 2-0 over the Spiders' Wild Thing. In game 3, Wild Thing made a four-ball run but missed on the 8. Twilight buried the final pair for a 3-0 series sweep.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Hoot v. Esmeralda. The purple cue activates in 12-ball. Harrison's Esmeralda put up a good fight despite Viewpoint Sound's Hoot getting near-instant positioning off the break. Hoot still picked up a narrow win for a 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Hoot got good positioning again in game 2, but he took too long to utilize it. The Specters' Esmeralda made the comeback with a pair at the end for the win to tie the series at 1. Esmeralda miscued badly at the end of game 3, wasting her chance to complete the series comeback. Hoot made his last ball from ball-in-hand for the 2-1 series win and trip to the first round.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Carly v. Bells. The purple cue goes again in 8-ball. Westside's Carly played around too long, allowing Zenith's Bells to get back into the battle with a four-ball run. Bells later picked up the game 1 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Carly had a three-ball run in game 2, but she couldn't corral the 8 at the end. The Skywatchers' Bells picked up a three-ball run-out in response for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Bells nearly had the sweep in a close game 3, but she scratched as she made the 8, gifting a single win to Carly. Bells took the series 2-1 to advance to the first round.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Lily v. Wario. The South Division gets highlighted in this 10-ball series with the blue cue. Southridge's Wario missed contact on a kick attempt on the 3, and Eastside's Lily turned it into a 3-10 combination to the top right for the win. Lily leads the series 1-0. The Sharks' Lily had a decent start to game 2, but she committed a stick foul on the 6. The Defenders' Wario replied with a four-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1 with his stroke of good fortune. Lily put up a fight in game 3 as Wario had control early, but it became an even battle that Lily won with a pair at the end. She took the series 2-1 to get into the first round.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Cubby v. Spot. In the East Division, the purple cue is done for the day after a 12-ball set. Pronger's Spot will regret a scratch in game 1, as it denied him the win later. Archtown's Cubby beat Spot to the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Spot put up a scattered defensive effort in game 2, but the Arrows' Cubby worked around it and took the win to secure the series at 2-0. Spot again tried to play defense and hold on when he didn't have the lead. Cubby instead beat him to the bottom left for the win and 3-0 series sweep.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Waluigi v. Esmeralda. The Halloween derby is on in 7-ball with the silver cue. Web City's Waluigi had the better share of the offense as Harrison's Esmeralda couldn't get control on her shots in game 1. Waluigi leads the series 1-0. The Specters' Esmeralda had a good play on the 4 that didn't fall, leading the Spiders' Waluigi to pot a three-ball run-out for the game 2 win, which sealed the series at 2-0. Waluigi still controlled the offense in game 3, but he missed on the 7, and Esmeralda cut it to the bottom right to avoid the sweep. Waluigi settled for a 2-1 series win.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Juno v. Strawberry. The red cue checks out after 12-ball. Victoria's Strawberry got down to her last ball in game 1, but couldn't sink it. Stonebridge's Juno fought back for a three-ball run-out to get the win and 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Juno botched a good set-up in game 2, scratching to give away possession. The Spurs' Strawberry punished it with a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Strawberry had game 3 in her hands before rattling the 13 off the edge of the top left. Juno made the next three balls over two turns to swipe the win and 2-1 series win.

Sony Center, Queens: Pauline v. Sierra. Another 12-ball series features the blue cue's finale for the day. Queens' Pauline won game 1 with a bank of the 11 to the bottom right to finish a three-ball run-out, as Todavía's Sierra couldn't get a good look at her last ball. Pauline owns a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Flames' Pauline burst out to a four-ball run on the break. The Stills' Sierra got a bit close, but never had the positioning to attack at the end. A foul ended her push, and Pauline struck the 15 to the top side for the win and 2-0 lead in the series. Sierra had a good turn in game 3, but it wasn't enough to hold off Pauline, who used a run and then made a pair after some positioning to get the win. Pauline swept the series 3-0.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Whiskers v. Taylor S. The day ends with the green cue in Rotation. Maplewood's Whiskers made a four-ball run on her second turn and never looked back, beating Commerce's Taylor S. 8-1 in game 1. Whiskers has a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. put up a better fight in game 2, battling with the Lumberjacks' Whiskers from the start. Taylor S. found a four-ball run to get the lead, and she held off the late challenge for an 8-5 win to tie the series at 1. Taylor S. started hot in game 3 and barely backed down at all. Whiskers tried to fight back late, but Taylor S. won 8-4 to take the series 2-1. This marked Whiskers' 100th unique opponent. 

That's it for Day 2. We'll continue with another full day tomorrow.

Tournament XI - Play-In Round Day 1

The competitive main event of Tournament XI is ready to begin today, starting a sequence of 18 days in the Play-In Round. All series in this round are three games long. Leading off...

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Patches v. Sunshine. A superstar on a new team and a hotshot sophomore meet in 7-ball with the green cue. Royal's Sunshine didn't get a lot of offense in game 1, but he picked off the 7 to the bottom right for a 1-0 series lead over Oceanside's Patches. The Crowns' Sunshine started game 2 with a six-ball run but couldn't haul in the 7, which the Waves' Patches cut to the top right. This tied the series at 1. Sunshine had a bold bank attempt on the 6 that missed at the top side and also sent the 7 off the edge of the rail. Patches buried both balls to the bottom side, the 7 on a bank for the win and 2-1 series win that secures her spot in the first round.

Intel Center, Diamond: Leonardo v. Gal. The silver cue gets the second series today, playing 8-ball. North Modernistic's Gal controlled play with a four-ball run in the middle of game 1. Diamond's Leonardo came up short on the comeback, and Gal sent the 8 to the top right for a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Gal pushed with a five-ball run in game 2 after a slow start, but she sank the 8 illegally after a miss on the 5. The Gems' Leonardo took the freebie, tying the series at 1. A close battle in game 3 went to Gal in the end, as she made the final pair when Leonardo faltered. Gal won the series 2-1.

Sony Center, Queens: Mario v. Maison. In Rotation, the blue cue enters the action. Eastside's Maison impressed with an early four-ball run, but he didn't get much more, as Queens' Mario dominated the rest of game 1 in an 8-5 win for the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was much more of a grind, which saw the Sharks' Maison narrowly beat the Flames' Mario by an 8-7 score to tie the series at 1. Another tough battle saw Maison take the lead in the middle, only for Mario to fight back for an 8-5 win. Mario advanced to the first round on a 2-1 series win.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Wild Thing v. Briana. A burgeoning rivalry sparks to life in 13-ball with the purple cue. Web City's Wild Thing overfilled on the game 1 break, and his positioning was poor. Queens' Briana had an easier time on offense and earned a win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Spiders' Wild Thing had the early lead in game 2, but positioning on his last ball was poor. The Flames' Briana bounced back with a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand to seal the series at 2-0. Briana again had a good break in game 3, and Wild Thing couldn't keep up in the end. Briana swept the series 3-0 to get into the first round.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Frosty. The silver cue cycles in again for 10-ball. Both players opened game 1 with a three-ball run, but Southern's Dominic made a four-ball run-out on his second turn to beat Freedom's Frosty. Dominic leads the series 1-0. The Cascades' Frosty had a couple of chances at the 10 in game 2, but she missed both. The Monarchs' Dominic eventually put it in the top left for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Frosty didn't have much left for game 3, allowing Dominic to control the pace as he won with a three-ball run-out. Dominic swept the series 3-0.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Buddy v. Taylor M. A venue doubleheader starts with the green cue in 10-ball. Atlantic's Buddy had more success early in game 1, but it went to waste as Eastside's Taylor M. won with a five-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Taylor M. kept the momentum up early, but the Pirates' Buddy snagged the final pair in game 2 to get a win of his own. The series is tied at 1. Buddy wasn't able to get consistent offense in game 3, leaving Taylor M. to snipe the 10 at the top left for a 2-1 series win.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Dusky v. Sydney S. The green cue stays active in Accuracy. Boston's Sydney S. had a good start to game 1, but let it slip away at the end. Atlantic's Dusky closed well and earned a 2-3 win to go up 1-0 in the series. The Swifts' Sydney S. fell behind much quicker in game 2, and the Pirates' Dusky showed little mercy in the 1-3 win that allowed her to seal the series at 2-0. Dusky brought a good effort in game 3, but Sydney S. went perfect for the 0-1 win to avoid the sweep in a 2-1 series.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Yekaterina v. Sunshine. Two talented players meet in Accuracy with the blue cue. Royal's Sunshine turned a late deficit into perfect defense, getting Victoria's Yekaterina to miss twice in a row. Sunshine then converted in overtime for a 2-3 win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Yekaterina made an improvement in game 2, but the Crowns' Sunshine also stepped up this time for the 1-2 win. Sunshine secured the series at 2-0. Sunshine turned toward perfection in game 3, while Yekaterina couldn't handle the positioning throughout the middle of the game. Sunshine's 0-3 win earned him a 3-0 series sweep.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Americus v. Juno. Club-mates collide in 10-ball with the purple cue. Stonebridge's Juno made a mess of the game 1 ending, twice fouling to make it much easier for Midland's Americus to get the win. Americus leads the series 1-0. The Wolves' Juno kept things choppy in game 2, putting up a bit more of a fight this time. It didn't change the result, as the Predators' Americus made the final pair for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Americus kept rolling in game 3, working a five-ball run early on and a pair at the end to sweep Juno 3-0.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Stealth v. Hoot. Another pair of club-mates tangle in Rotation with the red cue in its only series today. Swordpoint's Stealth managed one three-ball run to keep competitive, but Viewpoint Sound's Hoot spread his offense out in an 8-4 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Hoot didn't break well in game 2, but the Blades' Stealth struggled to get his offense going. Hoot took it in chunks, winning 8-2 to seal the series at 2-0. Hoot made a five-ball run from the break in game 3 and added a three-ball run-out after Stealth scratched a couple turns later. Hoot won 8-0 in the game and 3-0 in the series to earn a place in the first round.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Lionel v. Hughbert. The green cue is back for Accuracy. North Modernistic's Lionel wasn't bad in game 1, but a couple of mistakes led to Todavía's Hughbert pulling off a 0-2 win as he stayed perfect for a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Hughbert was able to survive two scratches in game 2 to get to overtime, but he scratched again on the break in the extra rack. The Nighthawks' Lionel finished off a 4-5 win to tie the series at 1. Hughbert ran out of steam in game 3, fading late as Lionel held his ground for a 3-5 win. Lionel took the series 2-1 to get into the first round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Sunshine v. Sierra. The host's third series today is in 15-ball with the green cue. Sunshine made seven balls over his first two turns, dominating the offense in game 1 to easily beat Todavía's Sierra for a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Sunshine took the opposite approach in game 2. He started slow, then struck as the Stills' Sierra failed to take control. Sunshine made a pair of five-ball runs to close out the game with a win, sealing the series at 2-0. Sunshine wanted to run away with game 3, but Sierra double-potted the 6 to the top left and the 15 to the top side to dodge the sweep in her lone win. Sunshine instead advanced on a 2-1 series win.

Apple Center, Todavía: Hughbert v. Dustin. The green cue checks out with 8-ball. Central's Dustin kept things close in game 1, but Todavía's Hughbert did well enough with a three-ball run-out to get the win. Hughbert leads the series 1-0. The Stills' Hughbert buried a five-ball run in the middle of game 2, but his follow-up was too weak. The Warriors' Dustin fought him off with a late pair for the win to tie the series at 1. Dustin put pressure on Hughbert in game 3, but a bit of defense from the host helped buy him enough time to get the win. Hughbert took the series 2-1 and will play this bid in the first round.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Maggie v. Fuchsia. The blue cue is up for 9-ball. Modernistic's Maggie came out storming with a pair of four-ball runs in game 1, earning a dominant win over Infinity's Fuchsia for the 1-0 series lead. The Union's Maggie took a predictable step back on offense in game 2, allowing the Torpedoes' Fuchsia to fight for more possession. Fuchsia made a pair at the end for the win, tying the series at 1. Maggie had a chance to make a run in game 3, but scratched on the 6. Fuchsia took over and buried the final pair for the win and 2-1 series win to send her into the first round.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Princess v. Josie. The Meteors' new home is opened with two of their players meeting in today's finale, using the blue cue for Rotation. A tight start in game 1 saw Josie eventually break free, as the team's newcomer picked up an 8-6 win over the star Princess. In game 2, Princess nearly had the win with a late three-ball run. She missed on the 14, and Josie took over for the final pair to grab an 8-7 win that clinched the series in her favor at 2-0. Josie took no prisoners in game 3, starting quite well and ending with an 8-2 win to sweep Princess 3-0 in the series. 

That's all for opening day in Tournament XI. The Play-In Round is 18 days long, so look forward to another two and a half straight weeks of action.