Tournament XI - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 7

Some Friday action of pool is on. We begin with...

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Bright v. Blaze. The silver cue starts the day in 15-ball. After a slow start in game 1, Pearl's Bright unleashed a nine-ball run-out with an 8-15 kick combination to the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead over Infinity's Blaze. The Surfers' Bright got the 15 near the bottom left early in game 2, but he never had a good look to put it down. The Torpedoes' Blaze did the honors with a deflection play, earning the win to tie the series at 1. Blaze didn't have the best start in game 3, but he settled in to take a majority of the offense before giving the win away by scratching as he made the 15. Bright gladly picked up the win for a 2-1 series lead. Bright had a fair amount of offense in game 4, but he couldn't bring it home. Blaze bounced back with a three-ball run-out, getting lucky to put the 11 in the top side before he made the 15 to the top right to tie the series at 2. Bright had a little edge in game 5, but Blaze brought about an early finish with a failed bank on the 6 that collected the 15 to the top left on the carom. Blaze won the series 3-2 and will be on the road again in the bracket semifinals. Blaze took his first kill of the year to make Bright the 33rd eliminated player.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stripes v. Quincy. The silver cue exits after a 7-ball set. Southridge's Stripes had a scratch as she potted the 4 in game 1, and Modernistic's Quincy easily won from ball-in-hand with a three-ball run-out. Quincy leads the series 1-0. The Union's Quincy had some close calls in game 2, but nothing to earn him a win. The Defenders' Stripes got a lucky bounce off the 5 to sink the 7 at the top right for the win, tying the series at 1. In game 3, a choppy battle emerged. Neither player was confident in their shots, but Quincy was able to finish it off to retake the series lead at 2-1. Quincy made four balls on the break and added the 1 at the bottom side, but Stripes was able to snag the final pair for the win to retie the series at 2. Stripes had multiple chances to corral the 7 in game 3, but she failed to do so. Quincy eventually tapped it in at the bottom left for the 3-2 series win to get into a road series in the bracket semifinals.

Intel Center, Diamond: Autumn v. Misty. The red cue joins the action in 12-ball. Despite an early scratch in game 1, Westside's Misty enjoyed a much stronger offense than Diamond's Autumn. Misty was able to finish it off pretty easily for a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Misty made one of each on the break and scratched. She selected stripes and appeared to struggle a bit early on. The Gems' Autumn then stalled out on offense as Misty geared up to convert a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-0 series lead. Autumn had all the defense she wanted in game 3, but she couldn't make the transition to attacking play at the end. Misty was able to wait her out after a hot start and still pick up the win to clinch the series at 3-0. Autumn finally had a dominant performance in game 4, attacking quickly on solids and closing out with a pair of shots to get a win to cut Misty's series lead to 3-1. Autumn kept up the pace in game 5 as well, working her way to another win as she kept Misty from igniting a late run. Misty won the series 3-2 and will host the Apex Wonders' Blair in the bracket semifinals.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sugar v. Puff III. The red cue checks out after 10-ball. Everton's Puff III made a seven-ball run in game 1, but she missed her cut on the 10 toward the bottom left. Tysini's Sugar buried it on a tap-in for the 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Sugar had a bad break in game 2, but it led to a fairly even game. The Eagles' Puff III again had a short miss near the end that allowed Sugar to pick up the win for a 2-0 series lead. Puff III continued to falter in critical moments, with a late miss in game 3 that led to Sugar's three-ball run-out for the win. Sugar sealed the series at 3-0. Sugar continued to dominate in late-game situations, winning game 4 with a three-ball run-out after Puff III didn't have much of an angle on the 7. Sugar is up 4-0 in the series. Sugar didn't finish the sweep in game 5, as Puff III stepped up to earn a win of her own in the finale. Sugar's 4-1 series win earned her a road position in the bracket semifinals.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Diddley v. Rosalina. The blue cue's lone series today is in 13-ball. Maplewood's Diddley made a solid on the break in game 1, but he couldn't get aligned for a finishing run. Victoria's Rosalina was relentless on offense, pushing her way to the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Rosalina wasn't as sharp as she wanted to be early in game 2, and the Lumberjacks' Diddley used that to his advantage to maintain a solid lead throughout. Diddley's win tied the series at 1. Rosalina stalled out rather quickly in game 3, falling far short of the mark on offense. Diddley wasn't very fast, but his better positioning worked out for a win to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Diddley had all the positioning lined up at the end of game 4, but Rosalina battled back in just time for a three-ball run-out to earn the win and tie the series at 2. In game 5, Rosalina had a similar break as she did in game 2. The difference this time came in her conversions at the side pockets early on, allowing her to pull away and defeat Diddley for the 3-2 series win. Rosalina will be on the road again in the bracket semifinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fuchsia v. Rosalina. The visitor finishes her road doubleheader in 15-ball with the purple cue against a West Division rival. No noticeable runs developed in game 1, leading to a choppy battle. At the end, momentum swung to Victoria's Rosalina as she made a pair of shots to beat Infinity's Fuchsia for a 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Rosalina dominated on offense early in game 2 with a five-ball run. The Torpedoes' Fuchsia gummed up the gears a bit at the end before poaching the win to tie the series at 1. Rosalina smashed her way to a six-ball run during game 3, but she couldn't finish things off. Fuchsia had the honors at the end, grabbing another win to take a 2-1 series lead. Rosalina looked to up the pace again in game 4, but she had to settle for mainly short runs instead. Fuchsia then took some time and made an 11-15 combination to the bottom right to secure the series at 3-1 with this win. Rosalina finally got back on the board in game 5 with a choppy finish for the win. Fuchsia took the series 3-2 and will host again in the bracket semifinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Snowball v. Max. Veterans clash in 7-ball for the green cue's only series today. Golden's Max got a favorable two-rail bank on the 6 to drop in the top left, allowing him to pick up the 7 at the bottom left for a win and 1-0 series lead over Westside's Snowball. The Rockers' Snowball had an unfortunate talent for leaving shots lined up for the Pilots' Max in game 2. This was most evident at the end when Snowball missed the 7 to the top side and Max buried it on the next shot to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Snowball kept herself in the series by sniping a four-ball run-out to win game 3 after Max failed to find much offense. Max remains ahead 2-1 overall. In game 4, Snowball tied the series at 2 games apiece with a 4-7 combination to the bottom left as Max again played slowly. Max picked up the win in game 5 to take a 3-2 series win with a three-ball run-out after Snowball fouled while shooting the 4. Max will host his bracket semifinals appearance.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Diddley v. Twilight. An East Division captains' battle uses the purple cue in 7-ball. Maplewood's Diddley took game 1 on his second turn, cutting the 1 to the top right with backspin to spill the 7 into the bottom right for a 1-0 series lead over Central's Twilight. The Warriors' Twilight missed contact on a 1-7 combination attempt and scratched in game 2. The Lumberjacks' Diddley took the win on the same play from ball-in-hand, sinking at the bottom right to go up 2-0 in the series. Twilight had her best effort yet in game 3 with a four-ball run, but Diddley turned it around with a pair at the end including his hard bank on the 7 to the top left to seal the series at 3-0. Diddley's finishing touch failed him for the first time in game 4, allowing Twilight to get on the board with a poke of the 7 to the bottom side. Diddley remains ahead 3-1 in the series. Twilight added game 5 on the break with the 7 going to the top right to make things look a little closer. Diddley's 4-1 series win allows him to host the Commerce Tradewinds newcomer Luigi in the bracket semifinals.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Cowzart v. Mario. The purple cue closes the day with 9-ball. Apex's Cowzart had more offense in game 1, but Queens' Mario double-potted the 6 to the top side and the 9 to the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Mario nearly got the 9 on the break in game 2, but he left it near the top left. The Wonders' Cowzart made a three-ball run and scratched, which Mario answered on a six-ball run-out capped by a follow-through 8-9 double-pot at the top left. Mario holds a 2-0 series lead. Cowzart didn't go down easy just yet, taking game 3 on a three-ball run-out ending with an angled bank of the 9 to the bottom left. Mario remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Cowzart had an unremarkable break in game 4, but he turned things around later on a four-ball run-out after Mario scuffled again. The series is now tied at 2. Cowzart tried to keep up in game 5, but Mario found a quick finish to steal the win and a 3-2 series win. Mario will host the Whitewater Shores' Marsell in the bracket semifinals. 

That's all for today's action. This weekend's games will be split across two days, with likely no more than six series on either day.

Tournament XI - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 6

Another day of action is here. All cues will play today, beginning with...

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Crystal. The blue cue starts the day in Rotation. Southern's Dominic made three balls on the break in game 1, and he followed up with a strong finish for an 8-3 win over Queens' Crystal. Dominic owns a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Crystal took the early lead in game 2, but there was no pace behind her attack. The Monarchs' Dominic eventually found his way to the lead for an 8-5 win to go up 2-0 in the series. Dominic continued to hit hard and chunk offense, but he stalled out late in game 3, and Crystal made the comeback for an 8-7 win to cut the series deficit to 2-1. Crystal didn't do much with the break in game 4, and her offense wasn't there at the end either. Dominic took this win by an 8-4 score to secure the series at 3-1 in his favor. Dominic couldn't close out strong in game 5, as Crystal claimed an 8-5 win after each player flashed skill in the finale. Dominic's 3-2 series win sets him up to host again in the bracket semifinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Snowball v. Citrus. The purple cue is up next for a 10-ball series. Westside's Snowball picked up the win with the 10 at the top left after Lighton's Citrus missed a kick attempt. It was an unremarkable win to put Snowball up 1-0 in the series. The Prestige's Citrus stepped up on offense in game 2, taking a significant share of the play to get the win that tied the series at 1 against the Rockers' Snowball, who was shaky. Snowball got back on track with more of the offense in game 3, but she missed the 10 in a couple of good positions before a late scratch. Citrus buried it to the top left from ball-in-hand for the 2-1 series lead. Citrus made the 10 on the break, but she didn't get another look at it in game 4. Snowball answered on a three-ball run-out at the end to claim the win, retying the series at 2. Citrus couldn't lock things down late in game 5, her late scratch setting up Snowball for a three-ball run-out to earn the win. Snowball took the series 3-2 and will play in the bracket semifinals.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Angelica v. Shiny. The silver cue's lone series today is between Prestige teammates in 9-ball. Angelica had a frustrating game 1 against her teammate. Shiny didn't have a ton of early luck, but she won on a three-ball run-out with a kick of the 9 to the top side for the 1-0 series lead. Angelica looked much better in game 2 with a six-ball run, but she missed on the 8 and Shiny answered with the final pair for the win. Shiny's series lead is up to 2-0. Shiny then secured the series at 3-0 with a win on the break in game 3, sending the 9 to the bottom left, although she did it from the right-hand break side as opposed to the highly popular far-left angle often used in the league. Shiny nearly did it again from a similar spot in game 4, but she left the 9 up and Angelica made it on a 1-9 combination to the bottom left. This cut Shiny's series lead down to 3-1. Shiny had a similar finish with a 2-9 combination in game 5 after Angelica made a pair on the break but left the 9 near the bottom left. Shiny won the series 4-1 and will be on the road in the bracket semifinals.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Princess v. Melissa. The red cue's only series of the day is a North Division battle in 7-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Princess was solid, but Terrace City's Melissa hit harder with a four-ball run-out at the end of game 1. Melissa leads the series 1-0. The Knights' Melissa tried to close out game 2 on a run as well, but she missed on the 7. The Meteors' Princess sank the 7 at the top right for the win to tie the series at 1. Melissa fired back with confidence in game 3, running the table to retake the series lead at 2-1 over Princess. Melissa was too casual on the 6 after Princess had a late scratch in game 4. Melissa's miss allowed Princess to make the final pair for the win, retying the series at 2. Melissa again looked strong in game 5, only for her miss on the 6 to allow Princess to take the win on her final pair. Princess won the series 3-2 and will host again in the bracket semifinals. Melissa goes down as the 29th eliminated player, with Princess taking her first kill of the year.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Puff I v. Leonette. The purple cue cycles in for an Accuracy series. Pacific's Leonette had a solid game 1 effort, but she missed late after Modernistic's Puff I briefly dropped into a tie. Puff I won 2-3 and earned a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Puff I had a much worse effort in game 2, and coupled with the Volcanoes' Leonette stayed perfect, it ended up in a lopsided 0-4 score. Leonette's win tied the series at 1. Leonette made a ball on the break, but game 3 ended up tied after the regulation rack. Puff I sank two shots in overtime to emerge with a 1-2 win, regaining the series lead at 2-1. Game 4 saw Leonette have multiple chances to keep things close, but a late scratch put her behind for good as Puff I worked her way to a 2-3 win. Puff I sealed the series at 3-1 with this win. Puff I didn't let up in game 5, dominating throughout the finale for a 1-4 win and 4-1 series win over Leonette. Puff I is set to play in the bracket semifinals. Leonette is the 30th eliminated player, and Puff I now leads the league in kills with two.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Shelley. The green cue gets a look in Rotation here. Infinity's Shelley didn't mess around in game 1, jumping out to a nice lead and making it stand for an 8-2 win after Terrace City's Kiwi fell far short on a comeback. Shelley leads the series 1-0. In a scary moment during game 2, the Knights' Kiwi had a panic attack. She needed some time to calm down, and she was sharper afterwards, but Shelley still took an 8-5 win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. An incredibly slow game 3 worked in Kiwi's favor, as she built her way up to an 8-4 win as Shelley looked lost around the table. Shelley remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Shelley went on a massive surge in game 4, rattling off a six-ball run-out to earn the 8-2 win and clinch the series at 3-1 over Kiwi. Game 5 was forfeited by Kiwi, who cited lingering discomfort from her panic attack as why she wouldn't play the meaningless final game, a first in league history. Shelley will head to the bracket semifinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Nikolai. Back downtown, the purple cue makes its exit after 13-ball. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy had to weather a three-ball run from Freedom's Nikolai before attacking on her own in game 1. Ms. Puppy was sharp and earned the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Ms. Puppy took the lead right from the start of game 2, and she didn't back down. The Cascades' Nikolai didn't have great positioning even after Ms. Puppy's four-ball run, and the host closed out another win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Nikolai made a baffling choice to illegally sink his last ball after Ms. Puppy scratched. Ms. Puppy used the ball-in-hand to build an easy three-ball run-out for the win, clinching the series at 3-0. Nikolai's errors continued to cause him problems in game 4, although it was anyone's game after a sloppy ending. Ms. Puppy still got the win for a 4-0 series lead. Nikolai came close yet again and failed late as Ms. Puppy completed a 5-0 series sweep with her game 5 win. Ms. Puppy will host the Southridge Defenders' Roxy in the bracket semifinals. Nikolai is the 31st player out of the Tournament, with Ms. Puppy joining the league lead at two kills.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Angelica v. Jake. The host's second series of the day is in 8-ball with the green cue. Lighton's Angelica opened game 1 on a four-ball run, but Royal's Jake took over with a five-ball run. A slower finish still favored Jake as he took the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Angelica thought she had enough to stick it to the Crowns' Jake in game 2, but Angelica's five-ball run-out ended with a scratch as she made the 8. The gifted win put Jake up 2-0 in the series. Angelica stayed alive in the series with a confident approach to game 3, disregarding her previous mistakes. Jake couldn't find enough pace to catch up, and Angelica earned the win to cut the deficit to 2-1 in the series. In game 4, Jake struck early on a five-ball run and added a three-ball run-out a couple of turns later to secure the series at 3-1 over Angelica. In game 5, Angelica once again played at a better pace and picked up the win to leave Jake with a 3-2 series win. Jake will be on the road again in the bracket semifinals. Jake has his first kill of the year with Angelica the 32nd eliminated player.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Potter v. Violetta. Club-mates tangle to end the day in Accuracy with the blue cue. Queens' Violetta took a harsh loss in game 1, scratching as she made the final ball to drop a 0-1 result to Pronger's Potter, who leads the series 1-0. The Flames' Violetta missed early and thought she could get even if the Tridents' Potter had to shoot at a cluster. Potter instead made a double-pot late in the game and took a 1-2 win after a late miss, putting him up 2-0 in the series. In game 3, Potter trailed for much of it as Violetta tasted the lead for the first time. Violetta faltered late and ended up losing 2-3 as Potter sealed the series at 3-0. Potter finally had a late misstep that hurt him in game 4, as his scratch allowed Violetta to pick up a 2-3 win to cut the series deficit to 3-1. Potter faltered again in game 5, and Violetta was there to take another 2-3 win. Potter's 3-2 series win is enough to earn him a place in the bracket semifinals. 

While there were some unprecedented happenings today, the UPCL remains committed to mental health as a priority. We hope Kiwi will be feeling well enough to compete again on Day 14 when she's next scheduled, and we will communicate with the Knights about a substitution for the series if necessary.

Tournament XI - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 5

We'll be a quarter of the way through the Bracket Quarterfinals after today. The silver cue will receive a day off. First up...

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Boots v. Snuggle. The green cue returns for one series of Rotation today. Pearl's Boots dominated in game 1, easily earning an 8-2 win as Harrison's Snuggle had few chances to create offense. The Surfers' Boots found a five-ball run at the start of game 2, and that gave her a long-lasting lead. The Specters' Snuggle nearly caught up before Boots locked in an 8-4 win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Snuggle had a taste of the lead early in game 3, but he couldn't make it stick. Boots was relentless on offense, earning the 8-6 win with a late pair to clinch the series at 3-0. Snuggle made a big comeback push in game 4, but he missed on the 15 at the end. Boots was able to make sure her early offense didn't go to waste as she won 8-7 to extend her series lead to 4-0. Snuggle had a decent lead in game 5, but Boots rallied all the way back with a four-ball run-out to earn the 8-5 win. Boots swept the series 5-0, and she'll play in the bracket semifinals.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Cheddar. Club-mates battle in 9-ball with the blue cue. A quiet start to game 1 saw the 9 eventually end up near the top left. Lighton's Spirit butchered a combination attempt, and North Modernistic's Cheddar capitalized with a 6-9 combination to the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Cheddar had a lackluster start in game 2, and the Prestige's Spirit eventually took advantage of that with a four-ball run-out. This tied the series at 1. Spirit made a ball on the break in game 3 and added a four-ball run-out again at the end after Cheddar couldn't get much going. Spirit pulled ahead 2-1 in the series with this win. Spirit didn't have much offense in game 4, as Cheddar made a three-ball run in the middle. Spirit then missed on the 6 with the right spin for the cue to kick the 9 into the bottom left. This secured the series at 3-1 for Spirit. In game 5, Spirit got the quick finish with the 9 going down at the bottom left on the break for her 4-1 series win over Cheddar. Spirit will remain at home in the bracket semifinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Rachel. A captain and a rookie meet in Rotation with the purple cue. Infinity's Smudge made three balls on the break and a three-ball run-out at the end of game 1, overcoming a brutal middle that saw Whitewater's Rachel come within a shot of the win. Smudge's 8-7 win gave her a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Smudge had a bad break in game 2, but she was able to pick pieces off for offense. The Shores' Rachel had a challenge in the middle, but Smudge fought her off for the 8-5 win to go up 2-0 in the series. Smudge smashed a four-ball run in on the game 3 break and added a three-ball run after that. Rachel made a four-ball run in response, but Smudge was able to lock down another 8-5 win to seal the series at 3-0. Smudge relaxed a little bit for game 4, but she was still much sharper on offense to pick up the 8-3 win over Rachel, who continues to struggle. Smudge's series lead is up to 4-0. Smudge finished off a 5-0 series sweep with an 8-5 win in game 5 despite a slow start that saw Rachel take the lead briefly. Smudge will host again in the bracket semifinals.

Apple Center, Todavía: Hughbert v. Yekaterina. West Division rivals clash in Rotation with the blue cue. Todavía's Hughbert had a decent start and not much else in game 1, as Victoria's Yekaterina stabilized on offense for an 8-5 win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Yekaterina had a decent start in game 2, but the Stills' Hughbert soon took over on offense. While the finish was a little slow, Hughbert's 8-4 win was good enough to tie the series at 1. Hughbert couldn't get anything going in game 3, and Yekaterina bounced back for an 8-1 win despite not really dominating on pace. Yekaterina retook the series lead at 2-1. Hughbert had the better start in game 4, but Yekaterina stayed close and struck for a three-ball run-out to get the 8-5 win in the end. Yekaterina clinched the series at 3-1. Hughbert fired back late in game 5 after a close battle to grab an 8-5 win, although Yekaterina still advanced to a road position in the bracket semifinals on a 3-2 series win.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Luigi v. Stinky. The purple cue cycles in for this 7-ball series. Commerce's Luigi was in full control during game 1, taking a large majority of the offense and earning the win with a pair of shots for a 1-0 series lead over Freedom's Stinky. The Tradewinds' Luigi continued to pace the offense in game 2, picking up this win with a three-ball run-out after the Cascades' Stinky had a bad miss on the 4. Luigi is up 2-0 in the series. Stinky came up mostly empty again in game 3, unable to get anything going on offense. Luigi took a tough 2-7 cut combination and converted at the top side for the win to secure the series at 3-0. Luigi made a pair and scratched on the break in game 4, then made another pair and missed on the 7 at the end. Stinky struck for his first win in a fast full game, cutting Luigi's series lead to 3-1. Stinky had his chances to get another in game 5, but Luigi scooped up the 7 late for the 4-1 series win that sends him into the bracket semifinals. Stinky is the 28th eliminated player this year, earning Luigi his first kill.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Kelsea. The blue cue exits the day after 8-ball. Oceanside's Celestia managed to snag the game 1 win after a close battle with Capital City's Kelsea that neither player fully controlled. Celestia leads the series 1-0. The Sharpshooters' Kelsea looked eager to take control in game 2, but a bad shot kicked the 8 into the bottom right, gifting the win and 2-0 series lead to the Waves' Celestia. In game 3, Celestia perhaps spent a little too much time on setting up her final push and not enough time making shots. She fell short as Kelsea sank the 8 to the top left, taking a close win to cut the deficit to 2-1 in the series. Kelsea didn't get much going in game 4, and she had little time as Celestia made a pair of four-ball runs for the win to seal the series at 3-1. Celestia came close to a win in game 5, attacking with a solid pace, but Kelsea made a three-ball run and the 8 on her last two turns to take the win instead. Celestia took the series 3-2 and will be on the road in the bracket semifinals.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Melissa. A North Division battle sees the purple cue done for the day after 8-ball. Commerce's Rosemary made a puzzling decision to get defensive after Terrace City's Melissa scratched in game 1. Melissa kept up the pressure and made a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Tradewinds' Rosemary again defaulted to defense, but it worked out when the Knights' Melissa rattled the 8 out of the top left. Rosemary made a pair for the win to tie the series at 1. Rosemary started game 3 on a four-ball run, but she faded from that lofty pace later on. Melissa kept things close and found a way to win again, regaining the series lead at 2-1. Rosemary struck back on a six-ball run to set the tone in game 4. Melissa wasn't able to counterattack at the end, and Rosemary earned the win, which tied the series at 2. Another close battle in game 5 went right down to the end, where Melissa's miss on the 13 allowed Rosemary to sink the final pair of shots for the win. Rosemary took a tough 3-2 series win to earn her place in the bracket semifinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fuchsia v. Goatee. Players from top teams square off in Accuracy with the red cue. Westside's Goatee was able to briefly pull even after a tough start, but Infinity's Fuchsia blocked her out for a 2-4 win and 1-0 series lead after game 1. Game 2 was essentially a mirror-image of the first, as the Torpedoes' Fuchsia faltered early, caught up, and then lost it late as the Rockers' Goatee earned a 2-4 win. The series is tied at 1. Goatee looked more settled in after scratching on the break in game 3, as that was her only mistake. Fuchsia scuffled late, and Goatee grabbed a 1-3 win to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Goatee had a few chances to take control in game 4, but she couldn't quite finish it off just right. Fuchsia did enough to force overtime, where she won 4-5 to tie the series at 2. Neither player looked great at the start, but Fuchsia was able to settle down faster. Goatee faltered quickly and took the loss by a 2-4 score, which gave Fuchsia a 3-2 series win and a ticket to the bracket semifinals. This was Goatee's 100th unique opponent.

Intel Center, Diamond: Salmo v. Smokey. The red cue wraps up the day in 8-ball. Diamond's Salmo started on a five-ball run, which Pacific's Smokey later matched in game 1. Salmo then made a push at the end to get the 8 on a bank at the bottom side to earn a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Salmo made a solid on the game 2 break, but he had little extra offense. The Volcanoes' Smokey attacked quickly and won on a four-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Smokey made a massive six-ball run in game 3, but he stalled out with a pair of misses on the 8. Salmo overcame a scratch to sink a three-ball run-out for the win, regaining the series lead at 2-1. Smokey got onto the 8 with a huge run, but Salmo answered on a four-ball run to pull even again. Salmo then went for a cut to the bottom left, but ended up banking the 8 to the uncalled bottom right, gifting the win to Smokey to tie the series at 2. Smokey had a nice surge on a five-ball run early on in game 5. Salmo replied with a four-ball run, but that was as close as he got before Smokey took the win for a 3-2 series win. Smokey will be on the road in the bracket semifinals. 

We'll again have an advisory for a late start tomorrow, even though it didn't come to pass today.

Tournament XI - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 4

Today will be a bit 12-ball heavy, and the green cue remains out of action. First up...

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Roxy v. Sydney S. The blue cue opens the day in 12-ball. With two stripes and a solid down on the break, Southridge's Roxy went a little quiet. Boston's Sydney S. got onto her last ball in game 1, but couldn't knock it down before Roxy made a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Roxy surged in the middle of game 2, and the Swifts' Sydney S. scratched her only made shot back onto the table. Roxy finished at the top right for the win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Sydney S. put in her best effort thus far in game 3, but it wasn't enough when she missed her last ball at the bottom left. Roxy got away with some sloppy play to earn the win that sealed the series at 3-0. Roxy didn't get the start she wanted in game 2, and Sydney S. was able to strike for a four-ball run-out on stripes to claim her first win in the series. Roxy remains ahead 3-1. Roxy was able to attack with much more gusto in game 5, closing out a 4-1 series win as Sydney S. offered little challenge. Roxy will host South Division rival and Queens Flames superstar Violetta in the bracket semifinals. Roxy has her first kill of the year as Sydney S. is the 27th eliminated player this year.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Carly v. Shaggy. North Division rivals battle in 10-ball with the blue cue. Westside's Carly had a strong start in game 1 with a three-ball run, but Whitewater's Shaggy got the win on a five-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Carly had a four-ball run in game 2, but she missed on the 10 at the end. The Shores' Shaggy escaped with another win despite lackluster offense, going up 2-0 in the series. Shaggy buried a six-ball run-out off the break in four shots to win game 3. She made a pair of double-pots and added a 3-10 combination to the top left for the win to clinch the series at 3-0 over Carly, who didn't get a chance to save the bid. Shaggy made a five-ball run over the middle of game 4, but she couldn't corral the 8. Carly then replied with a pair of shots at the end to earn the win, cutting Shaggy's series lead to 3-1. Carly had an impressive three-ball run, but she missed on the 9, and Shaggy buried the final pair for the win. Shaggy took the series 4-1 and will host her appearance in the bracket semifinals.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Blair. The red cue gets its lone appearance of the day in 12-ball. Lighton's Shiny began in game 1 with a three-ball run, but Apex's Blair made his six shots over two turns to get the win. Blair leads the series 1-0. The Wonders' Blair made a strong push at the end of game 2 after the Prestige's Shiny quickly got onto her last ball. Blair made five balls over his last two turns for the win, pushing his series lead to 2-0. Blair kept up the positive play with a quick four-ball run to open game 3. Shiny only got one ball down in response, and Blair made a pair for the win to seal the series at 3-0. Shiny had a chance to start game 4 well, but she missed with the table open. Blair took stripes and ended up winning on a three-ball run-out, extending his series lead again to 4-0. Blair was too slow in game 5, and Shiny got on the board to avoid the sweep with a win in the finale. Blair's 4-1 series win puts him on track for a road series in the bracket semifinals.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sugar v. Citrus. West Division rivals clash in 15-ball with the purple cue. Lighton's Citrus was able to tap in the 15 at the top right after Tysini's Sugar failed to kick it in. Prior to that, it was a choppy battle, so Citrus' 1-0 series lead can be considered far from stable. The Prestige's Citrus scratched on the break, but the Hummingbirds' Sugar struggled to capitalize on offense. Sugar's missed bank on the 11 allowed Citrus to poke the 15 in off a deflection for the win. Citrus leads the series 2-0. Citrus had a six-ball run from the break in game 3, but that didn't lead to extended success for her. Sugar fired back late for a five-ball run-out to earn the win, cutting Citrus' series lead to 2-1. Citrus had no trouble bouncing back in a fast-paced game 4, as Sugar made some shots but lost control late. Citrus won on a five-ball run-out to clinch the series at 3-1. Sugar tagged a 6-15 combination with a deflection off the 10 to win game 5 after a decent start from Citrus, who ended up with a 3-2 series win. Citrus will host in the bracket semifinals.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Crystal. The visitor begins a road doubleheader in 12-ball with the purple cue. Central's Dustin made one of each on the break and chose stripes for game 1. Queens' Crystal made a valiant attack, but Dustin's better positioning allowed him to end with a double-pot at the right corners for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Dustin overfilled on the game 2 break, but he was able to claim stripes. The Flames' Crystal then outplayed him with solids, rallying for the late win to tie the series at 1. Crystal made two solids on the game 3 break and chose to stick with the suit. Dustin had his chances to catch up, but Crystal enjoyed better positioning this time as she closed the win at the top left. Crystal pulled ahead 2-1 in the series. Crystal couldn't get her positioning to stick in game 4, and Dustin was fast on offense from the start. Dustin took his time to close out the win, but he did it successfully to tie the series at 2. Down to her last ball in game 5, Crystal twice sank it illegally, scratched once and allowed Dustin to make all six of his balls for the win and 3-2 series win. Dustin's stunning comeback sets him up to host Swordpoint Blades newcomer Mams in the bracket semifinals.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Bandit v. Crystal. The visitor's doubleheader ends with the blue cue in 7-ball. Game 1 was a close battle with no runs developing, but Queens' Crystal missed on the 6 and watched Swordpoint's Bandit win on the final pair for a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Crystal had some offense again in game 2, only for the Blades' Bandit to bring a finishing touch as he made a pair at the end. Bandit is ahead 2-0 in the series. In game 3, Crystal finished early with a deflection off the 1 to drive the 7 to the bottom right after Bandit went empty on the break. Crystal now faces a 2-1 series deficit. Bandit had a chance to win the series in game 4, but he missed on a long-range shot on the 7 toward the top left. Crystal buried it to the bottom right instead, earning a win to tie the series at 2 games apiece. It came down to game 5, where Crystal completed a reverse sweep with a deflection off the 6 to sink the 7 at the top left after Bandit ruined his positioning. Crystal's 3-2 series win earned her a road position in the bracket semifinals.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Smokey v. Fuchsia. West Division foes use the blue cue in 9-ball. Pacific's Smokey got just enough on the game 1 break to send the 9 to the bottom left for a 1-0 series lead over Infinity's Fuchsia. The Torpedoes' Fuchsia got a shot in game 2 but ended up leaving the 1-9 combination perfectly aligned for the Volcanoes' Smokey to bury at the bottom left. Smokey has taken three shots and owns a 2-0 series lead. Smokey had to actually compete a bit in game 3, and he faltered with a miss on the 8. Fuchsia pocketed a pair of shots for the win to get on the board, though she remains behind 2-1. Fuchsia found the sweet spot on the game 4 break, avenging her game 1 loss with the win this time to tie the series at 2. Fuchsia took her time to finish off game 5, but she got a 1-9 combination to the top left after Smokey couldn't get anything to go down. Fuchsia won the series 3-2 and will remain on the road in the bracket semifinals.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Frosty v. Cowzart. The blue cue exits for the day after 12-ball. Freedom's Frosty overfilled on the game 1 break, and Apex's Cowzart was quick to capitalize after that. Cowzart earned the win with a pair of shots to go up 1-0 in the series. The Wonders' Cowzart couldn't sustain his offense into game 2, although he did have some nice shots. The Cascades' Frosty replied with a well-executed five-ball run-out after careful positioning, tying the series at 1 with her win. Frosty struggled a bit after the start of game 3, as her positioning wasn't so favorable. Cowzart then surged with a four-ball run, and he steadied things later to earn the win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Cowzart made one of each on the break in game 4, using that to spark a three-ball run on stripes. Frosty tried to reply, but Cowzart closed out the win with another three-ball run-out to secure the series at 3-1. Cowzart couldn't finish it off in game 5, struggling with his positioning a bit. Frosty was smooth this time to take a win for the road, but Cowzart won the series 3-2 and will travel again in the bracket semifinals.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Valencia v. Oreo. The marquee series today is in Rotation with the silver cue. Terrace City's Oreo pulled ahead early in game 1 and looked to be in good shape until a late fade. Golden's Valencia was able to hang on for an 8-7 win to earn a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Valencia looked pretty good early in game 2, but it didn't last. The Knights' Oreo had some good fortune in picking up an 8-6 win as Valencia faltered late. The series is tied at 1. Valencia fired right back in game 3, taking up the lead as Oreo kept things close in a choppy battle. Valencia was able to lock down an 8-6 win to retake the series lead at 2-1. Valencia stormed ahead in game 4 with a five-ball run early on. Oreo tried to battle back, but Valencia was ready to close out an 8-3 win that sealed the series in her favor at 3-1. In game 5, both players had quality turns and kept the pace strong, but it was Oreo who earned the win by an 8-7 score when she made the 15 to the bottom left. Valencia won the series 3-2 and is set to host in the bracket semifinals. 

We'll be running on slightly delayed scheduling over the next two days.

Tournament XI - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 3

We're ready to go with some more pool action today. The blue and green cues will sit out today. First up...

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Jack. A captains' battle in Rotation uses the purple cue to open things up. Southridge's Bianca had to push for a comeback after falling behind early in game 1. Bianca made five balls over her last two turns, only for Web City's Jack to make the 15 at the bottom right for the 8-7 win and 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Bianca had a productive start in game 2, but the Spiders' Jack rallied to take the lead. A slow finish saw Jack crawl to an 8-4 win to go up 2-0 in the series. Bianca played with more urgency in game 3, especially after Jack made a pair on the break. Bianca surged with a five-ball run and added a three-ball run-out quickly for an 8-2 win to get on the board, but she still trails 2-1 in the series. It didn't take long for Jack to bounce back, splitting the first half of game 4 with Bianca. Jack then rallied on a four-ball run-out for the 8-4 win to clinch the series at 3-1. Jack chose violence in game 5, weathering a lot of offense from Bianca early on before firing back on a six-ball run-out for the 8-7 win to take a 4-1 series win. Jack's late surge was met with boos from the frustrated home fans, but he'll still go on to the bracket semifinals with his first kill of the year in tow. Bianca is the 25th player eliminated this year.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Rocky v. Molly. The red cue enters the action with Accuracy. Oceanside's Rocky had a good game 1, but he missed late and then scratched on a positioning attempt. Southern's Molly held firm for a 1-2 win to get a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Molly fell apart after a scratch on the break in game 2, fading late as the Waves' Rocky went relatively unchallenged for a 1-4 win. This tied the series at 1. Molly played a little loose in game 3, but it was her errors near the end that caused her the most trouble. Rocky also had scratching problems, but he settled down late to grab a 4-5 win that put him ahead 2-1 in the series. Molly regretted her early scratch in game 4, as a late miss ended up being the difference this time. Rocky was sharp again to earn a 1-2 win, and he sealed the series at 3-1. Rocky didn't have his best in game 5, and he let it get away at the end as Molly grabbed a 2-3 win. Rocky's 3-2 series win sends him into the bracket semifinals.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Pounce v. Ingrid. The silver cue also gets a look in Accuracy. Southern's Pounce led for much of game 1, but he fell apart at the end. Southridge's Ingrid stabilized on offense to earn a 3-4 win that put her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Defenders' Ingrid was a little shaky at the end of game 2, but she was again able to hold onto a lead for a 2-3 win to extend her series lead to 2-0 over the Monarchs' Pounce. In game 3, Pounce wanted to play with some urgency, but he faltered early and late. That was enough for Ingrid to lock in for a 1-3 win that clinched the series in her favor at 3-0. Pounce had another unimpressive start in game 4, and Ingrid made him pay for it with a 1-3 win this time stretch her lead to 4-0 in the series. It took until deep into overtime, but Ingrid was eventually able to secure a 4-5 win over Pounce to sweep the series 5-0. Ingrid will be on the road in the bracket semifinals.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Snuggle v. Lorde. The red cue cycles in for this 13-ball set. Southern's Lorde had a decent start to game 1, but Harrison's Snuggle pulled ahead soon after. Snuggle then banked the 5 to the top side, spin-kicked the 6 into the top right and cut the 8 to the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead on an impressive closing run. The Monarchs' Lorde navigated game 2 better than the Specters' Snuggle, as the 8 near the bottom left slowed the contest. At the end, Lorde gambled on a needle-threading shot that clipped illegal contact off the 11 and sank the 8, gifting the win to the Snuggle, who now leads the series 2-0. Lorde again had the lead after starting on a five-ball run in game 3, but she couldn't get her last ball down quickly. Snuggle pressured, and Lorde scratched as she made the 8 to give away the series at 3-0. Lorde finally cashed in a big win in game 4 after Snuggle managed to make just one ball. Lorde took her time but sank the 8 at the bottom left to get on the board while trailing 3-1 in the series. After a terrible break and slow start in game 5, Snuggle launched the cue into a cluster, sending it high off the table while sinking the 8 to gift another win to Lorde. Snuggle won the series 3-2 and will play on the road in the bracket semifinals. Snuggle also earned his first kill of the year to make Lorde the 26th eliminated player.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Shaggy v. Goatee. North Division rivals tangle in 15-ball with the silver cue. Westside's Goatee had a nice run near the end of game 1, but Whitewater's Shaggy made sure her previous four-ball run had meaning when she banked the 15 to the bottom right for the win. Shaggy leads the series 1-0. The Shores' Shaggy couldn't get a grip on the offense late in game 2 as the Rockers' Goatee made runs of three, five and three balls to earn the win. Goatee's surge tied the series at 1. Goatee delivered an early finish after a slower start in game 3. Shaggy tried to get creative on the 6, but Goatee double-potted the 6 on a two-rail bank to the bottom right with a carom to get the 15 at the bottom side for the 2-1 series lead. Goatee scratched on the break in game 4, and she never really got back on track. Shaggy brought a quick finish with her cut on the 5 to the top side turning into a double-pot as she collected the 15 to the top left on the carom. Shaggy's win tied the series again at 2. Shaggy was alright early in game 5, but Goatee took over with a five-ball run, and she won a turn later on a 13-15 combination to the bottom left. Goatee took the series 3-2 and will play on the road again in the bracket semifinals.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Frosty v. Ellie. The purple cue exits the day after 7-ball. Freedom's Frosty opened game 1 on a four-ball run, but her luck soon ran out. Capital City's Ellie fired back with a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Ellie even surprised herself with her break shot in game 2, sinking the 7 on a rocket to the top side to extend her lead to 2-0 in the series. The Cascades' Frosty nearly enjoyed a role-reversal from game 1 in game 3 after Ellie missed the 5 to end a four-ball run. Frosty made the last three balls, but scratched as she sank the 7 to gift the win and the 3-0 series lead to Ellie. Frosty finally got on the board with a three-ball run-out in game 4, but she missed an earlier 1-7 combination after Ellie had scratched on the break. Ellie remains ahead 3-1 in the series. Frosty looked lost at the table in game 5, and Ellie was able to snag the win with a pair of shots at the end to complete a 4-1 series win. Ellie will visit the Infinity Torpedoes' Blaze in the bracket semifinals for a West Division battle.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Goldy v. Roxy. The red cue gets a look in Rotation. Everton's Goldy smashed in a five-ball run off the break, taking immediate control in game 1. Southridge's Roxy mustered little in the way of a comeback, allowing Goldy to win 8-1 for the 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Goldy had another stellar start on a six-ball run, and the Defenders' Roxy failed to get on the board in game 2. Goldy won 8-0 and moved ahead 2-0 in the series. Roxy finally put up a fight in game 3, but she couldn't recover from Goldy sinking a four-ball run over the middle to take control. Goldy won 8-6 and secured the series at 3-0. Goldy surged again early in game 4, only to drop off a bit near the end. Roxy attempted a comeback but fell short, as Goldy won 8-6 again to stretch her series lead to 4-0. Goldy completed the sweep in game 5, taking another 8-6 win as Roxy simply fell flat once more at the end. Goldy will host her appearance in the bracket semifinals.

Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Carly. More Rotation with the red cue sees a captain host a rookie. Todavía's Easter played a solid game 1, but Westside's Carly picked up the 8-6 win thanks to steady play throughout rather than bursts of offense. Carly leads the series 1-0. The Stills' Easter was not as good in game 2, too slow on offense especially after she fell distinctly behind. The Rockers' Carly guided the offense to an 8-4 win that put her up 2-0 in the series. Easter took a brutal missed contact late in game 3, and Carly capitalized on it with a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for an 8-7 win. Carly clinched the series at 3-0 in a somewhat surprising upset. Easter finally got on the board, playing some of her best pool of the series in game 4. Easter was able to finish off an 8-4 win over Carly to cut the series deficit to 3-1. After a very long battle, Carly emerged with an 8-6 win in game 5 to finish a 4-1 series win over Easter. Carly will face a North Division rival in the bracket semifinals.

Intel Center, Diamond: Autumn v. Anna. The silver cue ends the day in 10-ball. Diamond's Autumn smashed a six-ball run early that ended with an uncalled potting of the 8. Terrace City's Anna couldn't reply, and Autumn made a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Autumn had more of the offense in a slower game 2, but she suffered a brutal miss on the 10 near the end. The Knights' Anna tapped it down at the top left for the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Anna made a three-ball run off the break and then went quiet. Autumn took over near the end and snagged the 10 at the top side for the win to retake the series lead at 2-1. Anna tried to add pace to her shots in game 4, but it ended up leading to a shakier offense overall. Her late run failed on the 9, and Autumn buried a pair for the win to seal the series at 3-1. Autumn couldn't grab another win in game 5, as Anna closed with a three-ball run-out. Autumn's 3-2 series win is enough for her to host again in the bracket semifinals. 

That was a slog of a day, so the league will hope for higher quality play tomorrow.

Tournament XI - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 2

It's unclear if we'll play on standard scheduling or Sunday style, but we're set for the second day of the Bracket Quarterfinals. First up...

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Stealth v. Blaze. The purple cue gets a 7-ball set to open things up between West Division rivals. Swordpoint's Stealth made quick work of game 1, winning in two shots as he made the 5 on the break and a 1-7 combination to the bottom left on the next shot for a 1-0 series lead over Infinity's Blaze. The Blades' Stealth had more of the offense in game 2 as well, but he scratched after making the 6. The Torpedoes' Blaze easily potted the 7 from ball-in-hand for the win to tie the series at 1. Blaze ran the table in a dominant game 3 performance, sinking all seven shots with confidence to gain as 2-1 series lead over Stealth. Blaze again kept Stealth from the table in game 4 by sinking the 5 and 7 to the bottom corners on the break. The 7 took a knock off the 1 to make it to the bottom right, allowing Blaze to seal the series at 3-1. Stealth got back on track in game 5, but he missed the 7 after a five-ball run, and Blaze mopped it up for one more win. Blaze took the series 4-1 and will host his bracket semifinals appearance.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Valencia v. Shelley. The silver cue enters for Accuracy in this second series. Golden's Valencia held a lead but couldn't make it stand in game 1, as she dropped into a tie. Infinity's Shelley then beat her 2-3 in overtime to earn the 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Valencia started slow in game 2 and couldn't keep up at the end. The Torpedoes' Shelley was solid, fading a little at the end but still earning the 2-4 win to go up 2-0 in the series. Shelley slipped behind early in game 3, and while she briefly got back to level with Valencia, Shelley couldn't sustain it late. Valencia got on the board with a 3-5 win, cutting the series deficit to 2-1. Valencia had a few chances to secure a win late in game 4, but she instead dropped into a tie. Overtime went long, but Valencia's miss on the last ball allowed Shelley to bury a shot for the 5-6 win to clinch the series at 3-1. Valencia was firm in game 5, taking a 1-4 win for the road while Shelley settled on a 3-2 series win. Shelley will have hosting privileges in the bracket semifinals.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Twinkie III v. Mams. The blue cue joins the party in 7-ball. A close battle in game 1 saw Swordpoint's Mams miss on the 6, allowing Whitewater's Twinkie III to sink the final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Twinkie III had the better of the offense in game 2, but she couldn't corral the 7 at the end. The Blades' Mams did the job instead, poaching a win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Mams had an empty break, but Twinkie III didn't get anything going on her first turn. Mams replied with two shots for the win, ending on a 2-7 combination to the bottom left to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Mams had a nearly identical effort in game 4, but after Twinkie III's scratch, Mams missed on the 1. Twinkie III was the one to get a pair of shots for the win, cleaning up a 2-7 combination to the bottom left to retie the series at 2 games apiece. Mams retook control in game 5, displaying a little luck and some skill in her five-ball run-out to take a 3-2 series win over Twinkie III. Mams will be on the road again in the bracket semifinals.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Princess v. Acorn. The red cue makes its round debut in 9-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Princess took a thundering run from the break in game 1, going the distance for the win and 1-0 series lead over Lighton's Acorn. The Meteors' Princess couldn't repeat the effort in game 2, missing on her two turns. The Prestige's Acorn fired back with a 2-9 combination to the bottom left for his win, tying the series at 1. Princess retook control of the offense in game 3, but she let it slip away again near the end. Acorn made the final pair of shots for the win to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Princess couldn't quite take control of the offense in game 4, but Acorn had just a loose grip. At the end, Acorn faded and Princess made a pair for the win, retying the series at 2. Princess couldn't find her offense in game 5 either, allowing Acorn to take large chunks on runs. Acorn closed it out with a four-ball run-out for the 3-2 series win. He'll move on to the bracket semifinals.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Shaggy v. Klaus. Back inland, the blue cue exits the day after 8-ball. Whitewater's Shaggy scratched on the break in game 1, and while she made a late five-ball run, Central's Klaus had enough of a lead to hold her off. Klaus made a pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Shaggy had an improved effort in game 2, only to stall out with two misses on the 8. This bought just enough time for the Warriors' Klaus to rally for the win, extending his series lead to 2-0. Sensing danger, Shaggy buckled down a bit more in game 3, making a rally to pull ahead early. Klaus fired back on a five-ball run and nosed ahead, but Shaggy won with a three-ball run-out to cut the deficit to 2-1. Klaus had plenty of chances to finish off game 4, but it took him too long to make his last solid and the 8. Instead, Shaggy rallied late with a six-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 2 in the process. Klaus was better from the start of game 5, and he finished with a pair after Shaggy's four-ball run ended with a miss on the 8. Klaus took the series 3-2 despite a valiant push from the host, and he'll play in the bracket semifinals.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Blaze. The visitor's second series today is in 13-ball with the silver cue in another West Division battle. Pacific's Ms. Kitty made one of each on the break and submitted a three-ball run on stripes. Infinity's Blaze soon answered with a three-ball run as well, but Ms. Kitty was able to make a four-ball run-out for the win to go up 1-0 in the series. The Torpedoes' Blaze got down to his last solid quickly in game 2, but he missed contact three times from a tough angle as he tried to spin it into the top right. His blunders allowed the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty to walk away with the win, pushing her series lead to 2-0. Ms. Kitty lost a step in game 3 after a scratch on the break, and Blaze was able to do just enough on stripes to sneak in with a win. Ms. Kitty remains ahead 2-1 in the series. In game 4, Blaze had a strong appearance, but he couldn't hold positioning at the end. Ms. Kitty bumped him out of the way and made a pair on the next turn for the win to secure the series for herself at 3-1. Ms. Kitty looked strong off the break in game 5, making a three-ball run. She added a four-ball run-out after Blaze failed to do much on offense, and Ms. Kitty won the series 4-1 to book her place in the bracket semifinals.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Dusty. Today's marquee series is between two gigantic stars in 8-ball with the red cue. Central's Twilight came out swinging in game 1, and Golden's Dusty didn't quite have the same pace. Twilight was able to close out a win for the 1-0 series lead. A slower pace in game 2 worked out better for the Pilots' Dusty. The Warriors' Twilight quickly grew frustrated, and Dusty was able to later win on a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Twilight made an aggressive move for positioning in game 3, but it didn't pay off. She sank the 8 illegally, gifting the win and 2-1 series lead to Dusty on the play. Twilight held the lead for much of game 4, but she had to be cautious near the end with the 8 lingering at the top left. That hesitation allowed Dusty to strike back on a five-ball run-out for the win, securing the series in her favor at 3-1. Twilight showed some quality on offense with a sturdy attack in game 5, easily beating Dusty for a consolation win. Dusty took the series 3-2, and she'll continue her road journey in the bracket semifinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Goatee v. Mams. The visitor's second series today is in 12-ball as the purple cue makes its exit. Westside's Goatee was decent in game 1, but Swordpoint's Mams had a little more luck with pace to pull ahead. Mams then made a pair of shots for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Mams made one of each on the game 2 break and made quick work of the win by running the table with solids. The Rockers' Goatee could only watch as Mams stretched her series lead to 2-0. Goatee kept herself in the series in game 3, getting a little help as Mams had a couple of errors this time around. Goatee won on a three-ball run-out after Mams missed contact on the 1, cutting the series deficit to 2-1. Goatee rode with solids after making one of each on the break, and it worked out well for her. Mams couldn't offer much of a challenge as Goatee grabbed the win to tie the series at 2. In game 5, Goatee took a huge lead but couldn't position her last ball properly. Mams roared back to make six balls over two turns for the win and 3-2 series win. Mams will continue into the bracket semifinals.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Panda v. Chimpy. The green cue closes the day with 9-ball. Everton's Panda nearly had game 1 on the break, but the 4 blocked the 9 away from the bottom left. Westside's Chimpy enjoyed his offense, but Panda took the win on a 7-9 combination to the bottom left for a 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Panda found the sweet spot in game 2, sinking the 9 to the bottom left on the break to extend his series lead to 2-0. Panda tried to do it again in game 3, but while the 9 went down, he also scratched to gift the win to the Rockers' Chimpy. Panda remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Chimpy had a fair amount of offense in game 4, but he wasn't able to finish it off. Panda made the 8-9 combination at the bottom left for the win, securing the series at 3-1. Panda threatened again early in game 5, but his late miss on the 9 allowed Chimpy to collect another win. Panda took the series 3-2 and will host his bracket semifinals appearance. 

That's all for today's action. We'll be back tomorrow for more.

Tournament XI - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 1

The administrative break ends a day early, and we're ready to begin the portion of the Tournament with five-game series. With only nine series per day now, expect cues to receive more days off as the red cue has today. First up...

Ford Forum, Pronger: Prism v. Precious. The green cue gets the start in 10-ball between Tridents teammates. Precious had a critical missed contact on the 2 in game 1, allowing Prism to pick up the 2-10 combination to the top left from ball-in-hand for the 1-0 series lead. Prism had a four-ball run in game 2 after Precious scratched early. Precious quickly bounced back, picking off a four-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Prism had the better of the offense again, but she missed the 10 to cut short a three-ball run. Precious picked it up, a poached win good enough to put her ahead 2-1 in the series. Precious knocked in a three-ball run-out to close out game 4 as Prism seemed rattled from her previous loss. With the win, Precious secured the series at 3-1. Precious put Prism out of her misery after the latter's second scratch in game 5. Precious made a 5-10 combination to the bottom left to finish off the win and 4-1 series win, earning the first ticket to the bracket semifinals. It was a bout of friendly fire that made Prism the 24th player eliminated, which earned Precious her first kill of the year.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Tigerette v. Midnight. The silver cue enters the action in 8-ball. Boston's Tigerette had a rough start to game 1, but Apex's Midnight stalled out on offense soon after. Tigerette found a surge and picked up the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Tigerette took control immediately in game 2, making one of each on the break and then burying a seven-ball run on solids. The Wonders' Midnight missed her lone shot, and Tigerette buried the 8 to the bottom left for the win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Tigerette kept the pressure up with a five-ball run in game 3, but she wasn't able to finish off the run. Midnight played a little defense before submitting a five-ball run-out for the win to stay alive, although she trails 2-1 in the series. With quiet offense in game 4, Midnight tried to make a big play, but she missed contact on the 4 and sank the 8 illegally instead. This gifted the win and the 3-1 series lead to Tigerette. Midnight salvaged a result in game 5, making six balls over her last two turns to get the win. Tigerette advanced to a hosting position in the bracket semifinals on a 3-2 series win.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Mams v. Violetta: Another 8-ball series uses the green cue. Swordpoint's Mams started well, but Queens' Violetta picked apart her defense much more effectively in a surge forward for the win and 1-0 series lead after game 1. The Flames' Violetta fell flat in game 2, lacking much offense while the Blades' Mams attacked at will early. Mams closed it out with a pair of shots, banking the 8 to the bottom right as called for the win to tie the series at 1. The Flames' Violetta retook control early in game 3, but she couldn't quite corral her last ball. Mams staged a comeback and sank the final pair of shots to snag the win, pulling ahead 2-1 in the series. Violetta was a little behind early in game 4, and Mams was able to maintain that distance right to the end, earning the win to clinch the series at 3-1. Mams had a nice push late in game 5 on a three-ball run, but Violetta had enough time to grab another win. Mams still won the series 3-2 and will host again in the bracket semifinals. This was Mams' 100th unique opponent.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Peach v. Rosalina. Another huge series today sees the silver cue exit after 7-ball. Victoria's Rosalina delivered a tight 4-7 combination through traffic to the bottom right, good for the win and 1-0 series lead over North Modernistic's Peach after game 1. The Spurs' Rosalina nabbed a three-ball run off the break to open game 2, but the Nighthawks' Peach slammed the door with a four-ball run-out. This gave Peach a win to tie the series at 1. Rosalina left too many chances on the table in game 3, and Peach cashed in on the 7 to the top right at the end. Peach pulled ahead 2-1 in the series. Rosalina scratched while trying to sink the 4 in game 4, and Peach turned the ball-in-hand situation into a three-ball run-out. This win sealed the series for Peach at 3-1. Rosalina was able to snag another result with a four-ball run-out in game 5, but the series went to Peach 3-2, and she'll play again in the bracket semifinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Goatee v. Marsell. North Division rivals clash in 9-ball with the purple cue. Westside's Goatee had a stellar start in game 1, making the 9 to the bottom left off the break for the 1-0 series lead. Both players had chances on 4-9 combination plays that didn't go down in game 2. After the Rockers' Goatee missed on her kick play, Whitewater's Marsell tapped in the combination play for the win to tie the series at 1. The Shores' Marsell had a quiet break, and the Rockers' Goatee started to charge a bit. Both players stalled out on the 6 before Marsell picked up the pace again on a three-ball run-out to take a 2-1 series lead. Marsell had an untimely scratch in game 4, allowing Goatee to make the final pair of shots from ball-in-hand. Goatee obliged for the win, retying the series at 2. In game 5, Goatee was the one with the late scratch, which allowed Marsell to make the final pair of shots for the decisive win. Marsell took the series 3-2 and will be on the road again in the bracket semifinals.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Roxy v. Rocky. The purple cue is done after 13-ball. Southridge's Roxy struck for a firm attack on solids in game 1, and some questionable decision-making put Oceanside's Rocky too far behind to catch up. Roxy easily earned the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Rocky took the lead initially in game 2, but he couldn't corral his final pair of shots without a scratch. The Defenders' Roxy took over from here, making a four-ball run-out for the win to stretch her series lead to 2-0. Roxy sank one of each in game 3 and continued to find success on offense. She cruised with solids this time while Rocky struggled with positioning. Roxy ended up winning to seal the series at 3-0. Rocky avoided the sweep by winning game 4, as he battled closely with Roxy and capitalized when the host failed to complete a late run. Roxy now leads the series 3-1. Rocky again put on a close battle, but he dropped game 5 to Roxy as she was able to snipe the 8 on her second try to end it. Roxy won the series 4-1 and will be on the road in the bracket semifinals.

Sony Center, Queens: Violetta v. Stinky. The host gets a second series today, playing 12-ball in the blue cue's lone appearance. Queens' Violetta had some trouble getting control, but a sequence of bad positioning and scratches wasted a solid effort from Freedom's Stinky in game 1. Violetta eventually mopped up for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Violetta was blitzed in game 2, as the Cascades' Stinky crushed a four-ball run early on and positioned himself well to pick up the win a couple of turns later. This tied the series at 1. Violetta thought she would have more time in game 3 after taking the side pockets early, but Stinky made a five-ball run and left his last ball on the doorstep of the bottom right. Stinky wound up with the win on a tap-in to gain a 2-1 series lead. In game 4, it looked as if Violetta could be in real trouble near the end, but she recovered nicely with a four-ball run-out after Stinky couldn't make his last ball. Violetta's surge gave her a win to tie the series at 2 games apiece. Violetta made two stripes and a solid on the game 5 break and chose to play stripes, maneuvering well to outplay Stinky for the deciding win. Violetta took the series 3-2 and will visit a South Division rival in the bracket semifinals.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Shelley. The green cue is back for a 12-ball set. Pacific's Ms. Kitty attacked well in game 1, pacing the offense easily while Infinity's Shelley fought to find better positioning. Ms. Kitty cruised to a win for a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty again jumped out to a nice lead in game 2, and the Torpedoes' Shelley could only play keep-away with positioning for so long. Ms. Kitty eventually converted to the top side for the win to go up 2-0 in the series. Ms. Kitty had her worst break in game 3, but Shelley proceeded to fail on a jump shot that ended in a foul. Ms. Kitty then made a pair of shots for the win two turns later, clinching the series at 3-0. Shelley looked poised to break her skid in game 4, but her setup work on her last ball took a shot too long. Ms. Kitty rallied again and snatched the win to extend her advantage to 4-0. Ms. Kitty had a hot start in game 5, and she finished it off with a three-ball run-out after Shelley had gotten onto her last ball without sinking it. Ms. Kitty swept the series 5-0, and she was officially named the second captain in Volcanoes history after clinching the series.

Cisco Arena, Tysini; Leandra v. Boots. The day ends with the green cue in Accuracy. Tysini's Leandra delivered a perfect game 1, with a ball on the break and plenty of talent to finish it off. Pearl's Boots held true most of the way, but Leandra got a 0-2 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Leandra continued her perfect run in game 2, and it was an angled bank on the 2 to the top left that sealed her 0-1 win over the Surfers' Boots in another impressive battle for a 2-0 series lead. Boots' shoulders dropped when she missed early in game 3, knowing how well her opponent has played so far. Leandra kept rolling, only missing late but holding on for a 1-2 win to secure the series at 3-0. Leandra took another step back in intensity for game 4, but she held her ground with the result on the line, grabbing a 2-3 win over Boots to stretch her lead to 4-0 in the series. Boots did enough in game 5 to earn a 3-4 win as Leandra had no desire to force overtime. Leandra's 4-1 series win sends her into a hosting position in the bracket semifinals. 

The current plan is to play the next six days straight and then either use a day off or a split-day session next Saturday and Sunday before continuing along to finish the round.