Tournament XI - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 14

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

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Sunshine. Club-mates battle in Accuracy with the blue cue in what's likely to be an emotional series. Terrace City's Kiwi looked solid in her return to action, missing only on the final ball as she collected a 1-3 win over Royal's Sunshine in game 1. Kiwi leads the series 1-0. The Knights' Kiwi had a little more trouble late in game 2, while the Crowns' Sunshine barely kept the cue on the table for the last shot to earn a 1-2 win, tying the series at 1. Kiwi's precision slipped a bit more in a challenging game 3, which saw Sunshine emerge with a 3-5 win to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Sunshine faltered a bit in game 4, while Kiwi held her ground much better this time with a 1-3 win. Kiwi retied the series at 2 to set up a decisive finale. Kiwi had to be at her best in game 5, and she delivered with a 1-2 overtime win after Sunshine tried a soft break on the extra rack. Kiwi won the series 3-2 and will play on the road in the bracket semifinals.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Rachel v. Gradley. The green cue gets a turn in Accuracy for today's second series. A relatively good game was ruined at the end as the final ball was elusive. This inflated the score to 4-5, favoring Boston's Gradley over Whitewater's Rachel as the visitor takes a 1-0 series lead. A similar but shorter ending again pushed up the score in game 2, but this time the Shores' Rachel made the last ball on her second try for the 2-4 win over the Swifts' Gradley. The series is tied at 1. Gradley faltered a little bit in game 3, and that led to some trouble at the end. Rachel held on for a 1-2 win, grabbing her first series lead at 2-1. Gradley fell into a tie in game 4 and then missed on the final ball to go behind. Rachel made it on a two-rail bank to the bottom left, giving her a 2-3 win to seal the series at 3-1. Rachel had an awful game 5, allowing Gradley to feel good in a 0-6 win despite losing the series 3-2. Rachel will host again in the bracket semifinals. Rachel has her first kill of the year while Gradley is the 44th player to exit the competition.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Shelley. The green cue stays up for 13-ball. Royal's Jake had a productive game 1 effort, making a pair of stripes and a solid on the break. He chose solids for the positional advantage, and it worked out as Infinity's Shelley couldn't find the top side before Jake won on a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Jake had a three-ball run quickly in game 2, but the Torpedoes' Shelley answered with a good four-ball run. Shelley cruised to the finish from here, earning the win to tie the series at 1. Shelley nearly made a solid on the break, but Jake took it on his first turn instead, nearly shutting out the visitor in game 3. Jake was able to easily win when he potted the 8 at the bottom right for a 2-1 series lead. Jake made one of each on the break and scratched, selecting solids before ceding possession. Shelley nearly made him look like a fool, but Jake made a five-ball run to get the lead and then took the 2 to the top left and a subtle masse on the 8 to the top side for a well-earned win to clinch the series at 3-1. Shelley had the better of play in game 5, but Jake got the win with inch-perfect defense at the end. He baited Shelley into illegally sinking the 8, which gave Jake a 4-1 series win to set him up to host again in the bracket semifinals.

Apple Center, Todavía: Pedey v. Cheddar. The purple cue's lone series today is in 10-ball. It took some time for game 1 to settle down from a shaky start, but Todavía's Pedey was the one to do it with a five-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead over North Modernistic's Cheddar. The Nighthawks' Cheddar continued to play a grinding defense in game 2, but the Stills' Pedey almost exclusively handled the offense. Pedey eventually picked up the win to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Cheddar found her shot in game 3, making a seven-ball run and adding more at the end to pick up the win as Pedey took a turn being the one lost at the table. Cheddar's win cut Pedey's series lead down to 2-1. Cheddar kept a small majority of the offense in game 4, but Pedey was able to grab the win with the final pair of shots to clinch the series at 3-1. Cheddar again looked stronger in game 5, but after a miss ended her five-ball run, Pedey put down a pair for the win. Pedey took the series 4-1 and will play in the bracket semifinals. Pedey picked up his first kill of the year and Cheddar is the 45th player eliminated this year.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Jennifer v. Whiskers. The silver cue joins the party with Accuracy. Terrace City's Jennifer missed early in game 1, but Maplewood's Whiskers unraveled late. Jennifer held on in the end to earn a 1-2 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Jennifer wasn't really dominant in game 2, but she managed to pick up a 1-4 win over the Lumberjacks' Whiskers anyway thanks to strong positioning. Jennifer owns a 2-0 series lead now. Jennifer went for a bold play late in game 3, but she scratched while making the second-to-last ball. This allowed Whiskers to get a 1-2 win, although she still trails Jennifer 2-1 in the series. Jennifer worked hard with positioning to drag Whiskers down into a tie late in game 4, only for Jennifer to scratch as she made the last ball. Whiskers took a 3-4 win and tied the series at 2 games apiece. Jennifer faded early in game 5, and a late comeback effort fell short as Whiskers claimed a 2-4 win this time. Whiskers took the series 3-2 and will visit the Infinity Torpedoes' Shelley in the bracket semifinals. Jennifer is the 46th player out of the Tournament, and Whiskers has her first kill of the year.

Sony Center, Queens: Pauline v. Ms. Kitty. The red cue is up next for an 8-ball series. Queens' Pauline opened with a five-ball run in game 1, but it went to waste as Pacific's Ms. Kitty was efficient on her comeback surge. Ms. Kitty cleaned up the 8 to the top right in the end, winning for a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty scratched on the game 2 break, but she was still faster on offense with stripes while the Flames' Pauline stumbled on solids. Ms. Kitty took another win to go up 2-0 in the series. Ms. Kitty opened game 3 on a five-ball run, which Pauline answered with a six-ball run. At the end, Ms. Kitty was able to make her final pair just ahead of Pauline, giving Ms. Kitty the series at 3-0. Ms. Kitty changed her approach in game 4, instead going with a strong finish to make six balls over her last two turns for a win and 4-0 series lead over Pauline. Ms. Kitty came up a little short in game 5 as Pauline won on a four-ball run-out to avoid the sweep. Ms. Kitty's 4-1 series win sets her up to host Golden Pilots star Dusty in the bracket semifinals. Ms. Kitty picked up her first kill of the year as Pauline is the 47th eliminated player.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Luigi v. Dustin. The green cue exits after this 10-ball series. Commerce's Luigi had a chance to win game 1, but he scratched as he made the 10. Central's Dustin took it for free to the bottom left to get the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Dustin committed a foul in game 2, and the Tradewinds' Luigi turned it into a four-ball run-out from ball-in-hand. Luigi's surge earned him a win and tied the series at 1. The pace dropped off again in game 3, but that worked out fine for Luigi. Dustin missed on the 9 and Luigi made the final pair for another win to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Dustin looked for some redemption in game 4, but his late push on a four-ball run ended with a miss on the 8. Luigi made sure to lock it down with a three-ball run-out for the win to secure the series at 3-1. Luigi was able to add another win to his tally in game 5, finishing with a three-ball run-out again for the 4-1 series win over Dustin. Luigi will host the Queens Flames superstar Violetta in the bracket semifinals.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Lindsay v. Gal. The red cue is done after another 10-ball set. Stonebridge's Lindsay struggled to set the tone in game 1, and a late miss on the 9 allowed North Modernistic's Gal to win with the final pair. Gal holds a shaky 1-0 series lead. Outside of a big break, play continued to be slow and chippy in game 2. At the end, the Nighthawks' Gal missed on the 10, and the Wolves' Lindsay made it on her second try to tie the series at 1 with the win. Gal wasted a lot of her possessions with missed opportunities, and Lindsay was able to snag another close win in game 3 to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Gal got back on track with five balls over her last two turns of game 4, a strong attack to get the win and pull even at 2 games apiece with Lindsay. Gal had a decent push in game 5, but her missed contact on the 9 was the deciding play. Lindsay made the final pair for a 3-2 series win and the right to host Todavía Stills star Ruby in the bracket semifinals. Gal is the 48th player out of the Tournament, and Lindsay has her first career kill.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Vladimir v. Pedey. The silver cue ends the day in 7-ball in the visitor's second series of the day. Neither player was clinical on their finishing touches, but Todavía's Pedey was able to pick up the win when Maplewood's Vladimir left the 7 near the bottom side. Pedey leads the series 1-0. The Stills' Pedey opened with a four-ball run in game 2, and he mopped up the 7 at the top left after the Lumberjacks' Vladimir couldn't corral it late. Pedey stretched his series lead to 2-0. Pedey wasted no time in clinching the series in game 3, getting the 2 in the bottom left and the 7 in the top side for an instant win. He leads 3-0 over Vladimir now. Pedey didn't find much offense in game 4, as Vladimir redeemed himself partially with a four-ball run-out for a win. Pedey remains ahead 3-1 in the series. Vladimir didn't have a repeat effort in game 5, and Pedey was able to sink the final pair for the win and 4-1 series win. Pedey is set to host Modernistic Union newcomer Quincy in the bracket semifinals. 

That's it for today. Tomorrow is likely to play as a normal schedule rather than Sunday scheduling.

Tournament XI - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 13

We're ready to go on a Friday of new action. It'll be old school today with the purple and green cues receiving days off. We begin with...

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Isabella. The silver cue opens the action today in 10-ball. Atlantic's Isabella made the last six balls over two turns as she took control in game 1 for a win and 1-0 series lead over Golden's Strut. The Pirates' Isabella had a little less offense in game 2. The Pilots' Strut fouled the first time he sank the 10, but he made it again to end a three-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1. Isabella had an awful attempt on the 1-10 combination in game 3, so much so that Strut was able to approach it from a different angle to the bottom left and still come up with the quick win. Strut now leads the series 2-1. Isabella was unafraid to bank a few shots in game 4, but Strut was also effective playing indirect. At the end, Strut made a three-ball run-out with a combination and a bank included to seal the series at 3-1. Strut played an even game 5, but it got away from him at the end and Isabella took one more win. Strut won the series 3-2 and will host the Everton Eagles captain Goldy in the bracket semifinals. Strut's first kill of the year made Isabella the 40th eliminated player.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Charli v. Josie. The red cue is up next, ready to play 7-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Josie enjoyed a majority of the offense in game 1 with a four-ball run, but she still needed another miss from Tysini's Charli to finish it off. Josie leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Josie rattled off a five-ball run before a scratch in game 2. The Hummingbirds' Charli blundered her shot on the 6 from ball-in-hand, and Josie made the final pair for the win to go up 2-0 in the series. Josie lost her touch a bit in game 3, leading to Charli picking up a more noticeable share of offense. At the end, Charli closed out a win to get on the board, although she still trails 2-1 in the series. Josie struggled again in game 4, and Charli didn't have a quick answer as she looked to play at a lower pace. In the end, Charli mopped up the 7 to the bottom left for the win, tying the series at 2. Charli left Josie with no chance to reply in game 5 as the host won with the 5 and 7 dropping in the top right off the break. Charli's 3-2 series win puts her into the bracket semifinals.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Lily v. Gizmo. The silver cue is back for this Rotation series. Eastside's Lily got off to a good start in game 1, but North Modernistic's Gizmo briefly worked his way into a tie. Lily then slammed the door with a three-ball run-out for an 8-5 win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Lily had a slower attack in game 2, but she was effective at keeping the Nighthawks' Gizmo at bay. Gizmo picked up some offense late before Lily locked in an 8-4 win to go up 2-0 in the series. Lily continued to enjoy the better of the offense in game 3, burying a couple of pairs of shots to build her lead. She finished with an 8-2 win over Gizmo to secure the series at 3-0. Lily wasn't impressed with her break in game 4, but she was still better on offense than Gizmo, who made a small push at the end only to lose 8-3. Lily extended her series lead to 4-0. Lily couldn't finish off the sweep in game 5, as Gizmo pushed with a four-ball run-out at the end for an 8-3 win. Lily's 4-1 series win takes her into a hosting position in the bracket semifinals. Lily took her first kill of the year to make Gizmo the 41st player out.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Kacey v. Hershey. Another 7-ball series uses the blue cue. Royal's Kacey had a lot of shots almost go in, but it proved costly as Stonebridge's Hershey made no mistakes in cleaning up. Hershey took the 7 to the top right after Kacey's kick left it short, giving the visitor a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Kacey tried to build a run late in game 2, but it failed when she missed on the 6. The Wolves' Hershey made the 6-7 combination to the top left for the win to stretch his series lead to 2-0. Hershey took total control in game 3, making a pair on the break that sparked a six-ball run-out. Hershey finished it with a 6-7 combination to the top side to seal the series at 3-0 over Kacey. Hershey collected another win in game 4 as Kacey scratched on the 4. Hershey rattled off a three-ball run-out to earn another win and push his series lead to 4-0. Kacey committed a stick foul late in game 5 that allowed Hershey to make the last two balls on a free possession. Hershey swept the series 5-0 and will host the Queens Flames captain Crystal in the bracket semifinals. This counts as Hershey's first kill with Kacey's rookie season ending as the 42nd eliminated player.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Molly v. Solaris. The red cue takes a turn in Rotation here. Southern's Molly started decently in game 1, but Commerce's Solaris eventually wrestled away control of the offense. Solaris made a four-ball run-out for the 8-4 win and 1-0 series lead. One of the slowest finishes to a game on this day was in game 2, as the Tradewinds' Solaris held the lead but couldn't find a path to the finish. The Monarchs' Molly didn't catch him either, and Solaris eventually won 8-4 to go up 2-0 in the series. The pace picked up again in game 3, with Solaris taking the early lead, Molly matching him in the middle, and Solaris pulling away at the end for another 8-4 win to clinch the series at 3-0. Solaris used a six-ball run to establish his lead in game 4, and Molly only answered with a pair. Solaris finished the 8-2 win with a pair to keep rolling with a 4-0 series lead. Molly put up a good fight in game 5, but she fell by an 8-4 score again when Solaris finally finished off his 5-0 series sweep. Solaris will visit the Everton Eagles captain Goldy in the bracket semifinals.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Panda v. Spirit. The red cue stays active for this 15-ball battle. Lighton's Spirit appeared to pick up the pace in a close game 1 near the end, but she scratched on her attempt at the 15. Everton's Panda picked it up from ball-in-hand for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Spirit continued to struggle with errors in game 2. This allowed the Eagles' Panda to nab the win on a 12-15 combination double-pot, putting him ahead 2-0 in the series. Panda began to falter on offense in game 3, leading to a slow middle section. Spirit chipped in more offense and grabbed the win, now trailing 2-1 in the series. Spirit had a decent start to game 4, but Panda reclaimed possession later on a seven-ball run, and he made the 15 to the top left when Spirit couldn't. Panda's win clinched the series for him at 3-1. Spirit struck early to end game 5, deflecting off the 11 to make the 15 at the bottom left despite a solid push from Panda earlier. Panda settled for a 3-2 series win, and he'll host club-mate and Golden Pilots veteran Sparkles in the bracket semifinals.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Ellie v. Sunshine. Exciting young players meet in 10-ball with the red cue, its last series of the day. Royal's Sunshine had a strong game 1, much better than Capital City's Ellie. Sunshine closed out the win with a pair of shots to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Crowns' Sunshine had a few more errors in game 2, allowing the Sharpshooters' Ellie to get her bounce-back performance. Ellie picked up the win and tied the series at 1. Ellie likely deserved better than she got in game 3, as she made a late three-ball run but scratched as the 9 went down. Sunshine scooped up this win despite a minority of the offense, and that gave him a 2-1 series lead. Ellie didn't get much offense in game 4, as Sunshine started with a four-ball run and double-potted the 5 and 10 on a later turn on an impressive kick shot. Sunshine secured the series at 3-1 with this win. Sunshine finished off the series with a solid game 5 effort to get the 4-1 series win over Ellie. Sunshine is set to host Tysini Hummingbirds veteran Sugar in the bracket semifinals.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Taylor M. v. Maggie. Club-mates battle in Rotation as the blue cue makes an exit. Modernistic's Maggie had a nice surge in the middle of game 1, but Eastside's Taylor M. found a second wind with a three-ball run-out to get the 8-6 win. Taylor M. holds a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Maggie enjoyed more of the offense in game 2, earning her way to an 8-2 win as the Sharks' Taylor M. couldn't get much going. The series is tied at 1. In game 3, Maggie's break led to some success for Taylor M. early on. Maggie had a couple of double-pots that lifted her to the lead, but Taylor M. rattled off a five-ball run-out for the win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Maggie found a lot of the early offense, but a short-shot miss at the bottom side led to Taylor M. surging ahead on a five-ball run. Taylor M. added a pair on the next turn for an 8-5 win to seal the series at 3-1. Taylor M. couldn't close out strong in game 5, as Maggie found a little window of opportunity to get the win by an 8-5 score. Taylor M. won the series 3-2 and will visit the Southern Monarchs' Dominic in the bracket semifinals. Maggie is the 43rd player out this year, and Taylor M. has her second kill.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Briana. A burgeoning rivalry ends the day in 15-ball with the silver cue. Web City's Jack had a productive start to game 1, but Queens' Briana snagged the win early on a 6-15 combination to the top right. Briana leads the series 1-0. The Spiders' Jack had a couple of chances to end game 2, but he couldn't finish it off. Briana made runs of five and three balls before sinking the 15 to the bottom left for the win and 2-0 series lead. Briana didn't have quite as much composure in game 3, but she got the win when her deflection play turned into a 9-15 bank combination to the bottom right. She sealed the series at 3-0 over Jack with this win. Briana split the offense a little more evenly with Jack in game 4 as both searched for an early finish. It didn't come, but Briana moved up to a 4-0 series lead with a pair at the end. Briana kept pushing on offense in game 5, only for Jack to clean up the scraps for his lone win in the finale. Briana took the series 4-1 and will host the Infinity Torpedoes' Blaze in the bracket semifinals. 

That's all for today. We'll be back on schedule tomorrow with another full slate.

Tournament XI - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 12

We're set to continue play today. First up...

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Maren v. Stealth. The purple cue's only series today is in 13-ball. Swordpoint's Stealth staged a strong comeback effort in game 1, but Apex's Maren was able to hold him off just enough for the win after a hot start. Maren leads the series 1-0. The Blades' Stealth went with mob defense at the top side, but he left enough of a gap for the Wonders' Maren to sink a deflection of the 12 off the 1 as part of her three-ball run-out for the win. Maren is up 2-0 in the series. Stealth tried to play defense in game 3, but he wasn't able to hold off Maren for long enough. Maren eventually made the 8 to the top right to seal the series at 3-0. Stealth didn't finish off game 4 very well, losing control at the end with a missed contact. Maren made a three-ball run-out this time and claimed the win to go ahead 4-0 in the series. Maren didn't mess around in a close game 5, stalling out Stealth with positioning at the end before she made the 8 to the top right for the 5-0 series sweep. Maren will continue to host in the bracket semifinals.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Ms. Puppy. A North Division battle sees the blue cue up for Rotation. Whitewater's Katharine put in a good effort, but Modernistic's Ms. Puppy held it even and then stole the 8-7 win at the end for a 1-0 series lead after game 1. The Union's Ms. Puppy came out firing in game 2 with a three-ball run off the break. The Shores' Katharine replied with a three-ball run, but Ms. Puppy won on a five-ball run-out for an 8-3 win just two turns in, which gave her a 2-0 series lead. In game 3, Ms. Puppy had another productive start, but Katharine finally got the edge at the end to claim an 8-6 win. Ms. Puppy remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Katharine pulled off another comeback late in game 4, as Ms. Puppy couldn't make a big lead stand to the end. Katharine's 8-6 win this time tied the series at 2. Katharine took immediate control in game 5, winning 8-0 as she left Ms. Puppy with no positioning. Katharine took the series 3-2 and will host the Victoria Spurs star Yekaterina in the bracket semifinals.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Bells. Another blue cue series is in 15-ball. Pearl's Watermelon was a little slow at the start, but with nary a challenge from Zenith's Bells in game 1. Watermelon then picked up the pace with a six-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon had a solid performance in game 2, but her four-ball run near the end closed with a miss on the 13. The Skywatchers' Bells took over for a three-ball run-out to earn the win, tying the series at 1. A choppy game 3 saw neither player able to establish much on the run. Watermelon picked up the win and 2-1 series lead over Bells with a bank of the 15 to the bottom right. Watermelon had a six-ball run in game 4, then followed up with a 9-15 bank combination to the bottom left two turns later for the win to secure the series at 3-1 over Bells. Watermelon got greedy in game 5, missing a 4-15 combination that stayed close enough to the bottom left for Bells to pick up the win on a deflection. Watermelon still won the series 3-2 and will host the Modernistic Union captain Ms. Puppy in the bracket semifinals. Watermelon earned her first kill of the year to make Bells the 39th eliminated player.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Hoot v. Briana. Staying in the North, the blue cue makes an exit after 9-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot had a solid start in game 1, but Queens' Briana rallied with a four-ball run-out in the end to get the 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Briana had some struggles early in game 2, but she dipped into the bag of tricks for a five-ball run-out at the end. The Meteors' Hoot could only watch as Briana staked out a 2-0 series lead. Briana had a good chunk of offense in game 3, but she couldn't make the 8 after Hoot scratched while potting the 7. Hoot recovered to sink the last two balls for the win, cutting Briana's series lead to 2-1. Briana struggled again in game 4, unable to get the right positioning to build runs. Hoot wasn't all that sharp, but he was able to sink the final pair of balls for the win to tie the series at 2. Briana faltered in game 5, and Hoot capitalized on that with a five-ball run-out to claim the win and 3-2 series win. Hoot's reverse-sweep has him in position to host the Infinity Torpedoes' Fuchsia in the bracket semifinals.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Misty. The marquee series of the day is in 7-ball with the green cue. A plethora of scratches in game 1 ruined momentum, and Lighton's Acorn was able to get the win with the 7 from ball-in-hand after Westside's Misty fouled late. Acorn leads the series 1-0. Game 2 brought much more excitement, as the Prestige's Acorn made three balls on the break. The Rockers' Misty answered on a four-ball run-out on her lone turn to get the win and tie the series at 1. Misty got enough movement on the break in game 3 to take the 3 at the bottom left and the 7 at the bottom right for an instant win. Misty now leads Acorn 2-1 in the series. Misty lost her grip on the offense in game 4, and Acorn pushed back with a three-ball run-out to get the win, which tied the series at 2. Acorn took over fully late in game 5, as Misty couldn't get herself organized this time. Acorn rattled off a five-ball run-out for the 3-2 series win, which sets him up to visit the Golden Pilots' Max in the bracket semifinals.

Porsche Events Center, Zenith: Blizzard v. Precious. Captains collide in 9-ball with the silver cue. Pronger's Precious didn't do so well at executing in game 1, and Zenith's Blizzard capitalized later with a five-ball run-out for the win. Blizzard owns a 1-0 series lead. The Skywatchers' Blizzard didn't do so well in game 2, with the Tridents' Precious tightening up a bit for a three-ball run-out in the end. Precious' surge tied the series at 1. Blizzard fouled with illegal contact as she tried a masse shot on the 7. Precious answered with a three-ball run-out again, taking the win and storming ahead 2-1 in the series with her solid but unexciting offense. Precious fouled with a scratch late in a slower game 4. Blizzard didn't mess around with the finish, earning the win on a three-ball run-out to retie the series at 2. Precious tried to play slow in game 5, but her miss on the 6 allowed Blizzard to convert a 6-9 combination to the bottom left for the win and 3-2 series win. Blizzard will host the Lighton Prestige veteran Shiny in the bracket semifinals.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Stealth v. Goldy. Club-mates meet in 10-ball as the silver cue finishes its scheduled series today. Swordpoint's Stealth had a decent start to game 1, but blunders from both players on the 8 set up Everton's Goldy to make a three-ball run-out. Goldy leads the series 1-0. The Blades' Stealth looked a little lost in game 2, and while the Eagles' Goldy took her time, she won on a four-ball run-out. Goldy leads the series 2-0 now. Goldy came close to a win in game 3, matching Stealth with three-ball runs for each player late on. Stealth was able to snag the 10 to the bottom left for the win to get on the board, although he trails 2-1 in the series. Stealth nearly had game 4, but he didn't call a deflection off the 7 to pot the 10. Goldy answered with taking over possession for a three-ball run-out, narrowly avoiding a scratch to seal the series at 3-1. Goldy attacked well initially in game 5, but Stealth finished it off with a three-ball run-out to get one game back. Goldy's 3-2 series win sets her up for another road series in the bracket semifinals.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Sparkles v. Vincent. The red cue gets a lone appearance in 15-ball. Golden's Sparkles waited for Everton's Vincent to scratch before deflecting a shot off the 7 to take the 15 at the top right. Sparkles' patience was rewarded with a win and 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Sparkles couldn't pick up the pace on offense in game 2, and the Eagles' Vincent just waited around mainly to pick up scraps of offense. Vincent's win tied the series at 1. Vincent didn't keep the momentum up into game 3, while Sparkles also took some time to get back into the series. Sparkles eventually unleashed a six-ball run-out for the win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Sparkles turned the offense up to full blast in game 4, making nine of the last 10 balls over her final two turns while Vincent got caught flat-footed. Sparkles' win clinched the series in her favor at 3-1. Vincent tried to jab in one more win in game 5, but his final run fell short at three balls. Sparkles made the final pair for a 4-1 series win that puts her into the bracket semifinals.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Cowzart v. Celestia. We end the day with Rotation and the green cue between North Division rivals. A fairly even start to game 1 didn't stay that way for long. Apex's Cowzart had a foul, and Oceanside's Celestia ripped a five-ball run-out for the 8-2 win and 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia began game 2 on a four-ball run, and while that lead didn't hold under pressure from the Wonders' Cowzart, Celestia recovered well late. Celestia ended up with an 8-5 win to take a 2-0 series lead. Celestia did not back down a bit in game 3, attacking at full force while leaving Cowzart no room to answer. Celestia won the game 8-0 to clinch the series at 3-0. Celestia remained merciless in game 4, leaving Cowzart to foul and miss a few times before she was able to unleash a six-ball run-out for the 8-0 win. Celestia is up 4-0 in the series. Cowzart had his best performance in game 5, only to scratch on a potential winning shot. Celestia made it instead for an 8-7 win and 5-0 series sweep that sees her move on to a road series versus Pearl Surfers veteran Boots in the bracket semifinals. 

After a fast-paced day, we'll continue tomorrow as we approach the final week of the round.

Tournament XI - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 11

The second half of the Bracket Quarterfinals begins here. First up...

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Hoot v. Twinkie III. North Division rivals meet in Accuracy with the purple cue. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot put up a solid effort in game 1, but Whitewater's Twinkie III held on better at the end to earn a 1-2 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Twinkie III had a harder time in game 2, faltering in the middle to allow the Meteors' Hoot some leeway. Hoot picked up a 2-4 win here, tying the series at 1. In game 3, Hoot delivered pace with an explosive break and a double-pot later on. Twinkie III missed once late, and that gave Hoot a 0-1 win to put him ahead 2-1 in the series. Hoot remained perfect in game 4 with another good break and steady shooting. Twinkie III again failed to keep up, and Hoot took the 0-2 win to clinch the series at 3-1. Hoot was denied another perfect game 5 effort, but he picked up a 1-2 win despite a late stumble. Hoot beat Twinkie III 4-1 in the series to earn his place in the bracket semifinals. Twinkie III is the 37th player out this year, and Hoot has his first kill.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Slinks v. Leonardo. The silver cue's lone series today is in 13-ball. Diamond's Leonardo found a little speed at the end of game 1, surging on a four-ball run-out to get by Tysini's Slinks, who had to contend with an early scratch. Leonardo leads the series 1-0. The Gems' Leonardo had no success in game 2, taking an overfill and losing control of his positioning. The Hummingbirds' Slinks gladly filled the void to earn the win, tying the series at 1. Slinks had good positioning in game 3, but couldn't capitalize on it at the end. Leonardo instead made a pair at the end for the win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Leonardo wasted his chances to close out game 4, allowing Slinks to ultimately make a pair at the end for the win to tie the series again at 2. Leonardo took the early lead in game 5, dropped off the pace as Slinks surged, then rebounded late for the win. Leonardo took a tough 3-2 series win to earn the right to visit the Freedom Cascades' Frosty in the bracket semifinals. Leonardo has two kills this year and Slinks is the 38th player eliminated from the Tournament.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Luigi. Back in Accuracy, the red cue enters the action. Stonebridge's Hershey nearly forced overtime in game 1, but he scratched on the final ball to gift away a 1-2 win after Commerce's Luigi missed his last shot. Luigi leads the series 1-0 after a close battle. The Tradewinds' Luigi slipped behind early in game 2, and the Wolves' Hershey made his lead hold this time with a better finish. Hershey won 1-2 to tie the series at 1. Hershey struggled greatly at the end of game 3, allowing Luigi to set the tone with a 2-5 win this time. Luigi retook the series lead at 2-1 in the process. Luigi couldn't find a way to get ahead in game 4, with Hershey holding even much of the way and then protecting a 2-3 lead to the finish. Hershey's win retied the series at 2. Hershey didn't look very good initially in game 5, but Luigi fell all the way off the pace at the end, and Hershey won 3-5. Hershey took a 3-2 series win and will host the Oceanside Waves' Rocky in the bracket semifinals.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Dreamy v. Taylor M. The red cue goes again in 13-ball between captains. Swordpoint's Dreamy established and maintained a small advantage over Eastside's Taylor M. throughout game 1 to earn the win and 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Dreamy had a scratch on the game 2 break, and that was all the extra space the Sharks' Taylor M. needed. It wasn't a close battle this time, as Taylor M. cruised to the win to tie the series at 1. Taylor M. liked her break after making one of each and took solids. Both players missed opportunities later, but Dreamy used the 8 defensively until she was ready to sink it at the bottom side for the win and 2-1 series lead. In game 4, Taylor M. took a sizeable lead early on and eventually got Dreamy to sink the 8 for her to even the series again at 2 games each. Taylor M. made a four-ball run on stripes after sinking one of each on the game 5 break. Dreamy came close to catching up, but Taylor M. had just enough of a lead for the win and 3-2 series win. Taylor M. will visit the Capital City Sharpshooters rookie Kelsea in the bracket semifinals. This was Dreamy's 100th unique opponent.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Kelsea v. Vincent. The red cue makes an exit after this 9-ball set. Capital City's Kelsea had a solid start in game 1, but Everton's Vincent wanted to pace the play. Vincent couldn't finish off the 9, and Kelsea put it in the top left for the 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Vincent had a terrible attempt on the 8 in game 2, and the Sharpshooters' Kelsea finished off that win with a pair of snipes to get the 2-0 series lead. Kelsea had a chance to close out game 3, but she let this one get away as Vincent made the final pair for the win. Kelsea remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Kelsea fired right back in a slow-moving game 4, easily taking the win after Vincent faltered late. Kelsea secured the series at 3-1 with this result. Vincent couldn't find much traction in game 5 either, and Kelsea picked up the win for a 4-1 series win that sets her up to host Lighton Prestige captain Acorn in the bracket semifinals.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Puff III. East Division rivals meet in 12-ball with the purple cue to end its day. Web City's Jack had to make a bit of a comeback to take game 1, but he was able to outplay Everton's Puff III in the end. Jack leads the series 1-0. The Eagles' Puff III didn't have enough pace in game 2, as the Spiders' Jack took solids on the break and cruised easily to the win for a 2-0 series lead thanks to a three-ball run-out. In game 3, Jack never found a way to recover from his scratches. Puff III took a ton of time to get to the end, but she picked up a win to cut the series deficit to 2-1. Jack worked his way out of trouble with a strategic scratch late in game 4. Puff III missed contact with her last ball, and Jack struck the winning shot from ball-in-hand to seal the series at 3-1. Jack dominated outright in game 5, unchallenged by Puff III as he added one more win to his tally. Jack's 4-1 series win puts him into the bracket semifinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Quincy v. Sarah. The blue cue gets one series of 10-ball today. Modernistic's Quincy was left dissatisfied by his break in game 2, and Tysini's Sarah rallied from there to pick up the win and 1-0 series lead with a late push. The Hummingbirds' Sarah started with confidence in game 2 and added four balls over her last two turns to beat the Union's Quincy again. Sarah leads the series 2-0 now. Sarah kept her level high in game 3, but she couldn't finish it off as her four-ball run ended with a miss on the 10. Quincy struck it down at the bottom left for the win to get on the board in the 2-1 series. Quincy opened with a five-ball run in game 4, then added the 10 at the end after Sarah's run again came up a little short. Quincy has tied the series at 2. Sarah finally finished off a late run in game 5 with a six-ball run-out, banking the 10 to the top side to beat Quincy 3-2 in the series. Sarah will be on the road in the bracket semifinals.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Jane v. Bells. The green cue is up for 9-ball. Stonebridge's Jane scratched on the game 1 break, and it took Zenith's Bells just two shots to make a 2-9 combination to the bottom left for the win. Bells leads the series 1-0. The Skywatchers' Bells also had a scratch on the game 2 break, but the Wolves' Jane didn't provide a quick reply. Bells ended up getting the final pair in the end to go up 2-0 in the series. Bells had a mediocre effort in game 3, nailing a three-ball run but missing the pivotal shot on the 7. Jane rattled off a three-ball run-out for the win, getting on the board while trailing 2-1 in the series. Jane got even in a hurry in game 4, making the 9 sharply off the break with a sweet-spot shot to the bottom left. The series is now tied at 2. Jane struggled a little in game 5, but once she got going, she made a pair of four-ball runs split only by Bells' pathetic attempt on the 6. Jane won the series 3-2 in a reverse-sweep to get into a road series versus the Everton Eagles' Panda in the bracket semifinals.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Midnight v. Strut. The green cue closes the day in 15-ball to begin a split-day venue doubleheader. Apex's Midnight had a roundabout way to find success in game 1, but she won on a four-ball run-out after Golden's Strut couldn't get in form at the end. Midnight leads the series 1-0. The Pilots' Strut still took less of the offense in game 2, but his finishing surge was cut short by a scratch. The Wonders' Midnight grabbed the win on the 15 from ball-in-hand to the bottom left to take a 2-0 series lead. Midnight had a solid offense with three balls on the game 3 break. She split things pretty evenly after that, but Strut took the final pair for a win to get on the board at a 2-1 deficit. Strut had some offense early on, but he was clearly struggling later as Midnight worked her way to the win to secure the series at 3-1. Midnight bounced back after a slow start in game 5, burying a pair of shots at the end for the 4-1 series win. Midnight will host the Viewpoint Sound Meteors' Princess in the bracket semifinals. 

That's it for today's games. We'll play again tomorrow.

Tournament XI - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 10

The 100th day of this Tournament is here. The blue and purple cues will not be involved today, so we'll begin with...

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Snowball. The green cue gets the opening series in 8-ball. Infinity's Fluffina made a stripe on the break and remained stronger on offense throughout game 1 than what Westside's Snowball could muster. Fluffina won on a three-ball run-out for a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Snowball tried to make a comeback push in game 2, but the Torpedoes' Fluffina had enough offense from an early six-ball run to hold her off. Fluffina picked up the 8 at the bottom right for the win to go up 2-0 in the series. A merciless start in game 3 lifted Fluffina well ahead of Snowball again, and the host went unchallenged to secure the series at 3-0. Snowball simply couldn't get her offense going in game 4, getting walloped again by Fluffina, who now leads the series 4-0. Fluffina saved her big attack for the end in game 5, making a six-ball run-out to finish a 5-0 series sweep over Snowball. Fluffina will visit the Swordpoint Blades' Mams in a West Division showdown in the bracket semifinals.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Nightfur. South Division rivals clash in 7-ball with the red cue. Zenith's Nightfur got on track with a five-ball run-out on her second turn in game 1, taking the win and 1-0 series lead over Boston's Gradley. The Swifts' Gradley had a good start to game 2, but the Skywatchers' Nightfur took over again with a six-ball run-out to go up 2-0 in the series. Gradley couldn't get anything going in game 3, seeing multiple chances and failing to build a run. In the end, Nightfur made another three-ball run-out to secure the series at 3-0 with dominant offense. Nightfur continued to chunk offense with finishing runs, making the last four balls this time to push her lead over Gradley to 4-0. Nightfur couldn't quite bring home a sweep, faltering late in game 5 to allow Gradley to make the final pair for his lone win. A 4-1 series win still gets Nightfur into the bracket semifinals to visit the Viewpoint Sound Meteors star Princess.

Intel Center, Diamond: Salmo v. Chris. The green cue is back for a Rotation series. Diamond's Salmo had a strong start to game 1, then backed it up with a five-ball run-out for the 8-2 win over Capital City's Chris, who was unlucky to lose a double-pot on a scratch. Salmo leads the series 1-0. The Sharpshooters' Chris couldn't get his offense going much at all, allowing the Gems' Salmo to slowly build his way to another 8-2 win. Salmo is ahead 2-0 in the series with little resistance. Chris put up a bit more of a fight in game 3, but he couldn't pull it off this time either. Salmo attacked for an 8-4 win to clinch the series at 3-0. Chris got a little closer to success in game 4, but Salmo slammed the door in frustration at the end for an 8-5 win. Salmo leads the series 4-0, even though he's not very satisfied with his effort. Chris avoided the sweep with a huge performance in game 5, winning 8-5 in another difficult battle. Salmo took a 4-1 series win to earn the right to host the Infinity Torpedoes' Shelley in the bracket semifinals. This was Chris' 100th unique opponent.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Fluffina. The silver cue, fresh off a tip reshaping, enters the action in 7-ball. Midland's Rainmane had a pair in the middle of game 1, but her miss on the 7 allowed Infinity's Fluffina to sink it after a previous four-ball run. Fluffina leads the series 1-0. The Torpedoes' Fluffina couldn't get much going in game 2, and the Predators' Rainmane rocketed in a five-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Fluffina scratched early in game 3, and Rainmane kept her from getting back to the table with ease. Rainmane won on a six-ball run-out to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Rainmane scratched on the break in game 4, and Fluffina struck a five-ball run before missing on the 6. Rainmane then made a pair for the win to take the win and seal the series at 3-1. Fluffina again made a big run of six balls in game 5, but she couldn't finish it off. Rainmane eventually made the 7 to the bottom right for a 4-1 series win and the chance to host North Modernistic Nighthawks captain Peach in the bracket semifinals.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Marissa. The red cue exits after a 15-ball series between East Division foes. Atlantic's Delila carved up a six-ball run in game 1, then saw Maplewood's Marissa make a four-ball run. Marissa missed on the 15 and Delila took it to the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Delila again enjoyed a nice run in the middle of game 2, but her drop-off was worse this time. The Lumberjacks' Marissa was able to pick up more offense at the end for the win, tying the series at 1. In game 3, Delila bounced back with seven balls over her last two turns, preventing Marissa from getting much going. Delila's win restored her series lead at 2-1. Marissa carved up a five-ball run in the middle of game 4, but Delila replied with a four-ball run-out instead to clinch the series at 3-1. Marissa got one back for posterity in game 5, burying a three-ball run-out after a foul from Delila, who took the series 3-2. Delila will visit the Diamond Gems' Leonardo in the bracket semifinals. Marissa is the 36th player out of the Tournament, and Delila has her first kill.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Josie v. Mams. The green cue returns for 10-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Josie collected the win in a tough game 1, outlasting Swordpoint's Mams to grab the 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Josie faltered late in another difficult game 2 battle, and this time the Blades' Mams did the clean-up at the end. Mams made a pair of shots from ball-in-hand for the win to tie the series at 1. Mams had a rough performance in game 3, and she wasn't able to finish it off at all. Josie instead closed it out, taking a shaky 2-1 series lead in one of the worst series of the day. Mams answered in game 4 with a four-ball run-out as neither player appreciated the above label on their series. Mams' win tied the series at 2. Mams couldn't finish off game 5, leaving the 10 as a tap-in for Josie at the bottom left. Josie won the series 3-2 and will host the Pronger Tridents captain Precious in the bracket semifinals.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Jane v. Tigerette. In 12-ball, the silver cue takes a turn. Stonebridge's Jane had a rough start to game 1, but she nearly pulled off a strong comeback. Her late scratch allowed Boston's Tigerette to kick in her last ball at the top right for the 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Tigerette made one of each on the game 2 break, and she ended up playing stripes. The Wolves' Jane thought she had a good attack going, but Tigerette was better and cleaner for the win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Tigerette lost all control in game 3, distracted as she was playing. Jane fought off the environmental issues better and eventually earned the win to get on the board while trailing 2-1 in the series. Jane had a double-pot on the break to the left corners, but her offense wasn't very sharp after that. Tigerette prematurely declared victory, but she an overfill, forcing game 4 to continue until she could legally pick up the win for the 3-1 series lead. Tigerette wasn't able to defend well enough late in game 5, as Jane won with a double-pot of stripes to the top corners. Tigerette still won the series 3-2 and will play in the bracket semifinals.

Sony Center, Queens: Violetta v. Rainmane. A huge South Division battle in 10-ball uses the green cue. Queens' Violetta picked up the scraps in game 1 as neither player took control of the offense. Midland's Rainmane was futile at the end, and Violetta leads the series 1-0. The Flames' Violetta had a five-ball run in game 2, but she stalled out in the middle. The Predators' Rainmane took over to make a four-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Rainmane had some lingering frustration in game 3, which worked out for some early offense but ruined her late game when Violetta leveraged it with composed shooting. Violetta picked up this win for a 2-1 series win. Rainmane tried to settle down in game 4, but the slow pace rattled her again and she sent the cue ball off the table. Violetta remained firm and steady, closing out another win to seal the series at 3-1. Rainmane picked up a win for the road in game 5, potting a pair at the end after Violetta's last push fell short. Violetta won the series 3-2 and moved into the bracket semifinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Carly v. Frosty. The silver cue ends the day with 13-ball. Westside's Carly led for much of game 1, but a little defense went a long way for Freedom's Frosty, who found a way to win on a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Carly didn't have much success until the end when she lined up for a last push. It never happened, as the Cascades' Frosty rattled off a three-ball run-out instead for the win to go up 2-0 in the series. Carly again had a nice attack in game 3, only for Frosty to lurch forward with a finishing run at the end. Frosty held Carly off just enough this time to earn the win and secure the series at 3-0. Carly was incredibly close to a win in game 4, but she sank the 8 off the carom that she had to use to cut her last ball into the bottom left. Frosty took the gifted win to go up 4-0 in the series. Frosty didn't have the best performance in game 5, but she came up with the win anyway when Carly scratched while making the 8. Frosty swept the series 5-0 and will head to the bracket semifinals. 

It was undoubtedly a rough day, but we'll be back for more tomorrow.

Tournament XI - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 9

We're back for a regularly scheduled full day. Leading things off...

Intel Center, Diamond: Leonardo v. Twinkie II. The red cue makes the start today in 15-ball. Diamond's Leonardo had a solid performance in game 1, but he couldn't finish it off with a miss on the 15 at the bottom side. Harrison's Twinkie II tapped down the winning shot for a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II made a six-ball run in game 2, but she struggled after that. Lucky for her, the Gems' Leonardo flubbed his look at the 15, and Twinkie II banked it to the top right for the win to go up 2-0 in the series. Twinkie II had a chance to secure the series after Leonardo fouled on the 15 in game 3, but Twinkie II scratched as she made the last shot. Leonardo stays alive with a gifted win to get him back to a 2-1 deficit in the series. Leonardo capitalized on an earlier foul in game 4 as Twinkie II scratched while aiming on the 2. Leonardo made the 2-15 combination from ball-in-hand to tie the series at 2. Twinkie II unleashed a seven-ball run early in game 5, but she failed to back it up. Leonardo answered later with an 11-15 kick combination to the top side for the win and 3-2 series win to get into the bracket semifinals in a hosting position.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Tigerette v. Noelle. Two tough opponents meet in 9-ball for the purple cue's only series today. Central's Noelle had a five-ball run early in game 1, but Boston's Tigerette ended up with the win on a perfect bank of the 9 to the bottom right. Tigerette owns a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Tigerette left significantly less doubt in game 2, finding the sweet spot on the break to get the 9 down at the bottom left for a 2-0 series lead over the Warriors' Noelle. In game 3, Noelle reestablished herself as the better player so far from open play, controlling most of the offense and taking the 9 at the bottom right to get a win. Tigerette remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Noelle doubled down in game 4, making the 9 on the break to the bottom left just as Tigerette did in game 2. The series is now tied at 2. Noelle completed the reverse-sweep in game 5, weathering a seven-ball run by Tigerette to pick up the final pair of shots. Noelle took the series 3-2 and will visit the Stonebridge Wolves' Hershey in the bracket semifinals.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Peach v. Lily. The red cue is back for this 9-ball set. North Modernistic's Peach immediately took a 1-0 series lead by winning game 1 on the break as the sweet-spot shooting strategy takes hold league-wide. Eastside's Lily had a decent look early in game 2, but the Nighthawks' Peach retook control and won on a four-ball run-out in the end. Peach holds a 2-0 series lead. The Sharks' Lily finally took over the offense in game 3, making a six-ball run-out that ended with a 5-9 bank combination to the top left after a stalled-out attack from Peach, who remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Peach made a great push in game 4 with a six-ball run, but her miss on the 7 proved costly. Lily fired back with a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 2. Lily scratched on the break in game 5, but she bounced back well in an exciting battle. Peach couldn't close it out on the 9, and Lily picked up the win for a 3-2 series win and the day's third reverse-sweep. Lily will be on the road in the bracket semifinals.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Patches v. Kelsea. The red cue gets another turn in 13-ball. Oceanside's Patches made one of each on the break and chose solids to spark a four-ball run. Capital City's Kelsea failed to make a shot of her own as Patches cruised to a win and 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Patches had a strong start to game 2, but she never got a chance to finish it off. The Sharpshooters' Kelsea was much more formidable on offense this time, earning the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Kelsea wasted no time on solids from the start, and Patches took a penalty for an overfill. Kelsea had some difficulty on the 8, but she had enough time to collect the win for a 2-1 series lead. Kelsea struck again in game 4, taking some time to get started before winning a tight battle against Patches at the end. Kelsea secured the series at 3-1 with the win. Kelsea made two solids and a stripe on the game 5 break. She chose to play solids and again just outpaced Patches at the end for a win. Kelsea is off to the bracket semifinals on the strength of a 4-1 series win.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Avril v. Bear. The silver cue's only appearance today is in 8-ball. Pronger's Avril made a six-ball run before scratching on the opening turn. Commerce's Bear put in a great effort to catch up, only to miss on the 8. That allowed Avril to take the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Avril went empty on the game 2 break, allowing the Tradewinds' Bear to establish his offense first. Bear was a little unsteady later on, but he held on for the win to tie the series at 1. Momentum swung back to Avril early in game 3 as she made a run on solids, but she went for a bold combination play and ended up sinking the 8 prematurely instead. This gifted a win and the 2-1 series lead to Bear in a jarring change to the landscape of the series. Avril bounced right back in game 4, needing just two turns to collect the win on a five-ball run-out with a bank on the 8 to the top side. Bear could only watch as he was shut out, with Avril tying the series at 2 in the process. Avril kept up the momentum in game 5, rallying quickly for a six-ball run before making a pair for Bear. The visitor couldn't answer her, and Avril closed out the win for a 3-2 series win to earn the right to visit Boston Swifts newcomer Tigerette in the bracket semifinals. Avril has her first kill of the year to make Bear the 34th eliminated player.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Princess v. Celestia. A North Division showdown is set for 15-ball with the green cue. Oceanside's Celestia had chances to win game 1 early, but she took it to full-term when she made the 15 at the bottom side after Viewpoint Sound's Princess sputtered late. Celestia owns a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia had some good moments again in game 2, but she was the one to make a mistake near the end. The Meteors' Princess got redemption by sinking the 15 to the top left for the win, tying the series at 1 after a close battle. Princess found a groove at the end of game 3 after another tight battle with Celestia. Princess rallied on a four-ball run-out for the win to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Princess again found a surge late in game 4, rallying for another four-ball run-out after Celestia couldn't get herself back on track. Princess clinched the series at 3-1. Princess eventually rallied again in game 5, winning on a seven-ball run-out after a gritty battle. Princess won the series 4-1 over Celestia to earn a road position in the bracket semifinals.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Brownie v. Ruby. The red cue exits after a 10-ball series. Royal's Brownie had some offense early in game 1 but couldn't settle it down, allowing Todavía's Ruby to bury a three-ball run-out for the win. Ruby holds a 1-0 series lead. Neither player looked very convincing in game 2, but the Crowns' Brownie was able to tough it out with a pair of shots at the end for the win over the Stills' Ruby. The series is tied at 1. In game 3, Ruby had a little better play. Brownie tried to keep pace, but Ruby made the three-ball run-out in the end to grab the win and retake the series lead at 2-1. Pace once again favored Ruby, as Brownie couldn't capitalize on a couple of looks at the 10. Ruby then charged with a four-ball run-out this time to get the win and secure the series at 3-1. Ruby made it a quick finish in game 5, sinking a 5-10 combination to the bottom left after sniping the 4 at the top right. She won the series 4-1 over Brownie, and Ruby's road run continues into the bracket semifinals. This was these two players' sixth career meeting, tying a Tournament record.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Charli v. Ellie. Club-mates are ready to battle in 13-ball for the blue cue's lone series of the day. Neither player was able to get much going on offense, but Tysini's Charli had a brutal foul contact late in game 1 that helped Capital City's Ellie move toward the win. The Sharpshooters' Ellie made one of each and scratched on the game 2 break. She chose stripes, but the Hummingbirds' Charli found more success on solids, although a favorable refereeing decision helped her get the win to tie the series at 1. Charli fell off the pace again in game 3, scratching twice to fall behind. Ellie was much more precise even with questionable positioning, which worked to earn her a win for the 2-1 series lead. Ellie had an explosive break in game 4, but she stalled out on her last stripes. A ball-in-hand situations allowed Charli to win on a four-ball run-out to retie the series at 2. Ellie did everything right until her last ball in game 5, falling short there as it just wouldn't line up at the bottom right. Charli rallied from way back to get the win and 3-2 series win, which puts her in the bracket semifinals.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Sprinkles v. Greg. The finale today is in 13-ball with the green cue. Good starts and bad finishes were mirror-images on both sides, and game 1 ended with Archtown's Greg scratching as he made the 8. This gifted the 1-0 series lead to Capital City's Sprinkles after she squandered the chance to earn it. The Arrows' Greg had a solid performance in game 2, nearly using a strategic scratch perfectly. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles got a little lucky when Greg rattled the 8 out of the bottom right, allowing her to sink a pair for the win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Greg finally applied the right finish in game 3, holding off Sprinkles through defensive positioning before he struck for his win. Greg cut the deficit to 2-1. Greg surged to a lead in game 4, which allowed him to make as many solids as Sprinkles did in the game. Greg fought off any lingering danger with a smashing shot on the 8 to the top right to tie the series at 2. Game 5 turned into a race, and Greg got down to the right side of the table much faster than Sprinkles. Greg made that lead stand for the win and 3-2 series win, capping off the day with another reverse sweep. Greg will be on the road in the bracket semifinals. Greg took his first kill in a do-or-die series, with Sprinkles the 35th player out.

We'll play again tomorrow, hopefully under better timing.

Tournament XI - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 8

We're ready to resume play after switching from a split-day weekend to a day off Saturday and full day Sunday. First up...

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Patches v. Molly. The blue cue starts the action in 10-ball. Oceanside's Patches had some good turns in game 1, but Southern's Molly was able to make a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead in a loose battle. The Monarchs' Molly made a pair again late in game 2 after a rather unsuccessful attack earlier on. The Waves' Patches continues to pace play without getting results, as Molly leads the series 2-0. Patches got on the board in game 3 despite yielding a bit of her possession away. Molly couldn't bank the 10 to the bottom left, and Patches sank it at the bottom right on her second try to cut the series deficit to 2-1. In game 4, Patches made five balls over her last two turns, but left the 10 standing at the top right. Molly made a tap-in to clinch the series at 3-1. Molly mopped up at the end of a shaky game 5 as well after Patches missed her chance for a late run. Molly's 4-1 series win sets her up to visit Whitewater Shores captain Shaggy in the bracket semifinals.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Sweetheart. Captains collide with the silver cue in this 15-ball series. Victoria's Spice saw Boston's Sweetheart take a slight edge in possession in game 1, but it wasn't enough to stop Spice from grabbing the win late for a 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Spice didn't have a great break in game 2, but that didn't bother the Swifts' Sweetheart too much. Sweetheart won early with a contact play on the 3 that caromed into the 11-12-15 combination at the bottom left, allowing her to tie the series at 1. Sweetheart found another early finish in game 3 as she carefully hunted down the 15. Spice had a long shot fail on the 8, and Sweetheart made it before a slight deflection off the 9 allowed her to sink the 15 in the bottom left. Sweetheart leads the series now 2-1. In game 4, the smoothest offense of the series saw Sweetheart dominate in the middle. Spice then made a four-ball run before a scratch, which set Sweetheart up for the win with a pair of shots. Sweetheart secured the series at 3-1. In game 5, Spice had some nice shots, but her scratch allowed Sweetheart to make a 7-15 combination from ball-in-hand to the top right. Sweetheart won the series 4-1 and will host the Westside Rockers' Goatee in the bracket semifinals.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Puff II v. Carly. The silver cue stays on for a 12-ball set. Harrison's Puff II had a modest start to game 1, but it worked out fine as Westside's Carly left the door open late in a tight battle. Puff II made a four-ball run-out from there for a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Puff II had some decent offense in game 2, but she slowed down later in the battle. The Rockers' Carly was able to wait her out and get better positioning before charging for the win to tie the series at 1. Another close battle emerged in game 3, as both players had little trouble getting down to their last balls. Puff II picked up the win by sticking the 14 in the top side after Carly had to chase the 5 a bit more. Puff II owns a 2-1 series lead. Puff II continued to control possession in game 4, getting a much better finishing line than Carly. Puff II cashed it in for the win to seal the series at 3-1. In game 5, Carly won a grinding battle at the end to get one for the road over Puff II, who still won the series 3-2. Puff II will face the winner of the next series, which will also determine the venue.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Slinks v. Celestia. Another 12-ball series also uses the silver cue. Tysini's Slinks had a decent start in game 1, but Oceanside's Celestia stayed even with her and then surged on a four-ball run-out for the win to get a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Slinks had a solid start to game 2, but she couldn't bring it home with no positioning on her last ball. The Waves' Celestia surged from behind with a three-ball run-out this time to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Slinks had a three-ball run cut short by a scratch on her lone turn in game 3. Celestia responded with a six-ball run-out, executing brilliantly on her shots to clinch the series at 3-0. Celestia had another empty break in game 4, and Slinks quickly made a double-pot to claim stripes. Once again, Celestia was ready with a comeback push, collecting another win to go up 4-0 in the series. Celestia made a stripe on the break in game 5, but switched to solids with a shot to the top side. After that, Celestia made the remaining five balls over two turns to easily beat Slinks for a 5-0 series sweep. Celestia will visit the Harrison Specters' Puff II in the bracket semifinals.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Missy v. Maren. The red cue's lone appearance today is in Accuracy. Capital City's Missy fell apart late in game 1, and Apex's Maren held true to pick up the scraps in a 1-3 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Missy hit a massive skid late in game 2, and the Wonders' Maren gladly picked up a 0-4 win as she held true late. Maren is up 2-0 in the series. Maren had a slightly worse performance in game 3, but she had plenty of margin for error as Missy was not at all sharp. Maren picked up a 2-6 win in the end to secure the series at 3-0. In game 4, both players were perfect up to the end, where Maren intentionally missed to prevent overtime. Missy gladly picked up the 0-1 win to get on the board trailing 3-1 in the series. Maren skidded further early in game 5, and she didn't have time to bounce back as Missy took a 1-3 win. Maren settled for a 3-2 series win to earn a visiting position versus the Infinity Torpedoes' Fuchsia in the bracket semifinals.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Snuggle. The purple cue draws in for a 9-ball series here. Stonebridge's Hershey quickly got onto the hunt for the 9, but Harrison's Snuggle made it to the bottom side after a cut on the 5 to the top side caromed off two rails. Snuggle's beautiful double-pot earned him a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Hershey bounced back in a full-length game 2, picking up the win with the 9 at the top side after the Specters' Snuggle lost control of the offense late. Snuggle rallied back with a hard-hitting offense in game 3, while Hershey tried to keep the same style. Snuggle made a pair at the end for the win to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Snuggle looked ready to finish things off in game 4, rallying late on a five-ball run, but he missed on the 9. Hershey slammed the door on the next turn for the win, tying the series again at 2. Snuggle thought he could finish off game 5 without trouble, but he rattled the 9 out of the bottom left and scratched. Hershey took the win and 3-2 series win to get into the bracket semifinals.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Cubby v. Hughbert. One check-in for the green cue sees it take an 8-ball series. Todavía's Hughbert had a productive game 1, but Archtown's Cubby was a little faster at the end to pick up the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Cubby began with a six-ball run in game 2, but the Stills' Hughbert kept things close with a five-ball run. Despite his attempt at defense, Hughbert fell to Cubby again with the host making a three-ball run-out to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Cubby continued to attack well with a five-ball run to start game 3. Hughbert wanted to hold him off, but Cubby was still a touch stronger to earn the win that sealed the series at 3-0. Cubby had another good start in game 4, but this time Hughbert was able to pull off a comeback with seven shots over his last two turns for the win. Cubby remains ahead 3-1 in the series. Cubby bounced back well late in game 5, making a three-ball run here for a 4-1 series win over Hughbert. Cubby will host his club-mate and Royal Crowns mainstay Jake in the bracket semifinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Jane. The blue cue exits the day after 15-ball. Stonebridge's Jane had a seven-ball run in the middle of game 1, but she peaked too early and allowed Modernistic's Ms. Puppy to work her way to the win late. Ms. Puppy leads the series 1-0. The Union's Ms. Puppy kept up her pace in a more difficult game 2. The Wolves' Jane wasn't strong enough in the middle, and Ms. Puppy made a 12-15 combination to the top left for the win and 2-0 series lead. Ms. Puppy thought she had let game 3 get away when she missed the 15 on her first attempt, but Jane rattled it out of the bottom left on the next shot. Ms. Puppy won on a tap-in and secured the series at 3-0. Jane got on the board in game 4, as both players started to falter on offense toward the end. Ms. Puppy couldn't get the 15 down, and Jane cleaned it up for the win to cut her deficit to 3-1. Ms. Puppy struggled a bit in game 5, but bounced back after a grip adjustment near the end sparked a five-ball run-out. She beat Jane 4-1 in the series, but Ms. Puppy will be on the road in the bracket semifinals.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Marissa v. Lindsay. An East Division showdown in Accuracy with the silver cue ends the day. Maplewood's Marissa fell apart late in game 1, allowed Stonebridge's Lindsay to scoop up a 3-5 win for the 1-0 series lead. A tighter game emerged in game 2, but the Wolves' Lindsay still had a slight advantage over the Lumberjacks' Marissa, who slipped behind with a late miss. Lindsay saw it out as a 1-2 win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. In game 3, Marissa let a lead slip away late, but she picked up the win in overtime as Lindsay couldn't get anything on the break. Marissa's 2-3 win kept her alive in the series, but she still trails 2-1. Marissa scratched on the break in game 4, and that ended up being the margin of difference in a close game that saw Lindsay win 3-4 to take the series at 3-1. Lindsay put a perfect finish on game 5, winning 0-2 as she never let Marissa get a chance to come back. Lindsay won the series 4-1 and will host the Southridge Defenders rookie Ingrid in the bracket semifinals. 

That's it for today's games. We'll be back on the usual schedule tomorrow.