Tournament 2018 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 5

We're back to close out the week with a full day of games. We begin with...

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Nicole. This Cola Wars Derby is in 8-ball with the blue cue. Lighton's Nicole had a four-ball run early in game 1, pacing her attack to stay a step ahead of Boston's Gradley for the entire game. Gradley came close on a late push, but Nicole made two shots to take the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Gradley had a more productive start in game 2, making a four-ball run with a little collateral damage. The Prestige's Nicole stayed close but behind for most of the game, until she found a three-ball run-out ending with a tap-in on the 8 at the top left for the win. Nicole's series lead is now at 2-0. Gradley again started the attack in game 3, using a three-ball run with another collateral damage play. Nicole was a little more aggressive this time, wrangling the lead away and setting up the 8 at the top right before burying it on a tap-in on her next turn when Gradley couldn't do anything with his turn. Nicole clinched the series at 3-0. Gradley began with a seven-ball run in a feisty and defiant game 4 effort, but he didn't finish off the 8 on multiple chances, and Nicole punished that with a six-ball run-out for the win to move her ahead 4-0 in the series. Gradley continued to push early in game 5, but Nicole was willing to battle with him. This led to a number of choppy turns, with Nicole ultimately sticking herself in an impossible position on the 8 and still nearly converting. Gradley made it at the top left for the win, giving Nicole a 4-1 series win. Nicole advances to the bracket semifinals. Gradley is the 76th eliminated player, with Nicole grabbing her first kill of the year.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Peach v. Missy. The blue cue stays in action for a series of 7-ball. Capital City's Missy had every chance she needed to control game 1, but a rattled miss on the 4 ruined her game, allowing a sloppy effort from North Modernistic's Peach to be punctuated by a three-ball run-out for the win. Peach leads the series 1-0. The Nighthawks' Peach just about trimmed errors out of her offense in game 2, and then used a missed contact by the Sharpshooters' Missy to rally on a five-ball run-out from ball-in-hand. Peach's big finishing attack gave her a 2-0 series lead. Peach absolutely dominated in game 3, growing into the series with two balls from the break and a four-ball run-out after Missy couldn't corral any shots for a late push of her own. Peach's win confirmed the series in her favor at 3-0. Peach continued to find a variety of ways to win in game 4, suffering through a four-ball run by Missy that ended with a missed 5-7 combination at the bottom right. Peach deflected the cue off the 5 to tap the 7 in for the win, making it a 4-0 series lead now. Peach finally faltered in a close game 5, which saw her do her share of the offense before leaving the 7 lined up at the top side for Missy on the final turn. Missy converted for the win, giving Peach just a 4-1 series win to take with her into the bracket semifinals. Missy exits the Tournament as the 77th player knocked out, with Peach responsible in her first kill.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Wings. The red cue takes a turn next, playing Rotation between these two veterans. Golden's Strut started well in game 1, but Central's Wings did everything necessary to make it a back-and-forth battle between the two. Wings ultimately prevailed on an 8-6 win, chipping his way to the win at the end for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went much the same, with both players keeping things close initially. The Warriors' Wings went ahead after the middle of the game, but he couldn't close it out, as the Pilots' Strut charged back with a four-ball run-out to win 8-6. Strut's win tied the series at 1. Wings had all the control early in game 3, pinging his shots around and leaving Strut with virtually no clear looks. Wings just couldn't put the 10 in the top side, leading to Strut making the next six balls throughout a scattering of turns to steal the 8-7 win. Strut pulls ahead 2-1 in a tense series. Strut had a slow start in game 4, although Wings wasn't able to capitalize it as most of their early plays were for contact on the 2. Strut then broke out on a six-ball run to build a massive lead, and he shut the door with an 8-2 win to secure the series at 3-1. Strut couldn't get anything going in game 5, while Wings delivered a four-ball run-out to take the game 8-3. Strut settled for a 3-2 series win to put him on the road against the Everton Eagles' Cleo in the bracket semifinals. Wings is the 78th eliminated player this year, giving Strut his second kill.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Shiny v. Whiskers. A Northeastern Derby is renewed in Accuracy with the red cue. Maplewood's Whiskers was nearly untouchable save for a single miss in the middle of game 1, while Web City's Shiny fell behind early and never recovered. Whiskers won easily at 1-4, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shiny didn't let one bad game throw her off, returning fire with an exceptional game 2 performance. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers held even for awhile, but a couple of misses set her too far back, as Shiny buckled down in the end to win 1-3, tying the series at 1. Both players remained perfect for a large portion of game 3 before exchanging misses. Whiskers made her next shot, while Shiny faltered to fall behind. Whiskers would not bend after this, taking the 1-3 win to regain her series lead at 2-1. Whiskers delivered a spread break in game 4, leaving plenty of shooting options. Shiny did miss once in the middle of the game, but she recovered to leave Whiskers in bad positions twice late in the game. Whiskers missed both times, dropping the 1-2 result to Shiny, who tied the series again at 2. Whiskers and Shiny met in an epic game 5 battle, with Whiskers holding the lead late after a bad miss from Shiny. Whiskers couldn't strike from distance on the last ball, while Shiny converted to force overtime, and then won it two turns in after leaving Whiskers with a bad position. Shiny's 2-3 win gave her the series at 3-2 and a hosting spot in the bracket semifinals to go with it.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Puff III. Club-mates meet in the silver cue's only appearance today, in 7-ball. Oceanside's Celestia finally erupted for a seven-ball run-out after a poor start for both her and Everton's Puff III in game 1. Puff III had illegal contact to spark Celestia's run to the win that gave the host a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia didn't have as much control after the break in game 2, but the Eagles' Puff III barely took advantage of it, showing up very weak on offense. Celestia played patiently until finding a route to a four-ball run-out for the win, which extends her series lead to 2-0. Celestia continued to dominate on possession in game 3, a four-ball run at the start and a pair at the end overwhelming Puff III. Puff III's only mistake was a miss on the 5 at the bottom side on her second shot after Celestia's opening run. Celestia sealed the series at 3-0 with the win. Celestia kept going with a ball on the break before a tough start to game 4. Puff III couldn't pot the 3 later on, which Celestia did as a double-pot with the 6 at the right corners before a smooth cut on the 7 to the top right for the win to move her series lead to 4-0. Celestia made three balls on the game 5 break, sending the 4 to the bottom right, the 5 to the bottom side, and the 7 to the top side for the win. Celestia swept the series 5-0, earning her spot in the bracket semifinals. Puff III is the 79th player to exit the Tournament, giving Celestia her second kill this year.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Shaggy. A minor Urban Derby rivalry features next in 10-ball with the blue cue. Neither player had an easy start in game 1, but Whitewater's Shaggy very subtly found her way before Modernistic's Daisy really knew what was happening. Shaggy attacked with a six-ball run-out full of mid-range shots to get the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Shaggy scratched on the game 2 break, leading to a three-ball run and bad miss on the 4 for the Union's Daisy. Shaggy made Daisy pay for the mistake, cutting the 4 to the top right with the deflection sinking the 10 in the bottom right for the win and a 2-0 series lead. Daisy had the better of play in game 3, with a four-ball run early on and a later pair of shots, but she also scratched with the 10 as the only ball left. Shaggy wasted no time in potting the 10 to the bottom left for the win, clinching the series at 3-0 in the process. Daisy had a couple of positive moments in game 4, but when she missed on the 2, Shaggy took over to pot it to the bottom left before putting the 3-10 combination in the bottom right for the win. Shaggy's dedication to striking quickly gives her a 4-0 lead in the series. Daisy had some good offense in game 5 initially, but Shaggy took over with a six-ball run before two misses on the 10. Daisy had a chance to make the 10 on a slight cut, but left it outside of the top right, and Shaggy made the tap-in to finally get the win. Shaggy earned a 5-0 series sweep to put her on the road against the Central Warriors' Noelle in the bracket semifinals.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stephanie Livilotti v. Gizmo. The blue cue gets another turn in 10-ball. Eastside's Gizmo had a four-ball run, including a double-pot of the 4 and 5 to the left corners, in game 1, but he couldn't make it work at the end. Southridge's Stephanie answered with a three-ball run-out for the win, pulling ahead 1-0 in the series. The Defenders' Stephanie had a subdued attack in game 2, still providing offense but without as much pace this time. Stephanie's finish looked hot with trick plays on the 8 and 9, but her bank on the 10 stayed up at the top left. The Sharks' Gizmo scratched while trying to tap it in, giving Stephanie a free shot on the 10 for the win, which moves her series lead to 2-0. Stephanie found a new and creative way to pick up the win in game 3, this time going on a deep eight-ball run-out to find victory against a hapless Gizmo, who hasn't locked in his shot nearly enough. Stephanie's win seals the series at 3-0. Stephanie continued to gouge out chunks of offense, this time collecting a four-ball run from the break and two subsequent pairs of shots in another dominating win over Gizmo that runs her series lead to 4-0. Stephanie had another good game on offense in game 5, but it didn't hold up when a three-ball run of hers ended in a scratch. Gizmo took over with a three-ball run-out of his own to take the win, avoiding the sweep while taking a 4-1 series loss. Stephanie is into the bracket semifinals. Stephanie stays alive with her first kill of the year, making Gizmo the 80th eliminated player.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Chelsea v. Whiskers. The red cue is up next, ready to play 7-ball between strong veterans. Eastside's Chelsea took advantage of an untimely scratch for Maplewood's Whiskers in game 1. Chelsea converted the 2-7 combination to the bottom right straight from ball-in-hand for the win, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Sharks' Chelsea held her own on offense in game 2, waiting for a chance to strike. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers obliged with that, missing on the 6 and leaving Chelsea with an easy 6-7 combination to the bottom right. Whiskers' unfortunate positioning helped Chelsea push her series lead to 2-0. Chelsea made four balls on the break of game 3, but also scratched, sending one to each corner. Whiskers didn't get distracted, making the 2 on her first turn and then the 3 and 7 to the bottom side on her second turn for the win to cut the series to 2-1. Whiskers remained sharp early in game 4, but she drifted into a lesser offense as the game went on, missing twice on the 6. This eventually gave Chelsea the opening she needed to make a pair of shots at the end for the win, securing the series at 3-1 in favor of the host. Whiskers struck with a four-ball run in game 5, but a miss on the 5 turned possession right back to Chelsea, who won on her next turn with a pair of shots after Whiskers rattled the 6 at the bottom left. Chelsea had a 4-1 series win, and will visit the Web City Spiders' Ted in the bracket semifinals.

Apple Center, Todavía: Anton v. Klaus. A rookie takes on a sophomore as the blue returns for the next 7-ball series. Todavía's Anton began with a five-ball run from the break in game 1, but couldn't convert on the 6. Atlantic's Klaus took over from here, burying the last two shots to get a quick win and 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Klaus had a bad foul in the middle of game 2, missing contact with the 4 to give ball-in-hand to the Stills' Anton. The host Anton struck for a 4-7 combination to the top right to get the win, tying the series at 1. Anton began with a three-ball run from the break in game 3, and then took a slower approach at the finish. Klaus had chances to counter Anton, but mostly failed to produce offense as Anton marched away with the win to take a 2-1 series lead. Klaus seemed to find a little more offense early in game 4, working an early run. Anton wouldn't allow this at the end, taking ball-in-hand after Klaus' missed contact play and using it for a three-ball run-out to earn the win. Anton sealed the series at 3-1. Klaus finally had a chance to dominate in game 5, rallying with a six-ball run-out for a quick win. Anton still won the series 3-2, and will be hosting the North Modernistic Nighthawks captain Peach in the bracket semifinals at this venue. Klaus is the 81st eliminated player, with Anton taking his first career kill.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Pounce v. Bandit. Today's final series is in 12-ball with the blue cue, also playing out on the coast. Swordpoint's Bandit did better early in game 1, setting himself up for an easier finish as he made his last two balls while Southern's Pounce still sought positioning on three shots. Bandit leads the series 1-0. The Blades' Bandit made two balls on the break, but didn't have the best of positioning after that. The Monarchs' Pounce navigated the table well, but his attempt to line up his last ball bumped in one of Bandit's two remaining shots. Bandit quickly deposited the other in the bottom side, escaping a tough situation with a win to push his series lead to 2-0. Bandit illegally potted a ball on the game 3 break, but with a grey area in the rules for that, he kept possession. Pounce was willing to left Bandit thin the herd a bit before striking on his first and second turns, quickly finding himself down to his last ball. Pounce put the 13 near the bottom left, and then managed to stifle Bandit's options by making contact plays for half a dozen turns before converting it for the win. Bandit's series lead is down to 2-1 after this frustrating game. Pounce had a ball on the break in game 4, but Bandit supplied a four-ball run after that to induce a little panic. Bandit struggled to get positioning for his last two shots, but was nearly there after Pounce scratched. Bandit missed at the top side, allowing Pounce to pot two shots for the win, tying the series at 2. Pounce made two balls on the break, and then received a wild-card ball from Bandit. This nearly disrupted Pounce's rhythm, but he settled in and outplayed Bandit when each player was on their last ball. Pounce's win gives him a 3-2 series win, and puts him into the bracket semifinals.

We'll likely be back for eight to ten series tomorrow, depending on physical needs.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 4

We're ready to continue with action in the fourth round, beginning today with...

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Graham v. Cleo. Former club-mates meet in a series of Rotation with the red cue to kick things off. Everton's Cleo had the majority of early offense through short runs, frustrating Eastside's Graham for quite some time. Cleo scratched on the 9, which sparked Graham for a four-ball run, and he won with a three-ball run-out after the 11 proved too tricky for Cleo as well. Graham's 8-7 win puts him up 1-0 in the series. The Eagles' Cleo bounced back well in game 2, falling behind the Sharks' Graham initially but turning it into a back-and-forth battle to keep things interesting. Cleo would make the last two balls on sharp cuts to win 8-7, tying the series at 1. Cleo used a four-ball run to start in game 3, an impactful attack that paced the offense well. Graham cut into the deficit a little bit near the end, but Cleo pulled away and won 8-2, taking the series lead at 2-1 as she protected this lead better than in game 1. Graham bounced back with a four-ball run to start game 4, building up a nice lead. He allowed Cleo to get close to this initial attack before rattling off a few shorter turns to collect an 8-3 win, retying the series at 2. Graham struck first in game 5, but Cleo matched him with a three-ball run later on. From there, the two tangled in a fierce battle, ending with Cleo prevailing 8-6 for the 3-2 series win. Cleo will be hosting her bracket semifinals series. Cleo has her second kill this year, forcing Graham out as the 71st eliminated player.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Shawn v. Ice Cream. We continue with the blue cue up for Accuracy. Midland's Shawn had a good game 1 going for most of the rack, but two late misses dropped him into a tie, and Boston's Ice Cream did enough to force overtime. Shawn missed on the overtime break, and Ice Cream made a shot to win 2-3, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Shawn played a little smarter late in game 2, keeping a close game in his control by giving the Swifts' Ice Cream bad shooting positions. Ice Cream couldn't defy these plays, missing twice late to assure Shawn of his 2-5 win to tie the series at 1. Shawn and Ice Cream stayed perfect for a long time in game 3, but Ice Cream collapsed toward the end of the game. Shawn missed twice on a troublesome final ball, but he took the result at 2-4 to gain a 2-1 series lead of his own. Ice Cream's plans were foiled rather early in game 4, as she took a couple of sloppy misses and a scratch. She did manage to drag Shawn down through positioning at the end, but she couldn't force overtime, and Shawn made the final ball to take a 3-4 win. Shawn secured the series at 3-1 in the process. Shawn refused to budge from perfection in game 5, and while Ice Cream only missed once early, it was all Shawn needed in the 0-1 win. Shawn will host the winner of the next series in the bracket semifinals after this 4-1 series win.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Bright v. Roxy. The blue cue finishes its Accuracy for the round after the lunch break. Pearl's Bright had a decent start in game 1, but unraveled in the middle and at the end. Freedom's Roxy held a higher standard of play, fading late but holding on to win 3-5 for a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Bright bounced back, wrangling last shot duties away from the Cascades' Roxy after the visitor delivered a good break. Bright and Roxy exchanged misses once, but Bright held on from here while Roxy faltered. Bright's 1-2 win ties the series at 1. Roxy did a bit better with the late-game strategies in game 3, managing to drag Bright down into a tie on the last ball. Bright made a ball on his overtime break, and while Roxy made two shots herself, her third missed. Bright won this one 2-3, taking the series lead at 2-1. Bright stayed strong on the break in game 4, pushing Roxy around immediately. Roxy held her ground for awhile, but a late fade cost her the game and the series, as Bright grabbed the 3-4 win for a 3-1 series lead. Bright turned it up a notch with a perfect performance in game 5, while Roxy stumbled twice, leading to the 0-2 final score. Bright won the series 4-1, and will visit the Midland Predators captain Shawn in the bracket semifinals. Roxy is the 72nd player to get bumped from the Tournament, giving Bright his third kill of the year, which puts him among the league leaders.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Ted v. Puff I. The red cue begins a long stretch of series with this 7-ball match. Neither player grabbed game 1 by the horns, with a handful of errors and plenty of misses involved. Web City's Ted eventually converted on the 7 when Modernistic's Puff I failed to do so, giving Ted the 1-0 series lead. The Union's Puff I had a little more to her game with a three-ball run early on, but she couldn't back it up. The Spiders' Ted walked away with the win in game 2 on a three-ball run-out, putting him ahead 2-0 in the series. Puff I brought her best cuts in game 3, making do without good positioning by executing tougher shots on a five-ball run-out that Ted could only watch happen. Puff I's win cuts the series deficit to 2-1. Puff I had an empty break in game 4, and while she did alright early on, Ted charged back with a three-ball run and some defense to challenge her. Puff I didn't meet the challenge well, and Ted took the last two balls for the win, sealing the series in his favor at 3-1. Puff I dominated game 5 despite the win not changing the result of the series, using a four-ball run early on and the final pair of shots to beat Ted. With a 3-2 series win, Ted assured himself a hosting position in the bracket semifinals.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Vladimir Vasilyev v. Noelle. The red cue takes another turn in 7-ball this time. A slow start in game 1 never really lifted for Central's Noelle, who had a pair of misses on the 4 that eventually led to Stonebridge's Vladimir rallying with a four-ball run-out for the win. Vladimir leads the series 1-0. The Wolves' Vladimir made a ball on the break in game 2, but couldn't muster much other offense when it counted. The Warriors' Noelle played a patient game before striking in the 4 to the bottom right and the 5-7 combination at the top right for the win to tie the series at 1. Noelle made a pair on the break in game 3, and then added another pair after that before missing on the 5. Vladimir shot back with a pair of his own, but he left the 7 painfully close to the bottom right, where Noelle deposited it for the win. Noelle is now ahead 2-1 in the series. Vladimir kept things interesting in game 4, answering another pair of balls on the break from Noelle with his own five-ball run-out on his first and only turn, a brilliant stretch of shots to earn the win that tied the series at 2. Vladimir had a pair of balls on the break in game 5, but he also scratched, giving Noelle ball-in-hand. Noelle took full advantage of this, flipping the script from the previous game with a five-ball run-out to give her the win and a 3-2 series win. Noelle will advance to the bracket semifinals.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Bryant. The red cue continues its streak in a Northeastern Derby for 15-ball. Central's Dustin brought some serious offense in game 1, with a crafty six-ball run and a three-ball run near the end, but he left the 15 at the top right. Maplewood's Bryant took the opportunity and won on a tap-in for the 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Bryant did better on offense in game 2, with a five-ball run early on and a majority from that point on against the Warriors' Dustin, who tried but couldn't quite connect a big run of his own. Bryant and Dustin both had chances on the 15, but Bryant won with a tap-in on his second try, making it 2-0 in the series. Bryant took his share of chances on offense in game 3, again carrying majority possession, but he scratched while aiming at the 11. Dustin answered Bryant's final three-ball run with a pair of shots on the 11 and the 12-15 combination at the top side for the win to trim the deficit to 2-1. Dustin left the 15 dangerously close to the top right on the game 4 break, and after Bryant passed up an instant-win chance on one error by Dustin, he couldn't do the same a second time. Bryant left Dustin with no shot on the 3, then used the ensuing ball-in-hand on a 3-15 combination for the win to seal the series at 3-1. Bryant couldn't do much in game 5, as Dustin attacked with determination to pick up another win. Dustin had a couple of four-ball runs, and made the last two shots to get the win. Bryant still took the series 3-2, and will be on the road again in the bracket semifinals. Dustin is the 73rd player knocked out of the Tournament, giving Bryant his first kill in a do-or-die situation.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Lize v. Pounce. The red cue's tour is about half over entering this Accuracy series. The two players went perfect deep into game 1, and then Pronger's Lize fell apart with three straight misses. Then, surprisingly, Southern's Pounce missed his last three shots to force overtime, where he missed two more while Lize finally made a shot to win 4-5 for a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Pounce held a lead early in game 2 after the Tridents' Lize had an awkward miss. Lize couldn't get herself back in the game, and while Pounce missed once late, Lize scratched while potting the final ball. Pounce took the 1-3 win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Pounce butchered game 3 early on, taking a miss and never pressuring Lize to do the same. Lize took control when she led by two shots, an important advantage in the game that eventually ended 3-4 in her favor. Lize owns a 2-1 series lead now. Pounce stayed in the series with a dominant game 4, requiring most of the rack before he missed, and then converting a bank of the 13 to the bottom right to secure the 1-2 win that retied the series at 2 after Lize's early flubbed shot. Pounce had nothing on the break in game 5, but still had the easier path early in game 5. Lize made at least three remarkable shots to stay perfect before exchanging a miss with Pounce. In the end, Pounce had a miss on a kick attempt at the top side that left Lize with the 1-2 win and 3-2 series win. Lize will host another series in the bracket semifinals after advancing here.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Puff II v. Nightfur. Southeastern rivals and longtime members of their respective teams meet in Rotation with the red cue. Royal's Nightfur started with a three-ball run, and then stalled Boston's Puff II quite a bit to slow game 1 down. Nightfur closed with a four-ball run-out, taking the 8-3 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Puff II returned the favor with an 8-3 win in game 2. Puff II had a four-ball run on her first turn, and then used an error from the Crowns' Nightfur to complete the effort on a four-ball run-out, tying the series at 1 with a quick victory. Puff II looked posed to repeat the effort in game 3, but after a four-ball run on the break, she lost her way a bit. Nightfur quickly tied the game, and even pulled ahead in a congested middle part of the game. Nightfur made sure to take the win in the end, a three-ball run-out staking out the 8-6 victory to restore her series lead at 2-1. Puff II kept things close at first in game 4, battling with Nightfur in a shaky start, but Nightfur pulled away at the end, winning 8-2 and securing the series at 3-1 in the process. Nightfur let Puff II strike first again in game 5, then rattled off a seven-ball run to build a massive lead on the counterattack. Puff II used defensive positioning, but it didn't work when Nightfur kicked the 9 into the bottom left anyway to seal another 8-2 win. Nightfur's 4-1 series win gives her a hosting position in the bracket semifinals. Puff II is the 74th player out of the Tournament, and likely lucky to have lasted that long, while Nightfur took her first kill from a desperate position.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Boots v. Cheddar. The red cue's day ends with 9-ball between two strong veterans. Pearl's Boots took game 1 in two shots, making the 4 on the break and then using the 1 as a decoy to deflect the cue into the 9, which fell at the bottom right for the win. North Modernistic's Cheddar finds herself trailing Boots 1-0 in the series. The Surfers' Boots again made the 4 on the break in game 2, but that's where the similarities ended. The Nighthawks' Cheddar had two separate three-ball runs later on, the latter featuring a split shot with the 6 to bump the 7 into the bottom left before a deflected shot off the 6 put the 9 there as well for the win. Cheddar tied the series at 1 with her aggressive offense. In game 3, Cheddar and Boots exchanged pairs of shots early on before Boots committed an illegal contact foul. Cheddar took over with ball-in-hand, rattling in a five-ball run-out with masterful positioning and craft, and the win puts her ahead 2-1 in the series. Game 4 saw a drop-off in quality from both players, especially Cheddar in the late turns. Boots managed to drive the offense, converting the 9 on her third try to get the win which retied the series at 2. Boots scratched while potting the 2 on the game 5 break, leading Cheddar to respond with a quick three-ball run-out, using positioning to set up and convert a 4-9 combination to the bottom right. Cheddar's clutch finish gave her a 3-2 series win and puts her into the bracket semifinals, albeit in another visiting role. Boots is the 75th player to be eliminated, giving Cheddar her first kill of the year when she needed it most.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Shelley. The day ends with the silver cue's only appearance of the day in 8-ball. Terrace City's Oreo had a three-ball run from the break in game 1, but Infinity's Shelley made that look small with consecutive four-ball runs on her two turns to take the win. Shelley holds a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Shelley couldn't get anything going off the break in game 2, while the Knights' Oreo quickly recorded a five-ball run. Shelley had a chance to go on a deep run, but ended after three shots with a miss on the 6, and Oreo took over from there, picking up her last two shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Oreo took a four-ball run from the break but saw diminishing returns after that, while Shelley started with a more quiet offense but closed her win with five balls over her last two shots. Shelley also used a bit of defense between those turns to prevent Oreo from winning, as Shelley enjoys a 2-1 series lead. Shelley delivered a poor break in game 4, leaving Oreo to come in and clinically pick apart the various shots she needed. Shelley couldn't make enough of a comeback to stop Oreo at the end, with the host's win retying the series at 2. Oreo looked a little more menacing with a four-ball run that could have been more in game 5, but she fell off the pace and lost to Shelley two turns later, as Shelley's five-ball run-out gave her the win. Shelley took the series 3-2, and will be the host in her bracket semifinals series.

That's all for today's games. We'll likely play a full day tomorrow, a reduced schedule on Saturday, and then take Sunday off.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 3

After an unscheduled off day, the Tournament returns with an unconfirmed schedule for the day. We begin with...

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Lorde v. Jennifer Livilotti. The first series is 12-ball with the silver cue. Terrace City's Jennifer started better in game 1, but faced substantial pressure from Capital City's Lorde, who might have had a more realistic chance had she not scratched twice. Jennifer used the second scratch as fuel to pot her last two shots for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Lorde answered in game 2, striking on her second turn to claim stripes with shots at the side pockets. Lorde battled to find position on her last ball, and almost lost when the Knights' Jennifer made her last three-balls, but scratch on the two-rail bank she used for the last one. Lorde put the 13 in the top right for the win, tying the series at 1. Both players illegally potted balls at times in game 3, with Lorde doing it in the middle of the game, while Jennifer's came on her last ball. Jennifer's bad play led to ball-in-hand for Lorde on her last ball after some impressive shooting to take care of previous balls. Lorde made it straight in for the win, gaining a 2-1 series lead. Lorde struck on the break in game 4, leading Jennifer into a game of follow the leader. Lorde made a three-ball run and then a pair before Jennifer turned defensive with a strategic scratch. Jennifer couldn't play out of the effort, eventually giving Lorde a clear shot for her final ball, which Lorde converted to clinch the series at 3-1. Lorde started well again in game 5, but couldn't hold off an aggressive push from Jennifer near the end. Lorde's last ball was out of position after she went for a tough shot and missed, and Jennifer made her final pair quickly to take the win. Lorde won the series 3-2, and will host the Golden Pilots' Dusty in the bracket semifinals.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Sage. The blue cue takes a turn in 12-ball as these two league leaders clash. Victoria's Sage had a brilliant four-ball run early in game 1, and continued to use defensive pressure to stall Midland's Fuchsia. Sage's only mistake was missing her last ball from ball-in-hand, allowing Fuchsia to make her own final shot for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Sage again made things too easy for the Predators' Fuchsia in game 2, making a four-ball run but then ceding two wild-card balls at once. Fuchsia gave one of them back, but smartly aligned her shots to make the pair quickly later after Sage couldn't pot her final shot. Fuchsia leads the series 2-0. Fuchsia started off with some heat, quickly getting onto her last ball while giving Sage a wild-card ball. Fuchsia failed to legally pot her final ball multiple times, scratching at the top left and then flailing against Sage's defense at the bottom right. Sage ultimately picked up a three-ball run-out to steal the win, cutting the series to 2-1. Sage took stripes on the break in game 4, and didn't need much time to regret that, as Fuchsia ran all around Sage. Fuchsia lined up her last shot on one turn, and then buried it when Sage couldn't play defense, giving Fuchsia the series at 3-1. Game 5 was an absolute disaster on both sides, with Sage ultimately winning after logjams and awful missed shots. Fuchsia took the series 3-2, earning her spot in the bracket semifinals. Sage's good rookie year is over, the 66th eliminated player, while Fuchsia records her first kill of the year.

Apple Center, Todavía: Prism v. Tigerette. The red cue will start the afternoon with 8-ball between a sophomore and a captain. Todavía's Prism began with a five-ball run from the break in game 1, a fierce attack that slowed down as the game progressed. Commerce's Tigerette fired back on a late four-ball run, but twice missed the last stripe, allowing Prism to pot the 8 for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Tigerette showed better command in game 2, a four-ball run to start and a three-ball run following that getting her onto the 8. The Stills' Prism used a pair of three-ball runs to get close, but her battle with Tigerette favored the visitor's hard cut on the 8 to the top left. Tigerette tied the series at 1. Tigerette and Prism exchanged collateral damage turns early in game 3, although Prism turned selfish after Tigerette gave one ball away. Prism rallied from here with a six-ball run-out for the win, retaking the series lead at 2-1. Prism looked dangerous early in game 4, but her offense faded under pressure from Tigerette's four-ball run. Prism desperately tried to ignite a late run, but instead potted the 8 illegally to gift Tigerette the win to retie the series at 2. Tigerette started with a fierce pair of turns, each yielding collateral damage. Prism timed her strike just right, cutting in with a six-ball run-out for the win and 3-2 series win. Prism will host her bracket semifinals series.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Bright. The silver cue is back for a second straight 8-ball series. Two disparate styles clashed in game 1, as Modernistic's Daisy started slow and ended strong, while Pearl's Bright had a wild finish after a moderately hot start. Bright's three-ball run late left the 8 at the bottom side, ultimately the fifth shot in Daisy's run-out as she took the comeback win for a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Daisy burst out with a five-ball run on her second turn in game 2, countered effectively by a four-ball run from Bright, who eventually met with Daisy on the 8. Bright wasted a handful of chances to win, even wasting Daisy's scratch. Daisy finally put the 8 in the top left to extend her series lead to 2-0. Bright finally bossed possession in game 3, although just barely. Daisy had five balls over two turns in the quick game, while Bright answered with a five-ball run at the start and a well-positioned three-ball run-out on his next turn for the win. Daisy still holds a 2-1 series lead. Daisy threw everything she had into her opening run of six balls in game 4. After this, it took a long time to make her final stripe, and she only made things easier on the 8 by removing Bright's defense on her own. Bright had chipped his way back into the game with short turns, and then made the final pair of shots for the win, tying the series at 2. Bright had full control in game 5, similar to game 2 but with a better first run. Daisy was on her last solid, while Bright missed a few shots on the 8 before Daisy scratched. Bright again failed to strike from the kitchen, and Daisy made a pair of shots for the win and 3-2 series win. Daisy will host the Terrace City Knights captain Kiwi in the bracket semifinals.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Dreamy v. Bandit. Swordpoint Blades teammates meet in a big 9-ball series for club rivalry. Dreamy had a good start in game 1, but missed contact on the 4 led to Bandit striking for a three-ball run-out capped by a 5-9 combination to the top right. Bandit leads the series 1-0 after the good finishing skill. Bandit and Dreamy combined for a quick and balanced game 2 as well, this one going the distance. The quick exchanges of turns ultimately favored Bandit, who made the final pair of shots after an earlier three-ball run, while Dreamy had two pairs in the loss that gives Bandit a 2-0 series lead. Dreamy opened with a three-ball run after Bandit scratched on the break, but Dreamy went quiet after that. Bandit had a late four-ball run, just rattling the 9 away from a pocket. Dreamy then struck, potting the 9 to the top left for the win, cutting the series deficit to 2-1. Dreamy had a strong appearance in game 4, making every ball with two on the break, a five-ball run in the middle, and then the final pair when Bandit failed to offer a counterattack. Dreamy's win ties the series at 2, setting up a decisive finale between the teammates. Dreamy rallied with a five-ball run from the break in game 5, but she missed on the 5 and left a 5-9 combination for Bandit to pot in the top right. Bandit obliged, winning the game and the 3-2 series to earn a visiting spot against the Modernistic Union's Chimpy in the bracket semifinals. Dreamy is the 67th player to be eliminated, with Bandit's first kill this year coming in a bout of friendly fire.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Shadow v. Slinks. Two long-time stars meet in another marquee match on the day, playing 8-ball with the red cue. Web City's Shadow made a four-ball run from the break and added a three-ball run after it, but Westside's Slinks jammed things up. Slinks was patient before striking on a seven-ball run-out to claim the win and a 1-0 series lead thanks to her defense. The Rockers' Slinks took no time to imperil the Spiders' Shadow in game 2, striking for a raucous six-ball run from the break and then completing the shutout with a nice pair of shots on her second turn. Slinks leads the series 2-0 after that statement win. Shadow came out vicious in game 3, making a precise seven-ball run against all odds on his first turn. Slinks answered with a five-ball run of her own, but Shadow threaded the 8 between her two defensive marks for the win at the top left, cutting the series to 2-1. Things tightened up a bit on offense in game 4, with Shadow pulling away at a slower pace. Slinks didn't let him get away for long, using a three-ball run to get herself onto her final ball, but Shadow managed to chip the 8 to the top right for the win, tying the series at 2 as these bitter rivals will go the distance. Game 5 saw the players go back and forth the whole time, with Slinks slipping up a scratch being about the only difference. Slinks also had a kick chance on the 8, which she missed, allowing Shadow to take the win on his second try. Shadow will advance with a 3-2 series win, and will host the Diamond Gems captain Smokey in a big bracket semifinals showdown. Slinks' bounce-back year is over, the 68th ousted player, allowing Shadow to join the league lead in kills at 3.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Midnight v. Princess. The silver cue sees two desperate veterans meet in Accuracy. Westside's Midnight made two balls with an aggressive game 1 break, but fell apart after that, while Tysini's Princess maintained a perfect performance to earn the 0-4 win. Princess holds a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Princess made a ball late on the break in game 2, and then scratched on a later turn. The Rockers' Midnight couldn't sustain the lead at the end, dropping into a tie twice that forced overtime. Here, Princess again had a ball fall late on the break, and she won on the second turn when Midnight missed, the 2-3 result extending Princess' series lead to 2-0. Princess finally faltered in game 3, her break coming up empty before a couple of early misses. Midnight gladly took control on offense, holding it down to win 1-4 to cut the deficit to 2-1 in the series. Midnight waited too long to find her way into game 4, unable to do anything about Princess dazzling with shots all around the table. Midnight's chance passed as she missed twice late, giving Princess a 1-4 win to secure the series at 3-1. Midnight had a good finish to the series in game 5, burying most of her shots until a single miss late caused her to miss perfection. Princess struggled in the 1-3 loss, but took the series 3-2 to earn the right to visit the Pronger Tridents' Zach in the bracket semifinals. Princess survived in the do-or-die situation, earning her first kill while making Midnight the 69th eliminated player.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Noelle. The host takes her second series today, this one in 10-ball with the blue cue. Midland's Fuchsia had a shaky start to game 1, then rattled off a five-ball run before scratching while potting the 8. Central's Noelle took over for the last two shots, burying them easily for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Noelle started with a three-ball run off the break, but illegally potted the 10. Things simmered down in the middle, until the Predators' Fuchsia had a bad error that allowed Noelle to take over for a four-ball run-out and the win. Noelle moves to ahead 2-0 in the series. Noelle had a threatening five-ball run to start game 3, scaring Fuchsia a bit given her disadvantage in the series so far, but Noelle made only one of the last five balls. Fuchsia took two pairs of shots to get the win, making it a 2-1 series lead for Noelle now. Fuchsia did what she could in game 4, most notably on a four-ball run in the middle, but this came sandwiched by a pair of three-ball runs from Noelle, the latter of the two giving the visitor a win to clinch the series at 3-1. Noelle eased up after a three-ball run from the break to open game 5. Fuchsia stumbled around for a bit before latching on to a four-ball run-out, taking the win to leave Noelle with a 3-2 series win to advance on.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Twinkie II. A star hosts her former teammate in Accuracy with the blue cue as this day should make it through ten series cleanly. Tysini's Leandra missed twice early, and then another tap-in later on to give Harrison's Twinkie II plenty of runway. Twinkie II used as much as she could, claiming a 2-3 win after a sloppy finish, which gives her a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II saw the tables turn on her very quickly in game 2, as she missed a handful of early shots. The Hummingbirds' Leandra refused to buckle until the very end, satisfied with a 1-4 win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Leandra battled with Twinkie II early in game 3, but Twinkie II got the upper hand and used it to great success. Leandra fell behind, and then missed another shot late in the game, as Twinkie II stayed perfect in her 0-3 win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Twinkie II and Leandra fired off about a half-game of perfection before exchanging misses rapidly in game 4. Leandra was next to fall, and it would be the deciding miss, as Twinkie II held on from here to win 1-2, taking the series at 3-1 in the process. Leandra showed determination to exit the series gracefully, and she matched Twinkie II shot for shot to prove it. Twinkie II ultimately faltered at the end, giving Leandra a 2-4 win. Twinkie II will advance on a 3-2 series win, setting her up to face a Northeastern rival captain and a club-mate, the Central Warriors' Twilight, in the bracket semifinals. Twinkie II took her second kill of the year, making Leandra the 70th player out of the Tournament.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Rosemary. The silver cue closes out the day in this 15-ball series. Freedom's Roxy absolutely poached game 1, acting as the mortar between the bricks of Commerce's Rosemary, who had a pair of five-ball runs go to waste. Roxy made the last two shots for the win, grabbing the 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Roxy did a lot more on offense in game 2, using the 2 as a wrecking ball for a five-ball run early on. The Tradewinds' Rosemary weathered this storm, striking for six balls over her last two turns to get the win when Roxy left the 14 standing. Rosemary's big finish tied the series at 1. Roxy again started well in game 3 despite not having the break this time. Rosemary had to settle for choppy exchanges early on, before working her offense a bit harder at the end, this time making five of the last six balls over two turns for the win. Rosemary pulled ahead 2-1 in the series. Rosemary had a solid break in game 4, and then watched as offense escalated for the rest of the game. Roxy had a three-ball run end with an illegal contact play. Rosemary then had a four-ball run of her own end in a scratch, giving Roxy ball-in-hand for her legal five-ball run-out, which gave the host a win to tie the series at 2. Rosemary held her own on offense in game 5 quite impressively, using a lot of three-ball runs, including on the final turn when she finally vanquished Roxy. Rosemary took the series 3-2, and will play in the bracket semifinals against another Urban player.

That's all for today's action. We hope to be back tomorrow if possible.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 2

We're set to go for the second day of the new round, beginning with...

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Brownie v. Twilight. Two players overachieving this year clash in Accuracy with the blue cue. Tysini's Brownie made a ball on the break in game 1, but a scratch and a couple other misses ruined her offense. Central's Twilight missed only once in the 1-3 victory, giving her a 1-0 series lead in the process. The Warriors' Twilight had another good game in game 2, while the Hummingbirds' Brownie spread out a number of misses throughout the rack. Twilight only scratched on her last shot, sacrificing the shutout and taking a 1-4 win instead to make it a 2-0 series lead. Brownie was sloppy at both ends of game 3, missing twice early and three times late, plus a lackluster middle. Twilight contained her misses more effectively to win 4-7, clinching the series at 3-0 with this win. Twilight started off alright in game 4, but her motivation to play hard eroded at the end in a back-and-forth battle that saw Brownie pop up with the 3-5 win. Twilight remains ahead 3-1 in the series. Brownie refused to go quietly in another back-and-forth battle in game 5, forcing overtime on the last shot but then losing 4-5 in overtime when Twilight's break netted a ball and gave Brownie poor positioning. Twilight's superstar-making campaign continues into the bracket semifinals, where she will host a series.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Jason V. v. Ice Cream. A top seed takes on a rebounding veteran in 15-ball with the silver cue. Both players had a slow start in game 1, with Boston's Ice Cream taking a slight edge in early possession. Oceanside's Jason erased this advantage with six of the last seven balls falling on his shots, including the 15 for the win. Jason leads the series 1-0. The Waves' Jason supplied a bad break to start game 2, and struggled to find any offense for himself early on. The Swifts' Ice Cream had a little more luck with a few short runs, but she ran out of steam at the end, as Jason made a three-ball run-out for the win to extend his series lead to 2-0. Jason had a much more explosive break to start game 3, and a three-ball run show for it. The two tangled a bit closer in the middle of the game, with Ice Cream wrenching possession away with a three-ball run. Jason had illegal contact while potting the 9, leading to Ice Cream picking up the win on a three-ball run-out, cutting the series to 2-1 as well. Ice Cream built up to a threatening six-ball run in game 4 after some mixed play at the start. Jason held his ground against Ice Cream in the end, making the last two shots to counter her offense for the win. Jason secured the series at 3-1 with the tight finish. Jason delivered another bad break in game 5, but Ice Cream quickly provided a four-ball run. The rest of the game saw trick-play attempts toward the 15 until Jason finally caromed the cue off the 9 to bump the 15 into the bottom right for the win. Jason took the series 4-1, and will take his top-seeded bid to another hosting spot in the bracket semifinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Slinks v. Cassie. After the lunch break, the blue cue returns to play Rotation. After a back-and-forth start to game 1, Royal's Cassie surged ahead on a four-ball run, only to miss on the 9. Westside's Slinks fought back with five balls over two turns to complete a comeback 8-7 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Cassie capitalized on the Rockers' Slinks leaving two balls short from the break. Cassie started on a three-ball run, and then used two ball-in-hand plays to get the rest of the offense, winning 8-1 on a four-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Cassie had a poor break in game 3, but that was the least of her concerns initially. She built up a solid lead, but tensions rose as the offense stagnated. A more aggressive style favored Slinks greatly, as she twice tied the game up before finally surging ahead for the 8-7 win on the last two shots. Slinks reclaimed the series lead at 2-1. Slinks started out stronger in game 4, but she couldn't maintain her level of play. Cassie pressed with a pair of balls before unleashing a three-ball run-out at the end to take an 8-6 win, retying the series at 2. Slinks started well in game 5, building up a lead that Cassie erased with a four-ball run. Cassie then beat Slinks at the end, winning 8-6 to take the series 3-2. Cassie will be on the road in the bracket semifinals.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Dewey v. Lorde. Back on the coast, we've got Accuracy with the red cue ready to go. Oceanside's Dewey had a good performance in game 1, pinning Capital City's Lorde behind early and backing up his smart plays throughout the game. Lorde only flailed around toward the end, watching as Dewey claimed a 1-3 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Dewey actually missed first in game 2, but he limited himself to that one bad shot. The Sharpshooters' Lorde didn't have the lead for long, and fell behind in short order as well, allowing Dewey to pick his way to a 1-2 win to extend his series lead to 2-0. Dewey and Lorde stayed perfect for most of game 3, a fantastic stretch ended by each one taking a miss. In overtime, Lorde's soft break caused Dewey to scratch and then miss, giving Lorde the 2-3 win to cut the series to 2-1. Lorde refused to back down now, exchanging misses with Dewey early in game 4 before closing out the game without a miss from there. Dewey tripped up on a shot only once, but it was enough for Lorde to win 1-2, tying the series at 2. Dewey had a brutal miss on his first shot in game 5, and Lorde refused to quit her near-perfect pace. Lorde missed once late, but buried the last ball to win 1-2, taking the series 3-2. Lorde will be on the road once again in the bracket semifinals. Dewey is the 65th player out of the Tournament, and Lorde has her second kill this year.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Beth v. Kiwi. Top-10s on the bracket clash in 8-ball with the silver cue in a massive series. Pearl's Beth started with a four-ball run on her second turn, followed by Terrace City's Kiwi making a six-ball run with some collateral damage. Beth would strike quickly with a three-ball run-out to take the win and a 1-0 series lead against her dangerous opponent. The Surfers' Beth led the pace in game 2, although she exchanged both a scratch and a subsequent four-ball run with the Knights' Kiwi. Beth couldn't kick the 8 to the top left, leaving it for Kiwi after the visitor made the 10 on a tap-in, then did the same to the 8 to win. The series is tied at 1. Kiwi pounded two balls in on the break in game 3, but Beth had the better of play until she got onto the 8. Beth scratched for her first shot, and then couldn't make the 13 quickly on her next turn. Meanwhile, Kiwi made a three-rail 4-2 bank combination and then a kick on the 8 at the bottom right for the win to gain a 2-1 series lead. Kiwi had herself a near-perfect game 4, making ten balls over eight shots for the win, as she sank two solids while claiming stripes and running the table. Kiwi's dominant burst sealed the series in her favor at 3-1, leaving Beth bewildered. Kiwi struck for two more shots from the game 5 break, but then engaged in a grittier battle with Beth. Kiwi managed to find inside positioning near the end, executing a three-ball run-out while Beth stumbled. Kiwi's 4-1 series win puts her into the bracket semifinals.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Yekaterina Vasilyeva. The blue cue returns to action as two of the Southwest's finest battle in 9-ball. Tysini's Leandra had a couple of early turns to push the 9 into a jam with a 5 at the top right. Both players took looks at it, but once the 5 was down, Victoria's Yekaterina double-potted the 9 there and the 6 at the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Leandra had a much better game 2 with a four-ball run start the offense. Leandra failed to follow it up, and after a few turns, the Spurs' Yekaterina made the 5 to the bottom right and the 6-9 combination to the bottom side for another win. Yekaterina leads the series 2-0. Yekaterina pulled one out of her bag of tricks in game 3, getting two balls to bump the 9 into the bottom right on the break, and adding the 8 at the top right for good measure as she clinched the series at 3-0 over Leandra. In game 4, Leandra's biggest problem was keeping her shots legal, as many were missed contact or scratches. Yekaterina feasted on this, and then timed a three-ball run-out just right at the end to snag another win for her 4-0 series lead. Yekaterina lost a little of her touch in game 5, but not enough to cost her the game, as Leandra staggered through her turns again. Yekaterina eventually settled in for a four-ball run-out, finishing off a 5-0 series sweep that gives her hosting rights in the bracket semifinals.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Jasmine. A pair of 15-ball series begins right after a break with these two strong opponents. Freedom's Jasmine had the first good run in game 1, making three straight, but she ceded possession to Oceanside's Celestia late. Celestia worked on a five-ball run on her last turn, leaving the 15 up for Jasmine to put in the bottom side for the win and a 1-0 series lead to the visitor. The Cascades' Jasmine took two on the break in game 2, but struggled for consistency on her turns throughout the game. The Waves' Celestia looked better early, but dropped off toward the end, her miss on the 15 giving Jasmine another tap-in look for the win. Jasmine is ahead 2-0 in the series. Celestia kept the competitive part of the series going in game 3, weathering Jasmine's early attack before matching her over the back half of the game. Jasmine had a pair and a three-ball run that ended with a scratch, the latter setting Celestia up for a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand, including a critical bank on the 14 to the bottom right. Jasmine's series lead is now at 2-1. Jasmine's best looks on offense in game 4 didn't always work, but she held Celestia back with defense. Celestia later had a foul that led to Jasmine potting the 7 from ball-in-hand before making the 8-15 combination at the bottom left for the win to secure the series at 3-1. Celestia showed a bit more bite on her later shots in game 5, while Jasmine still had plenty of offense to her own credit. Celestia rattled the 15 into the bottom left after Jasmine missed it in the same spot. Jasmine settled for a 3-2 series win to put her in a hosting position in the bracket semifinals.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Puff I. With his captain taking a win, Nikolai brings a taste of 15-ball with the blue cue to their home fans now. Modernistic's Puff I couldn't get anything to go right early in game 1, but she found the win anyway, as Freedom's Nikolai missed the 15 to waste all of his good offense. Puff I made a tap-in at the end to go up 1-0 in the series. The Union's Puff I knocked a four-ball run to start game 2 off the break, and continued to pace the offense for most of the game. The Cascades' Nikolai made some progress later on, but Puff I was there in the end to mop up the 15 on the final shot, giving herself a 2-0 series lead. Puff I began again with a four-ball run, and sandwiched a six-ball run by Nikolai with her three-ball run, but Nikolai made the last two balls on separate turns after Puff I couldn't corral the 15 at the bottom left. Nikolai's clutch win cuts the deficit to 2-1. Nikolai had a solid break in game 4, but he didn't do much after that. Puff I had a crafty cut shot on the 3, which deflected to put the 15 in the bottom right, but the cue followed the 3 into the top right. Nikolai will take the gifted win to tie the series at 2 games each. Nikolai and Puff I each tightened their playing in game 5, unwilling to let the other get too confident. In the end, Nikolai tried to slam the 15 into the top right on a long shot to end a run. He missed, and Puff I rattled it into the bottom side to claim the win and 3-2 series win. Puff I will return home to host her bracket semifinals series.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Taylor Swift v. Sage. The red cue steps up to play some 10-ball now. Commerce's Taylor had a pair of three-ball runs to start game 1, allowed to continue the first after illegally potting a ball. Victoria's Sage waited patiently, then struck for a four-ball run-out to counter the second of Taylor's runs, earning herself a win and a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Taylor controlled the offense in game 2, mainly through a six-ball run, but also at the end when the Spurs' Sage saw her plans for a late counterattack crumble. Taylor made the last two balls on separate turns for the win to tie the series at 1. Taylor again carried the majority of possession in game 3, this time through a four-ball run near the end after a slow start for both players. Unfortunately, Taylor just left the 10 up at the bottom left, and Sage tapped it in with ease to snag the win, regaining the series lead at 2-1. Sage enjoyed a more even distribution of possession in game 4, but it didn't do much for her, as a late miss on the 10 erased the good feelings from her opening three-ball run. Taylor deposited the 10 cleanly to the top right to get the win, retying the series at 2. Sage returned to a low-possession style in game 5, partly by choice and partly by Taylor pacing the game. Taylor made a three-ball run late, and then rattled the 10 hard out of the top left. Sage also missed the cut attempt on the 10, bailing Taylor out as she potted it on her second try for the hard-fought win. Taylor took the series 3-2, and will host her bracket semifinals series.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Twilight. The silver cue will bring the day to a close in 10-ball. Midland's Rainmane had some good shots early in a tense opening game, but Central's Twilight took over at the end, cutting her way to a five-ball run-out for the win. Twilight owns a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight picked up where she left off, taking a three-ball run and a four-ball run on her first two turns in game 2. Twilight twice missed on the 10, leaving the Predators' Rainmane to finally drive it into the top right for the win, tying the series at 1. Twilight and Rainmane tangled without much success early in game 3, the runs of the previous game a long-lost memory until Twilight woke the crowd with a 6-10 combination to the top right for the win. Twilight regained the series lead at 2-1. Rainmane kept herself in the series in game 4, weathering a three-ball run over the middle from Twilight. A stagnant period occurred before Rainmane made the 6 and then deflected the cue off the 8 to pot the 10 at the bottom right for the win, tying the series at 2. Both players played hard in game 5, with Twilight benefiting early on but ultimately dropping the game with a pair of late fouls. Rainmane controlled the end-game, earning the win and a 3-2 series win to advance to the bracket semifinals.

Tomorrow will be more of the same, playing ten series.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 1

We've got a two-week round ahead of us if everything goes to plan. Today will be a ten-series day, beginning with...

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Gizmo. The blue cue is up for Rotation to start the round. Pearl's Watermelon started out lucky with some bounces early in game 1, only to watch Eastside's Gizmo push to tie it. The two exchanged three-ball runs, and then Watermelon surged to the 8-6 win by capitalizing on two of Gizmo's late mistakes. Watermelon has a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon had a much worse break to start game 2, leading to a surge of early offense for the Sharks' Gizmo. Watermelon challenged Gizmo with a couple of late pushes, but Gizmo held strong for the 8-6 win to tie the series at 1. Gizmo began well in game 3, holding a large lead for quite awhile. Watermelon chipped away at the lead over two turns to tie the game, then added a three-ball run-out for the 8-5 win. Watermelon regains the series lead at 2-1. Watermelon maintained an aggressive style against Gizmo in game 4, using a three-ball run to extend her lead over the middle of the game. Watermelon scratched on her first try at a winning shot, but Gizmo under-hit from ball-in-hand, gifting Watermelon the tap-in to win 8-2. Watermelon clinched the series at 3-1. Watermelon did well early in game 5 too, but her lead didn't hold up after an error. Gizmo went on a six-ball run-out from ball-in-hand, the furious charge giving him an 8-6 win to leave Watermelon with a 3-2 series win. Watermelon will be the host in her bracket semifinals appearance.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Mr. Snowman. The silver cue steps up for 12-ball as the visitor begins a personal doubleheader. Golden's Dusty had a pair of balls from the break and a late three-ball run to constitute her offense, but Infinity's Mr. Snowman did work over his first two turns and just buried his final pair to the left corners for the win. Mr. Snowman owns a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman struck twice early in game 2, but that wouldn't be enough to hold off slick positioning from the Pilots' Dusty. Mr. Snowman switched to a defensive style near the end, but Dusty picked up her last ball with a kicked tap-in to the top right for the win, tying the series at 1. Dusty was unlucky to be empty on the game 3 break, leading to Mr. Snowman taking solids quickly. Mr. Snowman would give away a wild-card ball at one point, but Dusty scratched to put it back on the table. While Dusty had worse positioning from that shot, she proved more efficient in shooting, as Mr. Snowman's attempts at the bottom side were off-target. Dusty emerged with the win to take a 2-1 series lead. Dusty found herself disorganized as game 4 moved along, thanks to a dizzying pace to Mr. Snowman's attack. Dusty illegally potted a ball at the bottom left as a result, and Mr. Snowman took his final shot to the top side, earning the win to retie the series at 2. Mr. Snowman made a stripe on the break, but left a convenient four-ball run for Dusty. A couple of turns later, Dusty broke Mr. Snowman's defense with a last pair of shots for the win to secure the series at 3-2 in her favor. Dusty goes on to a visiting position in the bracket semifinals.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Bright v. Mr. Snowman. After the lunch break, the visitor completes his doubleheader with the blue cue in Rotation. Game 1 saw a bit of back-and-forth between the opponents, with Pearl's Bright generally holding small leads. Infinity's Mr. Snowman charged back, winning 8-4 on a three-ball run-out after Bright scratched. Mr. Snowman is up 1-0 in the series. The Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman made a ball on the break and built up quite a lead over the following turns. The Surfers' Bright chipped away at the deficit, but couldn't even the score before Mr. Snowman banked the 11 to the bottom side for the 8-4 win to push his series lead to 2-0. Bright began with a four-ball run on his first turn in game 3, and then battled with Mr. Snowman from there. The early advantage greatly helped for Bright, who would take an 8-4 win of his own after a slow finish to cut the series to 2-1. Bright made a mess of the break in game 4, allowing Mr. Snowman to play both defensively and quickly on offense early on. Mr. Snowman slowed later on, coasting to an 8-1 win after giving Bright a couple of chances to make it closer. Mr. Snowman secured the series at 3-1. Mr. Snowman's break proved remarkably fruitful for Bright, who had two double-pots over an eight-ball run-out for the 8-0 shutout win. Mr. Snowman still won the series 3-2, and will visit this venue again to take on the Surfers captain Watermelon in the bracket semifinals.

Sprint Hall, Victoria: Sage v. Hershey. Two very different rookies collide in 7-ball with the silver cue. Victoria's Sage had a couple of shots early and a chance on the 7, but Stonebridge's Hershey carried the offense on a five-ball run and then buried the 7 on his second chance to take the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Sage bounced back quickly in game 2, exchanging a pair of shots each with the Wolves' Hershey early on. Sage then made the final three balls over two turns after Hershey couldn't clean up her miss on the 7. Sage's bold finish gave her a win to tie the series at 1. Sage still had the bulk of the offense in game 3, thanks to her three-ball run. Hershey kept things close again, notably after Sage missed on the 6. Hershey took it and then applied a solid contact to put the 7 away as well, regaining the series lead at 2-1 with this win. Hershey almost drained the 7 at the bottom side on the game 4 break, but the late bump just made it easier for Sage to cut a 1-7 combination to the same pocket for the win on her only shot. Sage has retied the series at 2 with the crafty play. Sage fouled on her second shot in game 5, missing contact on the 1. Hershey took over and made a five-ball run-out to claim the win for a 3-2 series win, his high offense prevailing. Hershey will return home to host his bracket semifinals series.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Luigi. An Urban Derby between bitter rivals goes down in 15-ball with the red cue. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy found herself limited to mostly pairs of shots in game 1 after a hot break. North Modernistic's Luigi showed some defense, but got the win because of an early five-ball run and a four-ball run-out at the end to put him up 1-0 in the series. The Nighthawks' Luigi embraced his villain role in game 2, taunting the crowd before an empty break. The Union's Ms. Puppy quickly put the 15 near the bottom right on a controversial legal shot, and she did well for a couple more turns to protect the dangerous position. Luigi broke through on a four-ball run-out, a 5-15 combination extending his series lead to 2-0. Luigi kept one eye on the 15 for most of game 3, leading to a less impressive start on offense. Ms. Puppy pushed the 15 closer to the bottom side in the middle of the game, and Luigi capitalized on this play, deflecting the winning shot off the 10 to bump the 15 home for the win. Luigi clinched the series at 3-0. Ms. Puppy avoided the sweep in game 4, as Luigi brought less than his best with the series already decided. Ms. Puppy still played hard, making the 5-13 combination to the bottom right as a double-pot when the 6 dropped in the top left. Ms. Puppy then made the 5 and a 7-15 combination to the bottom right for the win to cut the series to 3-1. Ms. Puppy had a lucky bounce in game 5, as her shot on the 7 put the 15 in motion where the cue could bump it on track to the bottom side for the surprise win over Luigi. The series ended 3-2 for Luigi, who will advance to the bracket semifinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Sweetheart. The venue tripleheader rolls on with less intensity, as the red cue stays up for 12-ball. Boston's Sweetheart had a three-ball run early in game 1, but a scratch sapped her offense of momentum. Modernistic's Daisy aligned herself well, winning on a three-ball run-out where she double-potted the 7 and 4 to the left corners for a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Sweetheart delivered a five-ball run on her first turn in game 2, and then used patience to approach her shot at the top side. The Union's Daisy attacked back later on a four-ball run, but Sweetheart kicked the 4 into the top side on her next turn for the win, tying the series at 1. Sweetheart had plenty of time to build an attack after an initial four-ball run on her second turn of game 3. Daisy provided little to no challenge with her lack of offense, allowing Sweetheart to calmly align and convert her last two shots for a win to earn a 2-1 series lead. Daisy stayed in it with a hot start in game 4, and she addressed her lack of late positioning in one shot. Sweetheart went on a four-ball run to get onto her last ball, but she was out of position, while Daisy easily made her last two shots for the win to even the series again at 2. Sweetheart made a pair of shots early in game 5 and had positioning established everywhere until a scratch and wild-card ball lost put Daisy in control. Daisy worked patiently from here, picking her way around the table until she struck for a three-ball run-out. Daisy won the series 3-2, earning a spot in the bracket semifinals. Sweetheart is the first of many to exit in this round, the 63rd overall, and the second that Daisy is responsible for.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Chimpy v. Slinks. A couple of wily veterans close out the venue tripleheader in 9-ball with the blue cue. Modernistic's Chimpy appeared to play better in a shaky game 1 for both sides. Chimpy did beat Westside's Slinks with a three-ball run-out at the end, as Slinks just couldn't string her shots together. Chimpy leads the series 1-0. The Union's Chimpy could only watch early in game 2 when the Rockers' Slinks assembled a threatening six-ball run. The two players scrapped a bit after that until Chimpy found a three-ball run-out to take the win, extending his series lead to 2-0. Chimpy made a pair on the break of game 3, but didn't do much else for most of the game. Slinks lacked a commanding run on her turns, chipping through the rack until she missed on the 7. Chimpy made the last two shots for the win, sealing the series at 3-0 in the process. Chimpy stormed forward late in game 4, after an exchange of misses early on with Slinks. Chimpy closed out the game on a six-ball run-out for the win to push his series lead to 4-0. Chimpy continued to dominate the offense in game 5, making the last seven shots but scratching as he potted the 9 to gift away a win to Slinks. Chimpy's 4-1 series win puts him into the bracket semifinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Mr. Snowman v. Cobalt. The busy day continues for the host, as his last series of the round comes now in 7-ball with the silver cue. Infinity's Mr. Snowman ran the table in game 1, making all seven shots across every pocket without letting Stonebridge's Cobalt get a shot in response. Mr. Snowman holds a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Cobalt looked like the better player in game 2, but his lack of finish in a chaotic ending cost him. The Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman converted on a frustration-induced two-rail bank of the 7 to the top left for the win, adding on for a 2-0 series lead. Mr. Snowman wasted no time in getting back to a dominant style of play, making a seven-ball run-out on his second turn of game 3 after a brutal miss on the 1 from Cobalt. Mr. Snowman's second deep run clinched the series for him at 3-0. Mr. Snowman finally showed true weakness in game 4, leaving the 7 near the bottom right but failing to use positioning to keep Cobalt away from it. Cobalt converted a 3-7 combination to the bottom right for the win, cutting his deficit to 3-1. Mr. Snowman made five balls over two turns in game 5 as well, but this time his big offense let him down with a miss on the 7. Cobalt tapped it in for the win, leaving Mr. Snowman with a 3-2 series win. Mr. Snowman will take on Cobalt's Wolves teammate, Hershey, in the bracket semifinals from Stonebridge.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Smokey. Two of Brute Force's toughest collide in a massive 8-ball series with the red cue. Midland's Rainmane scratched on the game 1 break, causing her to fall behind to Diamond's Smokey. Rainmane counterattacked in the middle of the game, pulling ahead right before Smokey went on a four-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Smokey struck first in game 2, but ran into some shooting problems in the middle of the game. The Predators' Rainmane made it fairly even before also scuffling, and the two players exchanged scratches. Smokey emerged from his troubles with a four-ball run-out after a few turns, making it a 2-0 series lead in his favor. Smokey had a four-ball run to start game 3, followed by Rainmane making a five-ball run before things slowed down. Rainmane attempted to go through the 8 to pot her last stripe, but Smokey won two turns later as Rainmane never got a clear look on the 8 itself. Smokey's persistence gave him the series at 3-0. Rainmane went off in game 4 after Smokey floundered with a few early wasted turns. Rainmane made a six-ball run, and then played a little defense before making another pair for the win, cutting Smokey's series lead to 3-1. Smokey again showed little effort to play hard in game 5, although a cold stretch by Rainmane allowed him back into the game. Rainmane did find a three-ball run-out in the end for the win, leaving Smokey to take the 3-2 series win. Smokey will be on the road for his bracket semifinals appearance.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Gabe v. Zach. Two reliable contributors clash in today's finale series, using the silver cue for Accuracy. Both players lived up to the reliable tag, as it took until three balls left for Maplewood's Gabe to miss. Pronger's Zach stayed perfect, and then Gabe double-potted the last two balls, assuring Zach of his 0-1 win and 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Gabe missed first again in game 2, another late start to the slip-ups. The Tridents' Zach had a scratch to make things interesting, and both players struggled with the last ball until Zach potted it to take the 2-5 win. Zach is ahead 2-0 in the series. Zach and Gabe again went perfect for a long time in game 3, and they forced overtime without a miss. Gabe's overtime break counted as the first miss, and Zach put the 11 in the top left for the 0-1 win to seal the series at 3-0. The two players exchanged misses earlier than usual in game 4, about halfway through, but remained even for quite awhile. Zach remained the better of the two, inducing a scratch by Gabe that gave Zach the 1-2 to to push his series lead to 4-0. The two players again played perfectly deep into game 5, right up to the final ball, where Zach sportingly took a miss to allow Gabe a 0-1 win. Zach took the series 4-1 to punch his ticket to the bracket semifinals. Zach did take his second kill of the Tournament, making Gabe the 64th eliminated player.

That's all for today's action. We'll have a full ten-series day again tomorrow.

Tournament 2018 - Round 3 Day 20

Today, we have the finale of the third round, with the last eight series set to be played. We begin with...

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Peach v. Whiskers. A captain and a rising star meet in the silver cue's last 15-ball series of the round. Maplewood's Whiskers battled well in game 1, taking a majority of the possession thanks to a four-ball run and pairs of balls at other times. North Modernistic's Peach had one chance for a late run that went wasted, with Whiskers making the last two shots for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Peach brought the heat in game 2, controlling positioning to prevent much of a response from the Lumberjacks' Whiskers. Peach struck at the right time with a three-ball run-out, making a 4-15 bank combination to the bottom right for the win, tying the series at 1. Whiskers continued to push on offense late in games, making a four-ball run and a three-ball run on consecutive turns in game 3. Peach capitalized on Whiskers missing the 15 at the bottom left, converting a tap-in to steal the win and a 2-1 series lead. Peach had an awful break in game 4, but it played into her aptitude for playing in congested areas. Peach got help when Whiskers bumped the 15 toward the bottom right on illegal contact, gifting Peach ball-in-hand for the 3-15 combination. Peach easily converted, taking the win and clinching the series at 3-1. Peach had a four-ball run early in game 5 after scratching on the break and putting the 15 near the top right. Whiskers had very few chances for good shots, as Peach controlled the game and won with a kick on the 5 leading to a 6-9-15 combination at the top right, with the 9 falling in the bottom right on two deflection to make it a double-pot. Peach won the series 4-1, and will visit the Commerce Tradewinds captain Tigerette in an Urban Derby bracket quarterfinals series.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Steven. The silver cue will now bring 8-ball to a close for the round. Pacific's Ms. Kitty started a little slower than Atlantic's Steven in game 1, but Ms. Kitty got more on her choppy turns to pull ahead. Steven couldn't get positioning on his last ball, and he freed up Ms. Kitty's last ball, which she made as part of a game-winning pair for the 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Steven had a more concise offense in game 2, sandwiching a five-ball run by the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty with a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out of his own for the win. Steven's win tied the series at 1. Ms. Kitty and Steven exchanged shots early in game 3, and then Steven found a four-ball run to give himself a lead. Ms. Kitty tried to fire back at the end, but her miss let Steven bury the 8 at the top left on a tap-in, putting the visitor ahead 2-1 in the series. Steven made a ball on the break in game 4, and managed to establish a defense Ms. Kitty couldn't break down on her first turn. Steven then put on an expert showing, making a seven-ball run-out for the win, securing the series at 3-1 with the effort. Steven didn't bring his best on offense in game 5, scratching on the break and lacking conviction late in the game. Ms. Kitty didn't plan on putting in a counterattack, but salvaged the win with a six-ball run-out. Steven settled for a 3-2 series win to send him home for a bracket quarterfinals series against Boston Swifts captain Patches. A good season comes to an early end, as Ms. Kitty is the 60th player eliminated, meaning 1/3 of the league is out. Steven has his second kill of the year.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Patches v. Luigi. The red cue's last appearance of the third round is in this Accuracy series. Boston's Patches started out alright in game 1, but she slipped up with too many misses on bank attempts. North Modernistic's Luigi didn't have a great game, but he held on to win 3-5 at the end for the 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Patches fell behind again in game 2, but this time she held her ground better. The Nighthawks' Luigi skidded behind Patches after a handful of misses, and Patches made it stick for a 2-4 win to retie the series at 1. Patches stayed perfect for most of game 3, but Luigi never trailed by much. Luigi managed to get Patches to miss once near the end of the game, but Patches took the 1-2 win by potting the final ball. Patches has taken the series lead at 2-1 with this victory. Neither player was at their best in game 4, with a lot of misses throughout the game on both sides. These were evenly distributed, and led to overtime, where Luigi missed both of his shots, the latter of those causing Patches to win 6-7 to clinch the series at 3-1. Patches didn't put a whole lot into game 5, settling for the series win already. Still, Luigi had some struggles that kept the game close before Patches conceded with a miss on the last ball. Luigi won 3-4, and Patches takes her 3-2 series win on the road against the Westside Rockers' Misty in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Roxy. In the blue cue's Accuracy finale, a pair of club-mates will battle for the last spot on the bracket. Freedom's Roxy fell behind with a couple of unlucky misses early in game 1, but Infinity's Smudge couldn't hold the lead as the game went on. Smudge fell behind late and lost 2-4 to Roxy, giving the visitor a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Smudge went behind again in game 2, and then brought the game back to a tie in the middle. Smudge had a double-pot, a bold play in this event, but it worked, as the Cascades' Roxy missed on the last ball. Smudge converted, taking the 1-2 win to tie the series at 1. The last shot exchanged hands multiple times in game 3, with Smudge making a ball on the break, scratching on her second shot, and Roxy returning the advantage to Smudge with a double-pot. Smudge cashed in at the end, besting Roxy 2-4 to take the series lead at 2-1. Game 4 had a large element of excitement as both players pushed perfection. Smudge cracked first, and then again right at the end, giving Roxy the 1-2 win to tie the series again at 2. Smudge fell behind by a couple of shots early in game 5, clawed back to tie it, and then lost it with a late miss followed by Roxy cutting the last ball to the bottom right. Roxy's 2-3 win gave her a 3-2 series win and a visiting role against the Pearl Surfers' Bright in the bracket quarterfinals.

Apple Center, Todavía: Bells v. Jason V. The silver cue's Accuracy series is in a Coastal Derby to finish the event for the round. Todavía's Bells couldn't find her shot in game 1, missing in bunches during two spurts of bad play. Oceanside's Jason contributed to Bells' struggles while preserving a good score for himself in the 1-8 win for the 1-0 series lead. The two players reversed roles in game 2, although to less extreme extents. The Waves' Jason slipped up a couple of times in the middle of the game, while the Stills' Bells held a perfect line en route to a 0-3 victory to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw both players bring something closer to their best performance. Bells and Jason exchanged misses just before the middle of the game, but Bells had a second miss late, and Jason shut the door for a 1-2 win, retaking the series lead at 2-1. Jason made a ball on the break in game 4, but couldn't find traction early in the game. Bells made sure that Jason's early mistakes would be enough to cost him, only missing once late in the game as she took a 1-3 win to tie the series again at 2 games apiece. Bells brought her absolute best again in game 5, finding a lead early when Jason butchered a shot, and then holding on to win 0-3 again to take the series 3-2. Bells heads to Freedom to face the Cascades' Nikolai in the bracket quarterfinals.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Luigi v. Rosalina. The silver cue remains up to close out 9-ball for the third round. North Modernistic's Luigi broke through for the win in game 1, a choppy battle that saw Diamond's Rosalina scratch while potting the 7 to set up Luigi for the last two shots. Luigi leads the series 1-0. Game 2 started even slower, only speeding up when the Gems' Rosalina found a three-ball run. Rosalina had a narrow miss on the 9, and the Nighthawks' Luigi was there to mop it up for the win, extending his series lead to 2-0. Luigi had a fair share of offense in game 3, most notably a three-ball run in the middle after leaving the 9 near the top right on earlier turns. Rosalina fired back with a four-ball run-out for the win, avoiding a trick play as she made the safe shots to get the win. Luigi remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Luigi returned to form a bit more in game 4, making a three-ball run early on and then the final pair after Rosalina scuffled on her attempt for a run late in the game. Luigi's late burst gave him the win, sealing the series in his favor at 3-1. Luigi found more offense late in game 5, another three-ball run-out providing all he needed to claim the win over a hapless series effort from Rosalina. Luigi won the series 4-1, and will travel to oppose the Eastside Sharks' Chelsea in the bracket quarterfinals. Rosalina is the 61st eliminated player, while Luigi records his first kill of the year in a bout of friendly fire on the club level.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Neopolitan v. Vincent Sullivan. Rotation is all that's left, with the silver cue playing in this Coastal Derby series. Pearl's Neopolitan began with a three-ball run from the break, but her offense went cold after that. Viewpoint Sound's Vincent surged ahead with a four-ball run, and then capitalized on Neopolitan's flubbed shot to win 8-4 for the 1-0 series lead at the end. The Surfers' Neopolitan did well to keep up with the Meteors' Vincent in game 2, an even performance between the opponents defining the game. Vincent pulled away in the end, winning on a three-ball run-out for an 8-6 win and 2-0 series lead. Vincent made clinching a series look easy in game 3, getting two balls on the break as part of a five-ball run, and then having patience while Neopolitan floundered helplessly around the table. Vincent won 8-0, moving to a 3-0 series lead. Vincent did even better in game 4, making the 2 on the break, deflecting the 1 off the 6 to the top side, and ending with a back-spun deflection off the 8 to bump the 14 to the top right for the 8-0 win. Even better, Vincent did that all off the break turn, and made a ball to every pocket as he pushed his series lead to 4-0. Vincent still played well in game 5, but Neopolitan made it interesting at the start by plugging up some of Vincent's chances at a run. Vincent eventually regained the lead and used a four-ball run-out to win 8-3 a turn after that, giving him a 5-0 series sweep. Vincent will host the Queens Flames captain in a likely exciting bracket quarterfinals series. Neopolitan is the 62nd player to be eliminated and the last in the third round, while Vincent takes his first career kill.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Gizmo v. Zach. The blue cue closes out the round with an Eastern Hills Derby in Rotation. Eastside's Gizmo had a positive start in game 1, but Pronger's Zach pulled back on a four-ball run to tie the game, and then beat Gizmo to the finish with an 8-6 win for the 1-0 series lead in what is promising to be a thrilling finale. The Tridents' Zach jumped out to another nice lead in game 2, and he doubled down with a three-ball run to get onto the brink of victory. The Sharks' Gizmo held him at bay with some savvy defensive plays, and then broke Zach's heart with a five-ball run-out at the end, positioning and executing in fluid motions for a comeback 8-7 win. Gizmo has tied the series at 1. Zach took the initial lead in game 3, but Gizmo provided a run unlike most with a five-ball run, of which the first three were very lucky bounces. Gizmo got onto the fringe of winning with that run, and Zach had illegal contact, ruining any chance to stall. Gizmo won 8-3, pulling ahead 2-1 in the series. Zach tried to make game 4 as cagey as possible, keeping even with Gizmo initially and playing defense more as the game progressed. Zach's only mistake was scratching when a wild shot saw him pot the 11, giving Gizmo a chance from ball-in-hand. Gizmo buried a four-ball run-out, his 8-4 win sealing the series at 3-1. Gizmo kept going in game 5, battling with Zach again at the start but pulling away to win 8-3 at the end. Gizmo took the series 4-1, and will visit the Pearl Surfers' Watermelon in the bracket quarterfinals.

That's all for the third round. We'll take the weekend off most likely, taking the time for table maintenance and another round of cricket re-acclimation practice.

Tournament 2018 - Round 3 Day 19

It's likely the second-to-last day for the third round, as brackets start closing down a bit more for the round. We begin with...

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Hershey. The silver cue plays the last 7-ball series of the round to begin the day. Viewpoint Sound's Dani had plenty to be proud of with a six-ball run to start game 1, but she missed a tough bank on the 7 toward the bottom left. Stonebridge's Hershey tried a bank to the bottom right, converting for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Dani again had a majority of possession in game 2, with a four-ball run on her only attack. The Wolves' Hershey had made a ball on the break, and then potted the last two balls for the win to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Hershey wasted no time in securing the series, winning game 3 as his break pushed the 7 to the top side. Dani couldn't do a thing about Hershey clinching the series at 3-0. Hershey began with a three-ball run in game 4, but after a scratch, play got very choppy. Dani looked to have a couple of chances for runs that didn't amount to anything, and her bank on the 7 missed wide, letting Hershey pot it at the top right to move to a 4-0 series lead. Hershey won game 5 on his second turn, a poorly taken decoy cut on the 1 turning into magic with the carom burying the 7 at the top side. Hershey swept the series 5-0, and he will visit another top-10 seed in the Victoria Spurs rookie Sage in the bracket quarterfinals.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Lorde. A captain and a player on a new team clash in Accuracy with the red cue. Atlantic's Delila and Capital City's Lorde started out pretty even in game 1, but Lorde found a groove around the middle of the game that meant a lot of misses for Delila. Lorde would close the game in a 3-6 win, putting the visitor up 1-0 in the series. The Sharpshooters' Lorde blew two leads after misses from the Pirates' Delila at the start and in the middle of game 2, but Lorde made sure Delila's miss on her last turn would be costly. Lorde converted the final ball, earning the 2-3 win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Game 3 saw Lorde deliver a fantastic break, leading to a quick battle. Both players missed once in the middle of the game, but Delila missed on the last ball as well. Lorde converted a tough bank to put the 14 in the bottom side for the 1-2 win, sealing the series at 3-0. Both players took a step back toward the end of game 4, getting sloppy with their shooting. Delila had a scratch at one point, but Lorde slipped behind after that, only to regain the lead when Delila missed two shots in a row at the end. Lorde took the game 3-4, and moves ahead 4-0 in the series. Delila absolutely crumbled in game 5, while Lorde had only one flimsy mistake in her performance. Lorde took the 1-4 win to make it a 5-0 sweep, and she will visit Dewey of the Oceanside Waves in the bracket quarterfinals.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Puff III v. Tigerette. A star and a captain meet in the red cue's last 8-ball series of the round. Commerce's Tigerette struck first in game 1, and then had a later four-ball run to put Everton's Puff III under pressure. This worked, as Puff III couldn't counterattack, allowing Tigerette to make the 8 to the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Puff III struck first in game 2, but couldn't sustain her offense for long. The Tradewinds' Tigerette found a lead, and then made a four-ball run-out, with a deflected shot on the 8 glancing off the 2 and into the top left as the winner to put Tigerette up 2-0 in the series. Tigerette had a five-ball run to get onto the 8 in game 3 after starting stronger than Puff III. Tigerette would have a scratch slow her down, but Puff III's offense barely existed, and Tigerette had no trouble picking up the win to secure the series at 3-0. Puff III again struck first in game 4, but only managed a three-ball run in response to Tigerette's five-ball run late in the game. Puff III gave herself no shot on her last ball, missing contact and giving Tigerette a free shot at the 8, which was easily converted as Tigerette extends her series lead to 4-0. Puff III had a pair of three-ball runs early in game 5, staking out a good offense, but missed contact on her last ball allowed Tigerette to make five balls over the last two turns. Tigerette illegally potted the 8 at the end, gifting a win away to Puff III to make it a 4-1 series. Tigerette still will visit the Todavía Stills' Prism in the bracket quarterfinals.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Graham v. Leonardo. The red cue departs for today after its last Rotation series of the round. After a fairly even start in game 1, Midland's Leonardo pulled ahead on a four-ball run before rattling the 9 out of the bottom right. Eastside's Graham proved stronger with a six-ball run-out from there, glancing the 14 off the 15 into the top right to win 8-6 for a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Leonardo staked out his game 2 lead with a three-ball run, and then added modestly to it for awhile. The Sharks' Graham countered with a four-ball run to get close, and then a three-ball run-out capped by banking the 15 to the top left on the next turn to steal the 8-7 win. Graham leads the series 2-0. Graham had a better start in game 3, making a double-pot to take the early lead after Leonardo struck first. Leonardo kept things close with a double-pot of his own to tie the game, but Graham pieced together a three-ball run-out soon after for the 8-5 win and 3-0 series lead that secures his advancement. Graham slipped up after taking the lead in game 4, wasting a lot of chances to get a second wind on his offense. Leonardo charged ahead on a five-ball run, and then eventually made a final pair of shots for the 8-4 win to cut the series to 3-1. Game 5 started with an exchange of half-chances and poor shots before Leonardo erupted on a five-ball run. Graham made one ball before scratching, and Leonardo took over with a three-ball run-out on his next turn for the 8-1 win. Graham still took the series 3-2, but lost some confidence heading into his bracket quarterfinals series with the Everton Eagles' Cleo. Graham has his second kill of the year while Leonardo becomes the 58th player to exit the Tournament.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Kodiak v. Klaus. Two of Outcast's top performers this year meet in a big 15-ball series with the blue cue. Modernistic's Kodiak started slow, letting Atlantic's Klaus pace the early parts of game 1. As the game progressed, offense remained slow, but Kodiak ended up making the last three balls over two turns for the win and a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went faster thanks to the Union's Kodiak making improvements for himself on offense. Still, the game had a choppy feel to it, especially at the end, where Kodiak made a pair, then got a chance on the 15. He scratched, gifting the win to the charging Pirates' Klaus to tie the series at 1. Klaus had a load of offense in game 3, pacing the attack individually quite well. Kodiak struggled to keep his performance on the table, but he caught a break when Klaus butchered a shot on the 14. Kodiak would make the final pair of shots to get the win, regaining the series lead at 2-1 despite a lack of momentum. Kodiak made a ball on the break and then played most of game 4 pretty evenly with Klaus, who might have had an edge on offense. It didn't matter when Kodiak took Klaus' failed trick play on the 6 and used it to deflect the 15 into the bottom right for the win to clinch the series at 3-1. Kodiak dominated early in game 5, a burst of offense very much unlike his other efforts. Klaus pulled back later in the game with a four-ball run, but couldn't finish it off, as Kodiak took a pair at the end for the win to finish a 4-1 series win. Kodiak will host the Queens Flames' Hannah in the bracket quarterfinals.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Nicole. The silver cue is back in action, administering a series of 9-ball this time. Terrace City's Kiwi made a pair of balls on the break in game 1, but illegally contacted and potted the 9 on a failed kick play two shots later, gifting the win and 1-0 series lead to Lighton's Nicole, who didn't take a shot. The Prestige's Nicole made a ball on the game 2 break, and used a three-ball run to counter a four-ball run by the Knights' Kiwi, but Nicole missed on the 9 near the end. Kiwi put it in the bottom right with ease, another strong game ending in a win for the host to tie the series at 1. Kiwi didn't have much to be happy about in game 3, scratching on the break and looking shaky at best during the course of play. It took Nicole some time to grab the game, but she did win with a three-ball run-out, retaking the series lead at 2-1. Kiwi bounced back a bit on offense in game 4, showing some more command but still taking too many loose shots. Nicole capitalized on one of them late, as Kiwi's miss on the 8 set Nicole up to pot the last two balls for the win. Nicole's win sealed the series at 3-1. Nicole continued to play better in game 5, dominating the offense at first and capitalizing on a miss on the 7 by Kiwi. Nicole buried the 7 from range, and then did the same on the 8 before a tap-in on the 9 for the win. Nicole's 4-1 series win puts her into a visiting position against the Harrison Specters' Sydney in the bracket quarterfinals.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Brownie v. Violetta. A little cross-highway action occurs in Accuracy with the blue cue. Tysini's Brownie slipped behind around the middle of the game with a pair of misses, but adjusted her strategy to drag Queens' Violetta down quickly at the end. Brownie ended up winning 2-3 after Violetta couldn't get the proper positioning, giving Brownie a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Brownie again made a ball on the break in game 2, but it was a mid-game skid that put her out of contention this time. The Flames' Violetta had her only miss around the same time, but made plenty of more impressive shots to lock up a 1-3 win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Violetta scratched on the break in game 3, but managed twice to get Brownie to miss with her in this game. Brownie then crumbled at the end, unable to convert from distance after Violetta did just that on the prior shot. Violetta closed out the win at 2-3, pulling ahead 2-1 in the ever-close series. Violetta made a ball on the break in game 4, but missed after Brownie hit a double-pot to reclaim the final shot advantage. Violetta stayed in range but couldn't find a hole in Brownie's game this time, as Brownie went on to win 0-2 after Violetta's late miss. The series is tied again at 2. Brownie made a ball on the break in game 5, and Violetta quickly had a miss to fall behind. Brownie would miss later in the game, but Violetta couldn't hold onto the tied position, and Brownie walked away with a 1-2 win to take the series 3-2. Brownie will host the Central Warriors captain Twilight in the bracket quarterfinals.

Apple Center, Todavía: Bells v. Strut. Longtime veterans meet in the blue cue's final 15-ball series of the third round. Golden's Strut popped up quickly after Todavía's Bells scratched on the break in game 1. Strut's offense dried up by the end, as Bells had a four-ball run before a cagey finish ultimately favored her as well. Bells' win gives her a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Bells made a ball on the break of game 2, and put the 15 perilously close to the bottom right. Bells had one eye on this on every turn, controlling the offense initially, but the Pilots' Strut struck all at once. Strut made a five-ball run-out, double-potting the 8 to the top side and the 15 at the bottom right for the win to tie the series at 1. Strut had a positive start with a three-ball run in game 3, but after some contested possession in the middle of the game, a pair of four-ball runs put Bells back in the lead for the series at 2-1. Bells used wonderful positioning to get the go-ahead win. Strut did his part in game 4, making things difficult for Bells by slowing the game down. Strut broke out on a late four-ball run, just missing on the 14, but Bells missed the 15 and Strut was able to put it away for the win, retying the series at 2. Bells brought the heat on offense with a six-ball run that put the 15 on the edge of the bottom right, but this time Strut protected it for himself. Eventually, Strut found a three-ball run-out capped with an 11-15 combination to the bottom right for the win, giving him the 3-2 series win as well. Strut will visit the Lighton Prestige's Katelynn in the bracket quarterfinals.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Fuchsia. The blue cue closes another bracket when it plays its last 10-ball series of the third round. Game 1 started very slowly, but once the offense showed up, it almost exclusively belonged to Midland's Fuchsia. Freedom's Roxy did make one shot after Fuchsia illegally potted a ball, but Fuchsia replied with the last two shots for the win and a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went faster, as the Predators' Fuchsia made a ball on the break. The Cascades' Roxy had a chance for a 2-10 combination to the top right, but she rattled it out, and left the 10 by the bottom left. Fuchsia then cut a 2-10 combination there, the tap-in finish enough for the win and 2-0 series lead. Roxy had some good looks in a shaky start to game 3, but a scratch after illegal contact while going for the 5 derailed her game. Fuchsia took over with a six-ball run-out, double-potting the 6 and 8 to the bottom side and bottom right before converting on the 10 three shots later. Fuchsia's win secured the series at 3-0 in her favor. Roxy again had an early error in game 4, and Fuchsia really made her pay for this one, ripping a massive eight-ball run-out with excellent execution of each shot to get a win, extending her series lead to 4-0. Fuchsia dominated again in game 5, starting with a four-ball run from the break and ending on a five-ball run-out a couple of turns later after exchanging misses in the middle of the game with Roxy. Fuchsia swept the series 5-0, and will host the Central Warriors' Noelle in the bracket quarterfinals.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Kirstin v. Precious. The final series today is with the silver cue playing Rotation. Everton's Kirstin never really got out of the gate in game 1, while Pronger's Precious made small runs early on to take a lead. Precious also double-potted the 3 and 15 to the bottom right and bottom side after Kirstin fouled. Precious capped the 8-0 win on a three-ball run-out, earning the 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Kirstin persisted in game 2, taking advantage of an error from the Tridents' Precious to spark a five-ball run. Kirstin later closed out the win at 8-1, tying the series at 1 after striking first with a big run. Kirstin and Precious exchanged three-balls runs rather quickly in game 3, but Kirstin took the lead on her second turn and never looked back. Kirstin would win 8-4 with a three-ball run-out, pulling ahead 2-1 in the series. Precious began with a relatively quick four-ball run to gain the lead in game 4, but she couldn't hold it. Kirstin pulled back with a three-ball run to take the lead, and she eventually closed the game at 8-6, clinching the series at 3-1. Precious started out well in game 5, but this effort also fell on its face, as Kirstin used three short bursts of offense to win 8-3, claiming a 4-1 series win. Kirstin will visit the Terrace City Knights rookie Quincy in the bracket quarterfinals. Precious is the 59th player eliminated from the Tournament, giving Kirstin her first kill of the year.

That's all for today. We will play the last eight series of the round tomorrow.