Today is the last day before a scheduled break on Saturday for pool activity. Leading off...
Intel Center, Diamond: Leonardo v. Acorn. Former club-mates do battle in 13-ball with the blue cue for the first series today. Lighton's Acorn cranked a four-ball run on his second turn in game 1, stunning Diamond's Leonardo. Acorn then made a pair on his next turn for the win to take a 1-0 series lead in a quick game. The Prestige's Acorn had a sloppy performance in the middle of game 2, but corrected course on a three-ball run near the end. Unfortunately for him, the Gems' Leonardo struck for a three-ball run-out to get the win, tying the series at 1. In game 3, both players made a couple balls for each other. Acorn benefited the most from this, pulling away at the end after Leonardo couldn't corral his final ball. Acorn won the series 2-1 and will visit Kodiak of the Modernistic Union in the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stinky v. Bells. The red cue draws in after the break for a series of Accuracy. Both players were sharp in game 1, but Todavía's Bells struggled a little at the end and Freedom's Stinky held on for the 1-2 win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Stinky missed first in game 2, but he wouldn't flub a shot again. The Stills' Bells faded at the end of the game, allowing Stinky to take another win by a 1-3 score this time. Stinky leads the series 2-0. In game 3, Stinky again took an early miss, but he kept himself steady as Bells dropped off late again. Stinky's 1-3 win secured a 3-0 series sweep in his favor, which sets him up to host Brownie of the Royal Crowns in the second round with one of his five advancing bids.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sarah v. Ted. The red cue gets another spin in 7-ball between Junior club-mates. Both players had scratched in game 1 as they attempted positioning. Tysini's Sarah saw her scratch prove more costly as Web City's Ted turned the ball-in-hand into a three-ball run-out for the win. Ted leads the series 1-0. The Spiders' Ted came close to deflecting a kick off the 1 to push the 7 near the bottom right, but the Hummingbirds' Sarah would take the game later on a 3-7 double-pot combination to the same pocket for the win. Sarah tied the series at 1. Game 3 saw a return of the scratches, as Sarah sank the cue while shooting the 6. Ted made the 6, but scratched as he cut the 7 to the top side, gifting the win and 2-1 series win to Sarah, who will host Fluffina of the Infinity Torpedoes in a Southwestern rivalry match in the second round.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Missy v. Debby. The blue cue is back for this 13-ball set. Capital City's Missy made the 5 at the bottom side on the break and never looked back, staying steps ahead of Southridge's Debby throughout game 1. Missy easily won for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Missy looked good at first in game 2, but the Defenders' Debby leapt forward and won on a three-ball run-out after good positional play. Debby's quick attacks for the win tied the series at 1. Missy had a positive start in game 3, but she missed twice on the 8. Debby had played a long positioning game and it paid off with a three-ball run-out for the win. Debby took the series 2-1 and will visit Melissa of the Terrace City Knights in the second round.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Debby v. Vincent. The silver cue's first series today is its last 10-ball set of the round. Tysini's Vincent had a few good moments in game 1, but he couldn't make it work, as Southridge's Debby converted the 10 to the bottom left on her second try. Debby owns a 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Debby left the 10 near the top right early in game 2, and while the Hummingbirds' Vincent took a couple of swipes in that direction, he couldn't connect. Debby did convert a 6-10 combination for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Debby didn't have her best go in game 3, while Vincent quickly struck the 3-10 combination to the bottom right to salvage a win. Debby won the series 2-1 and will host Bandit of the Swordpoint Blades in round two. Debby has six advancing bids while Vincent takes four in the next round.
Intel Center, Diamond: Shadow v. Celestia. The silver cue stays in action for a 7-ball series between greats of their generations. Diamond's Shadow and Oceanside's Celestia displayed their shared heady playing style, although Celestia didn't think far enough ahead in game 1. Her miss on the 7 allowed Shadow to take it for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia settled in better in game 2, making a pair of three-ball runs around the Gems' Shadow kicking the 4 to the bottom right. Celestia's dominant offense gave her a win to tie the series at 1. Shadow had an early four-ball run in game 3, but his miss on the 4 left a three-ball run-out for Celestia to convert. Celestia won the series 2-1 and she'll visit the Todavía Stills' Ruby in the second round.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Gradley. A niece and uncle go in another family battle, this one in 9-ball with the blue cue. Southridge's Bianca weathered a storm from Boston's Gradley in game 1 before churning out a four-ball run-out on her own. Bianca's strong finish gave her a 1-0 lead in the series. The Defenders' Bianca did her attacking early in game 2 with a five-ball run, but the Swifts' Gradley made a three-ball run-out, including a two-rail kick on the 9 to the top left, to get the win. Gradley tied the series at 1 game apiece. Bianca again managed a decent run in the middle of game 3, only to fade as Gradley put up a three-ball run-out for the win. Gradley's 2-1 series win gives him a road series versus Sparkles of the Golden Pilots in a second-round Southeastern Derby. Gradley has seven bids remaining, while Bianca takes six into the next round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Nicole v. Pedey. The red cue cycles back into action for a 13-ball series. Lighton's Nicole made a stripe on the break and then sparred with Diamond's Pedey early in game 1. Nicole eventually overpowered her opponent, striking a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Nicole struck again on the break in game 2, but it was a much more free-flowing game. The Gems' Pedey had a three-ball run that Nicole successfully answered by banking the 7 to the bottom left to solve her positioning problem. Nicole had four balls over two turns at the end for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Nicole made a four-ball run early in game 3, but she was too hesitant on the 8, buying Pedey enough time to make a three-ball run-out for his lone win. Nicole took the series 2-1, and she'll host Isabella of the Atlantic Pirates in the second round. Pedey has only three advancing bids.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I v. Jack. The red cue goes again, this time in Accuracy. Shooting was casual on both sides in game 1, with Pacific's Twinkie I ending up missing contact late in a close battle. Web City's Jack closed up a 4-5 win from there despite lacking quality in his own shots, but he was good enough for a 1-0 series lead. The players started a little cleaner in game 2, but that was all gone by the end. The Spiders' Jack missed multiple opportunities to grab the win, and ended up losing 5-6 in overtime as the Volcanoes' Twinkie I held on just long enough to tie the series at 1. Twinkie I finally strapped in for game 3, playing her best game of the series to hold off Jack in a 2-3 win. Twinkie I took the series 2-1 and will host Capital City Sharpshooters captain Chris in the second round with one of her five advancing bids.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Neopolitan v. Hoot. Coastal leaders battle in 7-ball with the silver cue. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot looked really good with a four-ball run in game 1, but he sent the 7 wide of the top left, and Pearl's Neopolitan tapped it in to poach the win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Surfers' Neopolitan had a much greater impact in game 2, winning with a three-ball run-out that saw her deflect off the 4 to tap the 7 into the bottom side. This came after a slow start from the Meteors' Hoot, and Neopolitan's win was enough to win the series at 2-0. Neopolitan controlled the offense for much of game 3, spreading it over a few turns as she beat Hoot one more time to make it a 3-0 series sweep. Neopolitan will host Pedey of the Diamond Gems in the second round.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Boots. Different generations, same club as these two meet in 15-ball with the blue cue. Victoria's Spice needed a little time to get going in game 1, but without much of a challenge from Pearl's Boots, Spice was able to eventually make a six-ball run-out. Spice's win gives her a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Boots cranked a ridiculous early winner in game 2, a 1-15 combination deflecting off the 5 to the top left, while the cue knocked the 13 in for a double-pot. Boots tied the series at 1 while the Spurs' Spice tried to pick her jaw up off the floor. Spice recovered well in game 3, avoiding any shenanigans with Boots. Spice then executed seven balls over two turns to grab the win, taking the series 2-1. Spice will take on a fellow captain, the Swordpoint Blades' Snowball, in round two.
Intel Center, Diamond: Smokey v. Wings. The red cue is back now for a Rotation series. Diamond's Smokey had a steady stream of offense in game 1, while Central's Wings missed a number of shots he could have made. Smokey cruised to the win at 8-1, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Warriors' Wings put up a bit more of a fight in game 2, but he was still a little too sloppy to be effective. The Gems' Smokey finished off the game with a three-ball run-out for the 8-4 win to seal the series at 2-0. Wings made no mistakes in game 3, pummeling an early five-ball run and adding a three-ball run-out capped by an 8-15 combination to the top right for the 8-0 over Smokey. The series went 2-1 to Smokey, who will host an Eastern Hills rival in the Freedom Cascades' Roxy in the second round. Wings advanced four bids to the next round.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Waluigi. The blue cue is set to administer an Accuracy series. Midland's Rainmane scratched on the break of game 1, but she settled down well as Web City's Waluigi made a mess of the late-game. Rainmane ended up winning 3-4 to take the early 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Waluigi did a better job of keeping up in game 2, missing only twice, but the Predators' Rainmane only had a scratch on the break to sully her performance in a 1-2 win. Rainmane sealed the series at 2-0 with the dominant effort. Game 3 went into overtime, where Rainmane missed twice while holding the break shot, but Waluigi missed three times, giving Rainmane the 5-6 win. Rainmane swept the series 3-0 and will host Pearl Surfers co-captain Neopolitan in the second round.
Apple Center, Todavía: Bells v. Leonette. Closing out the week, the blue cue is on hand for 9-ball. Todavía's Bells had a majority of the offense in game 1, making four balls over her last two turns and using defensive positioning. Pacific's Leonette broke the defense to make the 8, and then cut the 9 to the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Leonette had a pair of three-ball runs end in scratches in game 2, the mistakes piling up too high. The Stills' Bells shot back on a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 went quickly, with a four-ball run from Leonette over the middle canceled out by Bells making a three-ball run-out for the win. Bells took the series 2-1 and will host Shadow of the Diamond Gems in the second round with one of her four remaining bids.
Tomorrow, UPCL Premier cricket is likely to end its regular season, followed by pool on Sunday. Administrative duties will be carried out before the Hutton Cup playoffs begin.
Friday, September 20, 2019
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Tournament 2019 - Round 1 Day 42
Another day of pool is on the way. First up...
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Ted v. Summer. The blue cue gets the first appearance today, playing 10-ball. Web City's Ted enjoyed a late five-ball run, but he left the 10 standing at the bottom right, and Maplewood's Summer poached the win by tapping it in. Summer leads the series 1-0. The Lumberjacks' Summer made much more impact in game 2, starting strong. The Spiders' Ted tried to keep up, but Summer banked the 4 to the top side and deflected the 10 to the bottom right on a double-pot for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Ted didn't leave the series empty-handed, picking up the game 3 win on a strong performance. Summer took the series 2-1 and will visit North Modernistic Nighthawks captain Peach in the second round.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Ted. The visitor plays his second straight series as the silver cue wraps up its Accuracy obligations for the round. Golden's Strut made a ball on the break in game 1, and he stayed a step ahead of Web City's Ted for much of the game. Strut just held on at the end for the 3-5 win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Ted organized his play much better in game 2, missing only once and forcing the Pilots' Strut into some late trouble. Ted pressed for the 1-3 win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Ted and Strut played a tense and close game 3, which eventually spilled into overtime. Here, Strut missed on the break, and Ted made a shot for the 4-5 win to take the series 2-1. Ted will visit this venue again to face the Pilots' Max in the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Stinky. The blue cue is back for this Rotation series. Midland's Fuchsia made a positive start in game 1, but struggled a bit on the 4 after Freedom's Stinky made a shot. Fuchsia eventually used ball-in-hand after Stinky's scratch, running four straight shots for the 8-2 win and 1-0 series lead, including the winning bank of the 9 to the bottom right. The Predators' Fuchsia went empty on the game 2 break, but turned an illegal contact foul from the Cascades' Stinky into her own eight-ball run-out. Fuchsia's monster second turn for the 8-0 win sealed the series at 2-0. Fuchsia and Stinky went back-and-forth throughout game 3, with Stinky making the final pair to emerge with an 8-7 win. Fuchsia settled for a 2-1 series win to punch her ticket to round two.
Apple Center, Todavía: Ruby v. Nicole. The red cue draws in this time for 10-ball. Lighton's Nicole enjoyed a hefty chunk of possession in game 1, including a five-ball run, but she left the 10 standing. Todavía's Ruby struck it to the top left from medium range for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Ruby posted a three-ball run-out to cap a close game 2 that saw the Prestige's Nicole enjoy a bit more of the early offense. Ruby's good finish here secured the series in her favor at 2-0. Ruby lowered the intensity a bit in game 3, but still picked up the win in a chippy finish as Nicole missed a bank toward the top left. Ruby swept the series 3-0, and she'll host Midland Predators captain Shawn in the second round.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Bryant v. Taylor S. The blue cue completes its 10-ball slate after the break. Maplewood's Bryant left the 10 near the top right on the break in game 1, but Commerce's Taylor S. never managed to line up a combination. When she illegally potted the 8, Bryant made the 4-10 combination instead for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Bryant again struggled early in game 2, allowing a little possession to the Tradewinds' Taylor S. That came to an end when Bryant ripped a five-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Bryant looked okay in game 3, but it was a remarkable 7-10 cut combination to the bottom right that gave Taylor S. her lone win of the series. Bryant won the series 2-1 and will host Atlantic Pirates captain Delila in the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Salmo. An experienced captain takes on a journeyman in Rotation with the silver cue. Westside's Misty made her presence felt with an early four-ball run, and when Southern's Salmo failed to counter it, Misty coasted to her 8-3 win for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was a tale of two misses, as the Monarchs' Salmo missing the 4 allowed the Rockers' Misty to open up a large lead, but Misty's late flub on the 11 paved the way for Salmo's five-ball run-out. Salmo took the game 8-7 to tie the series at 1. Salmo stormed ahead quickly in game 3, balancing his offense well. Misty went on a three-ball run to get closer, but Salmo won 8-3 and will advance with a 2-1 series win. Salmo is set to visit the Golden Pilots' Sparkles in the second round.
Intel Center, Diamond: Smokey v. Fuchsia. The visitor gets her second series today in 13-ball with the red cue. Midland's Fuchsia looked good initially, but Diamond's Smokey turned it around by double-potting the 12 and 9 to the bottom side and bottom right on his three-ball run. Smokey stayed patient and picked up the win eventually, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Gems' Smokey again managed an early three-ball run in game 2, putting the Predators' Fuchsia under pressure. Positioning was a challenge in the late-game, with Smokey doing a little better to earn the win, which clinched the series at 2-0. Smokey again posted a three-ball run at the start of game 3, and after some tricky maneuvering, he breezed by Fuchsia after her late scratch. Smokey swept the series 3-0 and will host Bandit of the Swordpoint Blades in the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Slinks v. Leonette. The red cue stays in action as we return to 10-ball. Westside's Slinks made three balls on the break in game 1 as part of her four-ball run, but the offense went cold after that. Pacific's Leonette picked up her pace at the end, making the 10 to the top right for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Leonette had the better of play in game 2, but she missed the 9 to the top left at the end. The Rockers' Slinks took the last two balls, overcoming earlier struggles to pick up the win, tying the series at 1. Slinks made the first two and the last two in game 3, controlling the ends to stop Leonette. Slinks' 2-1 series win sets her up to face former teammate and another Volcano in Cowzart in round two.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Charli. Another series with the red cue is next, in 13-ball. Golden's Dusty made a ball on the break in game 1, and then added a four-ball run-out after Tysini's Charli accidentally potted one of Dusty's balls. Dusty's dominant win puts her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Pilots' Dusty had a similar start in game 2, but a scratch sidetracked her effort. The Hummingbirds' Charli pounced on the vulnerability, converting a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Charli stormed ahead quickly in game 3, but Dusty played a vicious defense at the top side to block Charli, who was unwilling to cede a ball. Charli eventually got on the 8, but she scratched as she made it to the bottom side, gifting Dusty the win and 2-1 series win. Dusty will host Jack of the Web City Spiders in the second round. Charli will have three bids left in the next round.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Kodiak v. Jake. The blue cue takes a turn in 15-ball here. Game 1 was defined by short, chippy runs and burst. Royal's Jake had a three-ball run near the end, but his bank on the 15 got jammed. Modernistic's Kodiak struck it to the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was sloppier for both players, as virtually no runs developed throughout the game. The Union's Kodiak tried to bank the 15 to the bottom left at the end, but missed, and the Crowns' Jake tapped it in for the win to tie the series at 1. Kodiak had a five-ball run late in another choppy game 3 effort, but scratched as he made the 13. Jake then stepped in, making the final pair from ball-in-hand for the win and 2-1 series win. Jake heads to a second round series on the road against Southern Monarchs captain Panda.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Solaris v. Daisy. The blue cue stays on for this 9-ball series. Modernistic's Daisy didn't appear to have much offense initially, but she worked a four-ball run only stalled by a late scratch. Commerce's Solaris took the 9 from ball-in-hand to the top right to get the win and 1-0 series lead after game 1. The Tradewinds' Solaris took a little more control of his destiny in game 2, turning a miss on the 4 from the Union's Daisy into his own three-ball run-out. Solaris' winning shot was a 6-9 combination to the top right to seal the series at 2-0. Solaris took a couple of swipes at the 9 early in game 3, but he missed the 7 later on, and Daisy made the final pair to salvage a win from the series. Solaris took a 2-1 series win, and he'll host Whiskers of the Maplewood Lumberjacks in round two.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Brownie v. Snowball. Back in 13-ball with the red cue, a daughter hosts her own mother. Swordpoint's Snowball put the 8 in a tough spot at the top right in game 1, attempting to use it defensively. Royal's Brownie played cautiously and dodged Snowball's defense at the end, a brilliant kick on the 8 tapping it down for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Brownie was close to getting the win after a three-ball run in game 2, but she had no plans for the 8. The Blades' Snowball, in desperation mode, made a four-ball run-out that including banking the 2 to the top side while maintaining position. This bold attack tied the series at 1. In game 3, Brownie made seven balls over four turns, keeping a steady stream of offense. Her best came for the win, as she poked her last ball to the top right, removing Snowball's defense before cutting the 8 to the same pocket for the win. Brownie's 2-1 series win lines her up to host Shawn of the Midland Predators in the second round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Pounce v. Mario. The red cue stays up again for 15-ball. Queens' Mario, fed up with the slow pace of game 1, threw the cue into a cluster, ricocheting off the 4 to take the 15 at the top right. Mario took a 1-0 series lead over Southern's Pounce, who was left stunned by the play. The Monarchs' Pounce had a couple of clever shots in game 2, but he missed a 6-15 combination to the top right. He left it well aligned for the Flames' Mario, who succeeded where Pounce failed. Mario's win this time sealed the series at 2-0. Pounce had a mid-game surge with a five-ball run, but he was rattled after narrowly missing the 11-12 combination to the bottom right. Mario eventually spiked the last two balls down to get the win for a 3-0 series sweep. Mario will head to Oceanside for a United Derby against the Waves' Celestia in the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stripes v. Zach. More 15-ball closes out the day as Eastern Hills rivals clash with the blue cue. Freedom's Stripes had the better of play in game 1, including a late four-ball run that ended with a miss on the 15. Pronger's Zach mopped it up for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Zach was stronger in game 2, but the result didn't reflect that. The Cascades' Stripes made sure to be clinical at the end, deflecting off the 14 to put the 15 away at the bottom right for the win. Stripes tied the series at 1. Game 3 was as close as it gets, with Stripes double-potting the 13 and 14 to the left corners, but she missed the 15 three times. Zach eventually cut it to the bottom right for the win to take the series 2-1. Zach will visit Rosalina of the Whitewater Shores in the second round. Stripes has four advancing bids.
That's all for today. We're likely to play tomorrow, and then take Saturday off for cricket. Pool would resume on Sunday.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Ted v. Summer. The blue cue gets the first appearance today, playing 10-ball. Web City's Ted enjoyed a late five-ball run, but he left the 10 standing at the bottom right, and Maplewood's Summer poached the win by tapping it in. Summer leads the series 1-0. The Lumberjacks' Summer made much more impact in game 2, starting strong. The Spiders' Ted tried to keep up, but Summer banked the 4 to the top side and deflected the 10 to the bottom right on a double-pot for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Ted didn't leave the series empty-handed, picking up the game 3 win on a strong performance. Summer took the series 2-1 and will visit North Modernistic Nighthawks captain Peach in the second round.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Ted. The visitor plays his second straight series as the silver cue wraps up its Accuracy obligations for the round. Golden's Strut made a ball on the break in game 1, and he stayed a step ahead of Web City's Ted for much of the game. Strut just held on at the end for the 3-5 win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Ted organized his play much better in game 2, missing only once and forcing the Pilots' Strut into some late trouble. Ted pressed for the 1-3 win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Ted and Strut played a tense and close game 3, which eventually spilled into overtime. Here, Strut missed on the break, and Ted made a shot for the 4-5 win to take the series 2-1. Ted will visit this venue again to face the Pilots' Max in the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Stinky. The blue cue is back for this Rotation series. Midland's Fuchsia made a positive start in game 1, but struggled a bit on the 4 after Freedom's Stinky made a shot. Fuchsia eventually used ball-in-hand after Stinky's scratch, running four straight shots for the 8-2 win and 1-0 series lead, including the winning bank of the 9 to the bottom right. The Predators' Fuchsia went empty on the game 2 break, but turned an illegal contact foul from the Cascades' Stinky into her own eight-ball run-out. Fuchsia's monster second turn for the 8-0 win sealed the series at 2-0. Fuchsia and Stinky went back-and-forth throughout game 3, with Stinky making the final pair to emerge with an 8-7 win. Fuchsia settled for a 2-1 series win to punch her ticket to round two.
Apple Center, Todavía: Ruby v. Nicole. The red cue draws in this time for 10-ball. Lighton's Nicole enjoyed a hefty chunk of possession in game 1, including a five-ball run, but she left the 10 standing. Todavía's Ruby struck it to the top left from medium range for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Ruby posted a three-ball run-out to cap a close game 2 that saw the Prestige's Nicole enjoy a bit more of the early offense. Ruby's good finish here secured the series in her favor at 2-0. Ruby lowered the intensity a bit in game 3, but still picked up the win in a chippy finish as Nicole missed a bank toward the top left. Ruby swept the series 3-0, and she'll host Midland Predators captain Shawn in the second round.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Bryant v. Taylor S. The blue cue completes its 10-ball slate after the break. Maplewood's Bryant left the 10 near the top right on the break in game 1, but Commerce's Taylor S. never managed to line up a combination. When she illegally potted the 8, Bryant made the 4-10 combination instead for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Bryant again struggled early in game 2, allowing a little possession to the Tradewinds' Taylor S. That came to an end when Bryant ripped a five-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Bryant looked okay in game 3, but it was a remarkable 7-10 cut combination to the bottom right that gave Taylor S. her lone win of the series. Bryant won the series 2-1 and will host Atlantic Pirates captain Delila in the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Salmo. An experienced captain takes on a journeyman in Rotation with the silver cue. Westside's Misty made her presence felt with an early four-ball run, and when Southern's Salmo failed to counter it, Misty coasted to her 8-3 win for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was a tale of two misses, as the Monarchs' Salmo missing the 4 allowed the Rockers' Misty to open up a large lead, but Misty's late flub on the 11 paved the way for Salmo's five-ball run-out. Salmo took the game 8-7 to tie the series at 1. Salmo stormed ahead quickly in game 3, balancing his offense well. Misty went on a three-ball run to get closer, but Salmo won 8-3 and will advance with a 2-1 series win. Salmo is set to visit the Golden Pilots' Sparkles in the second round.
Intel Center, Diamond: Smokey v. Fuchsia. The visitor gets her second series today in 13-ball with the red cue. Midland's Fuchsia looked good initially, but Diamond's Smokey turned it around by double-potting the 12 and 9 to the bottom side and bottom right on his three-ball run. Smokey stayed patient and picked up the win eventually, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Gems' Smokey again managed an early three-ball run in game 2, putting the Predators' Fuchsia under pressure. Positioning was a challenge in the late-game, with Smokey doing a little better to earn the win, which clinched the series at 2-0. Smokey again posted a three-ball run at the start of game 3, and after some tricky maneuvering, he breezed by Fuchsia after her late scratch. Smokey swept the series 3-0 and will host Bandit of the Swordpoint Blades in the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Slinks v. Leonette. The red cue stays in action as we return to 10-ball. Westside's Slinks made three balls on the break in game 1 as part of her four-ball run, but the offense went cold after that. Pacific's Leonette picked up her pace at the end, making the 10 to the top right for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Leonette had the better of play in game 2, but she missed the 9 to the top left at the end. The Rockers' Slinks took the last two balls, overcoming earlier struggles to pick up the win, tying the series at 1. Slinks made the first two and the last two in game 3, controlling the ends to stop Leonette. Slinks' 2-1 series win sets her up to face former teammate and another Volcano in Cowzart in round two.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Charli. Another series with the red cue is next, in 13-ball. Golden's Dusty made a ball on the break in game 1, and then added a four-ball run-out after Tysini's Charli accidentally potted one of Dusty's balls. Dusty's dominant win puts her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Pilots' Dusty had a similar start in game 2, but a scratch sidetracked her effort. The Hummingbirds' Charli pounced on the vulnerability, converting a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Charli stormed ahead quickly in game 3, but Dusty played a vicious defense at the top side to block Charli, who was unwilling to cede a ball. Charli eventually got on the 8, but she scratched as she made it to the bottom side, gifting Dusty the win and 2-1 series win. Dusty will host Jack of the Web City Spiders in the second round. Charli will have three bids left in the next round.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Kodiak v. Jake. The blue cue takes a turn in 15-ball here. Game 1 was defined by short, chippy runs and burst. Royal's Jake had a three-ball run near the end, but his bank on the 15 got jammed. Modernistic's Kodiak struck it to the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was sloppier for both players, as virtually no runs developed throughout the game. The Union's Kodiak tried to bank the 15 to the bottom left at the end, but missed, and the Crowns' Jake tapped it in for the win to tie the series at 1. Kodiak had a five-ball run late in another choppy game 3 effort, but scratched as he made the 13. Jake then stepped in, making the final pair from ball-in-hand for the win and 2-1 series win. Jake heads to a second round series on the road against Southern Monarchs captain Panda.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Solaris v. Daisy. The blue cue stays on for this 9-ball series. Modernistic's Daisy didn't appear to have much offense initially, but she worked a four-ball run only stalled by a late scratch. Commerce's Solaris took the 9 from ball-in-hand to the top right to get the win and 1-0 series lead after game 1. The Tradewinds' Solaris took a little more control of his destiny in game 2, turning a miss on the 4 from the Union's Daisy into his own three-ball run-out. Solaris' winning shot was a 6-9 combination to the top right to seal the series at 2-0. Solaris took a couple of swipes at the 9 early in game 3, but he missed the 7 later on, and Daisy made the final pair to salvage a win from the series. Solaris took a 2-1 series win, and he'll host Whiskers of the Maplewood Lumberjacks in round two.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Brownie v. Snowball. Back in 13-ball with the red cue, a daughter hosts her own mother. Swordpoint's Snowball put the 8 in a tough spot at the top right in game 1, attempting to use it defensively. Royal's Brownie played cautiously and dodged Snowball's defense at the end, a brilliant kick on the 8 tapping it down for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Brownie was close to getting the win after a three-ball run in game 2, but she had no plans for the 8. The Blades' Snowball, in desperation mode, made a four-ball run-out that including banking the 2 to the top side while maintaining position. This bold attack tied the series at 1. In game 3, Brownie made seven balls over four turns, keeping a steady stream of offense. Her best came for the win, as she poked her last ball to the top right, removing Snowball's defense before cutting the 8 to the same pocket for the win. Brownie's 2-1 series win lines her up to host Shawn of the Midland Predators in the second round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Pounce v. Mario. The red cue stays up again for 15-ball. Queens' Mario, fed up with the slow pace of game 1, threw the cue into a cluster, ricocheting off the 4 to take the 15 at the top right. Mario took a 1-0 series lead over Southern's Pounce, who was left stunned by the play. The Monarchs' Pounce had a couple of clever shots in game 2, but he missed a 6-15 combination to the top right. He left it well aligned for the Flames' Mario, who succeeded where Pounce failed. Mario's win this time sealed the series at 2-0. Pounce had a mid-game surge with a five-ball run, but he was rattled after narrowly missing the 11-12 combination to the bottom right. Mario eventually spiked the last two balls down to get the win for a 3-0 series sweep. Mario will head to Oceanside for a United Derby against the Waves' Celestia in the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stripes v. Zach. More 15-ball closes out the day as Eastern Hills rivals clash with the blue cue. Freedom's Stripes had the better of play in game 1, including a late four-ball run that ended with a miss on the 15. Pronger's Zach mopped it up for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Zach was stronger in game 2, but the result didn't reflect that. The Cascades' Stripes made sure to be clinical at the end, deflecting off the 14 to put the 15 away at the bottom right for the win. Stripes tied the series at 1. Game 3 was as close as it gets, with Stripes double-potting the 13 and 14 to the left corners, but she missed the 15 three times. Zach eventually cut it to the bottom right for the win to take the series 2-1. Zach will visit Rosalina of the Whitewater Shores in the second round. Stripes has four advancing bids.
That's all for today. We're likely to play tomorrow, and then take Saturday off for cricket. Pool would resume on Sunday.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Tournament 2019 - Round 1 Day 41
Continuing the week's action, we have...
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Jennifer. The silver cue comes on for 7-ball this time. Southridge's Bianca struggled in game 1, failing to really make an impact. Terrace City's Jennifer countered with a three-ball run-out at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went better for the Defenders' Bianca, who weathered a hot start from the Knights' Jennifer. Bianca missed the 7 short to the top left on a bank attempt, but converted the tap-in after Jennifer couldn't corral it. Bianca's win tied the series at 1. In game 3, Bianca had a good but empty break. Jennifer tried to a few things, including banking the 7, but her offense was cold. Bianca took the win at the top left to win the series 2-1, setting her up to host Southeastern rival Puff II of the Boston Swifts in the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Briana. A captain meets a sophomore in 9-ball with the blue cue. Neither player was at their best in game 1, with a late scratch from Queens' Briana serving to help Westside's Misty make the last two balls for the win. Misty holds a shaky 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Misty again didn't have much offense in game 2, leaving the door open for the Flames' Briana to execute a five-ball run-out capped by a bank of the 9 to the bottom left. Briana's surge for the win tied the series at 1. Misty had a chance to orchestrate a late run, but she whiffed on the 6. Briana cleaned up a three-ball run-out after originally ceding possession on a scratch. Briana's 2-1 series win gets her to round two, where she'll visit the Lighton Prestige's Spirit with one of her six advancing bids.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Rudolph v. Nicole. The red cue gets its daily debut in 15-ball. Harrison's Rudolph shined in game 1 despite an ugly break, turning a scratch from Lighton's Nicole into a four-ball run-out capped by a 3-15 bank combination to the bottom left. Rudolph leads the series 1-0. The Prestige's Nicole looked a bit better late in a game 2 that saw plenty of misses on both sides. Nicole then missed the 15 to the bottom left, where the Specters' Rudolph put it away again to clinch the series at 2-0. Game 3 saw Rudolph probably put on his best full-game offensive showcase, making six of the last seven balls, but he missed the 15 and Nicole made it for her lone win. Rudolph's 2-1 series win gives him a home series versus the Pacific Volcanoes' Leonette in the second round.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Wild Thing v. Bandit. The red cue is ready to go again in a 9-ball series. Stonebridge's Wild Thing started well, but did even better to answer Swordpoint's Bandit at the end of game 1. Wild Thing ripped a five-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was nearly a carbon copy of the previous match, with the Blades' Bandit unable to establish himself before the Wolves' Wild Thing posted a six-ball run-out on his second turn. Wild Thing sealed the series at 2-0 with the dominant showing. Wild Thing took a different approach in game 3, struggling initially but getting no pressure from Bandit either. Wild Thing then made a two-rail 3-9 kick combination to the top left to confirm a 3-0 series sweep. Wild Thing will host Watermelon of the Pearl Surfers in the second round.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Kirstin v. Crystal. The red cue will continue after the break in 12-ball. Everton's Kirstin spread her offense evenly throughout game 1, just pulling ahead at the right moment as Queens' Crystal made a strong push near the end. Kirstin took the close win for a 1-0 series lead. Both players made four-ball runs on their first turns of game 2. The Flames' Crystal had the better positioning at that point, and she made it count after the Eagles' Kirstin suffered a scratch to set her back. Crystal took the game to tie the series at 1. Kirstin held her defensive posture quite well in game 3, frustrating Crystal near the end until Kirstin could finish the effort. Kirstin won the series 2-1 and will host Hershey of the Stonebridge Wolves in round two.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I v. Beth. Coastal rivals are set to meet in 9-ball with the blue cue. Pacific's Twinkie I looked a little listless to begin game 1, but as Pearl's Beth faded in the late-game, Twinkie I rallied for a three-ball run-out to take the win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I had a pair of three-ball runs in game 2, but it didn't matter when she missed on the 8. The Surfers' Beth made the final pair, stealing away the win to tie the series at 1. Twinkie I thought a similar fate awaited in game 3 after she missed a cut on the 8, but Beth also missed her shot. Twinkie I finished with five balls over two turns for the win and 2-1 series win to get to the second round against Wings of the Central Warriors.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Taylor M. Young players from Eastern Hills teams battle in 10-ball with the blue cue. Eastside's Taylor M. made a five-ball run with the help of Stonebridge's Hershey deferring possession in game 1. Hershey wouldn't stay quiet for long, roaring back on a five-ball run-out for the win that gave him a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Hershey deferred possession again in game 2, although the Sharks' Taylor M. didn't get any offense off of this one. Taylor M. did push forward at the end to make the final pair of balls for the win, tying the series at 1 as Hershey lacked a big finish. Taylor M. didn't back down in a close game 3, waiting until the finish for her three-ball run-out capped by a classic bank on the 10 to the top right. Taylor M. beat Hershey 2-1 in the series, and she'll visit Brownie of the Royal Crowns in the second round.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sydney S. v. Jason N. The silver cue cycles in for 15-ball to begin the second half of the day's games. Harrison's Sydney S. had a slight edge in possession in game 1, as Atlantic's Jason N. struggled with positioning. Sydney S. won with a deflected shot on the 15 to the top right, using a bank on the 14 as a decoy as she went ahead 1-0 in the series. Game 2 saw both players make their share of mistakes. The Pirates' Jason N. didn't really pick up his pace late in the game, setting up a few bursts for the Specters' Sydney S., who ultimately made the final pair for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Sydney S. had an energetic break in game 3, and Jason N. kept up better this time, including with a late four-ball run. Sydney S. fired back on a three-ball run-out for the win to sweep the series 3-0 as she advances to round two.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Vincent v. Daisy. The silver cue remains in action for this series of 12-ball. Modernistic's Daisy started well in game 1, but her positioning faded when Tysini's Vincent pushed an aggressive four-ball run. Daisy tried to keep things even, but Vincent eluded her defense to grab the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Vincent pulled no punches in game 2, starting with a three-ball run. The Union's Daisy was unprepared for the intensity, and Vincent pushed his way to the win again, clinching the series at 2-0. Vincent took solids in game 3, but his positioning wasn't there save for a late three-ball run that ended in missed contact. Daisy played better and picked up the win, leaving Vincent to advance to the second round on a 2-1 series win. Vincent will meet the Harrison Specters' Blizzard.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Summer v. Goldy. Another series with the silver cue features Northeastern rivals in Rotation. Everton's Goldy held the lead early in game 1, but Maplewood's Summer used a three-ball run to tie it in the mid-game. Summer didn't trail again, finishing ahead 8-6 for the 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Goldy was more assertive in game 2, making an early four-ball run. The Lumberjacks' Summer answered with a three-ball run, but scratched at the end. Goldy took over and chipped her way to an 8-3 win, tying the series at 1 in the process. Summer and Goldy went back and forth to begin game 3, but Summer put an end to that with a four-ball run-out for the 8-4 win. Summer took the series 2-1 and will host Celestia of the Oceanside Waves in the second round.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Summer v. Pounce. The previous host goes again, keeping the silver cue in hand for 7-ball. Maplewood's Summer practically gave away game 1, her shot on the 3 leaving Southern's Pounce with a perfect 3-7 combination to pot at the bottom side. Pounce owns a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Pounce kept the momentum going in game 2, making a pair on the break and running the table from there to secure the series at 2-0 as the Lumberjacks' Summer could only watch. Pounce didn't have the greatest play in game 3, but Summer left the 7 standing at the top left and Pounce tapped it in, making it a 3-0 series sweep in his favor. Pounce will visit a club-mate, the Swordpoint Blades' Dreamy, in round two.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Starlight v. Rainmane. Two feisty players duel in 12-ball with the silver cue. Pacific's Starlight had good fortunes to open with a three-ball run, but Midland's Rainmane answered with a four-ball run. In the ensuing battle for positioning, Starlight prevailed on a three-ball run-out to go up 1-0 in the series. The Volcanoes' Starlight allowed a wild-card ball to the Predators' Rainmane in game 2. Rainmane responded with a four-ball run, but gave a wild-card ball to Starlight as well. Starlight capitalized with a four-ball run-out for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Rainmane received a wild-card ball from Starlight again in game 3, and this time it didn't go waste. Rainmane was sharp with a four-ball run-out on her second turn to earn the win. Starlight settled for a 2-1 series win as she prepares to host Dusky of the Archtown Arrows in the second round.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Kayla v. Mams. The silver cue's run continues in this 10-ball series. Royal's Kayla had a decent start to game 1, but her quality declined near the end and Southern's Mams made the final pair of shots for the win. Mams leads the series 1-0. The Monarchs' Mams made a ball on the break in game 2, and enjoyed other pairs of shots scattered throughout the game. The Crowns' Kayla had a couple of positive moments, but Mams made the last two balls again to seal the series at 2-0 with her win. Kayla finally caught a break in game 3, as Mams' four-ball run ended with a miss on the 9. Kayla made the final two balls this time for her lone win, while Mams took the series 2-1 and will visit Lighton Prestige captain Acorn in the second round.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Kayla v. Lexi. The final sees the host complete a doubleheader against a club-mate in 8-ball with the silver cue. Royal's Kayla had a more sustained offense in game 1, compared to one three-ball run and not much else for Harrison's Lexi. Kayla's steady play earned her a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Lexi had complete control in game 2 until a late scratch. Then, the Crowns' Kayla worked a five-ball run and added the last two balls she needed on separate turns to get the win and seal the series at 2-0. Game 3 was fast-paced and energetic, with Kayla setting herself up for a finish before Lexi pulled the rug out from under her for the win. Kayla took the series 2-1 and will host Bryant of the Maplewood Lumberjacks in the second round.
That's all for today. We'll do another full day tomorrow.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Jennifer. The silver cue comes on for 7-ball this time. Southridge's Bianca struggled in game 1, failing to really make an impact. Terrace City's Jennifer countered with a three-ball run-out at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went better for the Defenders' Bianca, who weathered a hot start from the Knights' Jennifer. Bianca missed the 7 short to the top left on a bank attempt, but converted the tap-in after Jennifer couldn't corral it. Bianca's win tied the series at 1. In game 3, Bianca had a good but empty break. Jennifer tried to a few things, including banking the 7, but her offense was cold. Bianca took the win at the top left to win the series 2-1, setting her up to host Southeastern rival Puff II of the Boston Swifts in the second round.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Briana. A captain meets a sophomore in 9-ball with the blue cue. Neither player was at their best in game 1, with a late scratch from Queens' Briana serving to help Westside's Misty make the last two balls for the win. Misty holds a shaky 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Misty again didn't have much offense in game 2, leaving the door open for the Flames' Briana to execute a five-ball run-out capped by a bank of the 9 to the bottom left. Briana's surge for the win tied the series at 1. Misty had a chance to orchestrate a late run, but she whiffed on the 6. Briana cleaned up a three-ball run-out after originally ceding possession on a scratch. Briana's 2-1 series win gets her to round two, where she'll visit the Lighton Prestige's Spirit with one of her six advancing bids.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Rudolph v. Nicole. The red cue gets its daily debut in 15-ball. Harrison's Rudolph shined in game 1 despite an ugly break, turning a scratch from Lighton's Nicole into a four-ball run-out capped by a 3-15 bank combination to the bottom left. Rudolph leads the series 1-0. The Prestige's Nicole looked a bit better late in a game 2 that saw plenty of misses on both sides. Nicole then missed the 15 to the bottom left, where the Specters' Rudolph put it away again to clinch the series at 2-0. Game 3 saw Rudolph probably put on his best full-game offensive showcase, making six of the last seven balls, but he missed the 15 and Nicole made it for her lone win. Rudolph's 2-1 series win gives him a home series versus the Pacific Volcanoes' Leonette in the second round.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Wild Thing v. Bandit. The red cue is ready to go again in a 9-ball series. Stonebridge's Wild Thing started well, but did even better to answer Swordpoint's Bandit at the end of game 1. Wild Thing ripped a five-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was nearly a carbon copy of the previous match, with the Blades' Bandit unable to establish himself before the Wolves' Wild Thing posted a six-ball run-out on his second turn. Wild Thing sealed the series at 2-0 with the dominant showing. Wild Thing took a different approach in game 3, struggling initially but getting no pressure from Bandit either. Wild Thing then made a two-rail 3-9 kick combination to the top left to confirm a 3-0 series sweep. Wild Thing will host Watermelon of the Pearl Surfers in the second round.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Kirstin v. Crystal. The red cue will continue after the break in 12-ball. Everton's Kirstin spread her offense evenly throughout game 1, just pulling ahead at the right moment as Queens' Crystal made a strong push near the end. Kirstin took the close win for a 1-0 series lead. Both players made four-ball runs on their first turns of game 2. The Flames' Crystal had the better positioning at that point, and she made it count after the Eagles' Kirstin suffered a scratch to set her back. Crystal took the game to tie the series at 1. Kirstin held her defensive posture quite well in game 3, frustrating Crystal near the end until Kirstin could finish the effort. Kirstin won the series 2-1 and will host Hershey of the Stonebridge Wolves in round two.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I v. Beth. Coastal rivals are set to meet in 9-ball with the blue cue. Pacific's Twinkie I looked a little listless to begin game 1, but as Pearl's Beth faded in the late-game, Twinkie I rallied for a three-ball run-out to take the win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I had a pair of three-ball runs in game 2, but it didn't matter when she missed on the 8. The Surfers' Beth made the final pair, stealing away the win to tie the series at 1. Twinkie I thought a similar fate awaited in game 3 after she missed a cut on the 8, but Beth also missed her shot. Twinkie I finished with five balls over two turns for the win and 2-1 series win to get to the second round against Wings of the Central Warriors.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Taylor M. Young players from Eastern Hills teams battle in 10-ball with the blue cue. Eastside's Taylor M. made a five-ball run with the help of Stonebridge's Hershey deferring possession in game 1. Hershey wouldn't stay quiet for long, roaring back on a five-ball run-out for the win that gave him a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Hershey deferred possession again in game 2, although the Sharks' Taylor M. didn't get any offense off of this one. Taylor M. did push forward at the end to make the final pair of balls for the win, tying the series at 1 as Hershey lacked a big finish. Taylor M. didn't back down in a close game 3, waiting until the finish for her three-ball run-out capped by a classic bank on the 10 to the top right. Taylor M. beat Hershey 2-1 in the series, and she'll visit Brownie of the Royal Crowns in the second round.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sydney S. v. Jason N. The silver cue cycles in for 15-ball to begin the second half of the day's games. Harrison's Sydney S. had a slight edge in possession in game 1, as Atlantic's Jason N. struggled with positioning. Sydney S. won with a deflected shot on the 15 to the top right, using a bank on the 14 as a decoy as she went ahead 1-0 in the series. Game 2 saw both players make their share of mistakes. The Pirates' Jason N. didn't really pick up his pace late in the game, setting up a few bursts for the Specters' Sydney S., who ultimately made the final pair for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Sydney S. had an energetic break in game 3, and Jason N. kept up better this time, including with a late four-ball run. Sydney S. fired back on a three-ball run-out for the win to sweep the series 3-0 as she advances to round two.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Vincent v. Daisy. The silver cue remains in action for this series of 12-ball. Modernistic's Daisy started well in game 1, but her positioning faded when Tysini's Vincent pushed an aggressive four-ball run. Daisy tried to keep things even, but Vincent eluded her defense to grab the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Vincent pulled no punches in game 2, starting with a three-ball run. The Union's Daisy was unprepared for the intensity, and Vincent pushed his way to the win again, clinching the series at 2-0. Vincent took solids in game 3, but his positioning wasn't there save for a late three-ball run that ended in missed contact. Daisy played better and picked up the win, leaving Vincent to advance to the second round on a 2-1 series win. Vincent will meet the Harrison Specters' Blizzard.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Summer v. Goldy. Another series with the silver cue features Northeastern rivals in Rotation. Everton's Goldy held the lead early in game 1, but Maplewood's Summer used a three-ball run to tie it in the mid-game. Summer didn't trail again, finishing ahead 8-6 for the 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Goldy was more assertive in game 2, making an early four-ball run. The Lumberjacks' Summer answered with a three-ball run, but scratched at the end. Goldy took over and chipped her way to an 8-3 win, tying the series at 1 in the process. Summer and Goldy went back and forth to begin game 3, but Summer put an end to that with a four-ball run-out for the 8-4 win. Summer took the series 2-1 and will host Celestia of the Oceanside Waves in the second round.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Summer v. Pounce. The previous host goes again, keeping the silver cue in hand for 7-ball. Maplewood's Summer practically gave away game 1, her shot on the 3 leaving Southern's Pounce with a perfect 3-7 combination to pot at the bottom side. Pounce owns a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Pounce kept the momentum going in game 2, making a pair on the break and running the table from there to secure the series at 2-0 as the Lumberjacks' Summer could only watch. Pounce didn't have the greatest play in game 3, but Summer left the 7 standing at the top left and Pounce tapped it in, making it a 3-0 series sweep in his favor. Pounce will visit a club-mate, the Swordpoint Blades' Dreamy, in round two.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Starlight v. Rainmane. Two feisty players duel in 12-ball with the silver cue. Pacific's Starlight had good fortunes to open with a three-ball run, but Midland's Rainmane answered with a four-ball run. In the ensuing battle for positioning, Starlight prevailed on a three-ball run-out to go up 1-0 in the series. The Volcanoes' Starlight allowed a wild-card ball to the Predators' Rainmane in game 2. Rainmane responded with a four-ball run, but gave a wild-card ball to Starlight as well. Starlight capitalized with a four-ball run-out for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Rainmane received a wild-card ball from Starlight again in game 3, and this time it didn't go waste. Rainmane was sharp with a four-ball run-out on her second turn to earn the win. Starlight settled for a 2-1 series win as she prepares to host Dusky of the Archtown Arrows in the second round.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Kayla v. Mams. The silver cue's run continues in this 10-ball series. Royal's Kayla had a decent start to game 1, but her quality declined near the end and Southern's Mams made the final pair of shots for the win. Mams leads the series 1-0. The Monarchs' Mams made a ball on the break in game 2, and enjoyed other pairs of shots scattered throughout the game. The Crowns' Kayla had a couple of positive moments, but Mams made the last two balls again to seal the series at 2-0 with her win. Kayla finally caught a break in game 3, as Mams' four-ball run ended with a miss on the 9. Kayla made the final two balls this time for her lone win, while Mams took the series 2-1 and will visit Lighton Prestige captain Acorn in the second round.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Kayla v. Lexi. The final sees the host complete a doubleheader against a club-mate in 8-ball with the silver cue. Royal's Kayla had a more sustained offense in game 1, compared to one three-ball run and not much else for Harrison's Lexi. Kayla's steady play earned her a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Lexi had complete control in game 2 until a late scratch. Then, the Crowns' Kayla worked a five-ball run and added the last two balls she needed on separate turns to get the win and seal the series at 2-0. Game 3 was fast-paced and energetic, with Kayla setting herself up for a finish before Lexi pulled the rug out from under her for the win. Kayla took the series 2-1 and will host Bryant of the Maplewood Lumberjacks in the second round.
That's all for today. We'll do another full day tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Tournament 2019 - Round 1 Day 40
We're getting deeper into the first round now, leading off today's action with...
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Ms. Puppy. The red cue debuts the day in Rotation. Viewpoint Sound's Dani started quite well in game 1, and while Modernistic's Ms. Puppy made a response, Dani surged with a six-ball run-out for the 8-2 win on the next turn. Dani leads the series 1-0. The Union's Ms. Puppy made a strong effort in game 2, leading with a five-ball advantage at one point, but the Meteors' Dani slowly chipped back. Ms. Puppy illegally potted the 13 twice, the second time allowing Dani to make a pair for the 8-6 win to seal the series at 2-0. Ms. Puppy salvaged game 3 in a close battle with Dani, edging out with a pair of late shots for the 8-4 win. Dani claimed the series at 2-1 and will host a Meteors teammate, Frosty, in the second round.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Charli v. Valencia. The silver cue takes a turn now, playing Accuracy. Tysini's Charli had the lead for much of game 1, but Golden's Valencia dragged her into a tie at the end of regulation. They each missed once in overtime, and then Charli walked with a 5-6 win after Valencia missed again. Charli owns a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Valencia turned things up in game 2, playing a perfect game while the Hummingbirds' Charli was slightly less perfect. Valencia's 0-3 win tied the series at 1. Game 3 stayed close initially, but Valencia baited Charli into a string of misses at the end, and Valencia won 1-7 to win the series 2-1. Valencia will head to Viewpoint Sound, meeting the Meteors' Dani in the second round.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Juno v. Kitty. A captain and a rookie clash in another series of Accuracy with the silver cue. Midland's Kitty seemed a bit fortunate to hang with Stonebridge's Juno early in game 1, but after Juno's second miss, Kitty dominated to finish off a 1-2 win. Kitty owns a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Kitty made a pair on the break and only a nervy miss late in game 2 made it close, as the Wolves' Juno was within a point but couldn't force the tie. Kitty held on to win 2-3, clinching the series at 2-0 as well. Kitty couldn't complete the sweep in game 3, failing to gain the lead at any point in the game. Juno slipped enough for overtime, but won on the first turn by a 2-3 score. Kitty won the series 2-1 and will visit Queens Flames captain Crystal in the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Isabella v. Smokey. The blue cue draws in for 9-ball between Eastern Hills rivals. Atlantic's Isabella had a perfect start to the series, making the 9 on the break in game 1 for the 1-0 series lead as Diamond's Smokey had to sit and watch it happen. The Pirates' Isabella kept the intensity on high with a four-ball run from the break. The Gems' Smokey was able to get a couple of shots in, but Isabella converted the 8-9 combination to the top right for the win to secure the series in her favor at 2-0. Smokey didn't seem to have his feet under him in game 3 either, flubbing some shots as Isabella stormed forward on a four-ball run. Isabella also converted the 9 later to make it a 3-0 series sweep that sets her up to host Royal Crowns captain Nightfur in the second round.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Josie v. Luigi. After the break, the blue cue gets another go in 9-ball. Neither player had the best time with making contact in game 1, but North Modernistic's Luigi bested Oceanside's Josie with a pair at the end. Luigi takes the series lead at 1-0. The Nighthawks' Luigi seemed to have an edge in game 2, but it became obvious after the Waves' Josie scratched while making the 7. Luigi made the final pair for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Luigi took his turn for a late scratch in game 3, allowing Josie to execute a three-ball run-out for the win to make it a 2-1 series. Luigi still advances to round two, where he'll visit Eastside Sharks captain Graham.
Intel Center, Diamond: Pedey v. Jasmine. The blue cue stays in action with this Eastern Hills 8-ball match. Diamond's Pedey scratched on the break, leading to productive turns for Freedom's Jasmine, who put up four-ball runs on consecutive turns for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Jasmine did well with a six-ball run to get onto the 8 in game 2, but it didn't hold up. The Gems' Pedey struck back with a pair of three-ball runs on his last two turns to get the win. Pedey's victory tied the series at 1. In game 3, Jasmine had a fairly good start with a deep run before missing contact on a poor shot. Pedey roared back with a four-ball run, but Jasmine banked the 6 to the top left and the 8 to the top side for the win to lock up a 2-1 series win. Jasmine will visit Jack of the Web City Spiders in the second round.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: A. Charlton v. Noelle. The blue cue goes again in 13-ball between Northeastern rivals. Archtown's A. Charlton showed a bit more strategy in positioning in game 1, weaving through an uncoordinated defense by Central's Noelle. The Warriors' Noelle went on a surge in game 2, making a four-ball run at one point, but the Arrows' Charlton had done enough at that point to successfully counterattack with a three-ball run-out for the win. Charlton secured the series at 2-0. Noelle finally had a good effort front to back in game 3, making a three-ball run at one stage to set up on the 8. Charlton had began with a four-ball run but lacked effective positioning in her lone loss of the series. Charlton will host Fluffina of the Infinity Torpedoes in the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Niki. The blue cue continues its run in 8-ball in the Industrial Derby. Commerce's Niki got late in game 1 a little quicker than Whitewater's Marsell, but two scratches held Niki back and Marsell pulled forward for the win. Marsell leads the series 1-0. The Tradewinds' Niki had a four-ball run after an error by the Shores' Marsell in game 2. Marsell charged back with a five-ball run that ended in a scratch. Niki then made a pair at the end for the win to tie the series at 1. Niki couldn't find a run in game 3, making it difficult to attempt a comeback when Marsell staked out an early lead. The comeback never came, with Marsell cutting the 8 to the top left for the win and 2-1 series win. Marsell will host Chimpy of the Westside Rockers in a round two series.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Twinkie III v. Sarah. A veteran hosts a rookie in 8-ball with the blue cue to complete the venue doubleheader. Tysini's Sarah made it look easy in game 1, positioning herself and converting all around a lackluster effort from Whitewater's Twinkie III. Sarah went up 1-0 in the series on a four-ball run-out for the win. The Hummingbirds' Sarah took a step back in game 2, unable to connect her shots as well this time save for a three-ball run at the end. The Shores' Twinkie III had a steady offense en route to the win that tied the series at 1. Game 3 was an all-out battle for both players, with Sarah capitalizing on Twinkie III's late missed contact. Sarah took the series 2-1 and will face an even tougher test by visiting Queens Flames superstar Violetta in the second round.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Max v. Marsell. The visitor does his second series today in 10-ball with the blue cue. Errors marred both players' performances in game 1, none worse than a scratch from Whitewater's Marsell on the 8. Golden's Max took over for a three-ball run-out to take the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Marsell saw a three-ball run end when he illegally potted the 10 in game 2. The Pilots' Max made a pair from ball-in-hand, but Marsell struck back with a three-ball run-out, getting the 10 legally at the bottom right for the win. This tied the series at 1. Max waited deep into game 3 to make his mark, but he struck the 9 to the top right and cut the 10 to the bottom right to get the win despite Marsell's threatening presence. Max's 2-1 series win sets him up to host Jake of the Royal Crowns in the second round.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Caitlin v. Diddley. The red cue finally cycles back in for this 13-ball set. Southridge's Caitlin made a pair on the break and another pair late, but she played right into the hands of Maplewood's Diddley, who suffered some collateral damage but finished a four-ball run-out to win game 1. Diddley leads the series 1-0. The Lumberjacks' Diddley made two solids and a stripe on the game 2 break, and he never looked in danger. The Defenders' Caitlin couldn't get favorable positioning as Diddley cruised to the win to seal the series at 2-0. Caitlin had better shooting form in game 3, but she scratched near the end, allowing Diddley to tap the 8 to the top right after his previous big run. Diddley swept the series 3-0 and will visit Frosty of the Viewpoint Sound Meteors in the second round.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Melissa. A co-captain faces a sophomore in 8-ball with the red cue. Pearl's Watermelon had a strong break and played well early in game 1 before Terrace City's Melissa chipped back a bit. Watermelon then slammed the door with a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The two players kept it extremely close in game 2, with each taking an early four-ball run. The Knights' Melissa missed her chance to pull away when she left the 5 short at the bottom left. Watermelon made her final pair of shots for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Watermelon had a five-ball run in game 3 at one stage, but not the right time, as Melissa charged back with her five-ball run-out to take the win. Watermelon still won the series 2-1, earning the right to host Kirstin of the Everton Eagles in round two with one of her eight advancing bids.
Sony Center, Queens: Mario v. Leandra. The penultimate series of the day is in Accuracy with the red cue. A clean game 1 quickly turned sloppy near the end as both players struggled. Tysini's Leandra managed to force overtime, leaving Queens' Mario in a bad spot for the break. Leandra then made her overtime shot to win 4-5, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. The Hummingbirds' Leandra cranked a ball down on the break and played another tight game against the Flames' Mario, this time keeping it clean to the finish. Leandra earned a 1-2 win here, securing the series at 2-0. Leandra built up a large lead after an awful break in game 3, but nearly lost it all at the end. Mario pushed hard but fell short in Leandra's 4-5 win to make it a 3-0 series sweep. Leandra will be back at this venue in the second round to take on Mario's Flames teammate, Violetta.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Luigi v. Gabe. The red cue closes out the day with a 13-ball series. Maplewood's Gabe didn't have the best positioning in game 1, but he made it work rather well, executing a seven-ball run-out to stun North Modernistic's Luigi. Gabe owns a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Luigi made a late push with a three-ball run in game 2, but he couldn't get set at the top side. The Lumberjacks' Gabe did better, making his shot to that pocket and putting the 8 away at the bottom side for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Luigi seemed primed for the win after Gabe made three of his balls on the opening turn. Luigi missed contact on his last ball though, and Gabe took the ball-in-hand for a four-ball run-out to make it a 3-0 series sweep. Gabe will visit Bianca of the Southridge Defenders in the second round.
That's it for today's action. More of the same tomorrow.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Ms. Puppy. The red cue debuts the day in Rotation. Viewpoint Sound's Dani started quite well in game 1, and while Modernistic's Ms. Puppy made a response, Dani surged with a six-ball run-out for the 8-2 win on the next turn. Dani leads the series 1-0. The Union's Ms. Puppy made a strong effort in game 2, leading with a five-ball advantage at one point, but the Meteors' Dani slowly chipped back. Ms. Puppy illegally potted the 13 twice, the second time allowing Dani to make a pair for the 8-6 win to seal the series at 2-0. Ms. Puppy salvaged game 3 in a close battle with Dani, edging out with a pair of late shots for the 8-4 win. Dani claimed the series at 2-1 and will host a Meteors teammate, Frosty, in the second round.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Charli v. Valencia. The silver cue takes a turn now, playing Accuracy. Tysini's Charli had the lead for much of game 1, but Golden's Valencia dragged her into a tie at the end of regulation. They each missed once in overtime, and then Charli walked with a 5-6 win after Valencia missed again. Charli owns a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Valencia turned things up in game 2, playing a perfect game while the Hummingbirds' Charli was slightly less perfect. Valencia's 0-3 win tied the series at 1. Game 3 stayed close initially, but Valencia baited Charli into a string of misses at the end, and Valencia won 1-7 to win the series 2-1. Valencia will head to Viewpoint Sound, meeting the Meteors' Dani in the second round.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Juno v. Kitty. A captain and a rookie clash in another series of Accuracy with the silver cue. Midland's Kitty seemed a bit fortunate to hang with Stonebridge's Juno early in game 1, but after Juno's second miss, Kitty dominated to finish off a 1-2 win. Kitty owns a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Kitty made a pair on the break and only a nervy miss late in game 2 made it close, as the Wolves' Juno was within a point but couldn't force the tie. Kitty held on to win 2-3, clinching the series at 2-0 as well. Kitty couldn't complete the sweep in game 3, failing to gain the lead at any point in the game. Juno slipped enough for overtime, but won on the first turn by a 2-3 score. Kitty won the series 2-1 and will visit Queens Flames captain Crystal in the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Isabella v. Smokey. The blue cue draws in for 9-ball between Eastern Hills rivals. Atlantic's Isabella had a perfect start to the series, making the 9 on the break in game 1 for the 1-0 series lead as Diamond's Smokey had to sit and watch it happen. The Pirates' Isabella kept the intensity on high with a four-ball run from the break. The Gems' Smokey was able to get a couple of shots in, but Isabella converted the 8-9 combination to the top right for the win to secure the series in her favor at 2-0. Smokey didn't seem to have his feet under him in game 3 either, flubbing some shots as Isabella stormed forward on a four-ball run. Isabella also converted the 9 later to make it a 3-0 series sweep that sets her up to host Royal Crowns captain Nightfur in the second round.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Josie v. Luigi. After the break, the blue cue gets another go in 9-ball. Neither player had the best time with making contact in game 1, but North Modernistic's Luigi bested Oceanside's Josie with a pair at the end. Luigi takes the series lead at 1-0. The Nighthawks' Luigi seemed to have an edge in game 2, but it became obvious after the Waves' Josie scratched while making the 7. Luigi made the final pair for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Luigi took his turn for a late scratch in game 3, allowing Josie to execute a three-ball run-out for the win to make it a 2-1 series. Luigi still advances to round two, where he'll visit Eastside Sharks captain Graham.
Intel Center, Diamond: Pedey v. Jasmine. The blue cue stays in action with this Eastern Hills 8-ball match. Diamond's Pedey scratched on the break, leading to productive turns for Freedom's Jasmine, who put up four-ball runs on consecutive turns for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Jasmine did well with a six-ball run to get onto the 8 in game 2, but it didn't hold up. The Gems' Pedey struck back with a pair of three-ball runs on his last two turns to get the win. Pedey's victory tied the series at 1. In game 3, Jasmine had a fairly good start with a deep run before missing contact on a poor shot. Pedey roared back with a four-ball run, but Jasmine banked the 6 to the top left and the 8 to the top side for the win to lock up a 2-1 series win. Jasmine will visit Jack of the Web City Spiders in the second round.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: A. Charlton v. Noelle. The blue cue goes again in 13-ball between Northeastern rivals. Archtown's A. Charlton showed a bit more strategy in positioning in game 1, weaving through an uncoordinated defense by Central's Noelle. The Warriors' Noelle went on a surge in game 2, making a four-ball run at one point, but the Arrows' Charlton had done enough at that point to successfully counterattack with a three-ball run-out for the win. Charlton secured the series at 2-0. Noelle finally had a good effort front to back in game 3, making a three-ball run at one stage to set up on the 8. Charlton had began with a four-ball run but lacked effective positioning in her lone loss of the series. Charlton will host Fluffina of the Infinity Torpedoes in the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Niki. The blue cue continues its run in 8-ball in the Industrial Derby. Commerce's Niki got late in game 1 a little quicker than Whitewater's Marsell, but two scratches held Niki back and Marsell pulled forward for the win. Marsell leads the series 1-0. The Tradewinds' Niki had a four-ball run after an error by the Shores' Marsell in game 2. Marsell charged back with a five-ball run that ended in a scratch. Niki then made a pair at the end for the win to tie the series at 1. Niki couldn't find a run in game 3, making it difficult to attempt a comeback when Marsell staked out an early lead. The comeback never came, with Marsell cutting the 8 to the top left for the win and 2-1 series win. Marsell will host Chimpy of the Westside Rockers in a round two series.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Twinkie III v. Sarah. A veteran hosts a rookie in 8-ball with the blue cue to complete the venue doubleheader. Tysini's Sarah made it look easy in game 1, positioning herself and converting all around a lackluster effort from Whitewater's Twinkie III. Sarah went up 1-0 in the series on a four-ball run-out for the win. The Hummingbirds' Sarah took a step back in game 2, unable to connect her shots as well this time save for a three-ball run at the end. The Shores' Twinkie III had a steady offense en route to the win that tied the series at 1. Game 3 was an all-out battle for both players, with Sarah capitalizing on Twinkie III's late missed contact. Sarah took the series 2-1 and will face an even tougher test by visiting Queens Flames superstar Violetta in the second round.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Max v. Marsell. The visitor does his second series today in 10-ball with the blue cue. Errors marred both players' performances in game 1, none worse than a scratch from Whitewater's Marsell on the 8. Golden's Max took over for a three-ball run-out to take the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Marsell saw a three-ball run end when he illegally potted the 10 in game 2. The Pilots' Max made a pair from ball-in-hand, but Marsell struck back with a three-ball run-out, getting the 10 legally at the bottom right for the win. This tied the series at 1. Max waited deep into game 3 to make his mark, but he struck the 9 to the top right and cut the 10 to the bottom right to get the win despite Marsell's threatening presence. Max's 2-1 series win sets him up to host Jake of the Royal Crowns in the second round.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Caitlin v. Diddley. The red cue finally cycles back in for this 13-ball set. Southridge's Caitlin made a pair on the break and another pair late, but she played right into the hands of Maplewood's Diddley, who suffered some collateral damage but finished a four-ball run-out to win game 1. Diddley leads the series 1-0. The Lumberjacks' Diddley made two solids and a stripe on the game 2 break, and he never looked in danger. The Defenders' Caitlin couldn't get favorable positioning as Diddley cruised to the win to seal the series at 2-0. Caitlin had better shooting form in game 3, but she scratched near the end, allowing Diddley to tap the 8 to the top right after his previous big run. Diddley swept the series 3-0 and will visit Frosty of the Viewpoint Sound Meteors in the second round.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Melissa. A co-captain faces a sophomore in 8-ball with the red cue. Pearl's Watermelon had a strong break and played well early in game 1 before Terrace City's Melissa chipped back a bit. Watermelon then slammed the door with a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The two players kept it extremely close in game 2, with each taking an early four-ball run. The Knights' Melissa missed her chance to pull away when she left the 5 short at the bottom left. Watermelon made her final pair of shots for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Watermelon had a five-ball run in game 3 at one stage, but not the right time, as Melissa charged back with her five-ball run-out to take the win. Watermelon still won the series 2-1, earning the right to host Kirstin of the Everton Eagles in round two with one of her eight advancing bids.
Sony Center, Queens: Mario v. Leandra. The penultimate series of the day is in Accuracy with the red cue. A clean game 1 quickly turned sloppy near the end as both players struggled. Tysini's Leandra managed to force overtime, leaving Queens' Mario in a bad spot for the break. Leandra then made her overtime shot to win 4-5, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. The Hummingbirds' Leandra cranked a ball down on the break and played another tight game against the Flames' Mario, this time keeping it clean to the finish. Leandra earned a 1-2 win here, securing the series at 2-0. Leandra built up a large lead after an awful break in game 3, but nearly lost it all at the end. Mario pushed hard but fell short in Leandra's 4-5 win to make it a 3-0 series sweep. Leandra will be back at this venue in the second round to take on Mario's Flames teammate, Violetta.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Luigi v. Gabe. The red cue closes out the day with a 13-ball series. Maplewood's Gabe didn't have the best positioning in game 1, but he made it work rather well, executing a seven-ball run-out to stun North Modernistic's Luigi. Gabe owns a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Luigi made a late push with a three-ball run in game 2, but he couldn't get set at the top side. The Lumberjacks' Gabe did better, making his shot to that pocket and putting the 8 away at the bottom side for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Luigi seemed primed for the win after Gabe made three of his balls on the opening turn. Luigi missed contact on his last ball though, and Gabe took the ball-in-hand for a four-ball run-out to make it a 3-0 series sweep. Gabe will visit Bianca of the Southridge Defenders in the second round.
That's it for today's action. More of the same tomorrow.
Monday, September 16, 2019
Tournament 2019 - Round 1 Day 39
Today's the start of a new week of pool action, beginning with...
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Strawberry. The red cue draws in first today for a series of Rotation. Stonebridge's Hershey gained an edge in game 1 with a three-ball run, and he didn't let go, holding off Victoria's Strawberry for the 8-5 win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Strawberry didn't stay down for long, orchestrating an eight-ball run-out quickly in game 2 with plenty of deflections, double-pots, and positioning. The quick 8-0 win tied the series at 1 with the Wolves' Hershey. Hershey came back from Strawberry's initial three-ball run with a four-ball run of his own, but Strawberry surged to an 8-6 win on a fortunate four-ball run-out. Strawberry took the series 2-1 and will play in the second round.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Leonardo. The silver cue gets a turn now, playing Accuracy. Oceanside's Celestia fell behind with an unlucky miss in game 1, and failed again late as Diamond's Leonardo escaped with a 2-3 win for the 1-0 series lead despite not playing his best. Leonardo had an unspectacular break in game 2, but he made it work, saving his only miss for late in the game. The Waves' Celestia had a chance to make it interesting at the end, but she missed her shot, and Leonardo would win 1-3 to seal the series at 2-0. Celestia made a triple-pot, cutting the 3 to the bottom side and deflecting the 6 to the bottom right and the 10 to the top side in a stunning game 3 shot. It paved the way for a fast-paced game that saw Celestia take her only win by a 0-2 score. Leonardo settled for a 2-1 series win to get into the second round, where he'll visit Sleepy B. of the Archtown Arrows.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Waluigi. The silver cue stays in action for 8-ball now. Web City's Waluigi made an impact quickly in game 1, with a four-ball run and a three-ball run on his first two turns. Golden's Strut had no answer as Waluigi easily took the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Strut held the lead for much of game 2, but it still seems like he got off easy when the Spiders' Waluigi missed the 8 late in the game. Strut put it away for the close win to tie the series at 1. Strut had a five-ball run early in game 3, but Waluigi clawed back to get first dibs on the 8. He missed it, putting it on the edge of the top left for Strut to tap in on the next turn. Strut won the series 2-1 and will host Sydney S. of the Harrison Specters in the second round.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Rosalina. Before the break, the red cue comes back for 9-ball between Urban rivals. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy struck quickly in game 1, making the 1 to the bottom left, the 6 to the top right, and the 9 in the bottom right for a win off the break for the 1-0 series lead over Whitewater's Rosalina. The Union's Ms. Puppy needed a little more effort in game 2, making two on the break for a four-ball run, and then smashing a five-ball run-out after the Shores' Rosalina missed her only shot of the game on the 5. Ms. Puppy clinched the series at 2-0 with the dominant win. Game 3 saw Ms. Puppy's grip slacken even more, as she still made two on the break but never really had a run. Rosalina actually got the win on a three-ball run-out to avoid the sweep. Ms. Puppy's 2-1 series win sends to round two, where she'll host Stealth of the Swordpoint Blades.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Mams v. Shelley. Club-mates go to battle in 12-ball with the silver cue after the daily break. Infinity's Shelley took stripes in game 1, using a four-ball run on her second turn. Southern's Mams was never in position to catch up as Shelley cruised to the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Shelley again used the delayed burst to get the win in game 2, waiting a couple of turns before racking up a four-ball run. The Monarchs' Mams was again unprepared to counter it, and Shelley marched away to a 2-0 series lead. Shelley made a ball on the break in game 3, but she couldn't corral her final ball as Mams worked a faster attack for the win. Shelley took the series 2-1, and she'll return home as a visitor to her Torpedoes teammate Mr. Snowman in the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Sleepy B. A pair of veterans meet in 9-ball with the blue cue. Neither played could get a strong grip on game 1, with Midland's Rainmane looking good early but Archtown's Sleepy B. there to pot the 9 at the end in the top right. Sleepy B. leads the series 1-0. The Arrows' Sleepy B. had to sit back for much of game 2, especially during a five-ball run from the Predators' Rainmane. The run came up short with a missed cut on the 7, and Sleepy B. made it and then banked the 9 to the top left for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Sleepy B. pieced together a late three-ball run in game 3, but she missed on the 9 on a tough cut. Rainmane converted for the win, while Sleepy B. took the series 2-1 to set up a second-round series with the Eastside Sharks' Gizmo.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Wings. The red cue cycles back at the halfway point of the day, playing 12-ball. Lighton's Acorn gave away a wild-card ball on the break and made another early mistake but still nearly won. However, Central's Wings was meticulous in positioning and used Acorn's missed contact to spark his own four-ball run-out, which gave Wings the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Acorn got ahead with shots at the sides in game 2, but the Warriors' Wings refused to go quietly. Wings pushed back and got positioning at the end, converting a pair of shots for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Wings gave away a wild-card ball late in game 3, but Acorn had no clear shot and set up Wings' final pair of shots for the win. Wings swept the series 3-0 and will visit a former teammate, the Pearl Surfers' Neopolitan, in round two.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Cassie v. Sage. A couple of durable sophomores meet in 9-ball with the red cue. Victoria's Sage struggled with consistency in game 1, but still put up a three-ball run late. She missed the 9, leading to Royal's Cassie poking it away at the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the roles reversed, as the Crowns' Cassie made two on the break and another four-ball run to be threatening at the end. She missed the 7, and the Spurs' Sage took over for the final pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw Sage post some strong offense in the middle of the game, but Cassie snagged the last two balls this time, taking the win and 2-1 series win. Cassie will host Sweetheart of the Boston Swifts in the second round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Niki v. Gal. The red cue remains in action for this Rotation series. Commerce's Niki made a four-ball run early in game 1, while North Modernistic's Gal double-potted the 6 to the bottom side and 9 to the top right to tie it. Down the stretch, Niki surged again, winning 8-5 for the 1-0 series lead. A closer start to game 2 left the Tradewinds' Niki in a tough position after her scratch. The Nighthawks' Gal made sure Niki wouldn't recover, smashing in a six-ball run-out for the 8-3 win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. In game 3, Gal started with a four-ball run, including a tricky double-pot of the 3 and 4 early on. Niki got one back, but Gal fired off a four-ball run-out to seal an 8-1 win at the end. Gal's 2-1 series win sets her up to visit Strawberry of the Victoria Spurs in the second round, one of her six advancing bids.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Wario v. Hughbert. The host welcomes the player he replaced in this Accuracy series with the silver cue. Neither player had the strongest grip on game 1, but Southridge's Wario trailed for most of the game and ended up losing 4-5 to Infinity's Hughbert, who took the 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Wario did a better job of settling down in game 2, while the Torpedoes' Hughbert scratched on the first and last shots of the game. Wario took the win 2-5 and tied the series at 1. The Defenders' Wario stayed on track in game 3, holding back Hughbert in a close finish. Wario won the game 1-3 and took the series 2-1. He will host Lighton Prestige star Spirit in round two with one of his seven successful bids.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Isabella v. Sierra. More Accuracy is on the way, with the blue cue in action this time. Todavía's Sierra never really looked comfortable in game 1, trailing from the very start. Atlantic's Isabella faded at the end but held on to win 3-6 for a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Sierra failed to correct her issues from before, struggling again as the Pirates' Isabella stayed steady for the 3-5 win this time. Isabella had clinched the series at 2-0, albeit unconvincingly on the merits of her play. Isabella showed no fear in game 3 despite Sierra's defiant play this time. Sierra missed a couple of shots in the mid-game and Isabella hung on for a 1-2 win to sweep the series 3-0. Isabella will host Boston Swifts captain Patches in the second round.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Bright v. Shaggy. The blue cue stays in action, now playing 15-ball between Aquatic Derby rivals. Pearl's Bright had the clear possession advantage in game 1, especially later on when he had a five-ball run and a three-ball run-out to earn the win, sandwiching the surges around a scratch from Whitewater's Shaggy. Bright leads the series at 1-0. The Shores' Shaggy had something to prove in game 2, making the first four and the last four balls on separate runs. The Surfers' Bright couldn't stop Shaggy, whose win tied the series at 1. The 15 spent most of game 3 situated in the crosshairs of both players' shots. It still took until an 11-15 combination to the bottom left from Bright to put it away, which gave the host his 2-1 series win. Bright will host Mitchell of the Victoria Spurs in the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Potter v. Citrus. The silver cue takes its turn, this time playing Rotation. Pronger's Potter led for much of game 1 but stalled out around the middle. Lighton's Citrus slowly gained strength and took over, ultimately winning 8-5 to take a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Citrus took her time to get started in game 2, but the Tridents' Potter failed to apply early pressure. When Citrus started, it was a five-ball run, and she coasted to the 8-0 win from there, clinching the series at 2-0. Citrus again made a hot start in game 3, but she couldn't sustain it to the end. Potter rallied back and used defense to keep Citrus at bay as he took the 8-5 win. Citrus still won the series 2-1, and she'll visit North Modernistic Nighthawks captain Peach in round two with the last of her six bids to advance.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Hannah. The day's finale is in 13-ball with the blue cue. Queens' Hannah had a good start to game 1, but Terrace City's Oreo played for positioning. Oreo took over with a four-ball run, and then made the 8 after Hannah scratched. Oreo's push gave her a win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Flames' Hannah tried a positional counterattack in game 2, making a four-ball run, but she needed more than that. The Knights' Oreo defended well for a couple of turns and then struck in the winning shot on the 8 to the bottom right to seal the series at 2-0. Hannah finally completed an effort in game 3, as Oreo took her foot off the gas a bit. Oreo won the series 2-1 and will host Vincent of the Tysini Hummingbirds in the second round.
That's it for today. We'll go again tomorrow, hopefully with a bit more speed due to commitments after the scheduled pool time.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Strawberry. The red cue draws in first today for a series of Rotation. Stonebridge's Hershey gained an edge in game 1 with a three-ball run, and he didn't let go, holding off Victoria's Strawberry for the 8-5 win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Strawberry didn't stay down for long, orchestrating an eight-ball run-out quickly in game 2 with plenty of deflections, double-pots, and positioning. The quick 8-0 win tied the series at 1 with the Wolves' Hershey. Hershey came back from Strawberry's initial three-ball run with a four-ball run of his own, but Strawberry surged to an 8-6 win on a fortunate four-ball run-out. Strawberry took the series 2-1 and will play in the second round.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Leonardo. The silver cue gets a turn now, playing Accuracy. Oceanside's Celestia fell behind with an unlucky miss in game 1, and failed again late as Diamond's Leonardo escaped with a 2-3 win for the 1-0 series lead despite not playing his best. Leonardo had an unspectacular break in game 2, but he made it work, saving his only miss for late in the game. The Waves' Celestia had a chance to make it interesting at the end, but she missed her shot, and Leonardo would win 1-3 to seal the series at 2-0. Celestia made a triple-pot, cutting the 3 to the bottom side and deflecting the 6 to the bottom right and the 10 to the top side in a stunning game 3 shot. It paved the way for a fast-paced game that saw Celestia take her only win by a 0-2 score. Leonardo settled for a 2-1 series win to get into the second round, where he'll visit Sleepy B. of the Archtown Arrows.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Waluigi. The silver cue stays in action for 8-ball now. Web City's Waluigi made an impact quickly in game 1, with a four-ball run and a three-ball run on his first two turns. Golden's Strut had no answer as Waluigi easily took the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Strut held the lead for much of game 2, but it still seems like he got off easy when the Spiders' Waluigi missed the 8 late in the game. Strut put it away for the close win to tie the series at 1. Strut had a five-ball run early in game 3, but Waluigi clawed back to get first dibs on the 8. He missed it, putting it on the edge of the top left for Strut to tap in on the next turn. Strut won the series 2-1 and will host Sydney S. of the Harrison Specters in the second round.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Rosalina. Before the break, the red cue comes back for 9-ball between Urban rivals. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy struck quickly in game 1, making the 1 to the bottom left, the 6 to the top right, and the 9 in the bottom right for a win off the break for the 1-0 series lead over Whitewater's Rosalina. The Union's Ms. Puppy needed a little more effort in game 2, making two on the break for a four-ball run, and then smashing a five-ball run-out after the Shores' Rosalina missed her only shot of the game on the 5. Ms. Puppy clinched the series at 2-0 with the dominant win. Game 3 saw Ms. Puppy's grip slacken even more, as she still made two on the break but never really had a run. Rosalina actually got the win on a three-ball run-out to avoid the sweep. Ms. Puppy's 2-1 series win sends to round two, where she'll host Stealth of the Swordpoint Blades.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Mams v. Shelley. Club-mates go to battle in 12-ball with the silver cue after the daily break. Infinity's Shelley took stripes in game 1, using a four-ball run on her second turn. Southern's Mams was never in position to catch up as Shelley cruised to the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Shelley again used the delayed burst to get the win in game 2, waiting a couple of turns before racking up a four-ball run. The Monarchs' Mams was again unprepared to counter it, and Shelley marched away to a 2-0 series lead. Shelley made a ball on the break in game 3, but she couldn't corral her final ball as Mams worked a faster attack for the win. Shelley took the series 2-1, and she'll return home as a visitor to her Torpedoes teammate Mr. Snowman in the second round.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Sleepy B. A pair of veterans meet in 9-ball with the blue cue. Neither played could get a strong grip on game 1, with Midland's Rainmane looking good early but Archtown's Sleepy B. there to pot the 9 at the end in the top right. Sleepy B. leads the series 1-0. The Arrows' Sleepy B. had to sit back for much of game 2, especially during a five-ball run from the Predators' Rainmane. The run came up short with a missed cut on the 7, and Sleepy B. made it and then banked the 9 to the top left for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Sleepy B. pieced together a late three-ball run in game 3, but she missed on the 9 on a tough cut. Rainmane converted for the win, while Sleepy B. took the series 2-1 to set up a second-round series with the Eastside Sharks' Gizmo.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Wings. The red cue cycles back at the halfway point of the day, playing 12-ball. Lighton's Acorn gave away a wild-card ball on the break and made another early mistake but still nearly won. However, Central's Wings was meticulous in positioning and used Acorn's missed contact to spark his own four-ball run-out, which gave Wings the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Acorn got ahead with shots at the sides in game 2, but the Warriors' Wings refused to go quietly. Wings pushed back and got positioning at the end, converting a pair of shots for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Wings gave away a wild-card ball late in game 3, but Acorn had no clear shot and set up Wings' final pair of shots for the win. Wings swept the series 3-0 and will visit a former teammate, the Pearl Surfers' Neopolitan, in round two.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Cassie v. Sage. A couple of durable sophomores meet in 9-ball with the red cue. Victoria's Sage struggled with consistency in game 1, but still put up a three-ball run late. She missed the 9, leading to Royal's Cassie poking it away at the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the roles reversed, as the Crowns' Cassie made two on the break and another four-ball run to be threatening at the end. She missed the 7, and the Spurs' Sage took over for the final pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw Sage post some strong offense in the middle of the game, but Cassie snagged the last two balls this time, taking the win and 2-1 series win. Cassie will host Sweetheart of the Boston Swifts in the second round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Niki v. Gal. The red cue remains in action for this Rotation series. Commerce's Niki made a four-ball run early in game 1, while North Modernistic's Gal double-potted the 6 to the bottom side and 9 to the top right to tie it. Down the stretch, Niki surged again, winning 8-5 for the 1-0 series lead. A closer start to game 2 left the Tradewinds' Niki in a tough position after her scratch. The Nighthawks' Gal made sure Niki wouldn't recover, smashing in a six-ball run-out for the 8-3 win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. In game 3, Gal started with a four-ball run, including a tricky double-pot of the 3 and 4 early on. Niki got one back, but Gal fired off a four-ball run-out to seal an 8-1 win at the end. Gal's 2-1 series win sets her up to visit Strawberry of the Victoria Spurs in the second round, one of her six advancing bids.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Wario v. Hughbert. The host welcomes the player he replaced in this Accuracy series with the silver cue. Neither player had the strongest grip on game 1, but Southridge's Wario trailed for most of the game and ended up losing 4-5 to Infinity's Hughbert, who took the 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Wario did a better job of settling down in game 2, while the Torpedoes' Hughbert scratched on the first and last shots of the game. Wario took the win 2-5 and tied the series at 1. The Defenders' Wario stayed on track in game 3, holding back Hughbert in a close finish. Wario won the game 1-3 and took the series 2-1. He will host Lighton Prestige star Spirit in round two with one of his seven successful bids.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Isabella v. Sierra. More Accuracy is on the way, with the blue cue in action this time. Todavía's Sierra never really looked comfortable in game 1, trailing from the very start. Atlantic's Isabella faded at the end but held on to win 3-6 for a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Sierra failed to correct her issues from before, struggling again as the Pirates' Isabella stayed steady for the 3-5 win this time. Isabella had clinched the series at 2-0, albeit unconvincingly on the merits of her play. Isabella showed no fear in game 3 despite Sierra's defiant play this time. Sierra missed a couple of shots in the mid-game and Isabella hung on for a 1-2 win to sweep the series 3-0. Isabella will host Boston Swifts captain Patches in the second round.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Bright v. Shaggy. The blue cue stays in action, now playing 15-ball between Aquatic Derby rivals. Pearl's Bright had the clear possession advantage in game 1, especially later on when he had a five-ball run and a three-ball run-out to earn the win, sandwiching the surges around a scratch from Whitewater's Shaggy. Bright leads the series at 1-0. The Shores' Shaggy had something to prove in game 2, making the first four and the last four balls on separate runs. The Surfers' Bright couldn't stop Shaggy, whose win tied the series at 1. The 15 spent most of game 3 situated in the crosshairs of both players' shots. It still took until an 11-15 combination to the bottom left from Bright to put it away, which gave the host his 2-1 series win. Bright will host Mitchell of the Victoria Spurs in the second round.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Potter v. Citrus. The silver cue takes its turn, this time playing Rotation. Pronger's Potter led for much of game 1 but stalled out around the middle. Lighton's Citrus slowly gained strength and took over, ultimately winning 8-5 to take a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Citrus took her time to get started in game 2, but the Tridents' Potter failed to apply early pressure. When Citrus started, it was a five-ball run, and she coasted to the 8-0 win from there, clinching the series at 2-0. Citrus again made a hot start in game 3, but she couldn't sustain it to the end. Potter rallied back and used defense to keep Citrus at bay as he took the 8-5 win. Citrus still won the series 2-1, and she'll visit North Modernistic Nighthawks captain Peach in round two with the last of her six bids to advance.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Hannah. The day's finale is in 13-ball with the blue cue. Queens' Hannah had a good start to game 1, but Terrace City's Oreo played for positioning. Oreo took over with a four-ball run, and then made the 8 after Hannah scratched. Oreo's push gave her a win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Flames' Hannah tried a positional counterattack in game 2, making a four-ball run, but she needed more than that. The Knights' Oreo defended well for a couple of turns and then struck in the winning shot on the 8 to the bottom right to seal the series at 2-0. Hannah finally completed an effort in game 3, as Oreo took her foot off the gas a bit. Oreo won the series 2-1 and will host Vincent of the Tysini Hummingbirds in the second round.
That's it for today. We'll go again tomorrow, hopefully with a bit more speed due to commitments after the scheduled pool time.
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Elite Cricket 2019 - Week 22
Cricket action is back with the Elite season finale. First up...
GE Stadium, Southridge: The Crowns end their season with a Castle Derby, sitting Cassie, while the Defenders begin a four-game week with Wario out. Kayla was stuffed at 103 for Royal, a poor start from the division's worst team. Bianca replied with a firm 529 for Southridge, giving the hosts a noticeable lead from the start. Jake didn't put up much of a fight with 264 for the Crowns, failing to cover the deficit. Debby pushed forward with 705 for the Defenders, extending their lead greatly. Nightfur fell off at 209 as Royal doesn't appear set to challenge the hosts. Stephanie managed a modest 329 for Southridge, who continue to pace the game on offense. Brownie did respectably well with 454 for the Crowns to ice their loss at 1030. Caitlin posted 422 to seal the win at 1985 for the Defenders. Southridge improved to 14-27, while Royal ends 10-34 overall and 7-15 on the road.
Sony Stadium, Queens: The Flames end the year on a doubleheader, sitting Briana in their home finale against a Surfers squad resting Beth in their penultimate game. Watermelon started off decently with 405 for Pearl on the first turn. Crystal responded with a stronger 722 for Queens, setting the hosts ahead initially. Boots covered the damage with 478 for the Surfers on the second attack. Violetta smashed 821 for the Flames on a thundering response at the halfway mark to reaffirm their lead. Neopolitan tried to pull back with 451 for Pearl, but they're unlikely to catch up now. Mario lost some ground with 341 for Queens, but they maintain a lead with a player each to go. Bright didn't meet the challenge, his 305 leaving the Surfers at a loss with 1639. Hannah tacked on 595 to secure the Flames' win at 2479. Queens went 16-6 at home and rises to 30-13 overall, while Pearl drops back to 28-15 on the year.
Nike Field, Commerce: The Flames end their season with Mario out of action, while the Tradewinds close up at home with Rosemary out as they try to secure a Hutton Cup spot. Crystal went with pace to start for Queens, tallying 519 in an excellent turn. Tigerette responded with 308 for Commerce, unable to really sustain her attack. Violetta made an addition to the Flames' lead with 420 on the second attack, although her side has shown weaker offense on the road. Solaris pushed forward with 531 for the Tradewinds, keeping them competitive at the midway mark. Briana fired back with 492 for Queens, keeping their lead fairly steady. Taylor S. kept up with 450 for Commerce, who will need a surge on the final turn to flip the game. Hannah stumbled at 245 for the Flames, closing their offense at 1676. Niki collected 400 for the Tradewinds, the rally they needed to take the victory at 1689. Commerce ends at 15-7 at home and 28-16 overall, while Queens ends 30-14 in second place in Elite, and they were 14-8 on the road. Queens will face the Capital City Sharpshooters in the Hutton Cup.
AT&T Oceanside Stadium, Oceanside: The Waves will sit Jason V. for this match, while the Stills end their year without Sierra in the lineup. Ruby looked solid at first and then completely butchered it with 164 for Todavía to start the game. Snuggle countered with a massive 665 for Oceanside, staking them out to a sizable lead. Bells replied with 464 for the Stills in an attempt to keep them competitive. Celestia popped 819 for the Waves on the second attack, extending their lead greatly. Easter played a solid turn with 421 for Todavía, but it wasn't enough to flip the deficit. Josie matched it with 434 for Oceanside, maintaining the lead efficiently. Prism bowed out with a measly 50 for the Stills, who took the loss at a total of 1099. Dewey took 227 for the Waves at the end, sealing their win at 2145. Oceanside moves to 32-11, while Todavía ends 17-27 and 9-13 on the road, the result assuring the Stills will be relegated to Select just two years after beginning in Premier.
Toyota Pitch, Freedom: Roxy is set to sit out this game for the Elite-bound Cascades, while the pending-relegated Defenders bench Stephanie. Bianca served up a pacey 584 for Southridge to kick off the scoring. Jasmine got a good chunk of it back with 401 for Freedom in a solid counterattack turn. Debby nearly doubled the Defenders offense with 572, showing that the visitors won't go quietly despite having nothing to play for. Nikolai had the pace for something special but fell at 295 as the Cascades start to drop off a bit offensively. Wario knocked 304 for Southridge in a decent but unremarkable appearance. Stripes made a small gain with 410 for Freedom, applying just a little pressure. Caitlin stumbled to 265 for the Defenders at the end, icing their offense at 1725. Stinky had an awful 48 for the Cascades, leaving them at a loss with 1154. Southridge is now 15-27, while Freedom drops to 18-24.
Henry Ford Memorial Stadium, Pronger: The Tridents rest Lize in their penultimate game, while the Surfers sit Bright as they look to capture the Elite third seed outright rather than on a tiebreaker. Watermelon slugged 987 for Pearl in a fantastic opener to their final game of the year. Precious responded with 429 for Pronger, getting less than half of the damage covered. Boots didn't follow up all that well with 304 for the Surfers. Spot charged up with 718 for the Tridents at the halfway mark, putting a major dent in the deficit. Neopolitan dished 441 for Pearl to keep their lead fairly steady at a critical point in the contest. Zach pushed back with 411 for Pronger, keeping them in range leading into the final turn. Beth slipped with 220 for the Surfers to close their attack at 1952. Potter fell with 50 for the Tridents to confirm their loss at 1608. Pearl will finish alone in third at 29-15, including a 13-9 road record, while Pronger drops to 25-18.
AT&T Oceanside Stadium, Oceanside: The Waves end their season without Josie, while Stinky sits in the Cascades' road finale. Jasmine started modestly with 256 for Freedom, an unimpressive performance from the captain. Snuggle was only marginally better with 280 for Oceanside to produce a small lead. Roxy flexed her strength with 810 for the Cascades on the second attack to produce a much larger lead. Celestia slugged 1051 in response for the Waves, restoring their lead with a huge push. Nikolai pushed back with 650 for Freedom, keeping them competitive against the division leaders. Dewey faded at 130 for Oceanside, putting the hosts behind with a player each to go. Stripes surged with 731 for the Cascades, capping their offense at 2447. Jason V. bowed out at 395 for the Waves, who end the year with a loss at 1856. Freedom ends their road slate at 10-12 to get to 19-24 overall, while Oceanside went 15-7 at home and 32-12 for the season.
Henry Ford Memorial Stadium, Pronger: Zach will sit out the season finale for the Tridents, likely what would have been his last game with the team, while the Knights rest Melissa to end the year. Kiwi slapped a strong 460 for Terrace City to begin the game. Precious responded with 639 for Pronger, pulling them ahead after the first turn. Jennifer kept the pace up with 555 for the Knights on the second attack. Spot managed 396 for the Tridents at the midway point, losing a bit of ground for their lead. Oreo served up 414 for Terrace City to pull them ahead at least temporarily. Potter seized the chance presented with 500 for Pronger, giving their lead a little more strength heading into the final turn. Quincy's 371 for the Knights forced the hosts to respond to the visitors' final score of 1800. Lize didn't match it, but her 332 for the Tridents was enough to push them to the win at 1867. Pronger ends at 12-10 at home and 26-18, while Terrace City closes with a 10-12 road record and 19-25 overall mark, confirming their finish in 8th place as the Cascades will beat them on the tiebreaker.
Toyota Pitch, Freedom: The Cascades end their season with Nikolai sitting out, while the Volcanoes begin a season-ending tripleheader with Leonette taking a seat. Starlight effortlessly slammed 689 for Pacific to open the scoring. Jasmine closed the gap fairly well with 622 for Freedom, keeping the hosts close initially. Ms. Kitty stumbled at 274 for the Volcanoes, weakening their lead near the middle of the game. Roxy floundered at 150 for the Cascades, causing them to slip further behind. Twinkie I tried to get Pacific on the right track with a solid 373 on her turn. Stripes couldn't keep up with 334 for Freedom, ceding a little more ground late in the game. Cowzart supplied 480 for the Volcanoes to ice their offense at 1816 for the game. Stinky's 310 for the Cascades finished their loss at 1416 overall. Pacific is up to 22-20, while Freedom ends the year 19-25 overall and 9-13 at home.
GE Stadium, Southridge: The Volcanoes continue their rush to the finish with Ms. Kitty getting a breather while the host Defenders sit Caitlin in their home finale. Starlight posted 405 for Pacific in a reasonable first attack for her team. Bianca kept it close at first with 376 for Southridge on their opening turn. Twinkie I hammered 686 for the Volcanoes on the second attack, strengthening their lead significantly. Debby fell with just 112 for the Defenders after a ball tipped off the end of her bat and took the wicket. Leonette maintained Pacific's progress with 639 on another hefty attack from the visitors. Stephanie did fairly well with 460 in response, but Southridge's deficit seems too large to overcome. Cowzart ended with a simple 208 for the Volcanoes, locking them in at 1938 overall. Wario's 256 put the Defenders at a loss with 1204 in total. Pacific moves to 23-20 on the year while finishing 11-11 on the road, while Southridge is 15-28 overall after going 8-14 at home.
Verizon Field, Pacific: Cowzart is out for the Volcanoes' season finale at home, while the Prestige finish their road slate with Spirit taking some rest. Acorn rattled off 754 for Lighton to kick off the scoring in the first game of their season-ending doubleheader. Starlight thumped 676 for Pacific in response, keeping the hosts very close. Citrus scattered 316 for the Prestige, unable to maintain a consistent rhythm. Ms. Kitty was even worse with 57 for the Volcanoes, wasting a chance to help her team catch up at the halfway mark. Nicole supplied 480 for Lighton to extend their lead a bit more with a good appearance. Twinkie I didn't go down easy, but her pacey effort ended with 379 for Pacific. Shiny tacked on 655 more for the Prestige in a steady outing, giving them a final score of 2205. Leonette faded with only 18 for the Volcanoes, confirming their loss at 1130. Lighton is up to 15-28 with a 9-13 road record, while Pacific ends at 23-21, including a 12-10 home record.
Pepsi Prestige Park, Lighton: The Prestige are set to finish the season at home without Citrus in the lineup, while the Defenders rest their captain Debby as the winner of this game will take 10th place. Bianca had a decent start with 434 for Southridge. Acorn picked up 398 in response for Lighton, keeping things close from the get-go. Stephanie took a step back with 357 for the Defenders, who still hold a standard lead. Spirit wasted the comeback chance with a mere 48 for the Prestige, who will need a second-half surge to save this one. Wario knocked another 469 for Southridge, giving them a nice extension to their lead. Nicole fell with a mere 50 points for Lighton, who appear set to collapse in the finale. Caitlin tallied 220 as the Defenders end with 1480 in total. Shiny tried to rally but got tangled at 276 and the Prestige ultimately lost with 772 in their worst game of the season. Southridge closes at 16-28, including an 8-14 road record, while Lighton ends at 15-29 with a 6-16 home mark.
That's it for Elite this season. Premier will likely scatter some games throughout next week to officially end the regular season.
GE Stadium, Southridge: The Crowns end their season with a Castle Derby, sitting Cassie, while the Defenders begin a four-game week with Wario out. Kayla was stuffed at 103 for Royal, a poor start from the division's worst team. Bianca replied with a firm 529 for Southridge, giving the hosts a noticeable lead from the start. Jake didn't put up much of a fight with 264 for the Crowns, failing to cover the deficit. Debby pushed forward with 705 for the Defenders, extending their lead greatly. Nightfur fell off at 209 as Royal doesn't appear set to challenge the hosts. Stephanie managed a modest 329 for Southridge, who continue to pace the game on offense. Brownie did respectably well with 454 for the Crowns to ice their loss at 1030. Caitlin posted 422 to seal the win at 1985 for the Defenders. Southridge improved to 14-27, while Royal ends 10-34 overall and 7-15 on the road.
Sony Stadium, Queens: The Flames end the year on a doubleheader, sitting Briana in their home finale against a Surfers squad resting Beth in their penultimate game. Watermelon started off decently with 405 for Pearl on the first turn. Crystal responded with a stronger 722 for Queens, setting the hosts ahead initially. Boots covered the damage with 478 for the Surfers on the second attack. Violetta smashed 821 for the Flames on a thundering response at the halfway mark to reaffirm their lead. Neopolitan tried to pull back with 451 for Pearl, but they're unlikely to catch up now. Mario lost some ground with 341 for Queens, but they maintain a lead with a player each to go. Bright didn't meet the challenge, his 305 leaving the Surfers at a loss with 1639. Hannah tacked on 595 to secure the Flames' win at 2479. Queens went 16-6 at home and rises to 30-13 overall, while Pearl drops back to 28-15 on the year.
Nike Field, Commerce: The Flames end their season with Mario out of action, while the Tradewinds close up at home with Rosemary out as they try to secure a Hutton Cup spot. Crystal went with pace to start for Queens, tallying 519 in an excellent turn. Tigerette responded with 308 for Commerce, unable to really sustain her attack. Violetta made an addition to the Flames' lead with 420 on the second attack, although her side has shown weaker offense on the road. Solaris pushed forward with 531 for the Tradewinds, keeping them competitive at the midway mark. Briana fired back with 492 for Queens, keeping their lead fairly steady. Taylor S. kept up with 450 for Commerce, who will need a surge on the final turn to flip the game. Hannah stumbled at 245 for the Flames, closing their offense at 1676. Niki collected 400 for the Tradewinds, the rally they needed to take the victory at 1689. Commerce ends at 15-7 at home and 28-16 overall, while Queens ends 30-14 in second place in Elite, and they were 14-8 on the road. Queens will face the Capital City Sharpshooters in the Hutton Cup.
AT&T Oceanside Stadium, Oceanside: The Waves will sit Jason V. for this match, while the Stills end their year without Sierra in the lineup. Ruby looked solid at first and then completely butchered it with 164 for Todavía to start the game. Snuggle countered with a massive 665 for Oceanside, staking them out to a sizable lead. Bells replied with 464 for the Stills in an attempt to keep them competitive. Celestia popped 819 for the Waves on the second attack, extending their lead greatly. Easter played a solid turn with 421 for Todavía, but it wasn't enough to flip the deficit. Josie matched it with 434 for Oceanside, maintaining the lead efficiently. Prism bowed out with a measly 50 for the Stills, who took the loss at a total of 1099. Dewey took 227 for the Waves at the end, sealing their win at 2145. Oceanside moves to 32-11, while Todavía ends 17-27 and 9-13 on the road, the result assuring the Stills will be relegated to Select just two years after beginning in Premier.
Toyota Pitch, Freedom: Roxy is set to sit out this game for the Elite-bound Cascades, while the pending-relegated Defenders bench Stephanie. Bianca served up a pacey 584 for Southridge to kick off the scoring. Jasmine got a good chunk of it back with 401 for Freedom in a solid counterattack turn. Debby nearly doubled the Defenders offense with 572, showing that the visitors won't go quietly despite having nothing to play for. Nikolai had the pace for something special but fell at 295 as the Cascades start to drop off a bit offensively. Wario knocked 304 for Southridge in a decent but unremarkable appearance. Stripes made a small gain with 410 for Freedom, applying just a little pressure. Caitlin stumbled to 265 for the Defenders at the end, icing their offense at 1725. Stinky had an awful 48 for the Cascades, leaving them at a loss with 1154. Southridge is now 15-27, while Freedom drops to 18-24.
Henry Ford Memorial Stadium, Pronger: The Tridents rest Lize in their penultimate game, while the Surfers sit Bright as they look to capture the Elite third seed outright rather than on a tiebreaker. Watermelon slugged 987 for Pearl in a fantastic opener to their final game of the year. Precious responded with 429 for Pronger, getting less than half of the damage covered. Boots didn't follow up all that well with 304 for the Surfers. Spot charged up with 718 for the Tridents at the halfway mark, putting a major dent in the deficit. Neopolitan dished 441 for Pearl to keep their lead fairly steady at a critical point in the contest. Zach pushed back with 411 for Pronger, keeping them in range leading into the final turn. Beth slipped with 220 for the Surfers to close their attack at 1952. Potter fell with 50 for the Tridents to confirm their loss at 1608. Pearl will finish alone in third at 29-15, including a 13-9 road record, while Pronger drops to 25-18.
AT&T Oceanside Stadium, Oceanside: The Waves end their season without Josie, while Stinky sits in the Cascades' road finale. Jasmine started modestly with 256 for Freedom, an unimpressive performance from the captain. Snuggle was only marginally better with 280 for Oceanside to produce a small lead. Roxy flexed her strength with 810 for the Cascades on the second attack to produce a much larger lead. Celestia slugged 1051 in response for the Waves, restoring their lead with a huge push. Nikolai pushed back with 650 for Freedom, keeping them competitive against the division leaders. Dewey faded at 130 for Oceanside, putting the hosts behind with a player each to go. Stripes surged with 731 for the Cascades, capping their offense at 2447. Jason V. bowed out at 395 for the Waves, who end the year with a loss at 1856. Freedom ends their road slate at 10-12 to get to 19-24 overall, while Oceanside went 15-7 at home and 32-12 for the season.
Henry Ford Memorial Stadium, Pronger: Zach will sit out the season finale for the Tridents, likely what would have been his last game with the team, while the Knights rest Melissa to end the year. Kiwi slapped a strong 460 for Terrace City to begin the game. Precious responded with 639 for Pronger, pulling them ahead after the first turn. Jennifer kept the pace up with 555 for the Knights on the second attack. Spot managed 396 for the Tridents at the midway point, losing a bit of ground for their lead. Oreo served up 414 for Terrace City to pull them ahead at least temporarily. Potter seized the chance presented with 500 for Pronger, giving their lead a little more strength heading into the final turn. Quincy's 371 for the Knights forced the hosts to respond to the visitors' final score of 1800. Lize didn't match it, but her 332 for the Tridents was enough to push them to the win at 1867. Pronger ends at 12-10 at home and 26-18, while Terrace City closes with a 10-12 road record and 19-25 overall mark, confirming their finish in 8th place as the Cascades will beat them on the tiebreaker.
Toyota Pitch, Freedom: The Cascades end their season with Nikolai sitting out, while the Volcanoes begin a season-ending tripleheader with Leonette taking a seat. Starlight effortlessly slammed 689 for Pacific to open the scoring. Jasmine closed the gap fairly well with 622 for Freedom, keeping the hosts close initially. Ms. Kitty stumbled at 274 for the Volcanoes, weakening their lead near the middle of the game. Roxy floundered at 150 for the Cascades, causing them to slip further behind. Twinkie I tried to get Pacific on the right track with a solid 373 on her turn. Stripes couldn't keep up with 334 for Freedom, ceding a little more ground late in the game. Cowzart supplied 480 for the Volcanoes to ice their offense at 1816 for the game. Stinky's 310 for the Cascades finished their loss at 1416 overall. Pacific is up to 22-20, while Freedom ends the year 19-25 overall and 9-13 at home.
GE Stadium, Southridge: The Volcanoes continue their rush to the finish with Ms. Kitty getting a breather while the host Defenders sit Caitlin in their home finale. Starlight posted 405 for Pacific in a reasonable first attack for her team. Bianca kept it close at first with 376 for Southridge on their opening turn. Twinkie I hammered 686 for the Volcanoes on the second attack, strengthening their lead significantly. Debby fell with just 112 for the Defenders after a ball tipped off the end of her bat and took the wicket. Leonette maintained Pacific's progress with 639 on another hefty attack from the visitors. Stephanie did fairly well with 460 in response, but Southridge's deficit seems too large to overcome. Cowzart ended with a simple 208 for the Volcanoes, locking them in at 1938 overall. Wario's 256 put the Defenders at a loss with 1204 in total. Pacific moves to 23-20 on the year while finishing 11-11 on the road, while Southridge is 15-28 overall after going 8-14 at home.
Verizon Field, Pacific: Cowzart is out for the Volcanoes' season finale at home, while the Prestige finish their road slate with Spirit taking some rest. Acorn rattled off 754 for Lighton to kick off the scoring in the first game of their season-ending doubleheader. Starlight thumped 676 for Pacific in response, keeping the hosts very close. Citrus scattered 316 for the Prestige, unable to maintain a consistent rhythm. Ms. Kitty was even worse with 57 for the Volcanoes, wasting a chance to help her team catch up at the halfway mark. Nicole supplied 480 for Lighton to extend their lead a bit more with a good appearance. Twinkie I didn't go down easy, but her pacey effort ended with 379 for Pacific. Shiny tacked on 655 more for the Prestige in a steady outing, giving them a final score of 2205. Leonette faded with only 18 for the Volcanoes, confirming their loss at 1130. Lighton is up to 15-28 with a 9-13 road record, while Pacific ends at 23-21, including a 12-10 home record.
Pepsi Prestige Park, Lighton: The Prestige are set to finish the season at home without Citrus in the lineup, while the Defenders rest their captain Debby as the winner of this game will take 10th place. Bianca had a decent start with 434 for Southridge. Acorn picked up 398 in response for Lighton, keeping things close from the get-go. Stephanie took a step back with 357 for the Defenders, who still hold a standard lead. Spirit wasted the comeback chance with a mere 48 for the Prestige, who will need a second-half surge to save this one. Wario knocked another 469 for Southridge, giving them a nice extension to their lead. Nicole fell with a mere 50 points for Lighton, who appear set to collapse in the finale. Caitlin tallied 220 as the Defenders end with 1480 in total. Shiny tried to rally but got tangled at 276 and the Prestige ultimately lost with 772 in their worst game of the season. Southridge closes at 16-28, including an 8-14 road record, while Lighton ends at 15-29 with a 6-16 home mark.
That's it for Elite this season. Premier will likely scatter some games throughout next week to officially end the regular season.
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Tournament 2019 - Round 1 Day 38
The weekend action is here, likely to be played mostly or all on Saturday. First up...
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sydney S. v. Brownie. The red cue gets the first appearance in Accuracy. A fairly even game 1 eventually went in favor of Harrison's Sydney S. after Royal's Brownie had a late miss on the 2. Sydney S. won by a 3-4 score to take the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was even uglier, as both players showed virtually no ability to consistently convert shots. The high-scoring game was tied in overtime, where they each missed their first shot before the Crowns' Brownie put a merciful end to her 7-8 win as the Specters' Sydney S. missed. This tied the series at 1. Both players improved drastically in a tight game 3, with Brownie sticking Sydney S. with a decisive late miss for the 1-2 win. Brownie took the series 2-1 to get to the second round.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Kiwi. A captains' battle is set for Rotation with the silver cue. A three-ball run in the middle of game 1 was enough of a cushion for Victoria's Spice, who held off Terrace City's Kiwi for the 8-5 win. Spice leads the series 1-0. The Knights' Kiwi used a four-ball run to overcome the first attack from the Spurs' Spice in game 2, but Kiwi had nothing for Spice's counter-punch. Spice walked away with another 8-5 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Spice made it a sweep with a dominant game 3, pounding a five-ball run from the break and feeding off her home crowd as she completed an 8-0 shutout over Kiwi. Spice's 3-0 series win sends her to the second round. Kiwi will have five bids in the second round, and she is also the first player to face 100 unique opponents.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Midnight v. Avril. The blue cue gets its first turn today in Accuracy. Web City's Avril was behind almost from the get-go, and she never had a realistic chance in game 1 as Westside's Midnight played well despite finishing with a 3-6 win. Midnight is up 1-0 in the series. The Spiders' Avril made a remarkable improvement in game 2, staying perfect deep into the game and then drawing out a couple of misses from the Rockers' Midnight. This resulted in Avril winning 1-2 to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Midnight struggled initially in game 3, but kept it clean enough to hang with Avril. At the end, Avril had a pair of misses that allowed Midnight to take the 2-3 win and 2-1 series win. Midnight is set to host Sage of the Victoria Spurs in round two.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Mitchell v. Stinky. A couple of struggling players meet in 15-ball as the blue cue stays in action. Freedom's Stinky put up a good fight in game 1 against a creative effort from Victoria's Mitchell, but Stinky's scratch allowed Mitchell to pot the final pair for the win. Mitchell took a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Stinky kept up for a bit in game 2 until he suffered a brutal scratch. The Spurs' Mitchell took it from there, tallying a five-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Mitchell had an energetic start to game 3, but he hit a wall near the end. Stinky recovered enough to make a few late shots, earning the win and avoiding the sweep as Mitchell advances to the second round on a 2-1 series win.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Hoppy v. Cobalt. Outcast club-mates clash in the blue cue's last 7-ball series of the first round. Archtown's Hoppy missed contact on a kick towards the 4 late in game 1, leading to Stonebridge's Cobalt piecing together a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Cobalt scuffled too much out of the gate in game 2, allowing the Arrows' Hoppy to assemble a brilliant six-ball run-out for the win. Hoppy's victory tied the series at 1. Hoppy had worked up to a three-ball run late in game 3, but it went to waste when she missed the 7. Cobalt struck it to the bottom left for the win to take the series 2-1. Cobalt will travel to Atlantic to face Pirates captain Delila in the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Nibbles. The red cue is back in action now with Rotation on tap. Freedom's Roxy started off alright in game 1, but Viewpoint Sound's Nibbles charged hard at the end. Nibbles kicked the 8 to the bottom side while deflecting the 13 to the bottom right before putting the 9 in the top right to seal an 8-2 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Nibbles did well to keep up for the first half of game 2, but the Cascades' Roxy rattled off a four-ball run-out, capped by a wicked kick on the 12 to the top right. Roxy won 8-4, tying the series at 1 in the process. Roxy took the early lead in game 3 with steady offense, and while a four-ball run from Nibbles erased that lead, Roxy capitalized on Nibbles' later mistakes to win 8-5. Roxy took the series 2-1 and will play in round two. Nibbles only put of his bids into the next round.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Bear v. Delila. The red cue stays in action for this 13-ball series. Everton's Bear played the pest role quite well in game 1, constantly ruining the positioning for Atlantic's Delila. It worked, as a frustrated Delila illegally potted the 8 to gift the win and 1-0 series lead to Bear. The Eagles' Bear had too many fouls in game 2, including a scratch and two misses, which prevented his annoying tendencies from being effective. The Pirates' Delila lined things up and converted a five-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was as close as it gets, with Bear getting a chance on the 8 that he sent wide of the bottom right. Delila made her last ball and replied with the winning cut to the same spot, taking the series 2-1. Delila will visit the Harrison Specters' Lexi in the second round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Frosty v. Bryant. Back in Rotation, veterans meet with the red cue in between. Viewpoint Sound's Frosty had a three-ball run early answered by Maplewood's Bryant. Game 1 consisted of a bunch of flurries of call-and-response shooting until Frosty silenced Bryant with an 8-6 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Bryant had the first crack at the lead in game 2, but after a mid-game double-pot of the 9 and the 10 off a shot on the 8, the Meteors' Frosty took over on offense. Frosty managed to win 8-5 after a grinding finish, clinching the series at 2-0. Bryant held the lead for much of game 3, but he became flustered by rattling balls out of the pockets. Frosty kept calmer and came from behind on a three-ball run-out to win the game 8-7 and the series 3-0. Frosty heads off to the second round.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Cobalt v. Violetta. The host's second series of the day is in Accuracy with the red cue against a club-mate. Stonebridge's Cobalt held the lead for most of game 1 until he missed on the last ball to force overtime. Here, his break was empty, and Queens' Violetta converted a shot to snag the 2-3 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Cobalt returned the favor in game 2, getting the Flames' Violetta to miss late in regulation and then again on her overtime break. Cobalt converted to the top side in overtime to win 1-2, tying the series at 1. Both players were perfect deep into game 3, but it was Cobalt who cracked first, his miss the only one in Violetta's 0-1 win that sealed the series for her at 2-1. Violetta outdid her club-mate to get to round two.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Kitty. A co-captain hosts a rookie in 13-ball with the blue cue. Midland's Kitty had no trouble keeping up with Pearl's Watermelon, and Kitty actually got the win when Watermelon scratched while attempting the 8. Kitty put the 8 at the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon showed a bit more efficiency in converting her shots in game 2, outpacing the Predators' Kitty near the end to tap the 8 into the top left corner. Watermelon's win tied the series at 1. Watermelon stormed out to an early lead in game 3, and she didn't let it go either, getting a little help as Kitty potted one of Watermelon's balls. Watermelon then ignited a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win to set her against the Infinity Torpedoes' captain Smudge in the second round.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Hoppy v. Josie. For the third time today, Outcast club-mates square off, this time in Rotation with the silver cue. Archtown's Hoppy held an early lead thanks to a three-ball run off the break and some good play, but Oceanside's Josie shredded the deficit with a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out. She made a lot of fortunate shots to win 8-6, but Josie still has the 1-0 series lead nonetheless. The Waves' Josie showed a clear disdain for a crowded table, allowing the Arrows' Hoppy to enjoy the early lead. Josie had chances to catch up but couldn't make the run, and Hoppy won 8-2 to tie the series at 1. Hoppy again staked out a large lead in game 3, and while Josie made a late push, Hoppy held her off to win 8-5 for the 2-1 series win. Hoppy will host Victoria Spurs captain Spice in the second round, one of her six bids to advance.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Tigerette. Stars and long-time legends of the league meet in 12-ball with the blue cue. Infinity's Fluffina made three balls on her first two turns, but a four-ball run by Commerce's Tigerette ruined Fluffina's positioning. Fluffina then missed contact on a kick, and Tigerette made her last two balls for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fluffina flipped the script in game 2, allowing the Tradewinds' Tigerette to get her positioning lined up. Fluffina then attacked with a four-ball run and followed up for her last two shots on the next turn for the win. This tied the energetic series at 1. Tigerette had an early scratch to disrupt her attack, and Fluffina rallied on a five-ball run. Fluffina would scratch, but she had time to push back for a pair of shots on the winning turn. Fluffina's 2-1 series win assures her a spot in the second round.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Yekaterina v. Midnight. The blue cue gets another twirl in 12-ball. Victoria's Yekaterina opened game 1 with a three-ball run, but her troubles at the bottom side allowed Westside's Midnight to catch up and win with a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Midnight did everything right in game 2, getting down to her last ball and playing for positioning, but the Spurs' Yekaterina stormed back anyway. Yekaterina had delicately positioned every ball and executed a textbook six-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Midnight and Yekaterina tangled in a tantalizing game 3, with Midnight ultimately beating Yekaterina to the final ball for the win. Midnight took the series 2-1 and will play in round two.
Apple Center, Todavía: Sierra v. Spirit. Sisters square off in 8-ball with the blue cue in a specially timed daily finale tonight. Game 1 had an electric start, with Lighton's Spirit making a four-ball run only for Todavía's Sierra to answer with a five-ball run. Spirit had a late scratch ruin her effort, and Sierra took it from there for the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Spirit again made a push early in game 2, but the quality of play dropped on both sides toward the end. A second scratch from the Stills' Sierra would be enough to propel Spirit to the win as she tapped the 8 down at the bottom right to tie the series at 1. Game 3 went down to the wire, decided by Spirit striking a three-ball run-out while Sierra struggled for a good position. Spirit took the series 2-1 and will visit Oreo of the Terrace City Knights in the second round.
Tomorrow is an off day for Tournament action, but expect to see at least the end of Elite Week 22 and potentially the start of Premier's final week on Twitter @UnitedPCL.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sydney S. v. Brownie. The red cue gets the first appearance in Accuracy. A fairly even game 1 eventually went in favor of Harrison's Sydney S. after Royal's Brownie had a late miss on the 2. Sydney S. won by a 3-4 score to take the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was even uglier, as both players showed virtually no ability to consistently convert shots. The high-scoring game was tied in overtime, where they each missed their first shot before the Crowns' Brownie put a merciful end to her 7-8 win as the Specters' Sydney S. missed. This tied the series at 1. Both players improved drastically in a tight game 3, with Brownie sticking Sydney S. with a decisive late miss for the 1-2 win. Brownie took the series 2-1 to get to the second round.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Kiwi. A captains' battle is set for Rotation with the silver cue. A three-ball run in the middle of game 1 was enough of a cushion for Victoria's Spice, who held off Terrace City's Kiwi for the 8-5 win. Spice leads the series 1-0. The Knights' Kiwi used a four-ball run to overcome the first attack from the Spurs' Spice in game 2, but Kiwi had nothing for Spice's counter-punch. Spice walked away with another 8-5 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Spice made it a sweep with a dominant game 3, pounding a five-ball run from the break and feeding off her home crowd as she completed an 8-0 shutout over Kiwi. Spice's 3-0 series win sends her to the second round. Kiwi will have five bids in the second round, and she is also the first player to face 100 unique opponents.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Midnight v. Avril. The blue cue gets its first turn today in Accuracy. Web City's Avril was behind almost from the get-go, and she never had a realistic chance in game 1 as Westside's Midnight played well despite finishing with a 3-6 win. Midnight is up 1-0 in the series. The Spiders' Avril made a remarkable improvement in game 2, staying perfect deep into the game and then drawing out a couple of misses from the Rockers' Midnight. This resulted in Avril winning 1-2 to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Midnight struggled initially in game 3, but kept it clean enough to hang with Avril. At the end, Avril had a pair of misses that allowed Midnight to take the 2-3 win and 2-1 series win. Midnight is set to host Sage of the Victoria Spurs in round two.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Mitchell v. Stinky. A couple of struggling players meet in 15-ball as the blue cue stays in action. Freedom's Stinky put up a good fight in game 1 against a creative effort from Victoria's Mitchell, but Stinky's scratch allowed Mitchell to pot the final pair for the win. Mitchell took a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Stinky kept up for a bit in game 2 until he suffered a brutal scratch. The Spurs' Mitchell took it from there, tallying a five-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Mitchell had an energetic start to game 3, but he hit a wall near the end. Stinky recovered enough to make a few late shots, earning the win and avoiding the sweep as Mitchell advances to the second round on a 2-1 series win.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Hoppy v. Cobalt. Outcast club-mates clash in the blue cue's last 7-ball series of the first round. Archtown's Hoppy missed contact on a kick towards the 4 late in game 1, leading to Stonebridge's Cobalt piecing together a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Cobalt scuffled too much out of the gate in game 2, allowing the Arrows' Hoppy to assemble a brilliant six-ball run-out for the win. Hoppy's victory tied the series at 1. Hoppy had worked up to a three-ball run late in game 3, but it went to waste when she missed the 7. Cobalt struck it to the bottom left for the win to take the series 2-1. Cobalt will travel to Atlantic to face Pirates captain Delila in the second round.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Nibbles. The red cue is back in action now with Rotation on tap. Freedom's Roxy started off alright in game 1, but Viewpoint Sound's Nibbles charged hard at the end. Nibbles kicked the 8 to the bottom side while deflecting the 13 to the bottom right before putting the 9 in the top right to seal an 8-2 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Nibbles did well to keep up for the first half of game 2, but the Cascades' Roxy rattled off a four-ball run-out, capped by a wicked kick on the 12 to the top right. Roxy won 8-4, tying the series at 1 in the process. Roxy took the early lead in game 3 with steady offense, and while a four-ball run from Nibbles erased that lead, Roxy capitalized on Nibbles' later mistakes to win 8-5. Roxy took the series 2-1 and will play in round two. Nibbles only put of his bids into the next round.
Chevrolet Center, Everton: Bear v. Delila. The red cue stays in action for this 13-ball series. Everton's Bear played the pest role quite well in game 1, constantly ruining the positioning for Atlantic's Delila. It worked, as a frustrated Delila illegally potted the 8 to gift the win and 1-0 series lead to Bear. The Eagles' Bear had too many fouls in game 2, including a scratch and two misses, which prevented his annoying tendencies from being effective. The Pirates' Delila lined things up and converted a five-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was as close as it gets, with Bear getting a chance on the 8 that he sent wide of the bottom right. Delila made her last ball and replied with the winning cut to the same spot, taking the series 2-1. Delila will visit the Harrison Specters' Lexi in the second round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Frosty v. Bryant. Back in Rotation, veterans meet with the red cue in between. Viewpoint Sound's Frosty had a three-ball run early answered by Maplewood's Bryant. Game 1 consisted of a bunch of flurries of call-and-response shooting until Frosty silenced Bryant with an 8-6 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Bryant had the first crack at the lead in game 2, but after a mid-game double-pot of the 9 and the 10 off a shot on the 8, the Meteors' Frosty took over on offense. Frosty managed to win 8-5 after a grinding finish, clinching the series at 2-0. Bryant held the lead for much of game 3, but he became flustered by rattling balls out of the pockets. Frosty kept calmer and came from behind on a three-ball run-out to win the game 8-7 and the series 3-0. Frosty heads off to the second round.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Cobalt v. Violetta. The host's second series of the day is in Accuracy with the red cue against a club-mate. Stonebridge's Cobalt held the lead for most of game 1 until he missed on the last ball to force overtime. Here, his break was empty, and Queens' Violetta converted a shot to snag the 2-3 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Cobalt returned the favor in game 2, getting the Flames' Violetta to miss late in regulation and then again on her overtime break. Cobalt converted to the top side in overtime to win 1-2, tying the series at 1. Both players were perfect deep into game 3, but it was Cobalt who cracked first, his miss the only one in Violetta's 0-1 win that sealed the series for her at 2-1. Violetta outdid her club-mate to get to round two.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Kitty. A co-captain hosts a rookie in 13-ball with the blue cue. Midland's Kitty had no trouble keeping up with Pearl's Watermelon, and Kitty actually got the win when Watermelon scratched while attempting the 8. Kitty put the 8 at the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon showed a bit more efficiency in converting her shots in game 2, outpacing the Predators' Kitty near the end to tap the 8 into the top left corner. Watermelon's win tied the series at 1. Watermelon stormed out to an early lead in game 3, and she didn't let it go either, getting a little help as Kitty potted one of Watermelon's balls. Watermelon then ignited a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win to set her against the Infinity Torpedoes' captain Smudge in the second round.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Hoppy v. Josie. For the third time today, Outcast club-mates square off, this time in Rotation with the silver cue. Archtown's Hoppy held an early lead thanks to a three-ball run off the break and some good play, but Oceanside's Josie shredded the deficit with a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out. She made a lot of fortunate shots to win 8-6, but Josie still has the 1-0 series lead nonetheless. The Waves' Josie showed a clear disdain for a crowded table, allowing the Arrows' Hoppy to enjoy the early lead. Josie had chances to catch up but couldn't make the run, and Hoppy won 8-2 to tie the series at 1. Hoppy again staked out a large lead in game 3, and while Josie made a late push, Hoppy held her off to win 8-5 for the 2-1 series win. Hoppy will host Victoria Spurs captain Spice in the second round, one of her six bids to advance.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Tigerette. Stars and long-time legends of the league meet in 12-ball with the blue cue. Infinity's Fluffina made three balls on her first two turns, but a four-ball run by Commerce's Tigerette ruined Fluffina's positioning. Fluffina then missed contact on a kick, and Tigerette made her last two balls for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fluffina flipped the script in game 2, allowing the Tradewinds' Tigerette to get her positioning lined up. Fluffina then attacked with a four-ball run and followed up for her last two shots on the next turn for the win. This tied the energetic series at 1. Tigerette had an early scratch to disrupt her attack, and Fluffina rallied on a five-ball run. Fluffina would scratch, but she had time to push back for a pair of shots on the winning turn. Fluffina's 2-1 series win assures her a spot in the second round.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Yekaterina v. Midnight. The blue cue gets another twirl in 12-ball. Victoria's Yekaterina opened game 1 with a three-ball run, but her troubles at the bottom side allowed Westside's Midnight to catch up and win with a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Midnight did everything right in game 2, getting down to her last ball and playing for positioning, but the Spurs' Yekaterina stormed back anyway. Yekaterina had delicately positioned every ball and executed a textbook six-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Midnight and Yekaterina tangled in a tantalizing game 3, with Midnight ultimately beating Yekaterina to the final ball for the win. Midnight took the series 2-1 and will play in round two.
Apple Center, Todavía: Sierra v. Spirit. Sisters square off in 8-ball with the blue cue in a specially timed daily finale tonight. Game 1 had an electric start, with Lighton's Spirit making a four-ball run only for Todavía's Sierra to answer with a five-ball run. Spirit had a late scratch ruin her effort, and Sierra took it from there for the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Spirit again made a push early in game 2, but the quality of play dropped on both sides toward the end. A second scratch from the Stills' Sierra would be enough to propel Spirit to the win as she tapped the 8 down at the bottom right to tie the series at 1. Game 3 went down to the wire, decided by Spirit striking a three-ball run-out while Sierra struggled for a good position. Spirit took the series 2-1 and will visit Oreo of the Terrace City Knights in the second round.
Tomorrow is an off day for Tournament action, but expect to see at least the end of Elite Week 22 and potentially the start of Premier's final week on Twitter @UnitedPCL.
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