Tournament XI - First Round Day 39

We're ready to go as we begin to hit the homestretch on the First Round. First up...

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Toki v. Stealth. The red cue makes the start today in Accuracy. Eastside's Toki had a lead for much of game 1, but let it slip away on the final ball. In overtime, Toki missed his second shot and lost 2-3 to Swordpoint's Stealth, who held on just long enough to grab a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw a bit of a mirror image from before, although the game was tied late after the Sharks' Toki let a lead slip away again. He positioned well late to get the Blades' Stealth to miss, and Toki converted the last ball for a 2-3 win to tie the series at 1. Toki again played smart near the end of game 3, maintaining his advantage and turning it into another 2-3 win when Stealth couldn't fight back. Toki won the series 2-1 and will host the Stonebridge Wolves' Hershey in the second round.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Anna v. Dustin. The green cue's lone appearance today is in 15-ball. Central's Dustin eventually worked a four-ball run after a slow start to game 1, but he fell short after that. Terrace City's Anna found a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Dustin scratched after a contact play on the 1 in game 2. The Knights' Anna took the ball-in-hand for a 1-2 combination to the bottom left and a 1-15 kick combination to the top left for a quick win to clinch the series at 2-0. Anna didn't get anything on the break, and Dustin played a little looser in game 3. Dustin won with a 4-14-15 combination to the bottom left, leaving Anna to advance on a 2-1 series win to visit his Warriors teammate Klaus in the second round.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Bandit v. Snuggle. The purple cue draws into the action in 9-ball. Harrison's Snuggle played at pace in game 1, working a five-ball run before he scratched. Swordpoint's Bandit then made a pair and scratched, setting up Snuggle for the final pair and the win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. Another fast moving battle saw the Blades' Bandit work quickly onto the 9 only to miss it twice. The Specters' Snuggle made it on his second try for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Snuggle made three balls on the break in game 3, but the rest of his offense was spotty. He scratched late, and Bandit made the 9 from ball-in-hand for his lone win. A 2-1 series win allows Snuggle to host Southern Monarchs sophomore Molly in the second round with one of his five advancing bids.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Slinks v. Peach. The silver cue gets its first turn today in 15-ball. Tysini's Slinks didn't show much command in a slow game 1 that ultimately went in favor of North Modernistic's Peach. It wasn't pretty, but Peach sank the final pair for the 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Peach didn't find an uptick in success during a sloppy game 2. The Hummingbirds' Slinks lost her patience but still managed to get the win as Peach had no command either. This tied the series at 1. Both players went for hard contact and little else in game 3. Peach picked up the win when her missed bank on the 9 sent the 15 to the bottom right for a 2-1 series win over Slinks. Peach will visit the Queens Flames' Briana in the second round.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Quincy v. Lily. The blue cue is set to play in 10-ball. An erratic start in game 1 saw Eastside's Lily waste her opportunities with errors. Modernistic's Quincy was shaky too, but he recovered with a five-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Lily had a fortunate bounce go in her favor to make a shot on the 4, but she scratched while potting the 5. The Union's Quincy took over with a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand, ending with an expertly set-up 8-10 combination at the top left. Quincy sealed the series at 2-0. Quincy completed the sweep by finishing strong in game 3, making five of the last six balls including the 10 when Lily missed a kick attempt. Quincy's 3-0 series win lines him up to host Apex Wonders rookie Blair in the second round.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Buddy v. Megan. Sophomores clash in Accuracy as the purple cue makes an exit. Atlantic's Buddy had a very strong game 1, yielding few bad plays. Oceanside's Megan tried to keep up, but her late double-pot backfired, and Buddy ended up with a 1-2 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Buddy was nearly perfect in game 2, only taking an error by scratching on his last shot. He still easily beat the Waves' Megan 1-3, which allowed Buddy to clinch the series at 2-0. Buddy had a sloppy game 3, and yet Megan still nearly found a way to lose it. Buddy fell behind again late and Megan won 3-4, but Buddy's 2-1 series win takes him to the second round.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Mams v. Strawberry. West Division rivals battle in 9-ball with the silver cue. Swordpoint's Mams didn't play great in game 1, but Victoria's Strawberry was just as inconsistent. Eventually, Mams knocked in the final pair for a 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Mams had a scratching problem, thrice putting the cue ball in a pocket in game 2. The Spurs' Strawberry finally capitalized at the end with a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Mams couldn't stop the scratching trouble, doing it twice more in game 3, including once when she missed on the 8. Strawberry took the final pair for the win and 2-1 series win that allows her to host Viewpoint Sound Meteors newcomer Cobalt in the second round with one of her five advancing bids. Mams will also take five bids forward.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Bright v. Dusky. The red cue is back in action for 13-ball. Atlantic's Dusky completely flubbed a half-dozen chances to get her last solid in the bottom right. Pearl's Bright also struggled on the 8 but eventually knocked it in at the top side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Dusky left far too much on the table and sent two balls off of it out of anger. The Surfers' Bright did the same on his last solid, extending an already painfully long battle of blunders. Eventually, Bright made the final pair for the win to clinch the series at 2-0 by some miracle. Game 3 went much faster, with Bright getting good offense off the break and a little help from a still-struggling Dusky. Bright completed the 3-0 series sweep and will host Southern Monarchs newcomer Lorde in the second round.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Frosty. The blue cue cycles in for 15-ball. Freedom's Frosty scratched after a three-ball run late in game 1, but Commerce's Rosemary missed on her next two turns to somehow let it slip away. Frosty escaped with the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Frosty made a pair on the break in game 2, but she also scratched. The Tradewinds' Rosemary was able to get the 15 near the top left on her first turn, and then converted it with a deflection off the 2 a turn later. This tied the series at 1. Rosemary lost control again at the end of game 3, losing patience as many players already have today. Frosty stayed composed enough to deflect off the 14 and bump the 15 into the top left for the win and 2-1 series win. Frosty is set to visit Central Warriors star Noelle in the second round.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Toki v. Missy. Club-mates meet in 12-ball with the silver cue. Capital City's Missy claimed stripes with an early three-ball run, then did some positioning work before a three-ball run-out to shut out Eastside's Toki in game 1. Missy owns a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Missy made a pair of stripes and one solid on the game 2 break, but she stuck with stripes. The Sharks' Toki was better this time to get onto his last ball, but Missy was able to fend him off late for the win to seal the series at 2-0. In game 3, Missy made one of each on the break, but she played on solids. Once again, she started hot, then worked on positioning before sinking a three-ball run-out to finish her 3-0 series sweep over Toki. Missy will host Oceanside Waves captain Celestia in the second round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Kacey v. Marissa. Another 12-ball series sees the silver cue end its day. Royal's Kacey made a pair of solids but also scratched on the game 1 break, and that likely made all the difference. Maplewood's Marissa played smart and worked her way to the win, using late positioning to set up the winning shot on the 12 to the bottom right. Marissa leads the series 1-0. The Crowns' Kacey had a lot better luck in game 2, but that didn't stop the Lumberjacks' Marissa from breaking out some physicality. That bought Marissa time to set herself up again before finishing the win to clinch the series at 2-0. In game 3, Kacey worked a four-ball run to get in great position. Marissa drew the ire of the home crowd for more physical play, although Kacey responded with a kick shot for the win. Marissa still took the series 2-1 and was booed out of the arena, setting her up to visit her best friend and Stonebridge Wolves sophomore Jane in the second round.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Gabby v. Smokey. The red cue is up in 8-ball. Both players played fast in game 1, then slowed down on the 8. Southern's Gabby picked up the 8 at the bottom left after Pacific's Smokey couldn't corral it in time, and Gabby owns a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Gabby didn't have anywhere near the same control in game 2, and it took some time for the Volcanoes' Smokey to figure it out. Smokey ultimately potted a four-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. The pace in game 3 was back up to standard, and Smokey was just better on offense to get the win and 2-1 series win over Gabby. Smokey will play on the road in the second round.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Pounce v. Crystal. A captains' battle in 7-ball with the blue cue ends the venue doubleheader. Southern's Pounce began with a four-ball run in game 1, but Queens' Crystal got the win by making the last three balls over two turns. Crystal owns a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Crystal had the better run in game 2, making four straight in the middle before the Monarchs' Pounce responded with the final pair. Pounce's counterattack tied the series at 1. Crystal fired back just right in game 3, a back-and-forth battle that saw Pounce take a crucial miss on the 6. Crystal made a pair for the win and won the series 2-1, earning a trip to Terrace City for another captains' battle with the Knights' Kiwi in the second round.

Sony Center, Queens: Pauline v. Josie. The red cue checks out after an 8-ball series. Viewpoint Sound's Josie had more of the early offense in game 1, but she didn't support it very well. At the end, Queens' Pauline completed a comeback on a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. Both players had similar starts in game 2. At the end, the Flames' Pauline began to tail off, and it was missed contact on the 8 that caused her to lose. The Meteors' Josie sank the final pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Josie made a stripe on the break but also scratched. That ball wouldn't see a pocket again, preventing her from the win as Pauline staged another impressive comeback for the 2-1 series win. Pauline will host Pronger Tridents captain Precious in the second round, one of her three bids to move on.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Gal v. Potter. The blue cue ends the day with Accuracy. North Modernistic's Gal scratched on the break, but she found no mercy from Pronger's Potter, who stayed perfect as she fell apart late. Potter won 0-4 to gain a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Potter refused to budge again in game 2, staying perfect as the Nighthawks' Gal slipped behind early. Potter held on for a 0-3 win and sealed the series at 2-0 without missing a shot. Potter finally faltered in game 3, but even in a relatively sloppy effort, he was able to get a 3-5 win over Gal. Potter swept the series 3-0 and will visit Harrison Specters newcomer Puff II in the second round. 

Frustrations abounded on and off the table today, so we'll have to hope for better play tomorrow.

Tournament XI - First Round Day 38

We're ready to go on a new day of games. First up...

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Rachel. The red cue opens the day in 7-ball. Whitewater's Rachel had the momentum in game 1, but she let it get away with a miss on the 7. Central's Dustin converted to earn the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Dustin was strong in game 2, finishing with a four-ball run-out after the Shores' Rachel couldn't slow him down. Dustin sealed the series at 2-0. In game 3, Dustin wasn't able to assert his offense in time. Rachel posted a five-ball run-out for her lone win in the series, while Dustin's 2-1 series win sets him up to host the Terrace City Knights' Melissa in the second round.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Boots v. Panda. The green cue gets a look in Accuracy. Everton's Panda blew a massive lead in game 1, but he won 5-6 anyway after Pearl's Boots missed on her second shot in overtime. Panda owns a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Eagles' Panda completely unraveled early on. The Surfers' Boots was strong enough to maintain her lead, grabbing a 2-4 win in the end to tie the series at 1. Both players tightened up quite a bit in game 3, with a late miss from Panda separating them. Boots got the 1-2 win and 2-1 series win, and she'll host Capital City Sharpshooters rookie Ellie in the second round.

Apple Center, Todavía: Hughbert v. Princess. The visitor's doubleheader begins with 12-ball and the green cue. Viewpoint Sound's Princess was excellent in game 1, overcoming a scratch and some light physical play from Todavía's Hughbert to get the win. Princess made a pair to the side pockets for the 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Hughbert was much more effective on offense in game 2, keeping pace with the Meteors' Princess this time. Hughbert struck for a pair of shots late after Princess scratched, and Hughbert's win tied the series at 1. Hughbert kept up a strong pace for game 3, racing Princess left to right across the table. Hughbert bumped Princess out of the way at the top right before making a pair on his next turn for the 2-1 series win. Hughbert will visit the Tysini Hummingbirds' Charli in the second round.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Princess v. Dewey. The green cue goes again in Accuracy. Viewpoint Sound's Princess held the lead initially, but neither player looked all that good in game 1. Princess fell apart late, and Stonebridge's Dewey held on for a 4-6 win to go up 1-0 in the series. The Wolves' Dewey scratched on the break in game 2, and that doomed him from the start. The Meteors' Princess was much sharper this time in a 1-3 win to tie the series at 1. Princess couldn't hold onto a lead late, then slipped behind until Dewey scratched on the last ball of game 3. In overtime, Princess went empty on the break and Dewey won 3-4 to take a 2-1 series win. Dewey will visit the Tysini Hummingbirds' Leandra in the second round.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Cobalt v. Cubby. The venue doubleheader ends in 15-ball with the blue cue. Viewpoint Sound's Cobalt had a tough time with consistency in game 1, ruining his pace at the end. Archtown's Cubby was a little better and a lot luckier to get the win and 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Cubby wasn't quite as impressive in game 2, falling off the pace near the end. The Meteors' Cobalt instead made a four-ball run-out to cash in a win that tied the series at 1. In game 3, Cobalt wasted a few good looks, and his slower pace did him no favors. Cubby struck at the end with a double-pot of the 9 and 15 to the left corners for the win and 2-1 series win, and he'll go on to host Todavía Stills captain Easter in the second round.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Shiny. Prestige teammates battle in 7-ball as the green cue checks out for the day. Shiny had a little bit better of the offense in game 1, loosely controlling play versus Spirit to get the win and 1-0 series lead. In game 2, Shiny had some early offense, but Spirit took little time to set the tone. At the end, Spirit charged with a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Spirit stumbled early but recovered well after Shiny failed to capitalize. Spirit worked a six-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win to get a trip to Westside for a match with the Rockers' Snowball. Shiny will have only two advancing bids.

Porsche Events Center, Zenith: Omari v. Nibbles. The red cue cycles in for this 9-ball set. Zenith's Omari had some creative ideas on offense, but his miss on the 7 allowed Web City's Nibbles to rattle off a three-ball run-out. Nibbles owns the 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Nibbles went empty on the break in game 2, but bounced back on a six-ball run. The Skywatchers' Omari got one chance at the 9 and missed it on a failed double-bank deflection toward the bottom left, where Nibbles tapped it down to clinch the series at 2-0. In game 3, Omari looked ready to challenge for the win until the end, when Nibbles stepped up on a four-ball run-out. Nibbles swept the series 3-0 to earn a road position in the second round.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Melissa v. Wild Thing. The blue cue plays a 12-ball series. Terrace City's Melissa deployed a good blend of offense and defense in game 1, only to come up short. Web City's Wild Thing had defense at the bottom right until he finished off a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. In game 2, both players had a couple of mistakes with positioning. The Knights' Melissa struggled to line up her last ball, while the Spiders' Wild Thing needed to scratch to set himself up better before making two pairs of shots in his last three turns for the win. Wild Thing sealed the series at 2-0. Wild Thing overfilled the top side on the game 3 break, and Melissa took over with fast offense. Melissa won on a three-ball run-out, but Wild Thing's 2-1 series win will put him on the road in the second round versus the Southridge Defenders' Roxy.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Sweetheart v. Lily. South Division rivals are set to meet in Accuracy as the silver cue joins the party. Boston's Sweetheart scratched on the break, and that would make a difference in the even battle in game 1. Eastside's Lily escaped at the end with a 2-3 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Lily kept her standards high in game 2, defending well with positioning and making her shots regularly. The Swifts' Sweetheart couldn't keep up, and Lily clinched the series at 2-0 with a 1-3 win. Sweetheart had no cohesion to her play in game 3, and Lily was a bit off as well but not as badly. Lily won 4-6 to complete a 3-0 series sweep that sends her to visit the Southridge Defenders rookie Ingrid in the second round. Sweetheart carries three bids into the next round.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stripes v. Potter. The silver cue exits after 9-ball. Pronger's Potter got a grip with a five-ball run, then lost control in the middle of game 1. After a scrap, Southridge's Stripes made a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Stripes was in better shape in game 2 until she snookered herself on the 9. This allowed the Tridents' Potter to get the win from ball-in-hand to tie the series at 1. Stripes again pushed hard early on with a three-ball run, only to lose the pace at the end. Potter made the final pair for a 2-1 series win to get into the second round.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Shaggy. The venue doubleheader ends with the purple cue playing Accuracy. Whitewater's Shaggy had a long run of perfection in game 1, only to stumble late. Southridge's Bianca got a lucky bounce at the end to close out a 1-2 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Shaggy fell behind hard in game 2, but she stabilized at the end just as the Defenders' Bianca fell apart. This led to overtime, where Bianca's empty break allowed Shaggy to convert for a 4-5 win to tie the series at 1. Bianca kept things close throughout game 3, but she wasn't able to take a lead at any point. Shaggy held firm enough for a 2-3 win to earn a 2-1 series win and a place in the second round.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Puff III v. Autumn. The blue cue takes a twirl in 13-ball. Everton's Puff III made one of each on the break and elected to play with solids. Her positioning was much better than that of Diamond's Autumn, who made a late push before Puff III finished the win with a pair of shots for the 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Puff III had another good break in game 2, sinking a pair of solids. The Gems' Autumn was a little more active this time, but Puff III played a little smarter to nab the win that sealed the series at 2-0. Autumn had decent positioning in game 3 but couldn't get much offense going. Puff III was struggling as well, and she sank the 8 illegally to gift the game away. Puff III still took the series 2-1 and will host the Pearl Surfers' Wings in the second round.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Blaze v. Chicky Phil. The purple cue is done after 7-ball. Infinity's Blaze had a choppy start in game 1, but he eventually made a four-ball run-out after Midland's Chicky Phil failed to capitalize. Blaze leads the series 1-0. The Torpedoes' Blaze made a pair and scratched on the game 2 break, and he didn't get back to the table. The Predators' Chicky Phil won on a five-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Chicky Phil had a four-ball run off the break in game 3, but he would be blocked out after that. Blaze bounced back with a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win to advance to hosting the Everton Eagles' Puff III in the second round. Blaze has five total advancing bids.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Twilight. Today's marquee series has long-time captains battling in 8-ball with the red cue. Lighton's Acorn had a four-ball run off the break and a three-ball run on his second turn. Central's Twilight mustered a four-ball run, but Acorn put the 8 away at the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Acorn wasn't as in control for game 2, leaving plenty on the table this time. The Warriors' Twilight kept it even until the end when she made a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Neither player seemed too keen on a quick finish in game 3, as they each missed their last ball in excruciating ways. Twilight ultimately got the win and a 2-1 series win to move into a road position in the second round.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Steven v. Ms. Kitty. The day ends with the blue cue in Accuracy. Atlantic's Steven trailed for much of game 1 after a scratch on the break, but he was able to force overtime. There, Pacific's Ms. Kitty missed on the break and Steven converted for a 4-5 win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty had a shaky middle in game 2, wasting a chance to pull ahead of the Pirates' Steven as he also faltered. At the end, Ms. Kitty missed on the last ball, and Steven sent it to the top side for the 2-3 win to secure the series at 2-0. With nothing to play for in game 3, both players took a step back. Steven still beat Ms. Kitty 4-6 for the 3-0 series sweep as he heads to the second round. 

That's all for today, but we've got four more standard days this week.

Tournament XI - First Round Day 37

We'll do a split day this weekend, with as much as possible on Saturday before finishing up the rest on Sunday. First up...

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Buddy v. Cheddar. The blue cue opens the day with 9-ball. Atlantic's Buddy had too many errors in game 1, twice scratching and adding a missed contact on a miscue. North Modernistic's Cheddar did well on free possession to earn the win and 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Cheddar had a strong performance in game 2 with a pair of three-balls runs, as the Pirates' Buddy proved unable to capitalize on his opportunity near the end. Cheddar sealed the series at 2-0. Buddy finally got on the board in game 3, although it took him some time. He won on a five-ball run-out, while Cheddar's 2-1 series win allows her to visit Web City Spiders veteran Waluigi with one of her four advancing bids.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Wild Thing v. Waluigi. Spiders teammates battle in 7-ball with the silver cue. Waluigi seemed to get a little more of the early offense in game 1, but Wild Thing for the win with the final pair. Wild Thing leads the series 1-0. Wild Thing was scattered on offense in game 2, while Waluigi eventually settled down to win on a five-ball run-out. Waluigi's surge was good enough to tie the series at 1. Waluigi ran the table in game 3 without letting Wild Thing get a shot. Waluigi took the series 2-1 as well, earning a trip to Midland to face the Predators' Rainmane in the second round.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Lindsay v. Sydney S. The blue cue is back for a 12-ball series. Boston's Sydney S. had a better start to game 1, and playing from behind didn't suit Stonebridge's Lindsay very well. Sydney S. was able to close out the effort as a win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Swifts' Sydney S. remained productive despite scratching on the break in game 2. She battled in the middle of the table with the Wolves' Lindsay and prevailed, as Sydney S. made a pair at the end for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Sydney S. didn't have the same pace on offense in game 3, allowing Lindsay to storm her way to a win on a five-ball run-out. Sydney S. took the series 2-1 to earn her place in the second round with five total bids advancing.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Cowzart v. Mams. The green cue's lone series today is in Rotation. Swordpoint's Mams had a fantastic start in game 1, but Apex's Cowzart was remarkable with a five-ball run to pull even. Mams then fought him off at the end for an 8-6 win to go up 1-0 in the series. The Blades' Mams had a scratch on the break in game 2, and the Wonders' Cowzart built up a nice lead. Mams pulled back but couldn't tie it before Cowzart won 8-4 on a three-ball run-out. This tied the series at 1. Cowzart had another good start in game 3, and he was able to see this one out as an 8-5 win to beat Mams 2-1 in the series. Cowzart will host Zenith Skywatchers veteran Bells in the second round.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Cleo v. Carly. The silver cue checks in again for 7-ball. Everton's Cleo established a 1-0 series lead quickly as she got the 7 to drop in the bottom right on the game 1 break. The Eagles' Cleo was able to keep Westside's Carly from the table in game 2 as well. This time, Cleo ran the table to clinch the series at 2-0, playing perfect offense as her lone defense. In game 3, the Rockers' Carly enjoyed a majority of the possession, but Cleo was there to mop up the last two balls for the 3-0 series sweep. Cleo will host again in the second round.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Neopolitan v. Precious. The purple cue joins the party in Rotation. Pronger's Precious had a surge in the middle of game 1, and Pearl's Neopolitan had no chance to reply to that. Precious closed out an 8-2 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Precious didn't get anything off the break in game 2 and struggled a bit after that too. The Surfers' Neopolitan had a lead for awhile, but Precious stormed ahead with a four-ball run and then fought off the host for an 8-6 win to secure the series at 2-0. Precious took a lead in game 3, but Neopolitan evened the score quickly. At the end, Precious surged ahead again for an 8-4 win to complete the 3-0 series sweep. She'll visit another captain, the Web City Spiders' Jack, in the second round.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Waluigi. The purple cue goes again in Accuracy. Harrison's Twinkie II didn't get a great break in game 1, but she played well to block out Web City's Waluigi. Twinkie II claimed a 1-2 win and took a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II played perfectly in game 2, making a pair on the break and holding tight at the end after the Spiders' Waluigi had a misstep. Twinkie II won the game 0-1 and clinched the series at 2-0. Twinkie II played hard despite a scratch on the break in game 3, and she was able to tie the game late before sportingly playing to a 1-2 loss. Twinkie II beat Waluigi 2-1 in the series, and she'll move on to visit the Tysini Hummingbirds' Charli in the second round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Blake v. Bear. The red cue is up in this 7-ball series. After a rough start, Commerce's Bear settled in well enough to make a run at the end and earn the win for a 1-0 series lead over Freedom's Blake. The Tradewinds' Bear struck in game 2 with a late pair after a choppy offense led to slow play. The Cascades' Blake again came up empty in the clutch as Bear sealed the series at 2-0. Bear didn't show any mercy in game 3, running the table to sweep Blake 3-0 in the series. Bear is lined up to host the Viewpoint Sound Meteors' Josie in the second round with one of his three advancing bids.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Angelica v. Rocky. The silver cue is done for the day after this 9-ball set. Lighton's Angelica was a little off early in game 1, but she closed with a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead over Oceanside's Rocky. The Prestige's Angelica had a solid four-ball run in the middle of game 2, but she couldn't support it after that. The Waves' Rocky ended up winning with a pair at the end to tie the series at 1. Angelica gathered her offense in game 3, picking up a five-ball run-out in a great finish to beat Rocky 2-1 in the series. Angelica will host Modernistic Union captain Ms. Puppy in the second round.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Luigi. The blue cue takes a turn in 15-ball. Commerce's Luigi liked his runs in game 1, getting a good one in the middle before closing a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead over Modernistic's Ms. Puppy. In pursuit of a finishing run in game 2, the Tradewinds' Luigi instead found a scratch. The Union's Ms. Puppy used the ball-in-hand to finally fight back with a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Both players began to circle the 15 after the midpoint of game 3. Luigi missed a couple of looks at it, and Ms. Puppy won on an 11-15 combination to the bottom left. Ms. Puppy took a 2-1 series win and will visit Pronger Tridents captain Precious in the second round. Luigi still has four bids moving on.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Diddley v. Celestia. The blue cue checks out after 8-ball. Maplewood's Diddley had an awful break in game 1, but Oceanside's Celestia still picked up a six-ball run on her first turn. She followed up with a pair for the shutout win to take a 1-0 series lead a turn later. The Waves' Celestia also had a bad break in game 2, but she was able to pick up stripes. The Lumberjacks' Diddley made some shots this time, but he remained behind the pace of Celestia, who closed out another win to secure the series at 2-0. Game 3 was the most competitive of the bunch, but Diddley wasn't able to turn late momentum into a win. Celestia responded to his late run with a three-ball run-out for the win and 3-0 series sweep. She'll visit Everton Eagles veteran Vincent in the second round.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Greg v. Melissa. The red cue is up next with 7-ball. Archtown's Greg opened with a four-ball run before he scratched in game 1. Terrace City's Melissa made a pair and then got the 7 on her second chance after Greg couldn't steal it. Melissa leads the series 1-0. The Knights' Melissa couldn't close out in game 2, her late three-ball run ending with a narrow miss on the 7. The Arrows' Greg got a tap-in for the win to tie the series at 1. Greg faltered too many times in game 3, his offense unsteady. Melissa picked up the slack at the end with a pair of shots for the win to take a 2-1 series win and earn her place in the second round.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Ice Cream. The purple cue finishes its schedule today in 8-ball between Swifts teammates to end the Saturday segment of the schedule. Gradley pushed with a five-ball run late in game 1, but he missed the 8 twice. Ice Cream took a pair of shots to get the win and 1-0 series lead. In game 2, Ice Cream had a sporadic attack at times. Gradley wasn't great at first, but he cashed in on a four-ball run-out at the end to get the win and tie the series at 1. Both players had four-ball runs early in game 3, but Gradley backed his up with a second wind on offense. Gradley won the series 2-1 and will visit Midland Predators veteran Rainmane in the second round. Ice Cream has three bids going forward.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Summer. The red cue gets an East Division showdown in 13-ball. Maplewood's Summer was notably shaky on offense in game 1, and she potted the last ball for Web City's Jack, who then easily made the 8 for the win. Jack leads the series 1-0. The Spiders' Jack took the lead early in game 2, but he was slowed down by defense from the Lumberjacks' Summer. When she tried to transition to offense, Summer botched her shot at the top side, and Jack took over for a pair of shots to get the win. This sealed the series at 2-0. Summer again turned to defense in game 3, but she was too loose this time as Jack worked his way to a win to complete the 3-0 series sweep. Jack will play the winner of the next series in the second round.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Boots v. Precious. The red cue finishes the weekend in 13-ball. Pearl's Boots had a better start in game 1 and worked well with stripes. Pronger's Precious tried to do the same, but she was too slow, and Boots won on a three-ball run-out for a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Precious played through a cluster at the top left in game 2, getting onto the 8 in an unconventional manner. The Surfers' Boots replied with a three-ball run, but her last ball never lined up before Precious sank the 8 to the bottom right for the win. The series is tied at 1. Precious missed on a stripe early in game 3, and that made all the difference. Boots cruised to the win and took a 2-1 series win, setting her up to host Web City Spiders captain Jack in the second round. Precious still carries six bids forward.

That's all for the weekend. We'll be back on the regular schedule during the upcoming week, then moving along to another split-session next weekend.

Tournament XI - First Round Day 36

We're ready to reach the three-quarters mark by the end of the day. The green cue will not play today. First up...

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Sugar. Club-mates battle in Rotation with the silver cue to start the day. Golden's Dusty had a burst of offense early in game 1, and Tysini's Sugar couldn't get anything to fall. Dusty won in an 8-0 shutout to take a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Dusty couldn't control game 2 in the same way, as the Hummingbirds' Sugar continued to get involved. It was a close finish that saw Sugar make the final pair for an 8-7 win to tie the series at 1. Dusty's first attack on offense was enough to carry her in the end, as she maintained a lead and won 8-6 over Sugar. Dusty's 2-1 series win allows her to host the Everton Eagles' Panda in the second round.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Sparkles v. Josie. The venue doubleheader ends with the red cue in 7-ball. Golden's Sparkles had a shaky start in game 1. Viewpoint Sound's Josie didn't do great until the end when she made a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Josie had more of the early offense in game 2, but the Pilots' Sparkles responded well with a four-ball run-out. This tied the series at 1. Sparkles couldn't get any traction after scratching on the break in game 3, and Josie buried the final pair of shots for the win. Josie took the series 2-1 and will be on the road again in the second round.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Gabby v. Violetta. The blue cue makes its first appearance today in Accuracy. Queens' Violetta played at her usual level in game 1, leaving no room for Southern's Gabby to make mistakes. Gabby failed to keep pace as Violetta won 1-3 for the 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Violetta showed a little weakness in the middle of game 2, but a late scratch caused the Monarchs' Gabby to fall behind again. Violetta closed out a 2-3 win to seal the series at 2-0. Gabby let her chances fade away late in game 3 as well, and Violetta eventually closed out a 3-4 win to sweep the series 3-0. Violetta will visit the Web City Spiders' Wild Thing in the second round.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Stephanie. The silver cue cycles in for a 15-ball series. There was virtually no pace from either player in game 1. Web City's Jack found his way with a three-ball run-out, ending on a 10-15 combination to the bottom side to get the 1-0 series lead over Swordpoint's Stephanie. The Spiders' Jack was a little shaky early in game 2, but he got the momentum right at the end. He made a three-ball run and a four-ball run-out to beat the Blades' Stephanie for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Stephanie stepped in late in game 3 with a three-ball run-out to get the win after Jack didn't maintain his play. Jack won the series 2-1 and will host East Division rival and Archtown Arrows captain Sally in the second round. Stephanie will have three advancing bids.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Andrew v. Graham. The purple cue is ready to enter the action in 12-ball. Central's Graham had some creative shooting in game 1, but he defense at the top right didn't hold. Freedom's Andrew was precise on his comeback push and got the win for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Cascades' Andrew worked into a difficult situation in game 2, but he remained crafty while the Warriors' Graham took too long to finish. Andrew pulled back and won on a pair of shots to secure the series at 2-0. Andrew opened game 3 with a four-ball run, and while Graham made a four-ball run later on, Andrew was well-positioned to finish it off. Andrew swept the series 3-0 to earn a road trip to Oceanside in the second round to face the Waves' Megan with one of his three advancing bids.

Apple Center Todavía: Pedey v. Precious. The silver cue takes a turn in 9-ball. Pronger's Precious tried to set the tone in game 1, although a bad scratch caused her some trouble. Todavía's Pedey then missed on the 8, and Precious made the final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Pedey looked a bit more involved in game 2, but his miss on the 9 continued a troubling trend. The Tridents' Precious cleaned up the 9 at the top right for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Pedey again faltered at the end of game 3, his lack of command helping Precious make the final pair to complete a 3-0 series sweep. Precious will get a chance to host Archtown Arrows newcomer Cubby in the second round.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Luigi v. Cobalt. North Division rivals clash in Rotation with the silver cue. Commerce's Luigi got off to a good start with a pair on the break in game 1. He wasn't as sharp after that, but he still had an easy 8-3 win over Viewpoint Sound's Cobalt for the 1-0 series lead. A more competitive game 2 saw another solid start from the Tradewinds' Luigi, but this came with the Meteors' Cobalt making a solid response. Cobalt won this time by an 8-5 score, tying the series at 1. Luigi had good fortune and plenty of offense in game 3, shutting out Cobalt 8-0 to win the series 2-1. Luigi will move into the second round.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Sweetheart v. Strawberry. The blue cue checks out after 8-ball. Victoria's Strawberry found a seven-ball run in game 1 to get ahead, but Boston's Sweetheart checked her back with a five-ball run-out for the win. Sweetheart leads the series 1-0. The Swifts' Sweetheart didn't start as well in game 2, as the Spurs' Strawberry made a decent amount of the early offense. In response, Sweetheart rallied on a seven-ball run-out to earn the win that secured the series at 2-0. Strawberry had game 3 in her hands, only for a late miss to ruin it as Sweetheart made the final pair. Sweetheart swept the series 3-0 and will host the Atlantic Pirates' Steven in the second round.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Toki v. Pedey. The visitor's second series of the day uses the silver cue in 7-ball. Eastside's Toki was able to win an unremarkable game 1 after Todavía's Pedey missed the 7 twice. Toki owns a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Toki had a better start in game 2 with a four-ball run, but he didn't get back to the table. The Stills' Pedey rattled off a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Toki had the winning shot on his stick in game 3, but he scratched on a hard cut to get the 7 into the bottom right. This gifted the win to Pedey, who took the series 2-1 and will visit Everton Eagles captain Goldy in the second round.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Summer v. Steven. East Division foes tangle in Rotation with the purple cue. Maplewood's Summer started a little slow as Atlantic's Steven led game 1 early on. At the end, Steven scratched and Summer used the ball-in-hand to create a four-ball run-out for the 8-6 win. Summer is ahead 1-0 in the series. The Pirates' Steven had a much more convincing five-ball run to begin game 2, and the Lumberjacks' Summer was unable to provide a response. Steven closed on an 8-0 shutout win to tie the series at 1. Summer took care of business in game 3, grabbing the lead early and blocking Steven's path. Summer won 8-3 and took the series 2-1, but she'll be on the road in the second round versus the Infinity Torpedoes' Fluffina.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Snuggle. The red cue is done for the day after 13-ball. Stonebridge's Hershey made one of each off the game 1 break, and he made it count on stripes with a four-ball run. Harrison's Snuggle tried to catch up, but Hershey slammed the door for a win and 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Hershey didn't have the same command in game 2, struggling to keep pace at times. The Specters' Snuggle had a nicer start, but still needed a little fortunate positioning to pick up the win to tie the series at 1. Hershey bounced back to begin game 3, but he wasn't able to finish it off. Snuggle made a four-ball run and used defense to block Hershey before banking the 8 to the bottom left for the win. Snuggle took the series 2-1.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Potter v. Shadow. The purple cue is back for an 8-ball series. Pronger's Potter made a five-ball run off the break in game 1, but that was almost all he mustered on offense. Diamond's Shadow quickly matched it, then found a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Shadow again played slow at the start, but he applied pressure later in game 2. The Tridents' Potter bent a bit but held on long enough to earn the win that tied the series at 1. Shadow fell short in game 3, unable to capitalize on a terrible break from Potter. Instead, it was Potter who picked at the scraps and built a five-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win. He'll move on to host the Terrace City Knights' Melissa in the second round.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Max. The purple cue stays up for a 12-ball set. Central's Dustin got off to a hot start in game 1, and he was able to overcome an overfill at the top side. Golden's Max tried to catch up, but his scratch allowed Dustin to finish his win for a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Max had a faster attack early in game 2, but he wasn't able to finish it off. The Warriors' Dustin played well through the middle and used his positioning to get the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Dustin was absolutely dominant in game 3, limiting Max's offense from the start. Dustin got the win and swept the series 3-0, and he'll now host a club-mate, the Archtown Arrows' Cubby, in the second round. Max takes forth three bids into the next round.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Rachel v. Puff III. The purple cue exits after this Rotation series. Whitewater's Rachel had a strong start in game 1, making a three-ball run from the break. Everton's Puff III had enough offense to pull even once, but Rachel got away for an 8-4 win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Shores' Rachel maintained a lead early in game 2, but the Eagles' Puff III put in a more complete effort this time. Puff III was able to close out an 8-4 win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Rachel and Puff III refused to give up much possession in game 3, leading to a tight battle. Rachel prevailed, again by an 8-4 score, to earn a 2-1 series win and the right to host Todavía Stills veteran Sierra in the second round.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Spot. The day ends with the silver cue in 10-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Dani was a little too loose on offense in game 1, taking a stick foul and missing the 9. Free possession worked well for Pronger's Spot, who made a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Dani didn't clean up her play enough in game 2 despite a faster pace. The Tridents' Spot got ball-in-hand on the 9 and made a pair for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. In game 3, Dani had her best chance to win with a late three-ball run before she missed on the 10. Spot cleaned it up to complete the 3-0 series sweep. Spot will visit Diamond Gems sophomore Autumn in the second round. 

We're three-quarters done with the First Round. The plan for the next two weekends is to do split-day sessions, for a total of one day's worth of pool over each two-day weekend. This puts the league on track to end the round on July 30.

Tournament XI - First Round Day 35

Another day is set to begin, and this one could be a bit of a grind. First up...

Porsche Events Center, Zenith: Blizzard v. Hoppy. The red cue starts the day with an Accuracy series. Zenith's Blizzard was able to maintain a lead throughout game 1, earning a 3-4 win over Archtown's Hoppy for the 1-0 series lead. The Skywatchers' Blizzard nearly got the win in game 2, but she scratched on the last ball to tie the game. In overtime, Blizzard missed her only shot after the Arrows' Hoppy had made a ball on the break, and Hoppy won 3-4 to tie the series at 1. In game 3, both players had an awful middle portion. The game was tied going into overtime, where Hoppy had an explosive but empty break and Blizzard made her lone shot for a 5-6 win to take a 2-1 series win. Blizzard will host the Westside Rockers' Goatee in the second round.

Apple Center, Todavía: Sierra v. Precious. A big matchup in Accuracy uses the green cue. Pronger's Precious nearly kept pace in game 1, but Todavía's Sierra maintained a strong line. The close battle ended with Sierra taking a 1-2 win for the 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Tridents' Precious sank a double-pot and narrowly evaded trouble in the later parts of another close contest. The Stills' Sierra had a late miss, and that was all Precious needed for the 0-1 win to tie the series at 1. Both players dropped off the intensity in game 3, and Precious narrowly escaped with a 3-4 win after Sierra fell apart late. Precious won the series 2-1 and will be a visitor again in the second round.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Midnight. New captains this season battle in 8-ball with the silver cue. A reckless style from Southridge's Bianca saw her thrive with solids early on before making too many stripes to aid Apex's Midnight. At the end, Midnight grabbed the win with a pair of shots for a 1-0 series lead. The Wonders' Midnight took stripes on the break in game 2, but it was the Defenders' Bianca blindly shooting into a cluster that led to her sinking the 8 prematurely. This gifted the win and the series at 2-0 to Midnight. Bianca finally settled in and controlled game 3 for her lone win, leaving Midnight to advance on a 2-1 series win. Midnight will host Queens Flames captain Crystal in the second round.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Chicky Phil v. Carly. The green cue is back in action for Accuracy. Midland's Chicky Phil had a slow start in game 1, and he never recovered from it. Westside's Carly held her ground in a 1-2 win to earn the 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Chicky Phil was a little cleaner in game 2, but the Rockers' Carly was sharp enough at the end to force overtime. There, Chicky Phil's break was empty and Carly struck for the 2-3 win to clinch the series at 2-0. In game 3, Carly fell behind early and never had a chance to catch up. Chicky Phil won 2-3 after a late fade, while Carly took the series 2-1 to earn the right to host the Whitewater Shores' Marsell in the second round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Sunshine v. Frosty. The green cue checks out after Rotation. Royal's Sunshine was caught playing slow early in game 1, as Freedom's Frosty took a big lead and waited him out. Frosty won 8-3 and took a 1-0 series lead with ease. The Cascades' Frosty had a harder time establishing offense in game 2, but she still outpaced the Crowns' Sunshine fairly easily. Frosty worked her way to an 8-4 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Frosty held a lead for much of game 3, but Sunshine wouldn't go away this time. Sunshine battled to an 8-7 win, but Frosty won the series 2-1 to put her in a road meeting versus Terrace City Knights captain Kiwi in the second round.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Rocky v. Andrew. Another Rotation series uses the red cue. A close battle early on saw Oceanside's Rocky pick his way to an 8-3 win with better offense than Freedom's Andrew at the end. Rocky owns a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Andrew put in a more balanced effort on offense in game 2, holding off an inconsistent showing from the Waves' Rocky. At the end, Andrew closed out an 8-5 win to tie the series at 1. Andrew held a lead late in game 3, but he couldn't bring it across the finish line. Rocky was persistent with a pair of two-ball turns to get the 8-7 win and 2-1 series win. Rocky will play host to his Waves teammate Patches in the second round.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Sweetheart v. Ingrid. The silver cue takes a turn in 12-ball. Boston's Sweetheart enjoyed a ton of early offense, but she skipped over the side pockets. Southridge's Ingrid had plenty of positioning and used a five-ball run to take the lead before she earned the win for a 1-0 series lead. The two players battled hard in game 2, and it came down to the top side. The Swifts' Sweetheart eventually missed contact on her last ball, making it an easy finish for the Defenders' Ingrid to pick up the win and secure the series at 2-0. Ingrid had a good start in game 3, but she got blocked away from the bottom side. Sweetheart got her lone win on a four-ball run-out from ball-in-hand. Ingrid took the series win at 2-1 and will continue on the road in the second round.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Pounce. Another 12-ball series brings the purple cue aboard. Stonebridge's Hershey started with good offense in game 1, then blocked the top right at the end until Southern's Pounce knocked in Hershey's last ball for him. That gave Hershey a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Hershey exploded with a four-ball run off the break in game 2. This time, the Monarchs' Pounce flipped the script with frustrating defense at the top right, and when Hershey removed it, Pounce charged on a three-ball run-out. This tied the series at 1. Pounce had a big start in game 3 with a four-ball run, but Hershey kept pace well and won on a three-ball run-out. Hershey took the series 2-1 and will host the Queens Flames captain Crystal in the second round.

Apple Center, Todavía: Ruby v. Stinky. More 12-ball brings the blue cue into the action. Todavía's Ruby had fast offense early in game 1, but her late positioning let her down. Freedom's Stinky applied pressure and made a pair of shots at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Stinky had a four-ball run to get onto his last ball in game 2, and he looked to be in good shape until the Stills' Ruby answered on a four-ball run-out. The sudden comeback win allowed Ruby to tie the series at 1. Ruby got down to good positioning, but Stinky's scratching ruined her angles. Stinky eventually made a pair at the end to get the win and 2-1 series win, which will see him return to this venue to take on the Stills' Pedey in the second round. Ruby will still carry four bids into the second round.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Lorde v. Rudolph. The purple cue checks in again for 9-ball. While not totally precise, Southern's Lorde was unrelenting on offense in game 1. It was too much for Eastside's Rudolph to handle, and Lorde won on the final pair of shots for the 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Lorde had a much slower start in game 2, but the Sharks' Rudolph didn't do anything to take control. Lorde then pocketed a four-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Lorde was a little more commanding in game 3, and Rudolph crumbled late before Lorde made a three-ball run-out to complete the 3-0 series sweep. Lorde will host Apex Wonders veteran Cowzart in the second round. Rudolph has three advancing bids.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Shaggy v. Yekaterina. The blue cue returns for Rotation. Whitewater's Shaggy had the better start in game 1, but her offense faded just as Victoria's Yekaterina picked up the pace. Yekaterina was able to close out an 8-5 win for the 1-0 series lead. A competitive start led to a slow middle before the Spurs' Yekaterina again pulled away from the Shores' Shaggy. Yekaterina took an 8-4 win this time, securing the series at 2-0. Yekaterina began with a five-ball run in game 3, but Shaggy responded two turns later on a seven-ball run-out for the 8-5 win. Yekaterina settled for a 2-1 series win to get into the visiting slot versus Pacific Volcanoes veteran Leonette in the second round.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Smokey. The purple cue is done for the day after Rotation. Infinity's Smudge made a ball on the break, but it was all offense for Pacific's Smokey after that. Smokey had a huge surge and then added onto it until he had an 8-1 win for the 1-0 series lead. Powerful shots defined game 2 a bit more, which led to a slower offense. The Torpedoes' Smudge eventually got loose and took the lead, then nursed it home to an 8-4 win despite a comeback attempt from the Volcanoes' Smokey. In game 3, both players exchanged shots evenly through the first half. Smudge finally got some separation with a three-ball run, and she closed it out as an 8-6 win over Smokey. Smudge will advance to the second round in a hosting position.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Puff II v. Andrew. The visitor's second series of the day is in 9-ball with the blue cue. Harrison's Puff II wasn't able to establish her offense very well in game 1. Freedom's Andrew was a little shaky early on too, but he recovered later for the final pair to get the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Andrew enjoyed an impressive six-ball run in game 2, but he scratched as he made the 8. This left a free shot for the Specters' Puff II to pick up the win, and she did it, tying the series at 1. Puff II stunned everyone with her break shot in game 3, getting the 9 to drop at the bottom left for the win and 2-1 series win over Andrew. Puff II will host Infinity Torpedoes star Fuchsia in the second round.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Watermelon. The silver cue exits after an 8-ball series. Central's Noelle played for positioning after a fairly even start in game 1 versus Pearl's Watermelon. Noelle's tactics were smart, and she was able to earn the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Noelle had a good start in game 2, allowing her to focus a bit on defense later on. The Surfers' Watermelon made a comeback push, but it ended with her prematurely sinking the 8 to gift the series at 2-0 to Noelle. Watermelon again had to play from behind in game 3, and she came up just short again as Noelle closed out in time for a 3-0 series sweep. Noelle moves on to the second round.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sugar v. Puff I. Club-mates close the day in 13-ball with the red cue as the host begins a split-day doubleheader. Tysini's Sugar got off to a good start, but couldn't bury the 9 at the bottom side. Modernistic's Puff I played tough defense and then turned on a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Union's Puff I exploded with frustration after multiple scratches in game 2, and she followed that by sinking the 8 illegally to gift the Hummingbirds' Sugar with a win. This tied the series at 1. Puff I wasn't able to simmer down in game 3, and Sugar was able to make a comeback push for the win and 2-1 series win. Sugar will visit the Swordpoint Blades captain Dreamy in the second round. 

An unusual day saw the red and blue cues struggle while the green and silver seemed stronger. Tomorrow, we hit the three-quarters mark of the First Round.

Tournament XI - First Round Day 34

We'll continue playing today, leading off with...

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Vincent v. Ruby. The red cue makes the start in 10-ball today. Everton's Vincent didn't assert himself on offense in a slow game 1, and Todavía's Ruby instead picked up the pace with a three-ball run-out at the end. Ruby leads the series 1-0. The Eagles' Vincent wasn't able to do anything after getting the 10 near the bottom left in game 2. He had some chances, but only an early three-ball run worked for him. The Stills' Ruby won on a kicked 7-9-10 combination to the bottom left to clinch the series at 2-0. In game 3, Vincent had his best turns on offense, but he still came up short after missing on the 10. Ruby buried it to the top left and swept the series 3-0, earning the right to visit Infinity Torpedoes captain Smudge in the second round.

Sony Center, Queens: Pauline v. Strawberry. The blue cue enters the action with a 15-ball set. Both players were solid to begin game 1, but Queens' Pauline had a little more longevity on offense than Victoria's Strawberry. Pauline worked a six-ball run-out at the end to earn the win and 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Pauline didn't get to break out on a similar attack in game 2. Instead, the Spurs' Strawberry mixed in a lot of defense and won with a deflection off the 7 to get the 15 at the top left for the win to tie the series at 1. Pauline didn't pick up the pace at all in game 3, and Strawberry was able to snag the win on a 10-15 combination to the bottom left. Strawberry won the series 2-1 and will host Diamond Gems newcomer Debby in the second round.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Twinkie III v. Tigerette. The blue cue stays up for a 7-ball battle. Boston's Tigerette made a four-ball run early in game 1, but Whitewater's Twinkie III replied with a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Twinkie III had all the offense in game 2, but her bank of the 2-7 combination to the top right saw the deflection make the 3 and cue ball in the top left due to forward spin. This gifted a win to the Swifts' Tigerette to tie the series at 1. Tigerette battled hard in game 3, but she left the 7 short of the bottom right for Twinkie III to tap in for the 2-1 series win. Twinkie III is set to advance to the second round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Missy v. Sally. The silver cue is up for 15-ball. Capital City's Missy had two looks on the 15 after an unremarkable game 1, but she missed both attempts. Archtown's Sally struck for the win and an unsteady 1-0 series lead. Game 2 had a little more pace on both sides, but the cleaner finish favored the Sharpshooters' Missy as she made a three-ball run-out to even the series at 1-1 versus the Arrows' Sally. Game 3 remained a close battle all the way through, with Sally prevailing on a four-ball run-out for the 2-1 series win over Missy. Sally is set to play in the second round with two advancing bids.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Ice Cream v. Bear. The blue cue rotates in for a 12-ball turn. Boston's Ice Cream enjoyed a four-ball run on her opening turn in game 1, although a scratch hurt. Commerce's Bear then potted a ball for Ice Cream, who made her final pair with little trouble to earn the 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Bear had all he needed in game 2, but both players engaged in a ridiculously poorly played battle at the side pockets. Eventually, the Swifts' Ice Cream broke loose enough to get the win that sealed the series at 2-0. Ice Cream dominated with a four-ball run off the break in game 3. Bear never had enough positioning to compete, and Ice Cream closed a 3-0 series sweep. Ice Cream will host South Division rival and Queens Flames superstar Violetta in the second round.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Sage v. Watermelon. The red cue is done for the day after 13-ball. Victoria's Sage showed some rare irritation with the arena dimensions at the top right, as it led to her missing a pair of shots in a close battle. Pearl's Watermelon capitalized with a three-ball run-out, earning a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon had an unfortunate scratch near the end of game 2 after making a heroic comeback attempt. The Spurs' Sage did just enough in the end for the win to tie the series at 1. Sage couldn't get any late positioning in game 3, as Watermelon blocked all the shots along the bottom rail. Watermelon then ran out the last four balls for the win to take a 2-1 series win that sets her up to visit Oceanside Waves newcomer Patches in the second round. Sage will carry three bids forward.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Charli v. Mams. West Division rivals battle in 8-ball as the green cue steps in. Swordpoint's Mams got onto the 8 first in game 1, but she missed it three times. Tysini's Charli pushed back on a three-ball run, then made the 8 on her second try to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Charli had a nice start in game 2, but she stalled out before the 8 this time. The Blades' Mams fired back with strong offense and picked up the win to tie the series at 1. Charli made seven balls over her first two turns, then missed the 8 twice. Mams was a little less explosive, winning on a three-ball run-out for the 2-1 series win. Mams will visit Todavía Stills captain Easter in the second round.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Cleo v. Dusty. The silver cue is back for 10-ball. A choppy game 1 saw scratches on both sides before Golden's Dusty sank the 9 in an uncalled pocket. Everton's Cleo kept possession and made the 10 in the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Pilots' Dusty again struggled with control and illegally potted a ball late. This time, the Eagles' Cleo missed her look on the 10, and Dusty cut it to the top right for the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, both players had their struggles at times. Cleo overcame it with a deflection off the 9 to drive the 10 into the top left for the win and 2-1 series win over Dusty. Cleo will host Swordpoint Blades veteran Stealth in the second round.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Ice Cream. The green cue goes again in 13-ball. Commerce's Rosemary couldn't get her offense off the launch pad in game 1, scratching twice. Boston's Ice Cream was much more effective and easily took the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Ice Cream jumped ahead off the break in game 2, leaving the Tradewinds' Rosemary with poor positioning. Ice Cream's continued shooting success lifted her to the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Ice Cream had a rough break in game 3, but Rosemary didn't apply pressure very well this time. Ice Cream won three turns after the break to sweep the series 3-0 and earn a trip to Golden to take on Pilots veteran Max in round two.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Stephanie. The green cue is done after this 12-ball set. Atlantic's Delila took a huge lead initially in game 1, but she couldn't find her last ball to the bottom right. Swordpoint's Stephanie took her time and then won with a four-ball run-out for the 1-0 lead in the series. The Blades' Stephanie had a decent break in game 2, but she was stunned by the Pirates' Delila working a four-ball run. Delila took her time to finish it off but ultimately earned the win to tie the series at 1. Delila enjoyed another surge from the break in game 3, and that paced her to the win and 2-1 series win over Stephanie. Delila is set to visit Capital City Sharpshooters rookie Ellie in the second round.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Shaggy v. Waluigi. The blue cue cycles in again for 9-ball. Whitewater's Shaggy wasn't at her best for game 1, but she cashed in on the 9 after Web City's Waluigi missed it to end a three-ball run. Shaggy's heads-up play gave her a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Waluigi made a better finish in game 2, finishing off a three-ball run-out after continued shaky play from the Shores' Shaggy. Frustration set in for Shaggy after a scratch and a handful of misses in game 3. Waluigi took care of business with a little luck, making the 7 in the bottom right with a deflection to put the 9 in the top side. Waluigi won the series 2-1 to advance to the second round.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sleepy B. v. Shawn. The purple cue's lone series today is in 13-ball. Archtown's Sleepy B. quickly got down to her last ball in game 1, but Midland's Shawn held his defense firmly at the bottom right. Eventually, Shawn turned in a five-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Sleepy B. again had the better start in game 2, and she again let it go to waste. The Predators' Shawn made a six-ball run-out for the win this time, securing the series at 2-0 in the process. Both players had a nightmarish finish to game 3, as they each defensively scratched and extended the meaningless game farther than it needed to go. Sleepy B. ultimately got an unrewarding win, while Shawn's 2-1 series win sets him up to visit Apex Wonders rookie Maren in the second round with one of his two advancing bids.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Strawberry v. Fluffina. The host's second series today uses the silver cue in Accuracy. Victoria's Strawberry had a shaky start to game 1, but she steadied by the end to beat Infinity's Fluffina 3-4. Strawberry owns a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fluffina couldn't gain any ground in game 2, slipping behind late as the Spurs' Strawberry collected a 2-3 win. Strawberry clinched the series at 2-0. In game 3, Strawberry seemed to be at her best but still had to settle for a 2-3 win to complete the sweep over Fluffina. Strawberry is set to host Maplewood Lumberjacks star Whiskers in the second round. Fluffina will have just three advancing bids.

Porsche Events Center, Zenith: Blizzard v. Strawberry. The visitor completes a doubleheader in 13-ball with the blue cue. Victoria's Strawberry handled her positioning much more productively in game 1, while Zenith's Blizzard couldn't really get anything going. Strawberry made a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Skywatchers' Blizzard had a pretty strong start in game 2, but her late positioning again came up short. The Spurs' Strawberry rallied with a five-ball run-out at the end, sealing the series at 2-0. Blizzard was again caught flat-footed in game 3 as Strawberry delivered a four-ball run-out for the win and 3-0 series sweep. Strawberry will visit Archtown Arrows captain Sally in another edition of their teams' burgeoning rivalry.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Esmeralda v. Ellie. The blue cue closes the day in 13-ball. Harrison's Esmeralda underhit a few of her shots in game 1, most notably one when she miscued on her last ball. Capital City's Ellie was also cautious but good enough to get the win and 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Specters' Esmeralda ended up with solids when she wanted stripes. While this looked to be a fortunate move for a bit, the Sharpshooters' Ellie bounced back with a surge late to get the win and seal the series at 2-0. In game 3, Esmeralda finally got her win on a comeback after Ellie couldn't sink her last ball. Ellie won the series 2-1 and lines up to visit Modernistic Union sophomore Maggie in the second round. Esmeralda has just two bids moving forward.

That's all for today's action, which was dominated by the club Enterprise.

Tournament XI - First Round Day 33

Another day of games is on, beginning with...

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Puff III v. Anna. The purple cue starts today in Accuracy. Everton's Puff III had a miss in game 1, but she settled in pretty well to claim a 1-4 win over Terrace City's Anna as experience paid off. Puff III leads the series 1-0. The Eagles' Puff III missed a couple of chances to secure herself another win in game 2. Instead, it went to overtime, where she came up empty as the Knights' Anna claimed a 2-3 win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Anna made three balls on the break, but that shortened the rack's usefulness for her when she needed time at the end. Puff III ended up with a 1-2 win and took the series 2-1 to reach the second round.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Anna v. Nibbles. The host completes her doubleheader in 7-ball with the red cue. Web City's Nibbles had some good fortune in game 1, making a four-ball run-out with a kick on the 6 to the bottom right saving his turn. He leads Terrace City's Anna 1-0. The Spiders' Nibbles quickly secured the series in game 2, dropping the 4 in the top left and the 7 in the bottom side on the break to go ahead 2-0 over the Knights' Anna. In game 3, Nibbles had a five-ball run, but his miss on the 6 allowed Anna to pick up the final pair of shots. Nibbles won 2-1 and will visit Stonebridge Wolves rookie Lindsay in the second round for an East Division showdown.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Stealth. The silver cue's lone series of the day is between club-mates in 10-ball. Lighton's Shiny had a decent start in game 1, but not so much to keep Swordpoint's Stealth off-balance. Stealth was clear at the end with a pair of shots to earn the win for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw a quicker finish, as both players took swipes at the 2 initially. The Blades' Stealth finally got it at the bottom side, with a deflection to add the 10 at the top left for the win to seal the series at 2-0 over the Prestige's Shiny. In game 3, Stealth had a fair amount of offense after a lousy break, but Shiny was there at the end to grab a pair for her lone win. Stealth's 2-1 series win puts him into the second round.

Sony Center, Queens: Pauline v. Misty. The green cue enters the action in 9-ball. A high pace was established in game 1, but Westside's Misty had a foul kick on the 9 that sank it illegally to gift the win to Queens' Pauline early. Pauline holds a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Misty didn't have as much luck in game 2, as she missed most of her shots. The Flames' Pauline made a smart positioning move to line up and convert the 2-9 combination to the bottom left for the win and 2-0 series lead. Pauline produced a lot of offense in game 3, but ended up losing when Misty snagged the final pair of shots. Pauline settled for a 2-1 series win to earn the right to host the Stonebridge Wolves' Jane in the second round.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Nibbles. The host finishes a doubleheader in 13-ball with the red cue. Game 1 was a game of chicken after Westside's Misty left the 8 blocking the bottom left on the break. Web City's Nibbles tried to dig it out but sank it illegally to gift Misty the win and 1-0 series lead in a game that was never going to be decided by the quality of play. The Rockers' Misty had a better break in game 2, and that led to more open play. The Spiders' Nibbles made it close at the end, but Misty got the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Misty had a decent start in game 3, but Nibbles took control with a five-ball run. Nibbles would get the win this time, but Misty is into the second round on a 2-1 series win.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Roxy v. Leandra. The blue cue gets one series today, playing in 12-ball. Tysini's Leandra had an ill-timed scratch in a competitive game 1. Southridge's Roxy took advantage of it at the end to make a pair of shots for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Roxy took a scratch after an active break to start game 2. The Hummingbirds' Leandra was able to get down to her last ball, but Roxy had just enough in the tank to grab the win and secure the series at 2-0. Leandra had her best chance to win with an early surge in game 3, but she wasn't able to send off a comeback push from Roxy. In the end, Roxy swept the series 3-0 to get into the second round. Both players have three bids going forward.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Marissa v. Frosty. The purple cue cycles in for this 7-ball series. After a slow start, Freedom's Frosty enjoyed better offense than Maplewood's Marissa. Frosty got the win with a five-ball run-out to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Cascades' Frosty won on the break in game 2, with the distribution pushing a second force onto the 7 that fell in the bottom right to clinch the series for her at 2-0. Frosty worked another five-ball run to open game 3, but she missed on the 6. Marissa stepped in to make a pair at the end for her lone win, while Frosty goes to the second round thanks to a 2-1 series win.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Esmeralda v. Sprinkles. Lookalike players meet in 9-ball with the green cue. Harrison's Esmeralda was a little nervous early in game 1, and neither player started well. Capital City's Sprinkles eventually settled down to make the 9 on a deflection off the 4 for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles got the 9 close to the bottom left on the game 2 break. A tight battle began things, but it was the Specters' Esmeralda who pulled a deflection off the 2 to get the win this time, tying the series at 1. Esmeralda got nothing on her break in game 3, and Sprinkles' first shot was a successful 1-9 combination to the bottom left. Sprinkles won the series 2-1 and will host Zenith Skywatchers veteran Bells in the second round.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Graham v. Charli. The red cue is back in action for 10-ball. Central's Graham had a great deflection to knock in the 9 in game 1, but he didn't call the play. Tysini's Charli took possession and made a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Charli butchered her shot on the 9 in game 2, sinking it to an uncalled pocket. This left the 10 lined up for the Warriors' Graham to deposit in the top right for the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Graham started on a six-ball run. Charli replied with a pair, but Graham got the final pair for the win to take the series 2-1. Graham advances to the second round after facing his 100th unique opponent.

Sony Center, Queens: Crystal v. Rachel. The purple cue gets a look in 15-ball. Queens' Crystal made a great push at the end with a four-ball run, only to miss the 15 wide of the top left. Whitewater's Rachel made no such mistake in earning the win for a 1-0 series lead. Offense wasn't particularly central to game 2, but when the Shores' Rachel had a chance, she took it. Rachel made the 15 with a deflection off the 3 to seal the series at 2-0 over the Flames' Crystal. In game 3, Crystal worked a six-ball run only to end it with a scratch. Rachel picked up the final pair to complete the 3-0 series sweep that allows her to host Archtown Arrows veteran Hoppy in the second round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Brownie v. Goatee. The red cue returns for Accuracy. Game 1 required two racks as both players were even throughout. Royal's Brownie ultimately missed the last ball in overtime, and Westside's Goatee converted for a 2-3 win to take a hard-fought 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Goatee fell behind early in game 2, but she steadied herself well. The Crowns' Brownie fell apart at the end and Goatee was able to claim a 1-2 win to seal the series at 2-0. Both players fell apart in unison in the middle of game 3, leading to Brownie shooting the 9 off the table out of frustration. Goatee ultimately took a 5-6 win here to complete the 3-0 series sweep that takes her to the second round.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Charli v. Rosemary. The host's second series today sees the red cue exits after 7-ball. Tysini's Charli had an improbable six-ball run off the break in game 1, but she faltered on the 7. Commerce's Rosemary poached the win with a tap-in at the top left, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Hummingbirds' Charli nearly had a similar game 2, with an early four-ball run before missing on the 5. The Tradewinds' Rosemary replied with a pair but missed the 7, and Charli sank it for the win to tie the series at 1. Rosemary wasted a big chance on the 6 in game 3, and it proved costly. Charli shot back with a pair of shots for the win and 2-1 series win, a fair result that lines her up to host Boston Swifts veteran Ice Cream in the second round.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Waluigi v. Mario. Club-mates see the purple cue finish its day in 8-ball. Queens' Mario did a better job of sustaining his pace in game 1, pushing past Web City's Waluigi at the end to earn the win. Mario holds a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, both players had times with momentum. The Flames' Mario started well, but the Spiders' Waluigi was best in the middle. At the end, Mario took control again with a four-ball run-out for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Waluigi made a strong push in game 3 with a four-ball run, but his miss on the 8 left Mario free to sink a three-ball run-out at the bottom right for the 3-0 series sweep. Mario will visit Tysini Hummingbirds star Sarah in the second round.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Sparkles. The green cue is back for a 12-ball set. Pacific's Ms. Kitty overfilled the top left on the break in game 1, and that mistake gave Golden's Sparkles an edge. A close battle ensued, but Sparkles maintained the lead until she won for a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty played smart in game 2, working a four-ball run and maintaining her late positioning. The Pilots' Sparkles couldn't navigate Ms. Kitty's structure at the end, and the host got the win to tie the series at 1. Another race-style battle put the series up for grabs in game 3. Sparkles took the initial lead this time, but she couldn't get lined up later, and Ms. Kitty won on a three-ball run-out for the 2-1 series win. Ms. Kitty will host Eastside Sharks sophomore Lily in the second round.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Jake. The green cue ends the day with Rotation. Terrace City's Kiwi was smashing in shots left and right in game 1, leading to an easy 8-1 win over Royal's Jake. Kiwi holds a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Kiwi made a pair on the break and at the end of game 2, and she filled the middle with a four-ball run in the win. The Crowns' Jake had a three-ball run, but Kiwi's 8-4 victory clinched the series in her favor at 2-0. Kiwi had to battle a little harder for her win in game 3, but she still got an 8-4 result over Jake to complete the 3-0 series sweep. Kiwi is off to the second round. 

That's all for today, with more to come tomorrow.