Tournament XI - Second Round Day 15

What's expected to be the lone split-day session of the Second Round is here. We'll go as far as possible on Saturday, like nine to ten series, and then play the rest on Sunday. First up...

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Puff III v. Wings. The blue cue starts the day with 13-ball. Everton's Puff III had to play from behind in game 1, but Pearl's Wings stalled out rather quickly. Puff III made a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Wings was a little closer to victory in game 2, but he couldn't get the 8 down at the end. The Eagles' Puff III survived the threat with a three-ball run-out in response, her win clinching the series at 2-0. Puff III found a surge with a four-ball run late in game 3, which stung Wings and made him scratch on his last turn. Puff III put the 8 in the bottom side for a 3-0 series sweep, and she'll host Archtown Arrows captain Sally in the bracket quarterfinals.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Katharine. The green cue steps in for a 10-ball set. Neither player was very sharp in game 1, but Whitewater's Katharine had the more significant misses. Pronger's Precious eventually won with the 10 at the bottom side for a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Katharine was better on offense in game 2, including an early four-ball run, but she missed on the 10 twice at the end. The Tridents' Precious buried it to the top left for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Katharine had a late foul in game 3, and Precious brought about a quick end with a 3-7-10 combination to the bottom left for the 3-0 series sweep. Precious will play at home in the bracket quarterfinals.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Precious. The visitor completes her doubleheader in Rotation with the purple cue. Pronger's Precious set the tone quickly in game 1, and Web City's Jack couldn't muster a response to her attacks. Precious easily won 8-1 for a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Precious didn't start as well in a slower game 2. The Spiders' Jack began to fade at the end before a double-pot of the 12 at the top side and the 14 at the top left earned him an 8-5 win to tie the series at 1. Precious got on the verge of a win in game 3, but she stalled out just in time for Jack to rally from behind on a four-ball run-out in his 8-7 win. Jack took the series 2-1 and will visit Southridge Defenders captain Bianca in the bracket quarterfinals.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Puff III v. Hoot. The host's second series today is in 12-ball with the purple cue. Everton's Puff III took a four-ball run early in game 1 and had favorable positioning for the last two shots. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot ended up making Puff III's last ball while scratching to gift the win away as the host takes a 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Puff III had another good start in game 2, but the Meteors' Hoot responded better this time. At the end, Hoot worked a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1 while Puff III still had work to do on positioning. Puff III gained the lead initially in game 3 and made it hold in a close battle as Hoot fell short at the end. Puff III won the series 2-1 and will visit Web City Spiders captain Jack in the bracket quarterfinals.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Valencia v. Kayla. South Division captains tangle in Rotation with the silver cue. Golden's Valencia saved her best for late in game 1, surging late on a four-ball run-out for the 8-4 win over Royal's Kayla, who stalled out after a good start. Valencia owns a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Valencia started with a huge lead in game 2, but she couldn't bring this one in. The Crowns' Kayla bounced back at the end on a five-ball run-out for the 8-6 win to tie the series at 1. Kayla scrapped her way to a lead in game 3, but Valencia erased it on a five-ball run. Valencia added a pair at the end for an 8-5 win to claim a 2-1 series win that lines her up to host the Terrace City Knights' Oreo in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Klaus v. Anna. The green cue checks out for the day with 15-ball. Central's Klaus looked quite composed in game 1, but he ended a four-ball run with a rattling miss on the 15 at the bottom right. Terrace City's Anna converted it instead for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Anna didn't get anything on the break in game 2, and the Warriors' Klaus attacked on a four-ball run. Anna then won the game suddenly on a 5-15 combination to the top right, sealing the series at 2-0 in her favor. Anna brought another early finish to game 3, leaving the 15 near the top right and deflecting a shot off the 6 to get it down on a later turn. She swept Klaus 3-0 in the series, and Anna will visit the Todavía Stills' Ruby in the bracket quarterfinals.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Valencia. Another South Division showdown uses the red cue in 12-ball. Midland's Rainmane had a hot start in game 1 and sustained it to the finish despite a scratch. Golden's Valencia didn't have the positioning to challenge as Rainmane got the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Rainmane didn't slow down in game 2, burying three balls legally on the break. The Pilots' Valencia answered with one ball, but Rainmane added another three-ball run-out for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Rainmane looked ready to attack for the finish in game 3, but she had to take a jump shot and ended up missing. Valencia snagged the win with a three-ball run-out, but Rainmane is in the bracket quarterfinals on a 2-1 series win.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Sally. East Division captains and club-mates clash in 15-ball with the silver cue. Web City's Jack delivered a quick finish in game 1, banking the 1-15 combination into the bottom right after a somewhat slow start. He leads Archtown's Sally 1-0 in the series. The Spiders' Jack made a pair on the break in game 2, but it was his defense after that that caused the Arrows' Sally to commit an illegal contact. Jack turned it into a 3-15 combination to the top left for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Jack didn't have quite as fast an effort in game 3, but he still won early on an 11-15 combination despite a more measured resistance from Sally. Jack swept the series 3-0 and will host again in the bracket quarterfinals.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Jane v. Summer. Another 15-ball series uses the blue cue. Stonebridge's Jane was not short on confidence in game 1, setting the tone on offense and finishing with a five-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead over Maplewood's Summer, who had little go right for her. The Lumberjacks' Summer took her time to awaken on offense in game 2, weathering a somewhat late four-ball run from the Wolves' Jane before striking back in earnest. Summer picked up the win this time, tying the series at 1. Momentum was not on the side of Jane in game 3, as Summer made a six-ball run over the middle, but she missed on the 14. Jane made the final pair for the win and 2-1 series win to get into a visiting position in the bracket quarterfinals.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Molly v. Daisy. The blue cue stays active in 10-ball to begin the Sunday session. Oceanside's Daisy made some questionable choices in both shots and possession deferral. The biggest surprise was her letting the Monarchs' Molly shoot the 10 after Molly made the 9 in an uncalled pocket. Molly converted for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Daisy continued to employ an unreadable strategy in game 2, and she didn't find any more luck this time after missing contact on the 8. The Monarchs' Molly made the final pair of shots to seal the series at 2-0. Daisy managed to salvage a result from game 3, picking up the final pair of balls after Molly's four-ball run ended early. Molly won the series 2-1 and will be on the road for the bracket quarterfinals. Daisy is the seventh player out of the Tournament, and Molly has her first kill of the year.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Rachel v. Carly. North Division rookies play 12-ball in the silver cue's last set of the day. Whitewater's Rachel had a positive start with a pair on the break in game 1, but Westside's Carly clearly enjoyed better positioning as she easily took the win. Carly leads the series 1-0. The Rockers' Carly made one of each on the game 2 break, but she wasn't able to settle it down after that. The Shores' Rachel fought back with tough positioning and a little luck to get the win, tying the series at 1. Rachel didn't get anything on the break, while Carly erupted from the start to take a big lead. Carly was able to finish it off with shots to the right corners, grabbing a 2-1 series lead and a ticket to Harrison to face the Specters' Puff II in the bracket quarterfinals.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Sage v. Cowzart. The blue cue also exits after a 12-ball series. Victoria's Sage navigated trouble with positioning in game 1, capitalizing on her hot start to finish strong in a win over Apex's Cowzart. Sage holds a 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Sage had another good start in game 2, but she couldn't quite close it out in the end. The Wonders' Cowzart got a little luck for a strong setup on his last ball at the bottom side, and he converted it on his second try to get the win that tied the series at 1. Cowzart kept playing well in game 3, and surprisingly ran away with the win to take the series 2-1 as Sage had no response. Cowzart will visit Freedom Cascades newcomer Frosty in the bracket quarterfinals.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Cowzart v. Snuggle. The host finishes a doubleheader in 13-ball with the red cue. Harrison's Snuggle made a huge comeback push in game 1, but he wasn't able to find a finishing touch. Apex's Cowzart held on just enough for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Wonders' Cowzart had some struggles in game 2 with his positioning. The Specters' Snuggle had better lines at the end, picking up a three-ball run-out of well-played shots to get the win and tie the series at 1. Snuggle had a foul that threatened his performance in game 3, but Cowzart scratched soon after. Snuggle banked the 8 into the bottom right for the win and 2-1 series win, and he'll shockingly host the Southern Monarchs newcomer Lorde in the bracket quarterfinals.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Patches v. Watermelon. The best of the Sunday series is in 13-ball with the red cue between these North Division foes. Oceanside's Patches suffered an overfill to begin game 1, but the break left one of Pearl's Watermelon's balls pinned on the 8. This bought Patches more than enough time to earn the win through strong play to take a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon made a strong push on a four-ball run in game 2, but the 8 wouldn't cooperate with her at the bottom side. The Waves' Patches bounced back just in time for a three-ball run-out for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Patches continued to attack well in game 3, although it took a little time to spark her offense to life. She finished off another win to sweep Watermelon 3-0 in the series, and Patches will host her bracket quarterfinals series.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Ruby. The purple cue closes the day in Rotation. Pacific's Ms. Kitty had to weather a couple of attacks from Todavía's Ruby in game 1. Ms. Kitty pulled even with a double-pot of the 7 and 9 to the right corners, then added a three-ball run-out later for the 8-5 win and 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty started decently in game 2, albeit at a slower pace than before. This allowed the Stills' Ruby to stay close and ultimately surge to the win on a five-ball run-out for the 8-4 win. Ruby has tied the series at 1. Ruby got right on the edge of taking the series, but she missed a shot and Ms. Kitty answered on a three-ball run-out for the 8-7 win. Ms. Kitty won the series 2-1 and will host her appearance in the bracket quarterfinals. 

We're set to resume regular scheduling tomorrow, with a new projected Second Round finish of August 31.

Tournament XI - Second Round Day 14

We're set for another day of games, starting with...

Kraft Forum, Royal: Kayla v. Rachel. The green cue makes the start in Accuracy today. Royal's Kayla missed the break in game 1 and then played perfectly until over halfway through the overtime rack. Whitewater's Rachel didn't miss either, taking a 0-1 win when she converted a shot to answer Kayla's miss for the hard-fought 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Rachel scratched on the break in game 2, but the Crowns' Kayla struggled more in the middle. Rachel was able to hang on for a 2-4 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Kayla finally got a win in game 3, taking a 1-3 result as Rachel had a rough stretch just before the late stages. Rachel took the series 2-1 and will play in the bracket quarterfinals.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Midnight v. Oreo. North Division rivals clash in Rotation with the silver cue. Apex's Midnight began fairly well and held a lead for a large part of game 1. Terrace City's Oreo found some offense in the middle and pulled ahead, then won 8-5 for a 1-0 series lead in a close battle. The Knights' Oreo took a massive lead in game 2, then watched as the Wonders' Midnight pulled all the way back to get on the brink of victory. Midnight over-jumped her planned final shot, and Oreo made a late pair to win 8-7, securing the series at 2-0. Oreo stormed ahead with a six-ball run off the break in game 3, and she made it stand for an 8-1 win to sweep Midnight 3-0 in the series. Oreo remains on the road in the bracket quarterfinals.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Maren. The blue cue gets a look in 8-ball between North Division foes. Apex's Maren had a solid start in game 1, but Whitewater's Katharine had the early lead. Maren made sure that didn't last, surging late to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Wonders' Maren had a scratch on the break in game 2, killing her early momentum. It was still a close battle at the end, but the Shores' Katharine was able to close the door for a win to tie the series at 1. Katharine scratched on her break in game 3, but Maren couldn't take control early on. Katharine then gained the lead and held on for the win to take the series 2-1, setting her up to host Eastside Sharks youngster Toki in the bracket quarterfinals.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Citrus v. Rainmane. The purple cue enters the action in 15-ball. The 15 ended up near the bottom left in game 1, and both players took looks at it. Midland's Rainmane couldn't get anything to connect, while Lighton's Citrus eventually capped a three-ball run-out with an 11-15 combination for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Rainmane stepped up the pace in game 2 with a six-ball run and assorted other offense, but her finishing lacked at the end. The Prestige's Citrus was able to collect the 15 at the bottom right for the win to secure the series at 2-0. In game 3, Rainmane didn't get a chance to make much happen, as Citrus plowed through to get the 2 and 15 double-potted into the bottom left for the win and 3-0 series sweep. Citrus will play in the bracket quarterfinals.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Prism v. Celestia. The green cue takes a turn in 15-ball. Oceanside's Celestia took a couple of swipes at the 15 early in game 1 to no avail. Pronger's Prism picked up the pace with a five-ball run, but her miss on the 14 allowed Celestia to make the final pair for the win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Waves' Celestia did some set-up work to get the 15 near the top left in game 2. The Tridents' Prism glanced it but couldn't put it down, and Celestia won on a 7-15 kick combination that deflected off the 11. Celestia sealed the series at 2-0. Prism avoided the sweep in game 3 with a five-ball run and a three-ball run-out on her last two turns to stall out Celestia's offense. Celestia still won the series 2-1 and will visit the Viewpoint Sound Meteors star Princess in the bracket quarterfinals.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Rocky v. Dominic. The purple cue returns for a 13-ball series. Oceanside's Rocky had a strong start in game 1, then took his time to finish it off. Southern's Dominic didn't provide much of a challenge for pace as Rocky claimed a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Waves' Rocky played loose and still found a way to earn the win despite an earlier overfill. The Monarchs' Dominic was forced into a defensive shape and never broke out of it as Rocky clinched the series at 2-0. Dominic used better positioning in game 3 to tangle Rocky's offense up late. Dominic then made a four-ball run-out for his lone win in the series. Rocky will visit the Southridge Defenders newcomer Roxy in the bracket quarterfinals.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Sunshine v. Graham. The red cue activates for 10-ball. Royal's Sunshine had a good start to game 1, but it was an even battle after that. Central's Graham prevailed at the end by making the final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Graham had a four-ball run despite some relentless heckling from the home fans. At the end, Graham sank the 10 in an uncalled pocket and the Crowns' Sunshine made it to the top side after it was respotted. This gave Sunshine a win to tie the series at 1. Another close battle emerged in game 3, with Sunshine burying the final pair after Graham missed a bank of the 9 to the top side. Sunshine won the series 2-1 and will visit Capital City Sharpshooters rookie Ellie in the bracket quarterfinals. Graham is the fifth player eliminated and the first to fall to Sunshine.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Esmeralda v. Dominic. The visitor's second series today uses the purple cue in 15-ball. Southern's Dominic was a little more willing to take chances in game 1, but he paid for it with a late scratch. Harrison's Esmeralda made the final pair from ball-in-hand for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Esmeralda tried to apply some pressure in a tougher game 2, but her missed contact on a kick at the 7 resulted in the 15 falling in the bottom side. This gifted a win to the Monarchs' Dominic to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Esmeralda slowly lost her grip on the offense as things progressed. Dominic ended up converting the 15 to the bottom left for the 2-1 series win and the right to make another trip in the bracket quarterfinals.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Shawn v. Dusky. The green cue is done after this Accuracy set. Midland's Shawn faltered early on and never got back under control in game 1, allowing Atlantic's Dusky to have a fairly low-stress win by a 2-4 score. Dusky leads the series 1-0. The Predators' Shawn did well in a crowded space after the Pirates' Dusky had a mediocre break in game 2. Dusky wasn't able to keep the pace as Shawn claimed a 2-3 win to tie the series at 1. A fast-paced game 3 saw Shawn skid near the end, and he wasn't able to get back in it as Dusky locked down a 1-3 win. Dusky took the series 2-1 and will visit Westside Rockers rookie Carly in the bracket quarterfinals. Shawn is the sixth player out of the Tournament, and Dusky has her first kill this year.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Luigi v. Taylor S. Tradewinds teammates end the purple cue's day in 7-ball. In game 1, it was a slow start before Luigi took control with a six-ball run-out after a foul from Taylor S. The strong finish gave Luigi a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. had a better game 2 with a late three-ball run after a slow start, but Luigi picked off the 7 to the bottom side for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Luigi wasn't able to complete the sweep over his captain, as Taylor S. sniped the 7 down to the bottom left for her lone win in game 3. Luigi's 2-1 series win aligns him to host Freedom Cascades captain Stinky in the bracket quarterfinals.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Angelica v. Ms. Puppy. The silver cue is up for 9-ball. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy looked like she would get a good start in game 1, but her four-ball run at the ended stalled when she rattled the 9 out of the top right. Lighton's Angelica tapped it down for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Union's Ms. Puppy tried a couple of combinations onto the 9 in game 2, but it didn't work out for her. The Prestige's Angelica remained a little hesitant on offense, but she put the 9 in the bottom left for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Angelica's most deserved win went to her in game 3, as she made a six-ball run and then added the 9 on her next turn when Ms. Puppy scratched in between. Angelica swept the series 3-0 and will host again in the bracket quarterfinals.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Marissa v. Peach. The blue cue is done for the day after 13-ball. North Modernistic's Peach looked pretty good to start game 1, but Maplewood's Marissa had just enough defense to hold her off. Marissa then made five balls over her last two turns for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Marissa pulled out to another big lead in game 2, but she couldn't bring down the 8 this time. The Nighthawks' Peach was pesky until she made a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Peach took a big lead in game 3, but Marissa made it interesting as she attempted a comeback. A scratch cut Marissa off, and Peach won the game to take a 2-1 series win into a road date versus Southridge Defenders newcomer Stripes in the bracket quarterfinals.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Avril v. Ellie. Club-mates do battle in 8-ball with the silver cue. Capital City's Ellie jumped ahead early and chipped away at her offense while Pronger's Avril tried to surge. Avril scratched late and Ellie made the 8 at the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Ellie made a solid on the break in game 2, but the Tridents' Avril replied with an eight-ball run-out going the other way on her first turn. This tied the series at 1. Ellie stormed away with a huge lead in game 3 on a five-ball run, and she got down to her last ball before Avril began the comeback march. Avril started slow and then buried a six-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win to get her into the bracket quarterfinals.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Panda. The silver cue checks out after Rotation. Golden's Dusty surged at the start of game 1 to build a nice lead. Everton's Panda got some back, but Dusty held on for an 8-4 win to claim a 1-0 series lead initially. The Pilots' Dusty again made a pair on the break in game 2, and she supported it well once more. The Eagles' Panda didn't have enough time to catch up as Dusty won 8-3 to secure the series at 2-0. Dusty eased up a bit in game 3, and Panda stepped right in for a dominant 8-1 win as his only victory. Dusty's 2-1 series win has her set up to host Swordpoint Blades captain Dreamy in the bracket quarterfinals.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Hoppy v. Sydney C. The red cue ends the day in 8-ball. Modernistic's Sydney C. had a great start to game 1, only to watch the 8 linger on the table a turn too long. Archtown's Hoppy marched to a win on a five-ball run-out, stealing ahead by a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Sydney C. again had a good start to game 2, only to lose her touch and then take a rare foul for playing before the prior turn ended. The ball-in-hand sequence allowed the Arrows' Hoppy to produce a six-ball run-out this time, clinching the series at 2-0 in the process. There was no great escape for Hoppy in game 3, as an early scratch led to a six-ball run from Sydney C., who then made the 8 a turn later for the win. Hoppy took the series 2-1 and will visit Maplewood Lumberjacks star Whiskers in the bracket quarterfinals. 

A reminder that this weekend is a split-day session. We'll get to as much as possible on Saturday with the rest played on Sunday.

Tournament XI - Second Round Day 13

We're ready to begin the second half of the second round, and now we'll be using premium Predator chalk. The current deal is for five cubes (octagons), which will likely last into at least Tournament XV, but that's a long time from now. For today...

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Avril. The red cue makes the start today in 12-ball. Lighton's Shiny had a better start on stripes and better positioning in game 1, giving her a fairly easy path to the win and 1-0 series lead over Pronger's Avril. In game 2, the Tridents' Avril made more of an effort on offense, but she wasn't able to finish it off after a scratch. The Prestige's Shiny was faster to make her final pair for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Avril wasn't able to capitalize in game 3 despite Shiny's somewhat slow play. Shiny continued to play well with positioning at the end and she swept the series 3-0 to earn a hosting position in the bracket quarterfinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Chimpy v. Salmo. The red cue exits the day with an 8-ball series. Westside's Chimpy made one of each on the game 1 break and selected stripes. He was alright on offense, but Diamond's Salmo was faster to pick up the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Salmo continued to use his pace for separation in game 2, taking the lead earlier over the Rockers' Chimpy this time. Salmo had a four-ball run and then made the 8 to the top side for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Chimpy finally got on the board in game 3 with a strong showing, beating Salmo to the finish after both stumbled with scratches. Salmo took the series 2-1 and will play in the bracket quarterfinals.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I v. Missy. The silver cue enters the action in Rotation between club-mates. Capital City's Missy got off to a solid start with her offense, and she was able to keep up the pace later for an 8-5 win over Pacific's Twinkie I. Missy leads the series 1-0. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I recovered pretty well in game 2, weathering an attack from the Sharpshooters' Missy before turning in a three-ball run-out for the 8-4 win. Twinkie I's win tied the series at 1. Twinkie I came out on fire in game 3, but she stalled out rather quickly. Missy steadily worked her way back in for the 8-6 win to take a 2-1 series win. Missy will continue into the bracket quarterfinals.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Waluigi. The silver cue stays on for 7-ball. Midland's Rainmane had an extremely light illegal contact call go against her, but she got back to the table in time to win game 1 with a pair of shots after Web City's Waluigi missed on the 6. Rainmane leads the series 1-0. The Predators' Rainmane looked decent in game 2 as well, but the Spiders' Waluigi took control this time with a five-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Rainmane took control back in game 3, making a four-ball run early and a three-ball run-out later to earn a 2-1 series win over Waluigi. Rainmane will host in the bracket quarterfinals.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Boots v. Ellie. The green cue gets a look in Accuracy here. Capital City's Ellie played a decent game 1, but Pearl's Boots was perfect in a 0-3 win to earn the 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Ellie was her own worst enemy in game 2, scratching twice while the Surfers' Boots again performed perfectly at the table. Boots closed out an 0-3 win to secure the series at 2-0. Ellie did a good job of extending game 3, but she ended up with nothing to her name for it as Boots took the 2-3 win deep into overtime. Boots swept the series 3-0 and she will play on into the bracket quarterfinals.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Tigerette v. Ingrid. South Division rivals meet in 12-ball with the silver cue. Southridge's Ingrid enjoyed the better start to game 1, but Boston's Tigerette was strong in making a comeback. Tigerette potted the final pair of shots for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Tigerette had a decent start to game 2, but she needed to tick up the pace a bit more. The Defenders' Ingrid stayed close and then pulled away with a three-ball run-out at the end, tying the series at 1. Ingrid scratched on the break in game 3, and Tigerette took over on offense. A tense standoff near the end closed with Ingrid missing contact and Tigerette making a pair for the win and 2-1 series win. Tigerette will visit the Stonebridge Wolves' Jane in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Bandit. The blue cue joins the party in Accuracy between West Division foes. Infinity's Smudge had a lackluster start to game 1 and never held a lead in the opener. Swordpoint's Bandit showed some fade later on, but he won 4-5 to claim a 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Bandit made big improvements in his play in game 2, staying perfect while the Torpedoes' Smudge struggled. Bandit took a 0-4 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Bandit didn't have his best in game 3, but it was still an even battle until he played a late miss to allow Smudge a 4-5 win. Bandit took the series 2-1 and will visit the Harrison Specters' Esmeralda in the bracket quarterfinals.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Lindsay v. Sweetheart. A rookie faces a captain in 15-ball with the silver cue. Stonebridge's Lindsay had a few good looks in game 1, but Boston's Sweetheart clearly had the advantage in strategy. Sweetheart turned that into a win by making the final pair for a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Sweetheart wasn't able to control much of game 2 as the Wolves' Lindsay remained quite involved. Sweetheart simply beat her at the end with a four-ball run-out to secure the series at 2-0 with the win. Sweetheart seemed to drop off the pace in game 3, although she had some nice plays near the end before Lindsay stuffed the 15 in the bottom right. Sweetheart won the series 2-1 and will stay on the road in the bracket quarterfinals.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Buddy v. Snuggle. The green cue cycles in for Rotation. Atlantic's Buddy established himself with a strong start in game 1, and he was able to take a slow finish for an 8-4 win over Harrison's Snuggle. Buddy leads the series 1-0. The Pirates' Buddy made a pair on the game 2 break, but a scratch took them off the board. The Specters' Snuggle was very good on offense from here, rallying to an 8-1 win to tie the series at 1. Snuggle took control again early in game 3, and while the two players exchanged pairs of shots, Buddy wasn't able to get back into the battle. Snuggle won 8-4 and took the series 2-1 to earn another visiting position in the bracket quarterfinals.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Vincent v. Celestia. Two good players clash in 8-ball with the blue cue. Oceanside's Celestia proved relentless in game 1 with a four-ball run early and a three-ball run-out when Everton's Vincent couldn't stop her. Celestia owns a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia didn't get anything on the break in game 2, allowing the Eagles' Vincent to strike first on stripes. The Waves' Celestia then battled back and got some good fortune to take the win quickly to seal the series at 2-0. Celestia went empty on the break in game 3, and Vincent took over with a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out in a two-turn span to get the win. Celestia settled for a 2-1 series win to earn the right to host Capital City Sharpshooters rookie Kelsea in the bracket quarterfinals.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Sparkles v. Kiwi. The blue cue checks out with Accuracy. A tight game on both sides tipped to Terrace City's Kiwi as Golden's Sparkles missed late in game 1. Kiwi took the 1-2 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Sparkles' decided to speed things up in game 2 with a pair of double-pots, but it ended up biting her when she missed late. The Knights' Kiwi forced overtime and won on her first shot after a poor soft break from Sparkles. Kiwi clinched the series at 2-0 with a 2-3 win. In game 3, Kiwi struggled to regain her usual pace, and it proved costly. Sparkles rarely missed in this 1-4 win to avoid the sweep, giving Kiwi a 2-1 series win. Kiwi will play in the bracket quarterfinals.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Bucco v. Buddy. The purple cue's lone series today is in Accuracy. Atlantic's Buddy had some struggles in game 1, but he still made a valiant effort to turn it around late. Harrison's Bucco was sturdy enough to fight off the challenge for a 3-5 win and 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Buddy kept things pretty even in game 2, but his gamble to double-pot at the bottom right late didn't pay off. The Specters' Bucco made the other ball, and Buddy missed on his last shot to fall behind. Bucco took the 2-3 win and secured the series at 2-0. Bucco was able to play a fairly even game 3 against Buddy, sportingly missing on the last ball to donate a 1-2 win to the visitor. Bucco took the series 2-1 and will host again in the bracket quarterfinals.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Whiskers v. Leonardo. The silver cue takes a turn in 13-ball. A race from left to right in game 1 favored Diamond's Leonardo, as his positioning and execution were both a touch ahead of Maplewood's Whiskers. Leonardo won on a four-ball run-out for a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Leonardo was sharp with a three-ball run early in game 2. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers pushed back a bit, but Leonardo was able to send the 8 to the top left for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Leonardo got onto the 8 earlier in game 3, but Whiskers used scratches to ruin his positioning. It worked enough, as Leonardo made the 8 but scratched to gift the win to Whiskers, although Leonardo still won the series 2-1. He's set to visit the Tysini Hummingbirds' Slinks in the bracket quarterfinals.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Brownie v. Greg. The green cue is done after another 13-ball series. Royal's Brownie had a solid start to game 1, but she took too long on the side pockets. Archtown's Greg was more efficient as he earned the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Brownie had a really promising set-up sequence in game 2, but she couldn't get the last ball down as the Arrows' Greg applied defense. Greg took his time, then buried a pair for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Greg wasn't really all that close to a win in game 3, but Brownie stalled out at the end and Greg made the comeback to finish a 3-0 series sweep. Greg will visit the Capital City Sharpshooters' Sprinkles in the bracket quarterfinals. This was Brownie's 100th unique opponent.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Goldy v. Pedey. The day ends with the silver cue in 7-ball. Todavía's Pedey took advantage of a choppy and unstructured effort from Everton's Goldy in game 1. Pedey poked the 7 down at the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Goldy made improvements in game 2 with a four-ball run, but a tough miss on the 5 set up the Stills' Pedey to knock in a three-ball run-out. Pedey secured the series at 2-0 with this win. Goldy again struggled to get anything going in game 3, and Pedey beat her this time with a three-ball run-out to sweep the series 3-0. Pedey will be on the road again in the bracket quarterfinals. 

One programming note to mention. This weekend's action will consist of a split-day session due to prior commitments. That will be Day 15 of the Second Round.

Tournament XI - Second Round Day 12

We're set to reach the halfway point of the Second Round today. Leading off...

Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Isabella. The green cue makes the start today in 13-ball. Atlantic's Isabella had an inspired attack in game 1, but she fell short on the 8. Royal's Jake kept it close enough to strike late for the win and 1-0 series lead after Isabella faltered. Another somewhat baffling finish in game 2 saw the Pirates' Isabella made the last solid for the Crowns' Jake, who then missed on the 8. Isabella bounced back to pot a pair for the win, tying the series at 1. Isabella had a chance at the win in game 3, but she ended up missing on the 8, which allowed Jake to sink it at the top side. Jake won the series 2-1 and will head to the bracket quarterfinals.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Kacey. The red cue draws in for a 15-ball series. Atlantic's Delila was strong enough to take game 1 in a close battle after Royal's Kacey missed her lone attempt on the 15. Delila leads the series 1-0. The Pirates' Delila had a tough start to game 2 again, but the Crowns' Kacey didn't take control of things. Delila was able to get on track at the end with a six-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Delila showed little mercy in game 3, making a 4-15 combination to the top side with the 4 ending up in the top right as a double-pot. She swept Kacey 3-0 in the series, and Delila will host the Maplewood Lumberjacks' Marissa in the bracket quarterfinals.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sally v. Strawberry. Back in 13-ball, the blue cue enters the mix. Archtown's Sally pulled ahead in game 1 after starting slow, and Victoria's Strawberry failed to counter her on her last turn. Sally ended up with a win at the bottom left and that gave her a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Sally got down to her last ball in game 2, but she wasn't able to bring it home. The Spurs' Strawberry made a three-ball run and then added the 8 on the next turn for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was a wild one at the end, with Sally missing the 8 after a four-ball run. Strawberry took over to pot what she thought was a five-ball run-out, but it ended up including an overfill, giving the win and 2-1 series win to Sally after all. Sally will move on to the bracket quarterfinals in stunning fashion.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Maison v. Kodiak. The silver cue joins the part with a 9-ball series. Web City's Kodiak unleashed a five-ball run-out in game 1, taking control after Eastside's Maison couldn't handle himself on offense. Kodiak leads the series 1-0. The Spiders' Kodiak remained better on offense in game 2, but he missed the 9 at the bottom left. The Sharks' Maison was good enough to sink the last shot for the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Kodiak missed another chance to finish things off. Maison replied with a 2-9 combination to the top left for the win and 2-1 series win to go into the bracket quarterfinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Blaze v. Shadow. The silver cue stays up for this 15-ball series. Infinity's Blaze found a surge in game 1 and won on a five-ball run-out that ended with a 14-15 combination to the top right. He leads Diamond's Shadow 1-0 in the series. The Gems' Shadow was too frustrated to finish off game 2 properly, leading to the Torpedoes' Blaze picking up a pair at the end to snag the win. Blaze secured the series at 2-0. Blaze tried to keep things steady in game 3, but he couldn't do it in the end. Shadow pulled together a four-ball run-out to earn the win, although Blaze advanced to a visiting position in the bracket quarterfinals on a 2-1 series win.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Cleo v. Kodiak. East Division rivals tangle in Accuracy with the green cue. A fast-paced game 1 saw Everton's Cleo slip up once in the middle. Web City's Kodiak didn't bend, taking a perfect 0-1 win for the 1-0 series lead. In game 2, both players were perfect through regulation, but the Spiders' Kodiak missed on the overtime break. The Eagles' Cleo buried a shot for the 0-1 win, tying an incredibly even series at 1 game apiece. Cleo missed early in game 3, and Kodiak showed no mercy this time either, holding onto his 0-1 lead to the finish for a 2-1 series win. After one of the best Accuracy series ever, Kodiak will host the Pronger Tridents' Precious in the bracket quarterfinals.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Rosalina v. Patches. The purple cue's lone appearances today is in 15-ball. Victoria's Rosalina was much more comfortable on offense in game 1, controlling the pace early on and then adding a seven-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead over Oceanside's Patches. The Spurs' Rosalina remained pacey on offense with a five-ball run off the break in game 2. The Waves' Patches made a couple of shots as well, but Rosalina won on a 5-15 bank combination to the bottom side to seal the series at 2-0. Rosalina had arguably her best performance in game 3, making 13 balls over four turns, but Patches sniped the 15 at the bottom right for the win. Rosalina settled for a dominant 2-1 series win to get into a road position in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Shelley v. Klaus. The silver cue cycles in again for Accuracy. Infinity's Shelley let her initial lead slip away in game 1, but her late positioning induced a miss from Central's Klaus. Shelley then made the last ball for a 2-3 win to earn a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Shelley had one late miss in game 2, but she was otherwise untouchable in a 1-2 win over the Warriors' Klaus, who played well despite the result. Shelley clinched the series at 2-0. In game 3, Shelley continued to fend off Klaus as she earned a 1-3 win to complete the 3-0 series sweep. Shelley will be on the road in the bracket quarterfinals versus Golden Pilots captain Valencia.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Missy v. Celestia. The silver cue gets another look in 12-ball. Capital City's Missy started a lot better in game 1, but her late play was too slow. Oceanside's Celestia steadily worked her way back in and made a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia was fast initially, but she didn't get a clear look on her last ball. The Sharpshooters' Missy overcame an early scratch to make the comeback for a win that tied the series at 1. Missy made a pair on the break but also scratched, and Celestia acknowledged immediately she had good positioning. Celestia won three turns later and took the 2-1 series win to earn a visit to Tysini versus the Hummingbirds' Slinks in the bracket quarterfinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Quincy v. Blair. North Division foes meet in 10-ball with the blue cue. Modernistic's Quincy sank a ball in an uncalled pocket, and Apex's Blair took over from there. Blair won on a five-ball run-out to earn a 1-0 series lead. The Wonders' Blair scratched to end a three-ball run late in game 2 after another strong showing on offense. The Union's Quincy fired back with a shot on the 10 from ball-in-hand to get the win and tie the series at 1. In game 3, Blair retook control of the offense and looked good late with a three-ball run, only to miss on the 10. Quincy knocked it into the bottom right for the win and 2-1 series win, and he'll host another series in the bracket quarterfinals.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Waluigi v. Cheddar. The blue cue is done for the day after this 9-ball set. Web City's Waluigi was active off of the break in game 1, but North Modernistic's Cheddar wore him down and grabbed the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Waluigi didn't get a shot in game 2, as the Nighthawks' Cheddar made the 6 on the break and added a 1-9 combination to the bottom left on her next shot. Cheddar was able to seal the series at 2-0 with this win. Cheddar found a five-ball run early in game 3, then added an 8-9 combination later on to finish a 3-0 series sweep over Waluigi. Cheddar will be on the road in the bracket quarterfinals.

Intel Center, Diamond: Autumn v. Maren. The red cue checks out after this Accuracy series. Diamond's Autumn scratched on the break and slipped up in the middle while Apex's Maren held a steady attack in game 1. Maren went on to win 1-4 to earn the 1-0 series lead. The Wonders' Maren was strong early in game 2, but a scratch set her back. The Gems' Autumn had a thin lead late, but she got the second-to-last ball down to secure her 1-3 win to tie the series at 1. Autumn kept things close despite an early scratch in game 3, but she melted down at the end. Maren stayed perfect to earn a 0-5 win and 2-1 series win, which sets her up to visit Capital City Sharpshooters stalwart Missy in the bracket quarterfinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Carly v. Marsell. A North Division battle uses the green cue in Accuracy. Westside's Carly had a shaky start and never got a chance to keep pace with Whitewater's Marsell, who was nearly flawless in a 1-3 win. Marsell leads the series 1-0. The Shores' Marsell looked to be cruising again in game 2, but he stumbled hard at the end. The Rockers' Carly stayed composed enough to pick up a 3-4 win that tied the series at 1. Both players were perfect into overtime, where Marsell scratched twice while Carly locked down a 1-2 win. Carly will advance to the bracket quarterfinals with a 2-1 series win.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Pounce v. Bright. The green cue exits with a 9-ball series. Southern's Pounce artfully ran the table in game 1, picking his way through the rack with ease to establish his 1-0 series lead over Pearl's Bright. The Surfers' Bright was more involved in game 2 and looked to be pressing for offense at the end, but he missed on the 9. The Monarchs' Pounce mopped it up at the top right for another win to clinch the series at 2-0. Pounce had a nice break that left the 9 near the bottom left, but he couldn't put it down. Bright was able to make it on a 2-5-9 combination later to avoid the sweep as Pounce ended up taking a 2-1 series win to earn a hosting position in the bracket quarterfinals.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Cleo v. Peach. The host's second series today is in 7-ball with the silver cue to end the day. North Modernistic's Peach looked a little more confident in game 1, but it was Everton's Cleo who ended up with the win when Peach scratched while making the 7. Cleo leads the series 1-0 after the freebie. The Eagles' Cleo continued to be creative on offense, but a late scratch after the Nighthawks' Peach also scratched proved costly. Peach was able to take the 7 on a free shot, and she tied the series at 1 with the win. In game 3, Cleo was a little too erratic, and Peach got the win on a three-ball run-out to take a 2-1 series win. Peach will host the Victoria Spurs' Rosalina in a big bracket quarterfinals series. 

That's all for today. Tomorrow, the UPCL begins a new contract with Predator as the official chalk provider for the league after the EastPoint deal ended.

Tournament XI - Second Round Day 11

We're ready to go on another day's worth of games. Leading off...

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Taylor M. v. Boots. The purple cue opens the action in 8-ball. Eastside's Taylor M. had an itchy game 1, scratching to end both of her turns. Pearl's Boots showed no mercy in the win, taking a six-ball run-out on her second turn for the 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Taylor M. kept the scratches to one in game 2, but she made a critical error at the end, sinking the 8 prematurely. The Surfers' Boots already had a huge lead, but the free win clinched the series in her favor at 2-0. Boots continued to dominate in game 3, winning on a four-ball run-out as Taylor M. failed to get much offense going. Boots swept the series 3-0 and will visit the Queens Flames' Mario in the bracket quarterfinals.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Max v. Carly. The red cue gets the second series today in Rotation. Westside's Carly had a four-ball run to set the tone in game 1, and she was able to maintain her lead over Golden's Max. Carly won 8-3 to get a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Max erupted for a five-ball run early in game 2, and the Rockers' Carly only made a slight effort to get back in the game. Max was able to see himself to an 8-4 win, tying the series at 1. Max had a nice surge on a four-ball run in game 3, but he missed the 13 twice on a hard shot toward the bottom left. Carly took the final pair for an 8-7 win and 2-1 series win that sets her up to visit the Todavía Stills' Easter in the bracket quarterfinals.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Dewey v. Andrew. Back in 8-ball, the purple cue comes between East Division rivals. Freedom's Andrew was sharp early in game 1, but couldn't get past the middle of his suit. Stonebridge's Dewey fired back later and won on a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Andrew used a strong pace early in game 2, but he was able to keep it going this time while the Wolves' Dewey didn't have the same level. Andrew easily got the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Dewey had some bursts of offense, but he couldn't sink the 8 or keep Andrew away. Andrew pushed for a pair at the end to get the win and 2-1 series win, which will see him visit the Victoria Spurs captain Spice in the bracket quarterfinals.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Marissa v. Puff II. Another East Division battle uses the red cue in 15-ball. Maplewood's Marissa emerged with a win in a chippy game 1 that saw Harrison's Puff II scratch late. Marissa got a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Puff II had to step up the pace a bit to keep herself in game 2, but she still faltered too often at the end. The Lumberjacks' Marissa made sure her earlier five-ball run wasn't wasted when she made the final pair for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Marissa didn't get a chance to finish the sweep in game 3, as Puff II won with a 6-15 combination to the bottom left. Marissa advanced to the bracket quarterfinals on a 2-1 series win.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Bear v. Josie. The red cue stays up for 7-ball. Commerce's Bear was a little shaky in game 1, even after making a three-ball run. He missed on the 7 and Viewpoint Sound's Josie mopped it up at the top right for the 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Josie had a strong break in game 2, and she was able to again knock the 7 down at the bottom right after the Tradewinds' Bear couldn't finish it. Josie sealed the series at 2-0. In game 3, Bear had a chance for a big run at the end, but he missed on the 3. Josie took over for a four-ball run-out to complete her 3-0 series sweep, which sets her up to visit Tysini Hummingbirds star Charli in the bracket quarterfinals.

Porsche Events Center, Zenith: Bells v. Puff III. The blue cue draws in for 15-ball. Everton's Puff III had a five-ball run in the middle of game 1, but she pulled out of shooting for the 15 on a combination. A slow finish saw Zenith's Bells pick up the win at the top left for the 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Puff III continued to bring heat on offense by making six of the last seven balls in game 2, but she couldn't pot the one that mattered. Bells sank the 15 to the bottom right, a poached win enough for her to seal the series at 2-0. Bells had a rather merciless finish to game 3, potting a four-ball run-out for her best turn of the game against Puff III. Bells swept the series 3-0 and will visit the Pearl Surfers' Watermelon in the bracket quarterfinals.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Jennifer v. Frosty. The silver cue enters the action in Accuracy. Terrace City's Jennifer fell behind on a scratch in game 1, but Freedom's Frosty stumbled later on. Jennifer made no mistakes near the end, closing out a 1-2 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Frosty inexplicably scratched right after the Knights' Jennifer under-hit a shot. This proved costly later, as Frosty missed late and Jennifer finished off another 1-2 win to secure the series at 2-0. Jennifer turned up her play a notch to get a perfect 0-1 win over Frosty in game 3. Jennifer swept the series 3-0 and will host Maplewood Lumberjacks star Whiskers in the bracket quarterfinals.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Tigerette. The purple cue is set to play in 10-ball. Neither player wasted much time on offense. Pearl's Watermelon slipped up when she missed on the 8, and Boston's Tigerette won game 1 on a three-ball run-out for a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon had some hard shots in game 2, but she made the 6 to the top right and the 8-10 combination at the bottom left to get a well-earned win over the Swifts' Tigerette. This tied the series at 1. The pace evaporated in game 3, as neither player had much success assembling a run. At the end, Tigerette made a pair and missed the 10, which Watermelon banked to the bottom left for the win and 2-1 series win. Watermelon will head on the road in the bracket quarterfinals.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Maison v. Puff III. The visitor's second series today sees the red cue exit after 10-ball. Everton's Puff III looked fairly composed in game 1, but her late three-ball run ended with a miss on the 10. Eastside's Maison buried it at the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Maison had some success again in game 2, but a deferred possession for the Eagles' Puff III paid off as she made the final pair of shots on consecutive turns. Puff III won with the 10 in the bottom right to tie the series at 1. Maison had a chance to win in game 3, but he missed the 3-10 combination at the top left. Puff III got the 10 down on a deflection to take the 2-1 series win, and she'll be on the road again in the bracket quarterfinals.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Sprinkles v. Chimpy. The green cue is up for 13-ball. Westside's Chimpy worked hard to get a lead in game 1, then gave it away by sinking the 8 in an uncalled pocket to gift Capital City's Sprinkles with a 1-0 series lead. Chimpy was visibly frustrated after that, a rarity for the jovial veteran. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles didn't take long to get ahead in game 2, using a five-ball run after the Rockers' Chimpy came up short on solids. Sprinkles then sank the 8 rather easily for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Sprinkles didn't have quite the same pace in game 3, and Chimpy was able to scrape together enough offense for the win. Sprinkles will host again in the bracket quarterfinals after this 2-1 series win.

Intel Center, Diamond: Shadow v. Gabby. The green cue goes again in 9-ball. Diamond's Shadow got lucky to sink the 4 on the break, but it was pure skill to smash the 1 to the top left and the 2-9 combination to the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead over Southern's Gabby. The Gems' Shadow didn't dominate game 2, letting the Monarchs' Gabby take a fairly even share of the offense. Shadow beat her on finishing with a bank on the 9 to the top side to secure the series at 2-0. Shadow brought about a merciful finish after Gabby scratched while potting the 6 on an early combination. Shadow sank the 1-9 combination to the bottom left for a 3-0 series sweep to put him in position to host the Maplewood Lumberjacks' Summer in the bracket quarterfinals.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Crystal. A captains' battle in 7-ball sends the blue cue out of action. Neither player lived up the hype in game 1, but Queens' Crystal was eventually able to pick up enough offense for the win and 1-0 series lead over Terrace City's Kiwi. The Flames' Crystal wasn't any better in game 2, but the Knights' Kiwi made a little progress. Kiwi sank the final pair this time, earning the win to tie the series at 1. Crystal finally put together a big run in game 3, making a four-ball run-out with a bank of the 7 to the bottom left as the finisher. Crystal beat Kiwi 2-1 in the series to earn a road position in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Dustin. The purple cue exits after this Rotation series. Central's Dustin had the winning ball down in game 1, but he scratched on the play after a strong attack. Infinity's Smudge rallied with a five-ball run-out for the 8-7 win to steal a 1-0 series lead. After some extended trash-talking, the Torpedoes' Smudge scratched on the break in game 2. The Warriors' Dustin took a big lead, but Smudge erased it with a five-ball run and won 8-5 on a three-ball run-out to seal the series at 2-0. Smudge carved out another five-ball run in game 3 to establish her lead. Dustin didn't put up a fight this time, and Smudge won 8-3 to sweep the series 3-0, setting herself up to host Whitewater Shores rookie Rachel in the bracket quarterfinals.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Midnight v. Cheddar. The green cue is done after a 15-ball set. With absolutely no pace at all in game 1, Apex's Midnight got a little control at the end and put down a pair for the win to go ahead 1-0 in the series over North Modernistic's Cheddar. The Wonders' Midnight essentially gave away game 2, as her light contact on the 3 set up a deflection play for the Nighthawks' Cheddar to put the 15 in the top side. This tied the series at 1. In game 3, Midnight finished it early with a 7-12-15 combination to the top left, giving her a 2-1 series win after Cheddar couldn't get much going. Midnight will play in the bracket quarterfinals.

Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Puff II. The day ends with 12-ball and the silver cue. Todavía's Easter was better from the start in game 1, and Harrison's Puff II never really got on track. Easter put up a shutout win for the 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Puff II looked doomed to a similar fate in game 2, but she suddenly attacked with everything she had for a six-ball run-out to get the win over the Stills' Easter. The series is tied at 1 game apiece. Easter had a lot of positioning work to do but she almost pulled it off before a scratch. That gave Puff II enough time to pick up the win for a 2-1 series win. Puff II will advance to the bracket quarterfinals. 

We'll be back in action tomorrow to hit the halfway point of the Second Round.

Tournament XI - Second Round Day 10

We're back for another full day of games on a standard schedule. First up...

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Roxy v. Daisy. Players on new teams slash in 13-ball with the purple cue. Southridge's Roxy was fast with a three-ball run from the break in game 1. Oceanside's Daisy replied with a five-ball run, but her last ball wouldn't go down, and Roxy bounced back for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Roxy doubled up in stunning fashion on the game 2 break, stampeding about half the rack to the top left where the 2 and 8 fell for her instant win over the Waves' Daisy. Roxy clinched the series at 2-0 on the play. Roxy enjoyed another big break in game 3, but Daisy made a comeback this time as Roxy's positioning failed her. Roxy settled for a 2-1 series win to earn a hosting position in the bracket quarterfinals.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Leandra. The red cue enters in 7-ball. Both players had some offense in game 1, but Tysini's Leandra miscued on her attempt at the 7, and Boston's Gradley mopped it up at the top side for a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Leandra needed just one shot to win game 2, as her 1-4 combination missed at the bottom side but the cue deflected to collect the 7 to the bottom right. She tied the series at 1 versus the Swifts' Gradley. In game 3, Leandra scratched after making the 2 on the break. Gradley potted the 1 and added a 3-7 combination to the top right for the win and 2-1 series win. Gradley will host Zenith Skywatchers enforcer Nightfur in the bracket quarterfinals.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Kayla v. Misty. A captains' battle in 7-ball uses the green cue. Royal's Kayla didn't get anything on the break in game 1, but she rattled off a three-ball run-out at the end with a nice kick on the 6 to defeat Westside's Misty. Kayla holds a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Kayla was a little less composed on offense in game 2, and the Rockers' Misty used that to her advantage. Misty won this time with a three-ball run-out, tying the series at 1. In game 3, Kayla missed twice on the 7 and Misty eventually picked it off for the win and 2-1 series win. Misty is set for a road assignment in the bracket quarterfinals.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Missy v. Spot. The red cue is back for this Accuracy series. Pronger's Spot started well in game 1, but slipped up in the later stages as Capital City's Missy stayed firm on offense. Missy took a 1-3 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Missy had a much tougher time keeping pace on offense in game 2. The Tridents' Spot wasn't particularly good either, but he did well enough to earn a 3-5 win that tied the series at 1. Spot made three balls and scratched on the game 3 break, but it was a later scratch that doomed his series. Missy ended up with a 2-4 win and 2-1 series win to earn a place in the bracket quarterfinals.

Volkswagen BeetleDome, Viewpoint Sound: Hoot v. Stealth. The blue cue comes between club-mates in 15-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot had some decent offense in game 1, but Swordpoint's Stealth stole the win on a lucky 13-15 bank combination to the top side. Stealth holds a slight 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Stealth had a scratch in game 2 after missing on the 3. The Meteors' Hoot wasn't able to knock in the 3, and Stealth did before sinking a 4-15 combination to the top left for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Stealth kept rolling in game 3 with a five-ball run and a strong offense to pressure Hoot at the end. Stealth was able to get the finish again to sweep the series 3-0 and maintain a road position in the bracket quarterfinals.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Tigerette v. Chris. The purple cue gets a look in 15-ball. Boston's Tigerette was significantly better in game 1 with a five-ball run and a three-ball run, but Capital City's Chris poached the win after Tigerette missed on the 15. Chris leads the series 1-0. The Swifts' Tigerette scratched late in game 2 after a choppy back-and-forth sequence, but the Sharpshooters' Chris missed the 9-15 combination from ball-in-hand. Tigerette then buried the 15 on a deflection at the bottom left to get the win that tied the series at 1. Chris surged forward in game 3, leaving Tigerette behind as he made eight balls over his last two turns to get the win. Chris won the series 2-1 and will host the Archtown Arrows' Hoppy in the bracket quarterfinals.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Vincent v. Paps. More 15-ball uses the red cue. Everton's Vincent was too aggressive late in game 1, leading to only sporadic offense. Zenith's Paps picked up the win with the 15 at the top left to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Skywatchers' Paps wasn't quite as opportunistic in game 2, playing a fairly standard game. The Eagles' Vincent didn't appear to have anything special until he made a four-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1. Vincent had to play patiently in game 3 as little lined up for him early on. Paps' lucky ran out as Vincent buried a seven-ball run-out for the win to take a 2-1 series win. Vincent will visit Golden Pilots veteran Sparkles in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Dustin. The green cue cycles in for 10-ball. Commerce's Rosemary shot with confidence in game 1, dominating as she tallied runs of three and five in the win over Central's Dustin. Rosemary leads the series 1-0. The Tradewinds' Rosemary didn't control as much of the offense in game 2, as the Warriors' Dustin launched a more convincing offense and kept things even. Dustin made the final pair at the end for the win to tie the series at 1. Rosemary looked solid in game 3, but Dustin closed her out with a four-ball run-out, giving himself a 2-1 series win. Dustin will be on the road again in the bracket quarterfinals as members of the two teams represented here are opposite him on the bracket.

Intel Center, Diamond: Salmo v. Precious. The green cue is done for the day after Accuracy. Diamond's Salmo couldn't keep up the pace in game 1, as Pronger's Precious had enough run way to skid to the finish in her 2-3 win. Precious owns a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Precious was uncompromising in game 2, playing a perfect game to take a 0-2 win over the Gems' Salmo. This sealed the series in Precious' favor at 2-0. Precious remained perfect in game 3, smashing a 0-1 win as Salmo missed a late shot and never had a chance to bounce back. Precious swept the series 3-0 and will be a visitor again in the bracket quarterfinals.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Easter. A marquee series in the West Division uses the blue cue in 10-ball. Lighton's Spirit monopolized possession in game 1, making three balls on the break including the 10 which was respotted. She then added a double-pot that saw her deflect the cue off the 4 to drive the 7 to the top left with the carom sending the 10 to the bottom right as she gained a 1-0 series lead over Todavía's Easter. With a chance to actually shoot in game 2, the Stills' Easter showed how dangerous she could be. The Prestige's Spirit struggled a bit, and Easter made the last four balls over two turns for the win to tie the series at 1. Easter lost her touch a bit in game 3, leading to a sloppy offense. She tried to outwit Spirit by deferring possession late, but Easter missed her next look at the 10 and Spirit sank it for the 2-1 series win. Spirit will host the Infinity Torpedoes' Blaze in the bracket quarterfinals.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Brownie v. Stinky. The purple cue returns in 7-ball. Royal's Brownie was clearly ahead of the pace in game 1, as Freedom's Stinky didn't show very well. Brownie won on a four-ball run-out to grab the 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Brownie had a couple of chances in game 2, but the Cascades' Stinky rallied to finish on a six-ball run-out. This tied the series at 1. Stinky started a little slower in game 3, but he was back on track at the end with a four-ball run-out to knock off Brownie. Stinky won the series 2-1 and will play in the bracket quarterfinals.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Frosty v. Goldy. The blue cue exits after 12-ball between East Division foes. Freedom's Frosty began with a four-ball run in game 1, but she also took a scratch. Everton's Goldy applied some pressure with good positioning, but Frosty was able to win on a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Frosty had to get more physical in a tight game 2 battle, but she couldn't put down her last ball even after the Eagles' Goldy lost her defense. Goldy instead won on a two-rail bank to the bottom side to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Goldy scratched three times, killing any momentum she tried to build while Frosty got by on decent positioning. Frosty took the win and 2-1 series win to get a chance to host her bracket quarterfinals series.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Solaris v. Quincy. The North Division gets a spotlight in 7-ball for the silver cue's lone series today. Commerce's Solaris had an ill-timed scratch in game 1, as Modernistic's Quincy turned in a 3-5-7 combination to the top right on the next shot. Quincy leads the series 1-0. The Tradewinds' Solaris wasn't able to up his pace at all in game 2, putting in just an average effort. The Union's Quincy buried the final pair at the end to earn the win and clinch the series at 2-0. Quincy kept up the hot play in game 3, getting a 4-7 combination to go down at the bottom left for the win after controlling the offense. Quincy swept Solaris 3-0 and will move on to a visiting role in the bracket quarterfinals.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Wild Thing v. Roxy. The red cue checks out after Rotation. Southridge's Roxy established a lead first and didn't let it slip, as Web City's Wild Thing chipped in just a little offense at a time. Roxy won game 1 by an 8-4 score to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Defenders' Roxy continued to attack quickly in game 2, making a three-ball run early and a four-ball run-out later for an 8-1 win over the Spiders' Wild Thing. Roxy sealed the series at 2-0. Roxy had to fight a little harder in game 3 to finish her sweep of Wild Thing, but she was able to do it on an 8-7 win for the 3-0 series win. Roxy heads to Everton in the bracket quarterfinals for a meeting with Eagles captain Goldy.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Citrus. The day ends with the purple cue in 9-ball. Stonebridge's Hershey was mostly a spectator in game 1 as Lighton's Citrus attacked with speed. Citrus made an early run and added a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Citrus scratched on the break in game 2, and the Wolves' Hershey made sure she didn't get back to the table. Hershey won in two shots with the 1 in the top side and the 2-9 combination in the bottom left. Hershey cut in at the end in game 3 to make a 5-9 combination at the bottom left for the win, beating Citrus for a 2-1 series win. Hershey will host Harrison Specters newcomer Snuggle in the bracket quarterfinals. 

We're done for today. There may be a special announcement in the near future.

Tournament XI - Second Round Day 9

Play continues on a normal schedule this Sunday. First up...

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Twinkie III v. Summer. The green cue opens the day in 9-ball. Whitewater's Twinkie III found her way in the middle of game 1, making a five-ball run-out after Maplewood's Summer suffered a miscue. Twinkie III leads the series 1-0. The Shores' Twinkie III got beat by pace in game 2, as the Lumberjacks' Summer began with a three-ball run and added a pair at the end to get the win. This tied the series at 1. Twinkie III again played a little too loose in game 3, allowing Summer to get this win with a 7-9 combination to the bottom left. Summer won the series 2-1 and will move on to the bracket quarterfinals.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Rachel v. Sunshine. The venue doubleheader ends with the silver cue in 8-ball. Whitewater's Rachel scratched on the break, but Royal's Sunshine wasn't able to build much on offense. Rachel had a lucky four-ball run that put her ahead, and she won on a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Rachel scratched on the break in game 2, but she bounced back quickly on a six-ball run. She had to battle with the Crowns' Sunshine, who ended up sinking a pair at the end for the win to tie the series at 1. Sunshine continued to build on offense, winning a very lopsided game 3 over Rachel for the 2-1 series win. Sunshine will be on the road again in the bracket quarterfinals.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Lionel v. Nightfur. The red cue enters the action in 7-ball. A choppy game 1 went to Zenith's Nightfur, as North Modernistic's Lionel missed on the 7 after making a pair. Nightfur put the 7 in the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Skywatchers' Nightfur opened game 2 with a five-ball run, then added the last two balls after the Nighthawks' Lionel came up empty on two turns. Nightfur clinched the series at 2-0. Nightfur remained the class of the series by making six of seven balls in game 3, sweeping Lionel 3-0. Nightfur will be on the road again in the bracket quarterfinals.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Sierra. The purple cue is ready to go in 8-ball between West Division rivals. Victoria's Spice sent more balls off the table (one) than in the pockets (zero), making it an easy shutout win for Todavía's Sierra, who leads the series 1-0. The Stills' Sierra made just one mistake in game 2, and that was going empty on the break. The Spurs' Spice bounced back in a huge way by running the table on her only turn to get the win and tie the series at 1. Both players kept their pace high in game 3, especially as Sierra pressured late on a six-ball run. She missed the 8, and Spice fired back on a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win. Spice will play in the bracket quarterfinals.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Charli v. Twinkie II. The purple cue is up again for Accuracy. Tysini's Charli had a few slip-ups in game 1, while Harrison's Twinkie II was better able to limit her mistakes. Twinkie II won 2-5 and earned a 1-0 series lead in the process. The Specters' Twinkie II made a ball on the break in game 2, but fell behind early on and never recovered. The Hummingbirds' Charli enjoyed a bounce-back game by winning 1-4 to tie the series at 1. Twinkie II got back on track for a thrilling game 3 that saw Charli's late miss decide the contest. Twinkie II took a 1-2 win and 2-1 series win to set her up to host the Apex Wonders' Mr. Snowman in the bracket quarterfinals.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stripes v. Rudolph. The blue cue joins the party in 13-ball. Eastside's Rudolph had the better start in game 1, but Southridge's Stripes enjoyed her positioning and made a comeback for the win to get a 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Stripes made two solids and a stripe on the game 2 break, but she elected to play stripes after making shots to the side pockets. The Sharks' Rudolph had little response, and Stripes won on a four-ball run-out to secure the series at 2-0. Stripes looked good for much of game 3, but a scratch allowed Rudolph to find his way on a four-ball run-out for the win. Stripes still took the series 2-1 and will host again in the bracket quarterfinals.

Mitsubishi Arena, Apex: Cowzart v. Bells. The green cue cycles in for Rotation. Game 1 was a close battle at first, but Apex's Cowzart did better with offense to break away. Zenith's Bells failed to keep up as Cowzart closed out an 8-4 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Skywatchers' Bells tried to mount a comeback late in game 2, but she couldn't get it to work out. The Wonders' Cowzart closed her off with the 13 at the top left to win 8-6, which in turned clinched the series for him at 2-0. Cowzart didn't find as much offense in game 3, allowing Bells to pull away for an 8-3 win. Cowzart won the series 2-1 and will host again in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Melissa. The red cue opens a venue doubleheader in 7-ball. Central's Dustin didn't display his usual command in game 1, allowing Terrace City's Melissa to pick off the 7 at the bottom right for the win. Melissa leads the series 1-0. The Warriors' Dustin got back on track with a three-ball run in game 2. The Knights' Melissa replied with a pair of shots, but she missed the 7 and Dustin buried it at the top left for the win to tie the series at 1. Dustin made a five-ball run in game 3, but he missed on the 6, and Melissa made the final pair to take the series 2-1. Melissa is set to visit Viewpoint Sound Meteors star Princess in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Klaus v. Twilight. Teammates clash to end a venue doubleheader in 7-ball with the purple cue. Both players put too much emphasis on power early in game 1. Twilight eventually got the win by cutting the 7 to the bottom left for a 1-0 series lead over Klaus. In game 2, Twilight made a three-ball run but missed on the 4. Klaus took over from there to sink a three-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1. Twilight bounced back in a tight game 3, as Klaus' late miss on the 7 would send him to the series loss. Twilight advanced on a 2-1 score to earn a visiting role in the bracket quarterfinals.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Marissa v. Rudolph. The silver cue is back for this Accuracy set. Maplewood's Marissa handled business in game 1 with a pair on the break and steady play throughout. Eastside's Rudolph couldn't keep pace as Marissa took a 2-4 win to gain a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Marissa again potted a pair on the break, and she was a little better in game 2, much to the chagrin of the Sharks' Rudolph. Marissa emerged with a 1-3 win this time to clinch the series at 2-0. In game 3, Rudolph got petty at the end and elicited boos from the Maplewood crowd, who rejoiced as Marissa won 3-4 anyway. Marissa swept the series 3-0 and will host Lindsay of the Stonebridge Wolves in an East Division battle in the bracket quarterfinals. Rudolph is the fourth eliminated player, and Marissa has her first kill.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Bucco v. Maggie. The blue cue takes a turn in Rotation to end its day. Modernistic's Maggie started with a pair, then fell behind a bit as Harrison's Bucco found his shot. Maggie rebounded on a four-ball run and won 8-4 for the 1-0 series lead. The Union's Maggie made progress in a tough game 2, taking a lead in the middle. The Specters' Bucco roared all the way back and took an 8-6 win to tie the series at 1 in a battle that's been anything but easy. An even battle through the first half of game 3 gave way to Maggie storming away with an 8-4 win and 2-1 series win after Bucco stalled out. Maggie will visit Eastside Sharks captain Taylor M. in the bracket quarterfinals.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Ellie v. Midnight. The red cue is set for a 10-ball series. Both players came to play in game 1, but the momentum swung to Capital City's Ellie as she made a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead over Apex's Midnight. In game 2, the Wonders' Midnight looked a little lost on offense. She had a poor look on the 3, which allowed the Sharpshooters' Ellie to sink the 3-10 combination on a cut to the top side. Ellie sealed the series at 2-0 with this win. Midnight looked set to salvage game 3 with a late run, but she missed on the 10 and Ellie buried it at the top left for the 3-0 series sweep. Ellie will remain in a hosting position in the bracket quarterfinals.

Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Diddley. Club-mates and captains meet in Rotation to send the red cue off for the day. Todavía's Easter looked dangerous from the start, but Maplewood's Diddley didn't back down. Things stay even until the end when Diddley got free to make a pair of shots for an 8-5 win and 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Easter didn't mess around in a much more confident game 2 performance. The Lumberjacks' Diddley only made one ball before Easter unleashed a six-ball run-out for the 8-1 win to tie the series at 1. Easter faced a little more resistance from Diddley this time, but he wasn't able to stop her from making another six-ball run-out for an 8-3 win. Easter will host again in the bracket quarterfinals after this 2-1 series win.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Shelley v. Jennifer. The green cue exits after Rotation. Infinity's Shelley couldn't lock in her offense at all in game 1, allowing Terrace City's Jennifer to thrive with a little luck. Jennifer was all skill at the end of her 8-2 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Jennifer saw her luck evaporate after a good break in game 2. The Torpedoes' Shelley did significantly better this time, rallying late for an 8-0 shutout win to tie the series at 1. Shelley kept the momentum up in game 3, rattling off a six-ball run to take a huge lead. Jennifer's comeback fell flat, and Shelley won 8-1 to take a 2-1 series win and earn a place in the bracket quarterfinals.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Cubby. An East Division battle in 9-ball with the silver cue ends the day. The 9 ended up near the top left early in game 1, leading to a less-than-accurate playing style on both sides. Archtown's Cubby was a little more rattled, and Pronger's Precious won on a 6-9 cut combination for the 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Precious showed much more skill with movement in game 2. The 9 remained near the bottom side, but the Arrows' Cubby never had a good look at it before Precious won with a four-ball run-out to secure the series at 2-0. Precious mailed it in for game 3, and Cubby wasn't much better until he made a pair at the end. Precious took the series 2-1 and will move on to the bracket quarterfinals. 

That's it from a very crisp day of games. Next week is scheduled to be fairly normal, with an exciting shift planned for Thursday.