By Larry Eans:

January 24th – The Northern Lounge hosted another scotch triples 9-ball tournament after months of requests. Saturday came around and 10 teams ponied up the cash to take a shot at the next triples title. The format was a race to your combined handicap minus 16 games. There was a minimum race to 5. The team entry was $60 with a $30 & $60 side pot. All 10 teams entered in both side pots bringing the grand prize total including money added by the Northern Lounge to a whopping $1710. Not bad for a small field.

There were 10 great teams that formed for this occasion; however, only one team could snap this event off. The pick of the litter was the squad made up of Carlos Avalos, Tanner Ellerman and Bernie Store. This team would probably be a favorite even if there were 32 teams. This trio made their way through the bracket taking down the teams of Dave Wiseman – Brian Poore – Andy Frola (24) by the score of 9-4, Steve Stowers - Steve Henderson – Emmett Webb (25) by the core of 9-3 and for the hot seat the team of Oscar Avila – Paul Vasi – Sophia Morquecho (22) by the score of 9-2.

The hardest path to the championship set is by way of a first round loss. It is almost unheard of to win an event after suffering a first round defeat. This will be an example of tremendous ability, belief and concentration as the team of Craig Cardona – John Casey – Ron Novotny (22) did the unthinkable. They dropped their first match to Team Kitty’s made up of Aaron Purdy – Jack Mayer – John Sauers (24) by the score of 8-5. Instead of throwing in the towel, this trio played one match at a time and started rolling through the loser’s bracket. Next win was over Team Wizeman by the score of 6-5, Team Money made up of Jim Money – Jason Flora – Larry Eans (25) 6-6, Doc Rice – Junior Flores – Terry Nichols (25) 6-5 and Team Stowers 6-4.

Waiting on the top of the one loss side was Team Avila – Vasi - Morquecho. After suffering their first loss playing for the hot seat they were ready to redeem themselves. Unfortunately they were met by a team on a roll that could not be stopped. Team Cardona – Craig – Novotny shut out Team Avila 6-0 in short time. Next up was the finals against the well rested squad of Team Avalos.

This event used a double elimination format with a true two set finals (if needed). Guess what! They needed it. Though both sets were close, each team traded great shots and simple mistakes. In the end team Cardona took down both sets by the score of 6-6 & 6-7 respectively. I must congratulate these three players as they showed composure beyond what I am used to seeing. This was a well deserved second win as Craig and Ron won last year’s scotch triples with a different partner. Many thanks go out to all the participants for making the drive and dedicating their day competing at the Northern Lounge. We appreciate your patronage.

1st Place – Craig Cardona – John Casey – Ron Novotny $1020
2nd Place – Carlos Avalos – Tanner Ellerman – Bernie Store $510
3rd Place – Oscar Avila – Paul Vasi – Sophia Morquecho $180
Total Payout including side pots and added money $1710