Caukin Cashes on Billiards Tour
Lucasi Hybrid All-American Tour / Gainesville, FL

by Michell Monk

Helene Caukin won her first Lucasi Hybrid All-American Tour stop May 1, besting Nicolle Rasmussen in the finals. Hosted by the Art of Billiards in Gainesville, FL, the $250-added event attracted 11 of Florida’s top women players.

The single-elimination event quickly wound down to the final four competitors, with Caukin facing Shanelle Lorraine, while Rasmussen went up against Jessica Barnes. In the first semifinal match, Caukin rattled a couple of 9 balls, and Lorraine took an early lead. But Caukin countered and brought the score to 5-all after Lorraine jawed the 9. From there, it was all Caukin as she took over the table and eventually won the match 7-5.

In the other semifinals, Rasmussen quickly took a 2-0 lead, but Barnes fired back and tied the match. Rasmussen pulled away taking the lead 4-2, but Barnes managed to pull within one game. When it looked that she would tie the score, Barnes missed the 8 ball, and Rasmussen went up 5-3. Again Barnes found her rhythm and looked to be out when an unexpected miss on the 6 ball gave Rasmussen another game. Now on the hill, Rasmussen ran out, closing out the match 7-3.

Caukin won the lag in the finals and took a 3-0 lead before Rasmussen got on the board. But Caukin’s momentum continued as she took back control and jumped to a 5-1 lead. Rasmussen steadily chipped away at Caukin’s lead until the score was 6-4. Caukin broke and watched the cue ball drop in the side pocket. With ball in hand, Rasmussen made the 1 and then the 2-9 combo to put the score at 6-5. Rasmussen broke, hoping to tie the match. But a dry break was her last chance, as a determined Caukin decided it had been long enough and ran the rack to take her first Lucasi Tour win.

Results:
1st Helene Caukin $370
2nd Nicolle Rasmussen $250
3th Jessica Barnes $100
Shanelle Lorraine $100

---