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Roller Derby Thu Jan 20 2011
Fury, Manic Take First 2011 WCR Bout
It was an exciting opening night Saturday, Jan. 15, for the Windy City Rollers, as the league began their 2011 home season with an interleague double header. The turnout was good at the UIC Pavilion, where fans, family, and fresh meat (new skaters) filled the stands.
Before beginning game play, a moment of silence was held for skater Yvonne Johnson Hammer, who was found dead last December. For this game, her teammates all skated with the name "Hammer" on their uniform.
First on the starting line were the Manic Attackers vs. Hell's Belles. The Manics have enjoyed a strong team for the last few years, while the Belles have faltered in their game play. The bout between them started with the Manics quickly gaining the lead and maintaining it for the rest of the game. Veteran Manic skaters Bork Bork Bork, Mo Vengeance, and Ying O' Fire threw heavy blocks, while Belle Jammers Deb Autry and Shocka Conduit slid through the pack with ease. In the end, however, it was the Manics' game, as they took the bout 137-71.
(photos and more after the jump)
Manic Jammer Beth Amphetamine speeds by the pack while her teammates block the Belles.
New Manic Attacker mascot, Manic Man, gives the team their due.
The second bout pitted longstanding rivals (and the 2010 Ivy King Cup finalists) the Fury and the Double Crossers. For this game, both teams instituted some slow pack skating, the controversial style seen at last year's national championships. Even so, Fury Jammers Kola Loka, Jackie Daniels, and returning All-Star Yvette YourMaker fought to break through the stacked pack put forth by the Crosser's hard-hitting Blockers. By the half, the Fury led 63-24. Soon after, Crosser Jammer Julia Rosenwinkle was taken out with an injury. While her fellow Crosser Jammers Joanie Utah and Indycent did their best with some great Grand Slams, the Fury had them beat, ending the game 128-84.
A Fury Jammer ((left, in the starred cap) attempts to get by a Double Crosser's block.
The Derby Dame is Gapers Block contributor Kara Luger, who skated as Typhoid Mary with the Windy City Rollers and the Pikes Peak Derby Dames.
All photos by Sarah Best.
