Minnesota (NC #2) advances over Kansas City (SC #3)

By Elle Beaux

The second bout of the day brought a fierce matchup between the #3 seed in the South Central Region, Kansas City Roller Warriors and the #2 seed in the North Central Region, Minnesota RollerGirls. Both teams came off the whistle hitting hard, but a cut track major by Minnesota’s Harmony Killerbruise, brought an early lead to Kansas City. Minnesota came back strong, gaining lead jammer status in the next few jams bringing a score of 24 to Kansas City’s 15.

Photo by D.E.sign

Minnesota blockers Diamond Rough, Juke Boxx, and Hurtrude Stein formed tight walls that often proved too much for Kansas City’s offense, but Minnesota and Kansas City traded lead jammer status for the next few jams. KC was almost able to gain the lead again, but a power jam by Minnesota brought the score to 52 Minnesota, Kansas City 27.

The game was characterized by hard hits and fast packs, with explosive blocks coming from both sides. The Minnesota pack stayed tight, and Kansas City wasn’t matching the teamwork.

Kansas City rallied during halftime and came back to the track showing improved teamwork and a renewed offense. A run of Kansas City lead jams gave them a morale boost and it looked like they were aiming for a comeback. However, Minnesota shut them down with their impenetrable defense time and again.

Minnesota jammer Harmony Killerbruise took two consecutive trips to the box, resulting in 7 total trips. Although Harmony is a key jammer for Minnesota her fouling out didn’t shake their confidence. Kansas City tried to use the power jam to their advantage, but Minnesota simply outplayed them.

The large contingency of Minnesota fans was thrilled to cheer their team to a 244-148 win over Kansas City. Minnesota will advance to play The Oly Rollers (West #1 seed) Saturday at noon.

Minnesota RollerGirls (#2NC) 244
Kansas City Roller Warriors (#3SC) 148