Texas (SC #1) recovers to hold off Bay Area (West #3)

By Elle Beaux

A little coffee and a dynamite matchup between B.ay A.rea D.erby Girls (West #3) and Texas Rollergirls (South Central #1) gave everyone the morning bracer they needed at the Georgia World Congress Center Saturday. Texas overcame a sizeable lead to knock Bay Area out of the tournament.

Photo by D.E.sign

Bay Area shattered Texas’s early lead with an excellent offense and a well-timed power jam, bringing the score to Bay Area 29, Texas 18. From that point, the first half was all about Bay Area’s explosive jammers Chantilly Mace and Lulu Lockjaw. Assisted by knockout blocking by Demanda Riot and Kristy Yamagotcha, Bay Area made a 4 jam scoring run that racked up 68 points against none for Texas.

Both teams had their jammer in the box on multiple occasions, but Texas made it work, Tim Gunn style. Texas gained lead jammer the last 4 jams of the period, and it started looking like they wanted a comeback. A power jam brought them within 30 points of Bay Area, and the period ended with Bay Area holding onto the lead with 113, and Texas clawing their way back up with 87.

In the second half, the Texas jammers cleaned up their skating and an early power jam by Vicious Van Gogo brought Texas within 6 points of Bay Area. Utility player Smarty Pants, along with hardcore blockers Belle Starr and Polly Gone made Texas a force, and they slowly creped their way back. A power jam by Killbox put Texas in the lead, and a few more power jams ensured they stayed there. With 8 minutes left on the clock, Texas was in the lead 179- 148.

Bay Area attempted to rally, but a high block major for their jammer Chantilly Mace late in the period cinched the victory for Texas. The final score was 216-161, and Texas will face the winner of the Oly Rollers v. Minnesota bout today at 6:30pm.

Texas Rollergirls (#1SC) 216
Bay Area Derby Girls (#3W) 161