Oly Rollers (#4) take West Region championship

By Shelly Shankya

Fast pace defined the final game of Bay of Reckoning between Denver Roller Dolls (#2) and the Oly Rollers (#4), which is mildly ironic considering that Denver introduced "slow play" tactics to the derby world at Championships in 2009. Denver used speed, however, to keep Oly from snatching easy points. The points were neck and neck until Denver's jammer Caitlin Krause scored 14 points as Oly's jammer Lindsey Lowblow was unable to break the pack for the jam's entirety. Denver's Sandrine Rangeon used her juking skills to stay in play a few jams later, extending Denver's lead to 34-15, and an Oly timeout ensued.

Oly veteran Atomatrix scored 14 only moments later and started the Oly comeback. This comeback quickened when Denver's jammer Heather Juska went to the box for a major high block. Following Atomatrix's 8-point power jam, Psycho Babble came in to solidify the lead. It certainly helped the Oly had a 4-2 pack advantage for nearly two jams.

After the first real lead change of the bout, the two teams settled back into small point exchanges, even during two power jams for Denver. The half ended with Oly ahead 88-77.

The power jam / penalty kill trade, as well the two lead changes in the second half had the crowd going wild at Craneway Pavilion. The eighth and ninth jams were full of quick skating and slick moves. A 15-point power jam by Denver's Krause when Joy Collision went to the box , the scoreboard showed a tie. One jam later after Heather Juska's 4-point jam, the Denver lead change was locked in.

However, Denver and Oly traded power jams and penalty kills during jams 11-13--featuring two jammer switch-outs and one power jam from Atomatrix--Oly grabbed the lead again. After those exchanges, Denver could only get within six points of the Oly Rollers Cosa Nostra Donnas.

The Oly Rollers clinched the West Region Championships with a 168-161 win over Denver Roller Dolls. Both teams advance to play in the WFTDA Championships in Atlanta. As the #1 seed, Oly will get a first round bye in that tournament.

Oly Rollers (#4) 168 - 1st Place
Denver Roller Dolls (#2) 161 - 2nd Place