Denver (#2) shows their strength with win over Sacred City (#10)

By Lois Slain

With the sun setting outside the windows of Craneway Pavillion—leading to an extended halftime and impromptu dance-off due to sun glare—the Denver Roller Dolls (#2) took to the track for the first time in the tournament. Denver restrained the Sacred City Derby Girls (#10) and advanced to the semifinal rounds.

Photo by Masonite Burn Photography

Skating in their second bout of the day, following an upset win over Arizona Roller Derby (#7), Sacred never let up on Denver, but their jammers had a hard time contending with Denver’s relentless defense.

Penalties were again the story of the first half, as the tight ref calls had both teams regularly filling the penalty box. Sacred had more penalty minutes in the first half, making it easier for Denver’s blockers to rack up high-scoring jams. Denver got to start the bout on an early power jam, putting them on a 35-9 scoring run in the first five minutes.

While Denver did better overall taking advantage of penalties, Sacred was able to pull together a big scoring run with about eight minutes left in the half, closing Denver’s lead to about 50 points. Sacred quickly landed in more penalty hot water, however, and Denver worked to regain lost ground – and then some. The score was 157 Denver 67 Sacred City at the half.

The second period, however, was a completely different game. Denver came back from the break with a renewed focus, largely staying out of the box and holding Sacred City scoreless for nearly 20 minutes while they put up 132 points. Sacred had a brief scoring run that added 19 points to their total before Denver shut them down again in the final minutes of the game.

Denver Roller Dolls 339
Sacred City Derby Girls 86

Denver advances to the semifinals on Day 2, while Sacred City will continue play in the consolation rounds.