Des Moines, IA

Game 4 was the first time rankings rang true at the D2 Des Moines tournament, as Blue Ridge Rollergirls (#48, seed #3) took on Duke City Roller Derby (#53, seed #6). Sure, there were moments when leads changed hands, but Blue Ridge, new to WFTDA in 2012, took home the win over Duke City’s Munecas Muertas 188-120.

The two teams teeter-tottered throughout the first period, and it looked like Duke City would establish a lead when they broke free from the tight point play and had a 50-37 lead over Blue Ridge. That glimmer of hope fizzled, however, after Blue Ridge’s jammer racked up a 30-0 power jam, ending the first half 82-51. Duke’s slim pack numbers made Blue Ridge’s run for the lead easier, and gave the fans watching a moment to relax, not having to worry too much about their brackets—for this game at least.

Photo by Derby by beakertehmuppet

The Munecas Muertas made their presence known in the first minutes of the second half, scrabbling for points and working to keep their skaters on the track as consistently as possible. The closest Duke City could get to the women from North Caroline was 13 points, however. Blue Ridge had their skaters on attack mode, and they didn’t give up, not even for a moment during the second half and came away victorious.

Results

(3) Blue Ridge Rollergirls 188
(6) Duke City Roller Derby 120

The Blue Ridge Rollergirls moved on to play the winner of Game 6 in Game 10; Duke City moved to the consolation bracket to play Tallahassee in Game 8.