Charleston, WV

By Lexistential Crisis

Columbia QuadSquad (seed 9, #37) of Columbia, South Carolina and Jet City Rollergirls (seed 8, #30) of Everett, Washington played a close, dynamic Game 1 of the International 2014 WFTDA Division 1 Playoffs Charleston. Columbia finished last season in the 10th spot at Division 1 Playoffs Asheville while Jet City ended as the first Division 2 Champions.

Photo by Tyler Shaw

Columbia established a lead quickly in the first half, as they held Jet City scoreless for six jams. Columbia jammers Joy Recc-Her and Poison Violet scored the first 27 points of the game while Columbia’s defense held back and pushed down Jet City’s jammers.

Jet City jammer Whoa Nellie! had an opportunity to score as Columbia’s pivot-turned-jammer Chuck-Town Bruiser was sent to the box on a forearm call. Chuck wasn’t sitting for long when Whoa Nellie! was called on a cutting penalty, but she was still able to score Jet City’s first five points of the game.

Columbia had an opportunity to expand their lead as jammer Beethoven’s Fist was called on a cutting penalty. Nasty Nikki Nightstick was able to force Joy Recc-Her out of bounds and drag her to the back of the engagement zone multiple times, but Joy still managed to add 10 points for Columbia.

After the next jam, Jet City’s offense and defense stepped up to hold Columbia to 44 for five jams and bring their score up to 31.

“The Bombers threw down everything we had on the track,” said Jet City’s captain Doll Dozer.

Their drive was evident as they tightened the score to finish the first half. Whoa Nellie! had the track to herself as Columbia’s jammer sat in the penalty box for cutting. Jet City’s pack played strategic passive and active offense for their jammer, and she was able to score 15 points to bring the halftime score to 46-52 in favor of Columbia.

A number of low-scoring and scoreless jams started the second half until Mel Anoma took advantage of a Jet City jammer penalty and added 13 to Columbia’s total. With about 20 minutes left in the game Jet City had 54 points while Columbia had 78. A few jams later, Poison Violet expanded that lead for Columbia with her second 15-point jam of the game. Whoa Nellie! answered back with 14 points, showing that Jet City was still in the game.

With about 10 minutes left in the game the score was still in favor of Columbia, 79 to 104. Joy Recc-Her pushed Columbia further into the lead with a 19-point jam, the largest of the entire game, as Holly Hunter pushed out and held Jet City’s jammer Momma Wreck N Ball. At this point Columbia began to run down the clock as they let jams go longer to keep and maintain their lead. Jet City was able to add to their score in the final jams, bringing the final to 99 for Jet City and 130 for Columbia.

The low score reflects the strong defense played by both teams throughout the whole game. Columbia and Jet City both utilized braced walls and consistent recycling in order to contain the other team’s jammer. Everyone played a dynamic game as blockers on both teams actively helped out their own jammers with organized and effective offense while jammers took advantage of opportune moments to pass the star.

Whoa Nellie! was the top scorer for Jet City with 51 points. Ivana Hercha, Momma Wreck N Ball, and Eva Derci followed with 16, 15, and 12 points, respectively. Poison Violet lead Columbia with 54 points while Joy Recc-Her and Mel Anoma scored 45 and 21, respectively.

Columbia’s coach Sonny Pro Bono looks forward to playing Rose City in the 8 pm EDT Friday game, calling it a “daunting challenge” but also a great opportunity that not many skaters get in their derby careers. Jet City moves to the consolation brackets and will play either Boston Derby Dames or Philly Roller Girls at 10 am Saturday.

Final Score

(8) Jet City Rollergirls 99
(9) Columbia QuadSquad 130