Charleston, WV

By Lexistential Crisis

Victorian Roller Derby League (seed 2, #5) of Melbourne, Australia became the fourth non-US team to secure a place at international 2014 WFTDA Championships in Nashville after they defeated the Philly Roller Girls (seed 3, #12) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. VRDL took the lead early and never let it go as they steadily built a lead through all of the final game of Day 2.

Photo by Tyler Shaw

Swish Cariboom was responsible for the first multi-scoring pass jam for VRDL about four minutes into the game. Vanessa “V-Diva” Sites was sent to the box on a high block call and VRDL’s blockers stepped in to help their jammer score 14 points. VRDL continued this momentum as they built up a 56-8 lead by the 15-minute mark.

Philly blocker Anne Frankenstein led her team’s defense with devastating blocks and push outs as they slowly began to catch up to VRDL. By the end of the first half, a few power jams allowed Philly’s Brazilian Nut to add 17 points to their total. They ended the half at 51 against VRDL’s 83.

The second half began similarly to how the first half ended, as Brazilian Nut earned lead jammer status and scored 13 points. VRDL reacted by improving their defense and offense to continually shut down Philly’s efforts. Giles and Christy Demons had back-to-back 19- and 15-point jams as Philly’s jammers were sent to the box. With about 15 minutes left in the game the score was 148-86 in favor of VRDL.

Both teams committed a total of 49 penalties throughout the game, but Philly committed 13 jammer penalties while VRDL kept their jammers penalties down to 8. VRDL often took advantage of power jams as they balanced passive and active offense by helping their jammers when they needed it. Their three-person braced wall strategy proved to be effective in stopping Philly from putting up large scoring jams as well.

Strong defense was present throughout the game for each team, as they all employed various braced wall strategies to fluidly hold and recycle the opposing jammers. VRDL blockers Chuck, Tui Lyon, Calamity Maim, and Perky Nah Nah consistently stuck together to stop Philly jammers from advancing out of the pack. VRDL’s captain Tui Lyon explained that they have been “training like dogs” for this tournament and working on their square wall technique so they could bring something new to the United States.

Philly’s Heavy Flo, Tarantula, and HotRod Hussy worked with their other blockers to freeze VRDL’s scoring efforts on multiple occasions. Despite their own impressive walls Philly wasn’t able to catch up to VRDL as they continued to earn lead jammer status and score throughout the rest of the second half.

The game ended with massive celebrating from VRDL’s bench and fans as they secured a spot at Championships with a 185-119 win over Philly.

Giles scored 89 points for VRDL and her teammates Swish Cariboom, Christy Demons, and Anna Conned Her added 38, 25, and 24, respectively. Philly’s two top scorers were tied with 30 points each between Brazilian Nut and pivot-turned-jammer Tarantula. Herrmann Monster added 28 and Vanessa “V-Diva” Sites scored 18.

VRDL will play Rose City (seed 1, #4) in the 1st Place game of the tournament at 6pm Sunday. Philly will fight for 3rd and a trip to Championships against Atlanta (seed 4, #13) at 4pm.

Final Score

(3) Philly Roller Girls 119
(2) Victorian Roller Derby League 185