Omaha, NE

By Vile Love It

The quarterfinal game between 7 Seed Helsinki Roller Derby (#25) and 2 Seed Angel City Derby Girls (#8) was a game in which the experience, stamina and defense of Angel City trumped the determination and grit of the Helsinki players.

Photo by Donna Olmstead

Helsinki had squeaked out a win in the last jam over 10 Seed No Coast Derby Girls in the first game of this weekend’s WFTDA Playoffs (200-192) and earned the right to play Angel City in their second game of the day. This game, like many others, left fans wondering what it would have looked like if Helsinki had the same fresh legs (and lungs) that Angel City had.

Helsinki, the only non-North American team in Omaha’s bracket, is no stranger to competing against higher ranked teams. They made an appearance at The Big O tournament this season and played (and lost to) bracketmates Boston Derby Dames (#23) and Montreal Roller Derby (#16). Helsinki also lost to London Roller Derby #4 during the season (397-33) and Stockholm Roller Derby #17 (203-168).

Photo by Marko Niemelä

Angel City had a busy season as well and came into Omaha in a very strong position. They lost to London (117-218) and Texas Rollergirls #7 (122-168 and 127-191) but collected wins over Rocky Mountain Rollergirls #14 (251-129) and B.ay A.rea D.erby Girls #6 (135-123), among others.

The first lead jammer status of the game went in Helsinki’s favor but Angel City had only stuck their toes in the water during that jam. Immediately thereafter they jumped in headfirst and took full control of the game.

It took Helsinki 8 minutes to get a single point on the scoreboard. Meanwhile, Angel City, with its stellar defense and effective offense, had put up 62 points.

Helsinki’s defense was strong when they had a full set of blockers and they frequently slowed down Angel City’s jammers but were unable to contain them for long. Helsinki, unlike Angel City, lacked a coordinated offense and Helsinki’s jammers struggled with Angel City’s walls, even during power jams.

But in true roller derby spirit, Helsinki gave their all throughout the entire bout, celebrating every point they scored and every lead jam they earned.

At the half, Angel City held a significant lead 202-23.

In the second half, Helsinki was able to earn more points (35) and reduce their jammer penalties (7 in the first period, only 3 in the second period). Unfortunately, they also earned fewer lead jam statuses (6 in the first period, 4 in the second). Helsinki had 29 total penalties and Angel City had 24. Angel City only gave up 4 power jams (2 each period) but its defense was able to stop Helsinki from capitalizing. Overall, Angel City was able to put out a defense that stymied Helsinki’s jammers over and over again. They also were able to capitalize on their power jams to widen their lead.

FINAL SCORE

Angel City Derby Girls (#2) 434
Helsinki Roller Derby (#7) 58