When Losing Means Winning

Ever go to a WFTDA game and the winners look sad and the losers are happy? Welcome to the skewed world of the WFTDA rankings calculator. Some skaters understand it and some ignore it, but if you ever want to be competitive in WFTDA, you need to understand how the numbers of the game are like the 15^th player on the track.

What are WFTDA rankings?  There are currently 215 leagues that are competitively ranked throughout the world against each other. Each WFTDA sanctioned game that is played not only affects the leagues that play each other but they affect each of the 215 leagues throughout the world because our rankings are inter connected with each other.  Each team is ranked numerically from 1-215 and given a strength score based on their past 12 month rolling history of games. The current #1 team in the world, Gotham, has a strength score of 4.25, whereas the lowest team, located at #215 of WFTDA, has only a strength score of 0.50. 

So when is a WIN really a LOSS and a LOSS really a WIN in derby?  It all has to do with a team’s current rankings, the opponent’s strength score and the point spread of the game.  You can see WFTDA’s rankings calculations here: http://wftda.com/files/wftda-rankings-calculator.pdf , but here is the short version of how it is done.

When a team schedules to play another team, they must consider their own current ranking, and the strength score of their opponent.  The calculator can be tricky, but the basic equation states that you multiply 3 x (your points/total game points) x your opponent’s strength score x 1 (game weight) x 100.  Unless you are in a tournament or play off, the game weight will be 1.   

Let’s take LVRG as an example.  This last weekend they played Providence Roller Derby, ranked 69 in WFTDA, whereas LVRG is ranked 108.  That is a huge difference in rankings and both teams had a large gap in their strength scores.  LVRG, according to flattrackstats.com only had a 3% chance of winning, so why would LVRG even consider playing a team ranked 39 spots above them?  The answer is in the STRENGTH SCORE. LVRG’s strength score going into this game was .95 and Providence was 1.46.  Let’s explain how a game result of 250-99 (Providence won) ended up being really a win for LVRG.

LVRG’s WFTDA points average prior to this weekend’s game was 114.90 points. This included 8 games in a 12 month rolling year.  Let’s GEEK OUT for a second and run the numbers.  The total game points was 349 (250 for Providence plus 99 for LVRG). So using the ranking calculator: 3 x (99/349)x 1.46 (opponent’s strength score) x 1 x 100, this equaled approximately 124 WFTDA points.  Because 124 is HIGHER than LVRG’s current WFTDA points average (114.90), when combined into their current ranking, the end result after this weekend’s loss to Providence would result in an INCREASE in rankings for LVRG.  

LVRG will now have a 115.90 average including 9 games on a 12 month rolling scale. So in this case, LVRG’s LOSS was really a WIN for LVRG because they increased their WFTDA rankings.  As WFTDA rankings increase and decrease for each team, rankings change monthly and affect all other teams connected. This is how teams know going into a game how many total percentage of game points are needed to increase their rankings. Who knew derby included MATH!?

The moral of the story is to choose your opponents wisely.  It’s not important to just win, but sometimes you have to win by enough to cover a point spread to benefit your own team if your opponent’s strength score is low. And sometimes when you lose, as long as you get a certain percentage of the total game points, you will still benefit.  Roller Derby is a crazy sport. That is why every point counts, and that you should never give up until that 4^th whistle. 

Find us online at: http://www.lehighvalleyrollergirls.com

All functions will be held at the Independence Family Fun Center, 4345 Independence Dr, Schnecksville, PA.

For more information about becoming a skater or official, contact us at join@lehighvalleyrollergirls.com

All photos compliments of Michael Hess.

A big thank you to all of the volunteers, officials, friends, and family that make our team the best in the Lehigh Valley. This is as much your team as it is ours. Thank you

LVRG Double Header- Bout Wrap Ups 6/14/14

This weekend was double the excitement for the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls (LVRG) as LVRG’s Blast Furnace Betties took on the Reading Derby Girls and LVRG’s Metal Vixens took on the Pottstown Roller Derby Rockstars. 

The Blast Furnace Betties versus the Reading Derby Girls game quickly established LVRG as the dominant team. About 10 minutes into the first half, the Betties had a commanding lead over the Reading Derby Girls, 65-17.  LVRG acquired lead jammer status the majority of the jams and continued to build the score to 91-19 with 15 minutes left in the first half of game play.   LVRG lived up to their reputation for having strong defensive walls and aggressive jamming. At half time, the score was 149-38 favoring LVRG.

After switching benches, and some strategy change ups, LVRG was expecting a new and refreshed Reading team after the half time.  LVRG however wanted no part of that and came off their benches looking to continue their point streak in the second half.  The Betties forced jammer track cuts, got natural grand slams (this happens when a jammer laps the opposing jammer while both jammers are in play and on the track), and rotated all blockers in to be jammers. Half way through the second half, the Betties continued their lead, 222-50.  Rounding out the last few minutes of play, the Betties shut the door on any possible Reading win.  The Blast Furnace Betties secured the win with a final score of 273-77.

In the second game of the night, the LVRG’s Metal Vixens immediately were met with fierce competition against the Pottstown Roller Derby Rockstars (Pottstown).  Although LVRG got a quick jump in points in the first few minutes of play (38-2), Pottstown was a definite threat with relentless jammers.  LVRG was dominating in points, but it wasn’t reflective of the fight between both teams.  15 minutes into the first half of play, LVRG was up 56-9. However, most of points were gained through power jams and were not necessarily from jammer natural calls offs. A natural call off happens when both jammers are on the track, and the lead jammer strategically calls off the jam before the other jammer can gain points.

Slowly, LVRG seemed to show they were the more strategic team by bridging their packs and containing the opposing jammers. Once LVRG found their system to synced together to form a wall of force to keep out the opposing jammers, the score began to reflect it. By the end of the first half of game play, the score was 102-30, LVRG.

The Metal Vixens kept this rhythm going into the second half of game play and shut out Pottstown from getting any points for the first 12 minutes of play.   With 12 minutes left in the first half, the score was 176 (LVRG) to 37 (Pottstown).  The Metal Vixens began rotating in new jammers and began testing some new strategies, one in particular they call Omaha and another called Two Cats.  By the end of the game, the Metal Vixens took the win with a final score of 225-83.

Looking ahead, LVRG has 2 tough games ahead of them.  This weekend LVRG’s All-Stars will be meeting up with the Charlottesville Derby Dames at the East Coast Derby Extravaganza. According to flattrackstats.com, LVRG is not expected to win and should only score 8 points for every 19 of Charlottesville’s points.  This will be a tough game for LVRG, but if they secure at least 40% the game’s total points, even a loss will help LVRG in their overall WFTDA rankings.  And the following week, LVRG travels to Providence, RI to play their WFTDA team. In that game, LVRG is expected to get 11 points for every 30 that the Providence team scores. Again, if LVRG can secure at least 35% of the game’s total points, a loss will increase their standings.

Find us online at: http://www.lehighvalleyrollergirls.com

All functions will be held at the Independence Family Fun Center, 4345 Independence Dr, Schnecksville, PA.

For more information about becoming a skater or official, contact us at join@lehighvalleyrollergirls.com

All photos compliments of Michael Hess.

A big thank you to all of the volunteers, officials, friends, and family that make our team the best in the Lehigh Valley. This is as much your team as it is ours. Thank you

LVRG Metal Vixens vs. Dutchland Derby Rollers Blitz- Game Wrap-up 5/31/14

This past weekend, the Dutchland Derby Rollers’ Blitz traveled to Schnecksville, PA to face off against the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls’ (LVRG) Metal Vixens.  The last time these two leagues played was in 2011 when the Blitz beat LVRG’s SVU team 178-82.  Prior to that, the teams saw each other in 2009 with a resulting score of the Blitz 118- LVRG Hissy Fits 111.

From the first whistle, LVRG came out strong and gained lead jammer status the first 5 jams and put up a quick 26 points to Dutchland’s 2 points.  Jam after jam, the Metal Vixens continued to secure lead jammer and would call off the jam before the Blitz could sneak in any points. The Metal Vixens’ blockers showed great strategy in hitting out the Blitz jammers and then pulling the pack back to force the jammer to reenter the pack from the back to start her pass over.  After about 15 minutes into the first half, the Metal Vixens has a commanding lead of 74-8.  The Blitz were having difficulty getting through the massive LVRG wall of blockers and only scored while the LVRG jammers were in the penalty box. At half time, the score was Metal Vixens 114 to the Blitz’s 17.

With teams switching benches at half time, and a reshuffling of strategy, there was still time for the Blitz to come back from an early deficit in points. However, the Metal Vixens still were fighting tough and refused to let up.  They were earning natural grand slams and by half way through the second half, the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls had a sizeable lead (156-21).  The Blitz did enjoy a nice string of power jams at the end of the second half when LVRG’s jammer spent 2 minutes (4 penalties) in the box consecutively. However this wasn’t enough to make up the point spread. The final score was 233 (Metal Vixens) to 60 (Blitz).

Looking ahead, there will be a double header at home (Independence Family Fun Center in Schnecksville, PA) on June 14^th. The Blast Furnace Betties will be playing the Reading Derby Girls and the Metal Vixens will be playing the Pottstown Derby All-Stars.  The doors open at 5:00p.m., the first whistle is at 6:00p.m.

Find us online at: http://www.lehighvalleyrollergirls.com

All functions will be held at the Independence Family Fun Center, 4345 Independence Dr, Schnecksville, PA.

For more information about becoming a skater or official, contact us at join@lehighvalleyrollergirls.com

All photos compliments of Michelle Messa-Hess.

A big thank you to all of the volunteers, officials, friends, and family that make our team the best in the Lehigh Valley. This is as much your team as it is ours. Thank you

Blast Furnace Betties vs Black Rose Rollers' Rotten Cherries- 5/10/14

Photo by Michael Hess

This past weekend the Black Rose Rollers of Hanover, PA sent their team, the Rotten Cherries, to battle against the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls' (LVRG) Blast Furnace Betties. LVRG hadn't played the Rotten Cherries since April of 2013 (score 324-118 LVRG), but with the new home team structure, LVRG still was unsure what to expect from the Black Rose Rollers on game day.

For the first few jams of the game, the bout seemed equally matched. LVRG took on a slight lead (16-12) after the first 8 minutes of play.  However, very suddenly, LVRG built up some steam and was able to shut out the Rotten Cherries from scoring for the next 5 jams and increased their lead to 52-12 favoring LVRG.

The Blast Furnace Betties were on fire, racking up one jam after the other in 4-0 lead jammer conversions.  A 4-0 lead jammer conversion happens when the lead jammer scores 4 points, and then calls off the jam before the opposing jammer scores any points.  At the end of the first half of game play, the Blast Furnace Betties had a commanding lead with a score of 121-30.

Photo by Michael Hess

Hot out of a half time break, LVRG started the second half just like they ended the first half.  LVRG continued to score more and more points, making a win almost nearly unattainable for the Black Rose Rollers 15 minutes into the second half with a score of 180-50 LVRG.  LVRG began to rotate all skaters in as jammers and the crowd went crazy with excitement seeing their favorite blockers jam for a change.  Although not versed as well in jamming as LVRG's typical jamming crew, the Blast Furnace Betties still continued their lead and ended the bout with a final score of 241-88 favoring LVRG.

Photo by Michael Hess

Looking ahead, the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls’ Metal Vixens will play the Dutchland Derby Rollers' Blitz on 5/31 at the Independence Family Fun Center. The doors open at 5:00p.m., the bout starts at 6:00p.m. The All-Stars will play again at the end of June at the East Coast Derby Extravaganza against Charlottesville.  The week after that, LVRG’s All-Stars will face the Providence Roller Girls.

Find us online at: http://www.lehighvalleyrollergirls.com

All functions will be held at the Independence Family Fun Center, 4345 Independence Dr, Schnecksville, PA.

For more information about becoming a skater or official, contact us at join@lehighvalleyrollergirls.com



All photos compliments of Michael Hess.

LVRG at the Gold Coast Invitational -5/2/14

Photo by Craig Richmond

The Lehigh Valley Rollergirls All-Stars (LVRG) were busy this weekend while in Ft. Lauderdale for the Gold Coast Beach Brawl Invitational.  Within their bracket, they battled against three closely ranked WFTDA teams; Alamo City RollerGirls, Sioux Falls Roller Dollz and the Mississippi Roller Girls.  

Before the weekend began, flattrackstats.com predicted the following outcome for each game:

Vs. Alamo City RollerGirls– LVRG has a 23% chance of winning, score prediction is 23:30

Vs. Sioux Falls Roller Dollz – LVRG has a 45% chance of winning, score prediction is 18:19

Vs. Mississippi Roller Girls – LVRG has a 98% chance of winning, score prediction is 41:14

LVRG’s All-Stars took on Alamo City first and immediately took a quick 24-8 lead in the game. However, after some back and forth lead changes, Alamo City caught up bringing the score to 47-49 favoring Alamo City.  Neither team showed any signs of weakness as the game continued to be closely matched. 15 minutes into the first half, the score was tied, 53-53.

With about 9 minutes left in the first half of game play, LVRG started to struggle with keeping their jammers out of the penalty box. With one power jam after the other, Alamo City started to increase their lead. At half time, Alamo City had the largest lead in the game at 94-124.

Photo by Michael Hess

In the second half of the game, both teams came out with intensity. Point for point, jam for jam, each team did not show any advantage over each other. LVRG increased their score slightly, and then Alamo City answered right back by putting up points of their own. With 7 minutes left on the game clock, the score was 172-207, Alamo City. With a final push at the end of the game, LVRG could not make up the point spread from the first half of the game and gave the win to Alamo City with a final score of 199-233.

In the second game of the invitational against the Sioux Falls Roller Dollz (Sioux Falls), LVRG came out fighting from the first whistle. LVRG took a quick lead against Sioux Falls, but the lead changed back just as quick by the 15 minute mark of the first half with a score of 46-55 favoring Sioux Falls.  Sioux Falls showed great strength and energy, and was able to capitalize on some LVRG players visiting the penalty box. While playing short players, LVRG saw Sioux Falls take a bit of a point lead (58-67 with 8 minutes until half time).  LVRG instinctively tightened up their defense with a few minutes left in the first half and was then able to decrease Sioux Falls lead to 86-90 at the half.

Photo by Michael Hess

Since the 3^rd jam of the game, Sioux Falls retained the scoring lead. This continued through the first half of game play all the way until 9 minutes were left on the game clock. LVRG capitalized on a much needed power jam and tied the score at 125-125. The crowd of spectators were going crazy, chanting "L-V-R-G."  With 3 minutes left in the game, Sioux Falls grabbed a fast 9 point jam, bringing the score to 135-144 (Sioux Falls).  LVRG didn’t let up, and forced 2 consecutive jammer cuts on Sioux Falls, allowing LVRG to catch up and surpass in points. The score with 1:30 left on the clock favored LVRG at 155-144.  Sioux Falls called a quick time out, and both teams refocused for the last jam of the game.  However, with fire and intensity, LVRG fired another cannon and rang the winning bell by the time it was all over enjoying a final score of 161-144 (LVRG).

Photo by Olivia Searfass

In the final bout of the invitational, LVRG was paired up against the Mississippi Roller Girls.  Starting the first few minutes of game play, you could not tell which team was the dominant team. 10 minutes into the first half, the score was nearly tied at 33-32 (LVRG).  LVRG was clearly having penalty trouble, but with a few adjustments to strategy, they seemed like a brand new team. LVRG got their act together and started gaining points on Mississippi. With 5 minutes left in the first half of game play, LVRG was finally ahead with a score of 95-51.  LVRG seemed in sync and settled into a nice blocking pattern and continued to capitalize on their lead. At the end of the first half, LVRG was ahead 128-74.

Photo by Michael Hess

Now that LVRG found their rhythm, they continued to block like the team was born to do it. The score continued to climb to 195-84 after 10 minutes into the second half.  LVRG gained a larger point lead jam after jam not only through power jams, but also through natural grand slams.  Half way through the second half of game play, LVRG was merciless with a score of 240-84. With WFTDA rankings on the line, LVRG could not ease up on Mississippi. Every jam after, LVRG put up more and more points. At the end of the game, LVRG took the win, 301-97. The Lehigh Valley Rollergirls finished second in their bracket for this weekend’s invitational overall.

Looking ahead, the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls’ All-Stars will play again at the end of June at the East Coast Derby Extravaganza against Charlottesville.  The week after that, LVRG’s All-Stars will face the Providence Roller Girls.  Coming up this weekend, LVRG’s Blast Furnace Betties will be facing Black Rose’s Rotten Cherries at the Independence Family Fun Center. The doors open at 5:00p.m., the bout starts at 6:00p.m.

Photo by Oliva Searfass

A big thank you to all photographers: Michael Hess, Craig Richmond and Olivia Searfass. 

Metal Vixens vs Mason Dixon 4/26/14 Bout Wrap-up

Photo by Michael Hess

    Traveling from Hagerstown, MD, the Mason Dixon Roller Vixens (Mason Dixon) were favored to win this weekend against the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls’ (LVRG) Metal Vixens.  According to flattrackstats.com, Mason Dixon was expected to win with a point ratio of 45 to 44.

    The game started with the Metal Vixens taking a fast quick lead (17-4).  Penalties for Mason Dixon came early in the first half, sending their jammer to the box, awarding the Metal Vixens with an early power jam. LVRG Jammer Double Barrel Hot Gunz #215, capitalized on this and helped bring the score to 48-6 favoring the Metal Vixens after 10 minutes of game play.  Two jams later, LVRG teammate and Jammer MJ Slamher #932, also picked up a power jam and helped push LVRG’s score to 89 points over Mason Dixon’s 15 points.  LVRG’s Christie Winkler #18 also dazzled the crowd with her fast footwork and ability to avoid some potentially heavy hits.

Photo by Michael Hess

     Although LVRG had a noticeable lead 15 minutes into the first half, Mason Dixon’s blockers were powerful and definitely a threat on the track. Thee Mighty Isis #1958, Brooke #1111, and Trioxin #245 were slamming into the LVRG players and were breaking down their defensive walls.  



Photo by Michael Hess

    

 

With about five minutes left in the first half, LVRG was up in points 129-26. LVRG decided to rotate in a new jamming crew to test some new strategies. LVRG Jammer Helen DaRink, surprised the crowd of spectators as she not only secured lead jammer status, but she jumped the apex, juked around a potentially flattening lateral block coming her way, and then right before calling off the jam, she snuck by the pack balancing on one foot to make the crowd go crazy, all in one jam. At the end of the first half game play, the score favored the Metal Vixens 150-30.

     Starting the second half of game play, LVRG kept with their alternate jamming rotation as we saw LVRG’s blockers take the jamming stage.  LVRG’s Lin Diesel, $heRock$, Stella Mac, Hell Rasin Hussy, Sylvester Shalom, Spock-it To You, and Absolute Bond Rage all jammed in the second half.  Capitalizing on this was Mason Dixon’s Vee O Lencia #011 and jammer Wicked Cruel #711 who appropriately took advantage of a less experienced LVRG jamming crew. With 10 minutes into the second half, Mason Dixon was able to double their score, holding back LVRG within 10 points, bringing the score to 160-67, LVRG.



Photo by Michael Hess

     Mason Dixon continued to climb their score at a faster pace than LVRG until LVRG Jammer Vanilla CreamHer was awarded a power jam and boosted LVRG with an additional 18 points (202-89, LVRG). However immediately following, Mason Dixon was awarded a power jam, but MVP blocker Lin Diesel, along with blockers DTainHer, Maulecule and Helen DaRink held back the opposing jammer to minimize any advantage.  A few more jams finished out the game and gave the win to the Metal Vixens, 217-107.

   

 

  Looking ahead, LVRG will be traveling to Florida to play in a special 3 game tournament called the Beach Brawl International Invitational this weekend.  They are scheduled to play Alamo City, the Mississippi Roller Girls and Sioux Falls. 

Photo by Michael Hess

Flattrackstats.com predicts the following for each game:

Vs. Alamo City – LVRG has a 23% chance of winning, score prediction is 23:30

Vs. Mississippi Roller Girls – LVRG has a 98% chance of winning, score prediction is 41:14

Vs. Sioux Falls – LVRG has a 45% chance of winning, score prediction is 18:19

LVRG’s Blast Furnace Betties also will be hosting a home game on 5/10/14 against the Black Rose Roller’s Rotten Cherries.

Find us online at: http://www.lehighvalleyrollergirls.com

All functions will be held at the Independence Family Fun Center, 4345 Independence Dr, Schnecksville, PA.

For more information about becoming a skater or official, contact us at join@lehighvalleyrollergirls.com

All photos compliments of Michael Hess.

A big thank you to all of the volunteers, officials, friends, and family that make our team the best in the Lehigh Valley. This is as much your team as it is ours. Thank you

LVRG Flea Market Sunday 2pm-7pm

Who knew this was going to be such an action packed weekend? On Saturday, come watch the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls’ Metal Vixens take on the Mason Dixon Roller Vixens All-Stars. The doors open at 5:00p.m. and the first whistle is at 6:00p.m.  Then, on Sunday, come to the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls' ROCKING Flea Market!

This isn’t your Grandma’s Flea Market. This is a fun filled, music pumping, deal grabbing good time with over 50 vendors on site. The indoor Flea Market is this Sunday, from 2pm-7pm at the Independence Family Fun Center, 4345 Independence Drive, Schnecksville. Admission is just $3.00.

So what exactly is this so called Flea Market?  A Flea Market is a place where you can come see local vendors display their crafts and offerings.  You will see the many unique products that the Lehigh Valley has to offer. There will also be a live band, craft beer samplings and food vendors on site.  You can come out to look for unique gifts or just come to hang out for the party and meet the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls.

Here are just a few of the vendors that will featured at this weekend’s market:

1.      Live Music by: The Ultra Kings, No Heroes, and The Semi Originals

2.      Pioneer Vintage Co (https://www.facebook.com/PioneerVintageCo) (makes fun hand-made head scarves)

3.      The Geeky Gal (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Geeky-Gal/1410719149184745):  Selling homemade vegan treats

4.      "Hand it Over" hair accessories

5.      Wag n Wear (dog collars)

6.      Loo Loo's Creations: handmade baby accessories (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Loo-Loos-Creations/639591399405879)

7.      George the Salsa Guy (https://www.facebook.com/casadejorge)

8.      Bishop Brand: band T shirts, vinyl records

9.      RAR: portable stools

10.  Trash Can Stan (custom art work)

11.  Kate Santee ( Caricatures and custom art work)

12.  Lisa Rand - hand knit, fiber arts, and paintings

See you at the bout on Saturday and the Flea Market Sunday!

LVRG vs Little Steel Derby Girls (Lawless Rollers)-Bout Wrap-Up 4/12/14

Photo by Michael Hess

Traveling 330 miles and about 5 hours this weekend, the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls’ (LVRG) All-Stars drove up to Salem, Ohio to meet up with The Little Steel Derby Girls’ (LSDG) Lawless Rollers.  According to flattrackstats.com, LVRG was favored to win by a slight margin. They were predicted to get 25 points for every 14 points LSDG scored.

The start of the game showed no true forerunner. Both teams seemed equally matched in skill and brute force. The Lawless Rollers, led by jammers Pocket Ninja and Sophonda Drama, got a quick lead over LVRG. However, with some quick strategic skill and maneuvering ability, the LVRG jammers were able to capitalize on two much needed power jams to even up the score.



Photo by Michael Hess

About 15 minutes into the first half, LVRG led by about 20 points with a score of 40-18.  LVRG Jammers #624 Ginga Railed U, #215 Double Barrel Hot Gunz,  and #30 Lauranimal, continued to force their way through opposing blockers and added more points to the LVRG score (59-43).  The battle went back and forth for a few more jams with LVRG gaining a few more points every jam. At the end of the first half, LVRG led 107-58.

The second half seemed much more evenly matched between the two teams. Whereas in the first half of game play the Lawless Rollers were very penalty heavy, and in the second half of game play, LVRG had a lot more penalties and found themselves playing short on the track very often.  LVRG served 9 more penalty minutes than LSDG by the end of the game.

After a quick power jam brining the score to 121-63 favoring LVRG, the rest of the game seemed matched with skill from both teams. Almost jam for jam in the second half, each team gained a few points advantage and then the other team scored those same points back in the next jam.  Lead jammer status even flipped back and forth all second half.  With 10 minutes left in the game, the score was LVRG 144 to LSDG 99.  Going into the last jam of the night, the score was 160-106, LVRG.  The LVRG jammer was having a lot of difficulty getting thru the pack, allowing the LSDG jammer to score a quick 13 points to catch up. If the second half of game play would be its own game, the score would have been favoring LSDG 61 points to LVRG’s 58 points. However, since LVRG capitalized so much in the first half, cumulative points made LVRG the overall winner with a final score of 165-119.

Photo by Michael Hess

Looking ahead, LVRG will be traveling to Florida to play in a special 3 game tournament called the Beach Brawl International Invitational.  They are scheduled to play Alamo City, the Mississippi Roller Girls and Sioux Falls.  Flattrackstats.com predicts the following for each game:

Vs. Alamo City – LVRG has a 23% chance of winning, score prediction is 23:30

Vs. Mississippi Roller Girls – LVRG has a 98% chance of winning, score prediction is 41:14

Vs. Sioux Falls – LVRG has a 45% chance of winning, score prediction is 18:19

LVRG’s Metal Vixens also will be hosting a home game on 4/26/14 against the Mason Dixon Roller Vixens All-Stars.

Find us online at: http://www.lehighvalleyrollergirls.com

All functions will be held at the Independence Family Fun Center, 4345 Independence Dr, Schnecksville, PA.

For more information about becoming a skater or official, contact us at join@lehighvalleyrollergirls.com

All photos compliments of Michael Hess.

A big thank you to all of the volunteers, officials, friends, and family that make our team the best in the Lehigh Valley. This is as much your team as it is ours. Thank you

Blast Furnace Betties vs. New Jersey Roller Derby All-Stars- Bout Wrap Up 4/7/14

Photo by Quick Draw Sports Photography

If you ever wanted to see a derby battle down to the last second, it was this last weekend’s game when the New Jersey Roller Derby All-Stars (NJRD) met up against the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls’ Blast Furnace Betties (Betties).  Traveling from Morristown, NJ, NJRD, an aspiring WFTDA apprentice team, was given a 14:11 point advantage to win over the Betties by flattrackstats.com.

Led by Captain and power jammer #10, Miss USA-Hole, the New Jersey Roller Derby All-Stars came out at the first whistle fighting and took a quick lead over the Blast Furnace Betties.  Within the first 4 jams, the score favored NJRD 42-9.

NJRD’s jammer was sent to the box 12 minutes into the first half, which allowed the Betties to catch up in points, 28 BFB - 54 NJRD.  Recognizing this was going to be a harder bout than expected, the Blast Furnace Betties switched their line ups and concentrated on power line ups consisting of  back to back jams of power blockers #28 Levilin Levi, #2E Loogie Vuitton, #29 Tortellina  Temptress (Captain) and  #53 Wayward Stay.  With 4 minutes left in the first half, the Betties caught up in points, just behind NJRD 67-74.  With a final power push by the Betties before the end of the first half, the score was nearly tied, 81-79 favoring the Betties.

Photo by Quick Draw Sports Photography

Two minutes into the second half of game play, Betties’ jammer #624 Ginga Railed U completed a strong power jam and got a nice lead for the Betties bringing the score up to 94-79. However, NJRD answered right back after being awarded 2 subsequent power jams. NJRD’s jammer #44 Maulin Rouge helped to almost perfectly match the score, but slightly behind at 98-97.   After a few more jams, about 12 minutes into the second of game play, the score was tied, 107-107.

Soon after, the Blast Furnace Betties had some jammer trouble and NJRD was awarded another 2 power jams in a row, allowing them to take the lead the first time in about 30 minutes of game time, 114-132.  For the next and last 10 minutes of game play, the battle was furious.  The Betties were awarded a power jam, and brought the score up to 132-138, still lagging behind NJRD. Each jam after this went almost point for point.  The Betties concentrated on their power blocker line ups and inched their score up within 4 points of NJRD.  With only 1 minute and 46 seconds left on the clock, and attaining lead jammer status, the Betties needed to make a fast decision.  Do they get through the pack with the point advantage, and call off the jam to risk the other team calling a time out and possibly winning the next jam and the game, or do they attempt to run up the score and burn the clock, hoping to have more points than NJRD by the end?

The Betties pressed their luck and pushed the clock, and once Betties’ jammer #30 Lauranimal got the signal to call the jam after the clock hit zero and she passed one extra opposing blocker, the Betties got the win, 148-147 over NJRD.

Photo by Quick Draw Sports Photography

The Lehigh Valley Rollergirls’ other home team, the Metal Vixens, is next up to play at home on April 26^th against the Mason Dixon Roller Vixens All-Stars.

The Lehigh Valley Rollergirls’ (LVRG) All-Stars will also be traveling to Ohio this weekend (April 12^th) to play the Little Steel Derby Girls. Flattrackstats.com predicts that LVRG has a 93% chance of winning with a 29:14 point expectancy ratio.

All photos were compliments of Quick Draw Sports Photography.  To view or purchase prints from Quick Draw Sports Photography, follow this link: http://quickdrawphoto.com/p119651813

Find us online at: http://www.lehighvalleyrollergirls.com

All functions will be held at the Independence Family Fun Center, 4345 Independence Dr, Schnecksville, PA.

For more information about becoming a skater or official, contact us at join@lehighvalleyrollergirls.com

A big thank you to all of the volunteers, officials, friends, and family that make our team the best in the Lehigh Valley. This is as much your team as it is ours. Thank you

LVRG vs. Cape Fear 3/22/14 Bout Wrap-Up

Photo by Thelma Van

This weekend was packed with action as the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls took on the Cape Fear Roller Girls.  Not one, but two skaters snapped their plates on their skates and one skater (Rose Beef) skated in her 100^th bout. It isn’t often that two rare derby events happen in one bout, but in addition to that excitement, the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls’ (LVRG) game versus the Cape Fear Roller Girls  (Cape Fear) was a fight to the finish.

Traveling up north 550 miles from Wilmington, NC, the Cape Fear was looking for a rematch after last September’s 188-99 loss to LVRG.  Flattrackstats.com predicted LVRG to win this game with a 53% chance, expecting the point ratio to be 32:31 favoring LVRG.

Immediately from the first whistle, LVRG pushed Cape Fear’s jammer out off the jam line as they shuffled back to force a cut.  LVRG took the quick lead in points, lead by Captain and Blocker, # 31 Helen DaRink.  For the first few minutes of game play, LVRG controlled the pack and was able to contain the Cape Fear jammers.  Approximately 10 jams into the first half, Cape Fear jammer, #22 Dirty Sanchez, gained lead jammer status for Cape Fear and allowed Cape Fear to catch up in points.

Photo by Thelma Van

About half way through the first half, after calling the jam twice in a row and not netting any points, LVRG finally regained the lead again with an additional power jam, bringing the score up to 55-46, favoring LVRG. However, Cape Fear blockers, #43 Hawaiian Puncher, #28 Maxi Rad and #100 Violet Outlaw forced an LVRG jammer out on a track cut and pushed Cape Fear into a much needed power jam.  This brought the first lead change of the game, favoring Cape Fear at halftime, 74-76.

 

After making a few adjustments at the half, LVRG came back fighting. With the strategic moves of #66 Lin Diesel, #28 Levelin Levi, #2E Loogie Vuitton and #A1 Rose Beef, LVRG forced two jammer penalties in one jam, giving them a double power jam which regained them the lead. LVRG Jammers Double Barrel Hotgunz, Lauranimal and Ginga Railed U continued to capitalize on 2 more power jams and helped LVRG with a 64-4 point run in the first 13 minutes of the second half of game play. Half way through the second half, the score was 136-80.  



Photo by Thelma Van

In the last 10 minutes of the game, LVRG was on fire. LVRG’s blockers were able to hold back Cape Fear’s jammers 2 out of the last 3 jams allowing LVRG’s #932 MJ Slamher to score 17 and 25 points without the other jammer making it past her initial pass.

This was the first time either team played under WFTDA’s new rule set.  One of the most notable new rules includes a reduced 30 second penalty, as compared to the 2013’s season’s rules of 1 minute penalties. During game play, LVRG was awarded 10 power jams and Cape Fear was awarded 4. The final score of the game favored LVRG for the win, 203-118.

Looking ahead, the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls All-Stars will be playing again on April 12^th, when they are matched up to play the Little Steel Roller Girls from Ohio.  Flattrackstats.com predicts that LVRG has an 84% chance of winning that game.

To catch more LVRG action on our home turf, come out to watch one of home leagues, the Blast Furnace Betties play New Jersey Roller Derby on April 5^th.

Find us online at: http://www.lehighvalleyrollergirls.com

All functions will be held at the Independence Family Fun Center, 4345 Independence Dr, Schnecksville, PA.

For more information about becoming a skater or official, contact us at join@lehighvalleyrollergirls.com

A big thank you to all of the volunteers, officials, friends, and family that make our team the best in the Lehigh Valley. This is as much your team as it is ours. Thank you

All photography was produced by Thelma Van.