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.

Kate "Bananas" Santee - LVRG's Skater of the Month

Who is Kate “Bananas” Santee besides the quiet thunder behind the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls’ (LVRG) Special Vixens Unit? This skater is this month’s rough and tumble LVRG Skater of the Month.

Starting with LVRG in January of 2011, Kate is entering her fourth season. We asked Kate how she got started with roller derby, and she stated, “It’s hard for me to pinpoint when or how I exactly got into roller derby. I had vaguely heard about the sport before and may have entertained the thought of playing a few times, but I wasn't aware of any teams in the area yet and I didn't take the notion of playing seriously at first because I didn't have much of an athletic background. In the months following my college graduation in 2010, I had something of a quarter life crisis—I had already struggled with depression before, and the emerging feelings of isolation and aimlessness were the cherries on top of a very sad sundae. Around this time I stumbled upon LVRG's fan page through someone's Facebook profile and it just happened to be around the time they were having an open recruit night, so I thought, "Why not?" Now it's nearly been three years of crazy good training and bonding with some incredible skaters that have all changed my life for the better.” 

Captain of the Special Vixens Unit, Wayward Stay mentioned that “Kate improved over the 2013 season which paid off when she made the roster for her first official SVU bout.  Kate fights hard for every new skill learned and has a strong will to keep improving.  She has a never give up spirit that is welcomed on the track.”

Photo by Keith Stanley

Kate represents the story of passion and drive for roller derby. She is one of those players that never gives up and although challenges are presented, she continues to push through and make her mark on the team.  When asked what advice to give new recruits for the team, Kate stated “it's going to take a lot of work, but it's totally worth it. And don't be afraid to fall! You can always pick yourself back up again.”

Kate also mentioned that as a new recruit, there are some really memorable experiences. “Experiencing my first power jam (as a jammer) towards the end of my very first official bout I played in was awesome. It was tough just to get to the point where I could play in a bout, but scoring points and seeing all the support I had from my team and our friends and fans made me absolutely giddy. I'm super grateful to you guys.”

Besides roller derby, Kate is a very talented artist. She has been drawing since a very young age. She stated that “from an early age onwards, cartoons and comics inspired me to tell stories through my art. I'm now gradually carving a niche for myself as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer. This year I saw the release of my first published illustrations in the children's book Silly Nomads From Palmerston Close (available for sale on the publisher's website http://mohallandlewisllc.com/home), and I'll be doing a book signing with the two authors at the Moravian Book Shop on December 20. You can find more of my work at ksantillus.com, and I regularly update a blog with illustrations and sketches at ksantillus.tumblr.com”

Some other fast facts about Kate “Bananas” Santee:

1.    She loves owls, and has a collection of owl memorabilia

2.    She is a former Girl Scout and stayed long enough to earn the Gold Award

3.    She can play the clarinet and is trying to teach herself the guitar

4.    When she was in 10th grade, she went with her high school band to England to play with Her Majesty's Coldstream Guard.

 

Although the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls are on a break until 2014, you can come see Kate skate next season. For all of the information on bouts in the upcoming season, stay tuned to this blog and find out more at www.lehighvalleyrollergirls.com

A special thank you to contributing Photographer Keith Stanley at Quick Draw Photography. Please visit his Face Book page here: https://www.facebook.com/QuickDrawPhoto

 

 

LVRG Ref of the Month- Ria Culpa

Photo by Keyesboard

Many teams boast the skills of their skaters and how much dedication it takes to rule the track. What many forget are the faces behind the stripes and the pure passion that many an official has for the sport and love of roller derby. One such gallant derby zebra is the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls’ (LVRG) own Ria Culpa.

Ria started with LVRG in August of 2007. YES, that’s 6 years and 7 seasons that he has been with LVRG. He got started with roller derby because some of the current skaters would come into his old place of business to make professional prints of bout posters and it got him interested in watching games. He quickly become a super-fan and he eventually decided to join the officiating crew.

We asked Ria Culpa to describe what he liked about officiating. He stated, “on a non-serious note, I love the hand signals for penalties. Illegal procedures make me feel like I'm doing the shuffle. Out of plays and no-packs make me feel like I'm doing the robot. High-blocks allow me to itch my nose. Delays of game are denoted with a "Z" on the board, and I'm partial to that letter for some reason. On a more serious note, I don't "like" to call penalties, I just call them to support the rule set as it is. If I see something illegal happen from beginning to end, and it's against the rules in the impact spectrum, I call them. To that end, I like being able to call multi-player blocks and other things that mean that I'm "in the zone" and seeing everything I need to see.”

He continued by adding, “As a ref, I think my defining moment was actually reffing my first game after LVRG got WFTDA-league status. Our ref crew tries to be first-in-class when it comes to officiating (both in NSO-land and ref-land), and as such, (this was) my first game where I was able to wear the stripes and getting to that point with my skating abilities and ref-eyes was one of my greater moments. Oh, also... Sock derby. That was an experience and a half.”

Ria is a well versed and experienced official, always studying the changes and the application of the WFTDA rules. He wasn’t born knowing the rules, so we asked him on some advice on how to get started in officiating for LVRG. He stated, “First thing's first. Know the game. Watch a lot of derby. Then, learn the rules! They make more sense once you've seen the flow of the game. Of course, all of that can be done as you go (so new people, don't be intimidated!). When you're actually out there, just... go for it! It's a little intimidating to go from "knowing nothing (Jon Snow)" to "you're like a wizard (Sam Tarly)." We (as officials) try to help each other out, and the rules are something that comes with it. Skating is a little less of a concern, I think, because the rules are paramount, but both have to get good to finally ref a game. But both come with practice, experience, and just getting out there.”

Facts about Ria Culpa:

1.      He’s into Star Trek, tabletop gaming (both of the board, and RPG style), video gaming and loves to roll the dice.

2.      He is from St. Louis: A card-carrying mid-westerner.

3.      An electronic cigarette connoisseur.

4.      He is on the ketogenic diet. He has lost 45lbs so far since the beginning of the year!

Ria Culpa was also asked about his goals as an official. He stated, “My primary goal as an official is to help the sport. What that actually means, though, is to do my job (in whatever capacity is needed) in a professional, skilled manner. Whatever the rules and best practices say, go. The better I am at my job, the better the actual sport gets. Not to be delusions-of-grandeur or anything, but if we call things in a consistent, skilled manner, the rules that the skaters vote on are enforced the way they need to be, and the sport gets better. My secondary goal is to have fun. Seriously, this sport is rough, but all the people (officials, skaters, volunteers, fans) associated with it make it what it is--a fun atmosphere. I've made a bunch of really great friends, and as a transplant to the area, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't've made as many friends without the sport. I adore everyone involved. I can't imagine my life without roller derby, without LVRG, and without the phenomenon that this has become. Not that my life was an empty pit beforehand, but as a non-sports loving nerd from the opposite side of the world, this opened up and fulfilled me in a way no other thing has, really.”

Looking ahead, LVRG ends their season on October 19^th with an interleague Pink vs. Black bout of teammate versus teammate. This will be your last chance to see the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls until the opening of the 2014 season on March 1, 2014.

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

To find out more about our contributing photographer, Keyesboard, please visit his FaceBook page here: https://www.facebook.com/Keyesboard

LVRG vs Cape Fear Bout Wrap Up -9/21/13

LVRG pumping themselves up on the ride to the big game

If there ever was a team ready to travel 10 hours to play roller derby, the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls (LVRG) is exactly that team.  With over 550 miles between them and playing the WFTDA’s Division 2 Cape Fear Roller Girls (Cape Fear), LVRG used road antics such as team planks and other various funny photo moments captured and published on FaceBook for their long ride to pump themselves and their fans up for this exciting match up.  But once they arrived in Wilmington, NC, LVRG was ready for business.

According to flattrackstats.com, there was no clear favorite to this game, as a 2 to 2 scoring ratio was predicted. The Cape Fear Roller Girls sit in a higher division than LVRG and are ranked nationally according to the WFTDA at the 110 position as compared to LVRG’s 134 ranking.  With this knowledge, LVRG was ready for a hard battle, and because of that, they started the game with their strongest line ups of the season, and never turned back.

Immediately from the first jam, LVRG pulled a track cut on Cape Fear, sending their jammer directly to the penalty box. This gave LVRG an immediate lead during the first 2 jams of the game. But this didn’t stop right then and there, Cape Fear got 2 more jammer penalties, leaving them without a jammer for the first 5 jams of the game.  LVRG certainly capitalized on this and brought their score up to an early 2-40 lead within the first 7 minutes of game play.

From that point on, lead jammer status seemed to be a battle. Typically, lead jammer status is determined by turn 1 of the track.  However with both teams battling and forming tight defensive walls, the jammers weren’t coming out of the initial lap’s pack until turn 3, which was tiring them out.  With lead changing back and forth a bit, Cape Fear caught up in points to 24-64 (LVRG) with 15 minutes left in the first half.

The second half of the first period both teams played pound for pound with the same fury. Lead jammer status was shared almost equally by both teams and at the end of the first half, the score still favored LVRG with a score of 60-103.

With only 43 points separating the teams at the half, it was still anyone’s game.  A game can be won or lost by a quick power jam, however LVRG did not give Cape Fear that option. One of the most impressive feats LVRG accomplished during this bout was that throughout LVRG history, this was the first time that none of their jammers were sent to the penalty box. LVRG’s Jammers MJ SlamHer, Ginga Railed U and Toxic Shock were flawless.

After 15 minutes of game play in the second half of the game, LVRG continued increasing their lead with a score of 79-131. But it wasn’t until the last few minutes of the game when the Cape Fear Rollergirls gave LVRG another power jam and allowed LVRG to increase their lead further. This closed the door on Cape Fear, allowing LVRG to win 99-188. This was a big win for LVRG as it increased their flattrackstats.com standings by 18.4 points and it will also reflect in their national WFTDA standings when the next rankings are posted.

 

 

Looking ahead, LVRG ends their season on October 19^th with an interleague Pink vs. Black bout of teammate versus teammate. This will be your last chance to see the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls until the opening of the 2014 season on March 1, 2014.

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

 

Cagey Rage - LVRG's Skater of the Month

Skating with the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls (LVRG) for 4 seasons, Kristina Schware, better known in the derby community as Cagey Rage, is not only a LVRG Board of Directors member, but also a skater with true personality.

As a skater, Cagey Rage says that her goals constantly change. She sometimes focuses on making charters and rosters but other times she just focuses on the sport itself and increasing her skills, such as endurance, agility and team cohesiveness.  

When asked about her most memorable moment of LVRG’s 2013 season, she stated “there have been many small special moments of 2013 that I will treasure as memories for many years. None of them are great feats performed on the track (truthfully, I usually forget a lot of the game play soon after it happens).  They are all teammate related. I love the car rides with other skaters to bouts and scrimmages. I love meeting the opposing team after a game and sharing a beer. I love the sisterhood of derby. And the ice cream party at the end of the year to celebrate SVU's (the Special Vixens Unit) undefeated season was a true highlight. The best reward for working hard as a team.”

Cagey Rage also works hard for LVRG as their WFTDA (Womens Flat Track Derby Association) Representative. The WFTDA is the roller derby governing body and association that the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls belong to as members. With over 300 national and international teams that belong to the WFTDA, it is a wonderful organization and we are proud to be included in their membership.  The WFTDA sets the standard of play, rules, and safety that the all the leagues adhere to on game day. They also provide the platform for its members to be ranked and qualify for playoffs.

The WFTDA is unique in the fact that all decisions, from deciding who will be a committee head to making a rule change, are all done by votes and input from all the member leaques. No other sport does that. Every team has a voice. Cagey Rage, along with two other LVRG skaters and some officials, are that voice from LVRG. They are the liasons that bring all the pertinent information to LVRG to obtain their views, and to get their votes. Cagey Rage then relays that information back to the WFTDA.

Cagey mentioned, “as a WFTDA rep, I also make sure that all WFTDA paperwork is completed to sanction a bout. I make sure our team’s information is constantly correct and updated on the WFTDA database. And I work with LVRG's reps to ensure that our team follows all the WFTDA bylaws and protocols, is aware of new WFTDA information, is updated on decisions, and understands it all.”

 There is a lot of work on the business side of LVRG that Cagey is involved in, including helping to recruit new skaters. When asked what advice she would give to anyone interested in becoming a roller girl, this is what she said: "Well, of course, do it. Once you do it, though, be cognizant that is a sport that takes a while to learn, physically and mentally.  As with any endeavor it is challenging at first, and slowly becomes second nature. You get stronger, quicker, smarter, but it takes time. And everyone's time is different. I had slow learning curve in derby. But I kept at it and now I am able to do things that I couldn't image doing a few years ago.  And since derby is constantly evolving there are always new things to learn which keeps it interesting and fun.”

 

Fun Facts about Cagey:

1.       She loves gardening, plants and reading in her garden.
2.       She loves to play board games, card games, and any other games she can play with her 2 daughters and husband of 12 years.
3.       Her all-time favorite TV show is “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”
4.       Her next door neighbor was a long lost friend she had in high school that she lost track of until she moved in next door

Looking ahead, LVRG’s Hissy Fits travel to Wilmington NC on Sept 21^st to play the Cape Fear Roller Girls. According to flattrackstats.com, LVRG has a 51% chance of winning the game, with almost no room for error, given a 2:2 point scoring ratio between teams.

Also, on October 19^th, see all of your favorite Rollergirls play in LVRG’s last game of the season for their interleague Pink vs Black game.

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.