Saturday night, the Deathbridge Derby Dames played their first home game of the season against the Fort McMurray Tar Sand Betties.
Using a strategy of tight defense, the Dames were victorious with a final score of 160-91. Top scorers of the bout were Dames Cherri Blaster with 67 points and Bones O Fury with 48 points, and Betties Mulan Bruise with 48 points, and Belle Camino and Dev-Lyn with 14 points each.
The bout was held at the Lethbridge Exhibition north pavilion, an impressive venue considering the Lethbridge Derby Guild’s humble beginnings.
“The league started in late 2009 with a few girls meeting over beers at a local sports bar. By April 2010, meetings had outgrown several locations, and we held our first practice at the Boys and Girls club,” said Jessica Slammer, vice president of the Lethbridge College derby club.
Slammer says she’s hoping to expand the league in ways that will benefit fans of roller derby in Lethbridge.
“I am looking forward to forming house teams in order to hold more games in town for our fans and supporters to watch, and for our travel team to continue to expand and improve by playing more experienced teams from all over Canada.”
Deathbridge Derby Dame Dotty DestroyHER says her teammates and their encouraging attitudes are the best part of roller derby.
“The girls on our team look out for each other and we have so much fun. If you’re having a bad day, it’s so great to strap on your skates and just go hit someone.
“The self-esteem you get from derby is incredible too, you’re out there being active, getting in shape while having fun.”
DestroyHER says that all women over the age of 18 are welcome to come to practices to see if they have an interest in roller derby.
“We have every type of woman on our team. If you haven’t found your place in other sports yet, you are sure to find a home in derby.”
The Dames’ next home game is Nov. 12 against the B-52 Bellas from Calgary.
Photo: Pussy Whipped and Betty Believit hold back the pack of Sand Betties. The Deathbridge Derby Dames won their first home game of the season. Photo by: Lacey Vornbrock