The Paper Valley Roller Girls (PVRG ) hosted a Derby Disco themed double header at Skaters Edge in Grand Chute, WI on May 9, 2009. The first bout pitted the PVRG Flyin’ Squirrels against the Mississippi Valley Mayhem (LaCrosse, WI). The second bout pitted the PVRG All-Stars against the Cedar Rapids Roller Girls (Cedar Rapids, IA). Both home squads scored large point jams early in their respective contests that proved insurmountable for the visitors. The Flyin’ Squirrels prevailed 261-53, while the All-Stars triumphed 285-10.
The first bout saw the newly formed Flyin’ Squirrels playing together publicly for just the second time, and for their first time in front of the home crowd. They surely didn’t disappoint! The Flyin’ Squirrels scored early and often, riding multiple high point jams to a 114-36 lead at the break. The second period included more of the same, with Major Chaos closing out the Flyin’ Squirrel scoring by scoring 17 points in her jamming debut. Leading scorers for the Flyin’ Squirrels were Cyanide Ride with 111, Blazin’ Britches with 64, Eye DropHer with 41 and Amy Grindhouse with 28. Mississippi Valley exhibited balanced scoring, with 8 different players scratching the scoring column. Considering this was the first public bout for Mississippi Valley Mayhem (MVM), the MVM players showed plenty of promise.
The second bout mirrored the first, with the All-Stars sprinting to a quick lead. PVRG jammers used their speed and agility (coupled with timely offensive blocking) to navigate the packs with relative ease, while the PVRG defense proved stifling. At the break, the PVRG defense had held the Cedar Rapids offense to a mere 4 points after thirty minutes of play. The offensive difficulties for Cedar Rapids were compounded by the fact that they frequently were short in the pack or without a jammer as a result of penalties. PVRG ’s offensive onslaught slowed in the second period, but the defense remained stout, surrendering only 6 points. PVRG ’s control of pack play was evidenced by picking up lead jammer status in 31 of 39 jams. Pissy Pistol led all scorers with 75 points. Grin Reaper added 60 and Chop StikYa added 50 more for PVRG . AJ Renegade, MaryJane Mustang, Ali Assassinateher and Krussia Bonez contributed to the Cedar Rapids scoring.
The largest cheer of the night came when PVRG pivot, Ginger Gunns, made her first appearance of the year at the jammer line. It took a moment for her faithful fan club to realize what was about to happen, but when they did, they roared approval. Dedicated blocker Neva Soba also took the star on a few occasions, and with her tongue sticking out and arm waving (as only Neva does), it was quite apparent she enjoyed doing so. Although no strangers to wearing the star, Snap CrakYa Pop and Gynomite also gave up their preferred positions in the pack in favor of a turn as jammer.
“Ironwoman” awards go to Eda Beaver, Blazin’ Britches, Major Chaos, Cyanide Ride, Eye DropHer and Amy Grindhouse. Each pulled double duty, swapping their red Flyin’ Squirrels jersey in favor of the black of the All-Stars between bouts.
Paper Valley skaters take a few months off to heal bruises and broken bones before returning to action. The Flyin’ Squirrels next bout is against the Cedar Rapids Roller Girls at U.S. Cellular Arena in Cedar Rapids, IA on September 26. The All-Stars return to action October 10/11 when they participate in the Rolling Along the River Tournament hosted by the Sioux City Roller Girls. The full slate of participating teams have yet to be released. The North Star Roller Girls Super Novas (Minneapolis, MN) are the defending tournament champions.