PVRG’s Flyin’ Squirrels took on the Cedar Rapids Rollergirls on September 26, 2009 in Cedar Rapids, IA. The Flyin’ Squirrels found a Cedar Rapids squad awaiting them that was much improved over the one that visited WI months earlier. The U.S. Cellular Center, an impressive roller derby venue with rabid fans, rocked as the bout got underway. While Flyin’ Squirrels blockers and jammers slid around the arena’s polished concrete track, Cedar Rapids methodically, forcefully and consistently sought the inside path. Hopes of victory slowly slid away for the Flyin’ Squirrels (as did the Flyin’ Squirrels skaters who attempted to navigate the outside) as the jams clicked away. To the delight of the home crowd, Cedar Rapids prevailed by a final tally of 116-42.
The PVRG Flyin’ Squirrels will make the ’09/’10 home debut on November 14th against the Sioux City Roller Dames of Sioux City, IA.
PVRG Takes Home 2nd at Rollin’ Along the River Tournament
Sioux City, IA
The PVRG All-Stars kicked off their ’09/’10 campaign much the same way as the PVRG Flyin’ Squirrels had – by loading in vans and traveling to Iowa. In their tournament debut, PVRG outlasted hosting Sioux City in a Saturday morning match-up at the Long Lines Rec Center. Later, PVRG disposed of Rage City (Anchorage, AK) to set up a Saturday night date with WFTDA NC region power, the North Star Supernovas (ranked #23 nationally by DNN). Saturday’s showcase featured a fast pack and plenty of hard hits. It was North Star that controlled the pack and displayed polished execution as PVRG jammers continually found themselves saddled behind a green wall at the front of the pack. North Star sent PVRG back to the loser bracket with a 0-145 loss. Sunday morning brought a re-match with Rage City, with the opportunity to advance to play North Star again. PVRG again raced past Rage City on the strength of several high point jams (125-61) to set up a re-match with the “big green monster”. PVRG succeeded at playing a slower game on Sunday, countering NSRG’s front dominance with a wall of red at the back. It was commonly the NSRG jammer that escaped first, however, leading to familiar scenario – a PVRG jammer stuck behind a wall of green. PVRG was much more competitive, especially early, before the effects of having played 4 previous bouts began to show. The sparse, but loyal, crowd roared approval each time PVRG earned lead or scored – a compliment to NSRG that indicates just how stingy their defense had been at relinquishing either. In the eyes of the PVRG skaters, the 19-139 didn’t fully represent how much more competitive PVRG was in the second meeting. In all, PVRG considered their 2nd place finish a success.
PVRG has a month to recover and contemplate the lessons learned. The PVRG All-Stars return to action November 14, when they host G-Rap Attack! from Grand Rapids, MI.