Photo by Allyson O'Keefe

by Vieux Careen

The Big Easy Rollergirls split their last home bout of the season on Saturday. Both the Crescent Wenches and the AllStars took to the track with the goal to end the season right. The Crescent Wenches kicked off the action with a 170-103 win over the Cajun Rollergirls, while the AllStars lost 152-211 against WFTDA South Central Playoffs-bound Tallahassee RollerGirls Capital Punishment.

The Wenches came out ready to defend their 6-1 title and stay in the running for the Derby South Southern Belle Ringer this December. They came out playing hard and with heart, and quickly took the lead. Abeata Applebum and Fearless Bueller ensured a hold on the lead with constant lead jammer grabs; in fact, Abeata earned lead jammer a staggering 17 times. The Cajun Rollergirls put up a good fight, trying to break up the Wenches’ walls and separate the pack. They were unable to break the Wenches’ strategies, though, and were defeated 170-103.

After the Wenches set the benchmark for the evening, the AllStars faced the Tallahassee RollerGirls Capital Punishment in a rematch from this year’s April away bout. With the opponents ranked 9th in the WFTDA South Central region against BERG’s 22, there was fear of a repeat 251-point loss. The AllStars came out strong in the first half making Tallahassee work. Although Tallahassee quickly took the lead, the AllStars never allowed it to get out of control. At the end of the first half, and a 34-point power jam by Coalminer’s Slaughter, the AllStars took their first lead of the night and headed to the locker room with 104-98 on the scoreboard.

Tallahassee quickly responded at the beginning of the second half with new lineups. They switched up their strategy and placed a blocker in the middle of the AllStars’ wall, allowing jammers to quickly escape the pack and earn lead jammer, therefore controlling the point spread. The AllStars recognized the new plays but were unable to counter before the end of the bout, losing in a close but fierce game, 152-211.

Just because the season is over doesn’t mean the Big Easy Rollergirls are relaxing. Weekly practices are still on and they’re preparing for upcoming clinics and tryouts. BERG will hold clinics at Skate Country WestBank on Monday, October 1, and Thursday, October, 4 at 6pm for only $10 per day. Clinics teach the basic skills needed to play roller derby. Try outs will also be at Skate Country WestBank on Monday, October 8, at 6pm for only $5. Any women 19 years old and above should come out if interested. Who knows, you might just be the next Big Easy Rollergirl!  For more information about tryouts, clinics and all things BERG, check out Big Easy Roller Girls' website.