2008 | 2007

September 20, 2008 vs. Silicon Valley Roller Girls

BAKERSFIELD, CA

Bakersfield [121] Silicon Valley [137]

Recap by Bianca Hernandez | The Renegade Rip

A girl goes flying to the ground, and the crowd cheers. On Sept. 20 the Bakersfield Rollergirls played the Silicon Valley Roller Girls at the Rollerama on 34th Street.

The Bakersfield Rollergirls may not have won that night, but the game was definitely not boring. Decked out in matching black shirts emblazoned with the logo, which consists of a helmeted girl's head over crossbones, the Bakersfield Rollergirls participated in their first game since August.

Roller derby is a fast paced game played on roller skates. Each team consists of one jammer, whose goal is to lap the other team as many times as possible. There is one pivot for each team, whose job is to set the pace for the blockers. Blockers attempt to block the other team's jammer from lapping. This all happens on a flat oval track, typically in a skating rink.

Children watched avidly along the sidelines as the three Bakersfield Rollergirls team members got their heads shaved for the St. Baldrick's foundation before the game. The foundation is set up to try to raise money to help eradicate childhood cancer. After the girls had their heads shaved they rubbed each others' bald heads and grinned.

During the first half Bakersfield received multiple penalties much to supporters' chagrin. Lindsay, who works for the state, was watching the sport for the first time. "It is definitely a sport, it's not fake. I love it," she said.

At halftime three dancers from Gypsy Fusion entertained the crowd. Then the second half started and the crowd was noticeably more active. "Bonecrusher", who had just had a baby five weeks ago, entered the game.

"They're doing great," said former member Becky Castille of the team. "They've stepped up their game," said Castille.

As intense as the game may be there are very touching moments. When a girl goes down and can't get up right away both teams drop to their knees until the fallen girl is able to get up again.
At the end of the night the score was 121-137, but the Bakersfield Rollergirls still have more games this year. They have a game Oct. 18 in Ventura and a home game on Nov. 22.

"[My sister] came out and watched one game and then came out and tried out for the them," said Lindsay about her sister "Chris T. McKnuckles".

"I'd love to do it… I think it's something that keeps you active. The sisterly love is awesome. It just seems like a lot of fun," said Lindsay.