Derby News Network: Duke City has been one of the least active leagues with a tournament invite -- you've only played four ranked bouts as an all star team and a couple of local mixup and non-WFTDA bouts since last November -- but you've scored some impressive wins in that time. What keeps the team sharp with so few public events?

Dahmernatrix: Eating razor blades and old needles. We find them on the court after we fight the cholos and homeless people for track time since we practice outside on a goddamned basketball court. We're Duke City, poor us, look how our hearts bleed. And our insides, because, like i said, we eat razor blades.

DNN: Who are the new additions to your team since the 2007 Dust Devil? How has the new blood -- and the departure of 2007 players -- altered your team?

Dahmernatrix: Our biggest loss is of course Bullet Tooth Tracy, who has been with us since day one and is now a Texecutioner. Personally I think white makes her look washed out and green really brings out her lovely eyes, but does that girl listen to me? No.

New players include Amanda Jamitinya, Tronsexual, Meep Meep, Elvira Mental, and The Vixenator. Many of them have been with the league for awhile but this is their first tournament as Munecas. I feel that in the past we've been a collection of girls skating in proximity and looking vaguely similarly, but recently the team has begun to really gel. I'm excited to see how the current crop of Munecas play together this year.

DNN: Duke City dramatically altered its home structure after 2007, with the established local teams not playing any public bouts. What's on tap for the 2009 Duke City local season?

Dahmernatrix: Starting in April of '09 we're moving to a gigantor venue with jumbotrons, team locker rooms, and (here's the best part) a WFTDA regulation track! FINALLY!!! Also no more impaler poles. We are very excited, and I believe still looking for teams to play. Please contact Kamikaze Kim if your league may be interested.

DNN: Your first round bout against Pikes Peak finds you going up against the most-quickly rising team in the WFTDA rankings -- a team that was dominated by Bay Area at the 2007 regionals. What differences have you seen in Pikes Peak since last February, and what factors you think are most responsible for their considerable improvement?

Dahmernatrix: First thing, I think Bay Area was then and has always been under rated. No shame in getting owned by them. Secondly, we've known Pikes Peak for years and they've always been smart, hard working girls. I'm inclined to say nothing has changed but time on their skates and level of experience, turning them into the competitors we've always known they could be. Also I hear they recruited some girls with an extensive speed skating background, which never hurts...

DNN: If you are able to get past Pikes Peak in the opening round, you''ll have to go up against the #1 ranked team -- and 2007 WFTDA champions -- in Kansas City. Do you feel like their recent blowout loss to Windy City makes them an easier or a tougher opponent, and why?

Dahmernatrix: Absolutely not easier. Lately Windy City has been handing out ass-kickings pretty indiscriminately, to some great teams, and I think it speaks highly of Windy City, not poorly of their opponents. Like everyone else in the derby world I've been in love with KC since last year's tourney season, and I'd be honored to have the opportunity to share the track with them, as would Pikes Peak, I imagine. That's what we'll be fighting for on day 1, right?

I want to add that this year I'm excited to see WFTDA's new addition, the Denver Roller Dolls, playing in their first regional tournament. Duke City loves them!