WFTDA Preview: Memphis @ Naptown

By Coach Caesar, Last updated Sat Feb 6 2010 5:51pm

INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- Among the roller derby games that are going on this weekend is a WFTDA sanctioned interregional matchup between two rising teams from the North Central and South Central. Memphis Roller Derby’s Hustlin’ Rollers (MRD), currently # 9 SC, head north to face the #11 NC Naptown Roller Girls Tornado Sirens (NRG) on Saturday, February 6 in the Pepsi Coliseum of the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. This is a first time matchup that, on paper, is shaping up to be one of the closest matchups of the year.
 
DNN will be covering this bout live via text boutcast from Caesar and Deadeye Knight on Saturday, February 6. Action starts at 7 PM EST.
 
Both teams are on three-game win streaks dating back to last fall. Naptown's coming off of an enormous 225-18 win over regional opponent Derby City, and took down Burning River (22 points) and Bleeding Heartland (87 points) in late 2009. Memphis' streak follows losses to Atlanta and Tampa Bay in September 2009's WFTDA South Central tournament; their three wins came over West Texas (52 points), Dixie (17 points) and Northwest Arkansas (44 points).
 
Due to that appearance at the 2009 South Central regional tournament, Memphis arguably has more big-game experience than Naptown. They recently had a change in their coaching staff and it seems to be helping, although they haven’t been tested by a closely matched opponent yet. A few players stand out as being game changers -- Bloody Elle (playing in her next-to-last game with MRD after recently relocating to the Windy City), jammer Lil’ Cinner, a great all-around threat in captain Ragin’ Caucasian and the aggressive blocker Cat Claus.

Memphis also have several players that are fairly new to this level of play, as well as a handful of transfer skaters (including Black-n-Blue, who is the little sister of nationally renowned Boston blocker Shelby Shattered). Tenacious B will be playing in her second game as a Hustlin’ Roller, and is coming off an MVP performance in the NWA game. It’s not clear at this time how deep their bench is, but their top players can certainly control a game and hang with the best of the Naptown players.
 
The Tornado Sirens have also been experimenting with their rosters and making adjustments based on injuries to some impact players. Making an appearance as a Siren for the first time is Maiden America, whose raw athleticism but limited experience could prove to be either boon or bane for NRG. Last month Slammy Faye had a huge game as a jammer, and between her, Dora the Destroyer and Blue Messiah the MRD defense will be very busy.

Blockers such as Ima Hurtu, Cereal Killer and 4 Leaf Cleaver have been steadily improving and provide a great complement to the veteran pack players for the Sirens. Perhaps most impressive has been the NRG leadership, whose coaches (all former players) and captain Katya Lookin’ really have this team going in the right direction.
 
NRG reports that their February bout is typically their best-attended game, so the crowd could easily be somewhere in the 3000 range. Memphis will have to adjust to playing in front of a notoriously passionate Indy home crowd in addition to finding a way to handle Naptown's talent and depth, but close games often come down to one or two heads up plays, a penalty or two, clock management and matchups at the jammer line. Given that, MRD and their tournament experience could easily end up on top of this one.

Additional reporting: Bloody Elle

4 Leaf Cleaver 777 // Ana Slays Ya 8 // Ima Hurchu 000 // Sweet C 6 // Touretta Lynn F Y0U // Cereal Killer 2 // Joan of Dark 5 // Sin Lizzie 665 // Katya Lookin 321 // Dora the Destroyer 7 // Slammy Faye 700 // Blue Messiah N3 // Racer Xtasy 9 // Psychedelic Sandy 66 // Maiden America 76// Asian Sinsation 218
  
Bad Juju 74 // Bloody Elle 1134 // Brooken Bones 911 // Cat Claus 79 // Chica Bandita 23 // Demi Automatic 9mm // nstant Karmen 11 // Irene Business 9 to 5 // La Sucia 1975 // Lena Deadtrick 821 // Lil’ Cinner 24 // Ragin’ Caucasian 213 // Tenacious B 28 // Black N Blue 8her // Rolls Royce 314