#15 Cincinnati Hosts #21 San Diego

By Coach Caesar, Last updated Fri Mar 26 2010 9:18pm

CINCINNATI, OH -- The 2010 season opener for Cincinnati's all-star Black Sheep will feature an opponent that is now somewhat familiar. Of all the WFTDA teams, Cincinnati has been the most eager to embrace the “bitraxual” mode of play employed by some of the regional pick up teams and unaffiliated banked track leagues. CRG visited San Diego back in October for a series of games on both tracks, a series that was split with CRG winning the flat track 103-71 and SDDD dominating the banked game 181-64.

This rematch on the flat track is intriguing from several perspectives -- the teams are ranked closely by DNN with Cincy at #15 and San Diego at #21, rosters have changed, members of Team Awesome are playing against each other, and the Cincinnati Gardens is becoming known for its upscale production and large crowds.
 
DNN is pleased to feature live video coverage provided by the Cincinnati Rollergirls. This double-header event starts at 7PM EDT Saturday, March 28, with an opening game between CRG’s Silent Lambs and the Circle City Socialites (Indianapolis, IN).

CRG’s roster features a number of new faces, as several veterans are taking time off this year to pursue other activities, including Ruff’n The Passer, Candy Kickass and Blu Bayou. Also out are Mae C. Stars and Panterrorize (who recently retired after a long competitive roller skating career). This allows some of the development players of last year to move up to the Black Sheep roster -- Dr. McDerby and Karma Krash are among those looking to fill skates. Returning are Sadistic Sadie, Hannah Ouchocinco (Née Barbaric), and Nuke ‘Em, arguably the three best roller derby players in the Buckeye State. Those three will see a lot of jamming duties, but jammers aren’t successful without great blockers and the Sheep have some of the best in the country. Sk8r-Kinney absolutely owns the front of the pack, and Tramua is a great all-around blocker. While the Sheep are missing a few strong teammates, their depth might be better than ever with the experience of returning veterans such as Sk8 Crime, Killian Destroy and Cherry Choke.
 
San Diego seems to be more comfortable skating on a banked track, and they seem entrenched for now as the top banked team. Their roster for this game is very skilled, and the Black Sheep are arguably weaker defensively than last year. Ivanna S. Pankin is one of the most experienced derby athletes in the world, and no player hits the track with more intensity and emotion than Trish the Dish. Dahmernatrix is also a powerful pack player and is going to have Black Sheep jammers bleating for mercy all game long. Steely Jan and Kung Pow Tina will prove to be very difficult for the CRG pack to contain.
 
This game should feature fast, intense game play and a close score throughout. As in any close game, penalties will be a defining factor in the outcome. If CRG gets into foul trouble, the veteran Wildfires will definitely be smart enough to capitalize. The home crowd, exceptional talent and deep bench of the home team should be enough for the Black Sheep to overcome this fiery Southern California squad, but if the Wildfires can capitalize on fouls and run smart well-matched line-ups, they've got a better than even shot at the win.

333 Buckhead Betty // 0 Cherry Choke // 85 Hannah Ouchocinco // 21 June with a Cleaver // 83 Jungle Lacy // 187 K Lethal // 3 Karma Krash // 4 Killian Destroy // 86 Nuk'em // 76 Sadistic Sadie // 66.5 Sista Sacralicious // 69 Sk8 Crime // 11 Sk8r-Kinney // 5 Trauma 
 

26 Bonnie D Stroir // 56 CheerBleedHer // 505 Dahmernatrix // 22 Ivanna S. Pankin // 88 Kiki DiAzz // 7&7 Kung Pow Tina // 80 Lemon Drop // 703 OB Noxious // 7 Slamurai // i SplintHer // 19 Steely Jan // 99 Trish the Dish