Fair warning: this blog may devolve into a big, sloppy mash note to the Break Neck Betties. I’m only human after all: I put my hot pants on one leg at a time, I get sucked into America’s Next Top Model marathons, and I love my team better than all the other teams in the world.
Lucky for all of us that the Portland Mercury recapped the games already, with plenty of attention paid to intros.
A little quibble: Acid probably got that extra penalty minute for not leaving the track soon enough. Probably. She’s not known for being mouthy, but, hey, we all have our moments. (Just ask PMRD about the little fit I threw a couple weekends back. Yours truly may have violated section 6.15.7 of the current WFTDA ruleset.)
And if that wasn’t enough media coverage, Metromix has a slideshow up covering the bouts, with photos from our own Sarah Giffrow.
Well, thanks, local media! That means I get to just post pictures and commentary. That’s the fun part!
Heathers 140, GNR 72
GNR stayed with the Heartless Heathers for one thrilling half, then fell off in the final 20 minutes of the second.
Effy scored 20 points, you guys! Photo by Skippy Steve.
The Heathers have been developing all of their players, and it shows. Having Effy and Scheme jam in big games is a smart long-term strategy for success. (Gulp.)
GNR does not stop believing. As well they shouldn’t. Just remember that the Betties ended 2010 in fourth place…
- Do NOT stop believing. They mean it. Photo by Skippy Steve.
Betties 151, High Rollers 106
The best way I can think of to describe why/how the Betties won might be that I kind of don’t remember the game. We were 100% focused on the when we were on the track, and 100% on what we needed to do next when we were lined up on the bench. There was no confusion. When things changed, we communicated it.
- INTENSITY! FOCUS! SHOVEL! Photo by Sharkey.
The game plan was executed. We all bought into the system. We did those things that sound like just filler buzzwords on sports talk radio until you see that they really have an impact on the game.
- Teamwork! “Non-verbal communication!” Photo by Sharkey.
The High Rollers have an incredible amount of talent and they put in a lot of work this year. On any given night, the outcome could have been different. On this night, though, the Betties were ready to roll and came out Champs.
- Warface! Photo by Sarah Giffrow.
Not a lot of people thought we would win, but we knew we could. Especially Push and Shove, our captains who stepped up mid-season. You’re the most, Betties!
***
Okay, lovefest complete.
Business at hand:
At the game, it was announced that Punchkin is retiring. Since then, it was made official that Sol Train, F-Bomb, and Shame Girl are retiring as well.
ECDX is this weekend in beautiful Feasterville, PA. The Wheels of Justice are playing Gotham and Philly.
Next, AoA ventures across the border to Vancouver, B.C. to play Terminal City.
Weirdly, I’m not going to either of these events to blog. Derby vacation! See you in August, when Boston comes to town.
****
P.S. – Betties: you’re also extremely good-looking.
Ha! I shoulda known that Acid wouldn’t smart off.
That moment when Scrappy Go Lucky was behind the pack and swerved to the outside where she smoothly hip-checked the HR jammer into the air and clean off the track… That was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.
And I have high hopes for GNR next season. I plan to root for them if the Betties ever tell me to get lost.
Aw, we would never! Most rollergirls don’t take offense to multiple loyalties, anyway. We can take it.
Effy did AMAZING! Go Effy, and go Heathers!
<3 143
I’m not easy. I’m not a pushover. I’m not “that kind of guy.” The Betties earned my loyalty and passion early on, years ago, and have continued to give me ample reasons to stay committed. Classy, fun, and… whatdyaknow? Focused atheletes who know what “team” means… Thank you, Betties, for a heckuva season.
Miss Frisky,
Thank you. Then I shall root for GNR as well next season as well.
Though I have no idea where I will get a purple tiger-striped shirt in my size…
As well, as well, as well…
Darn my poor sentence structure.
More coffee!