3.16.2011 1 The Blue Banner 1 9 Rule Card Dustin Stuart - Asst. Photography Editor Blue Ridge Rollergirls skater “Liquor Possi" gives high-fives to fans after Saturday’s win. „ Dustin Stuart - Asst. Photography Editor Ihe Blue Ridge Rollergirls’ jammer fights to pass the Twin City Travelers’ blockers. tting wins at season opener '^tional, family,' was, but just seeing the fan base grow is still ‘Is who always something I get really excited about and proud 'With hitting, I about for the team,” Mease said. I let out my ag- Trasport said she agreed the fan base is grow- of my life ing rapidly. “We have a diverse fan base, but a lot of our lliis manner al- fans are young women who look up to us skat- kr. ers,” Trasport said. “We want to show them that “1 of my life or we are strong, confident women who kick ass 'I'ng down, but and that they can do the same. Especially in a ' leave smiling place like Asheville, empowered women who been lifted,” kick ass on roller skates is always going to be popular.” '^1 Her,” said The Rollergirls won both games in their |lson. She said double header last Saturday, defeating the Twin Tor the team. City Derby Girls (148-147) and the Soul City J'spout off stats Sirens (274-71). vin-loss record Both Meador and Trasport said the bout on Saturday was their first time skating for the team in an official game. Meador said the game on Saturday was fun and challenging. “Our game was just what you want in a good bout. Our scores were fairly close the entire game, but we eeked out a win by one point in the last jam,” she said. “That’s good for both teams to make us play harder, and good for the fans, too.” Trasport said the games on Sat urday exceeded her expectations. “It was my very first bout and I could not have asked for a better start to my derby career,” Trasport said. “It was such a nail-biter of a game coming down to the last jam and with us win ning by only one point. You couldn’t have asked for a better season opener.” Despite its widespread appeal and cult-like following. Shannon Brown, the visiting announcer at the season opener last Saturday said derby can be confusing for audience members who do not understand the rules. He happily explained the game for the newcomers, who made up almost half of the crowd that night. • The games are divided into two 30 minute periods, separated by a 30 : minute half-time show. • Each half is broken down into 2-min ute “jams,” or periods. • On each team, there is one pivot, three blockers and one jammer. • Only a jammer can score points for the team. They score one point for evvery time they pass a player on the oppoiste team. • The first time the jammers pass the “pack,” they’re racing to become “lead jammer.” The lead jammer can call off the jam, or period, at any time so the other team cannot score points. Dustin Stuart - Asst. Photography Editor “Houchebag” (M7), the jammer for the Travel ers, and “2 Beers" (24) jostle during the bout.