麻豆社区

The Yukon Roller Girls began their regular season against the Terminal City Rookies from Vancouver at the Whitehorse Curling Club on Saturday night.

In front of a packed house, the Roller Girls dropped a tough bout to the Rookies, 189-163.

After some early nerves in the first half of the game, the Roller Girls came out with a spirited second half effort, winning the period 110-73.

Despite the late rally, it wasn't enough to erase the deficit for the Roller Girls.

"We weren't sure what to expect at the beginning, but they were strong players and they were very fast,鈥� said team president, Arctic Fox. "They were very good at getting us separated and not playing together.鈥�

"After halftime, we reformed and focused and we were able to work more as a team and have stronger walls. We really picked it up in the second half. If there had been a third period we probably would have wound up winning. It took us a little bit to get going.鈥�

The Fighting Mongoose and Lady Cuntessa boosted the Roller Girls in the second half with strong jams, including an 18-point effort by the Fighting Mongoose.

Fox said on the defensive end, the team started to realize they had the ability to keep the Rookies on the ground.

"We were blocking and it just sort of clicked in our brains that we could knock these girls down,鈥� she said. "And then we threw out some good hits.

"Bonanza Babe managed to put all four of the Terminal City girls to the floor and acquire four minors in the process so she went to the box but she cleared the path for our jammer so I'd say it was worth it.鈥�

The improved defence teamed with a raucous hometown crowd fuelled the Roller Girls in the second half.

"I'm always surprised at how vocal they are,鈥� Fox said of the cheering fans.

"We had a great crowd, they were really excited. They cheered at the right times, they booed at the right times. It was a really awesome experience. We want to keep playing at home because of the crowd.鈥�

Fox said nerves contributed to the team's play early in the game.

"For some of our girls it was their first bout, and there's definitely that stage fright of not embarrassing yourself in front of the entire town but I think we pulled it off and gave them a good show,鈥� she said. "We didn't get the win, but the Terminal City girls work hard.鈥�

The Roller Girls are an ambitious group, enthusiastic about their sport and grateful for the support they've received from the community.

Aside from training and competing in the matches, the team is also completely self-managed and organized.

Their efforts have resulted in a team that is brimming with cohesiveness and chemistry.

"Because we've been doing everything together we're like a big goofy family,鈥� said Fox.

"So when we're on the track we have this protective instinct for each other. We have a lot of loyalty, which I think is helpful.鈥�

The Roller Girls will have their next bout on May 19, when they square off against the Fairbanks Rollergirls. The junior Roller Girls will also travel to the game.

"We're focusing on keeping our heads in the game, staying focused as a team and working together,鈥� said Fox of the team's preparation for the upcoming bout.

Despite their love for playing in front of the hometown crowd, Fox said the away games allow the team to focus their energy completely on the match.

"We just have to show up to play,鈥� she said. "We're not as focused as putting on the event. It's also nice because we have the bonding experience of traveling together.鈥�

The next home bout for the Roller Girls will be June 23, when they square off against the Red Deer Nightshades.

Fox said the team is already looking forward to the match.

"I think we're going to have to work hard but I think we can pull it off,鈥� she said.

Fox also wanted to highlight her appreciation for the efforts of the volunteers that came together to lend a hand for the home opener.

"There's no way we would have been able to pull it off without the volunteers,鈥� she said.

"It just shows the great support we have from the city. Whitehorse is such a great town and they're so supportive of everything we do.鈥�