Garnet Grit Betties win first bout of season

Wrangell's roller derby team has started their new season with a bang, coming away with a win in Ketchikan on Saturday.

The Garnet Grit Betties beat the hosting Rainforest Rollergirls with a final score of 270 to 132.

"We're really proud of the way we played," said Coach Shawna Buness, who rolls under the pseudonym "BabyCakes."

The Betties started the match with a scoreless two jams before retaking the momentum, building an early lead and building from there.

"Our team really pulled together," said Buness.

A dozen players and refs made the trip to Ketchikan, a destination Buness explained will be a common one through the 2015-16 season. To make the most of the team's travel funds, the Betties will try to attend as many bouts as they can in the nearby borough, particularly when other teams are in town.

After the game, most valuable player awards went to jammer "Romane Event" and blocker "Kooks Deluxe."

To cover travel expenses, equipment and rental fees the team collects dues and finds sponsors from among area businesses and individuals. They also do a bit of fundraising through the year, such as boothing during the July 4 celebration. The team is currently selling 50/50 raffle tickets, with a drawing set for the annual Polar Plunge on Jan. 1.

Only the team's second full season, the fledgling all-woman sport has drawn a variety of players, many of whom are new to roller skating. Lots of practice and the occasional workshop will go toward making the team league contenders.

"I think right now we're getting everybody on the same skillset," Buness said.

Workshops bring in experienced skaters to lead tactics and skills training. Players learn a lot of the basics, both for play and for safety. The sport can be a rough one, and a roller derbier can expect to pick up at least a few bruises through the season. But sometimes the injuries can be more serious. Starting this season on a down note, during the Ketchikan bout one Betties blocker ended up hospitalized with a triple fracture after a particularly bad hit.

The team will travel next month to Palmer, for a small tourney between the Wasilla, Petersburg, Denali and Fairbanks teams. The Devils Club coed team put together by Petersburg and Wrangell will also see some play while in Palmer.

To keep up with the team's schedule check out the Betties' site at http://www.wrangellrollerderby.com.