Skates, tutus, pulsating music and colourful cupcakes were served up alongside adult beverages as the Rated P.G. Roller Girls added another chapter into the rivalry with Kamloops.
The Rated P.G. Roller Girls emerged victorious Saturday at the Roll-A-Dome by a 157-147 margin after an intense, physical battle over the Tournament City Derby Dolls that ended with handshakes and group hugs.
SaraBellum #180iq, also known as Sarah Sapergia when she's not skating with the Rated girls, was modest about the praise for the blocks she initiated on the Derby Dolls jammers that were directed her way after the match.
"I have no recollection of what happens," said SaraBellum. "I just go out there and skate."
The 38-year-old - she celebrates another birthday next week - began skating with the Rated girls almost four years ago, much to her surprise.
"I watched a game once and said I would never do that," said SaraBellum. "But the first time I tried it I was hooked by the adrenaline rush."
SaraBellum said she attempted volleyball and basketball during her high school days but was never much of a team sport kind of person until roller derby.
"It's such a diverse group of people that I wouldn't have met otherwise," she said. "I think it builds self esteem for women because it's a sport for all types and shapes of bodies. It's awesome to see shy, timid women become warriors."
SaraBellum works as a massage therapist while her Rated P.G. teammates come from varied backgrounds from medical personnel to teachers.
Roller derby's popularity in Prince George was apparent with the almost full house out to witness the hard-hitting, fast-paced action where even the officials have names like Captain Dantastic - SaraBellum's husband Dan Watt - and Patty Aches, among others.
Haylee Tucker, a fan of roller derby out to support a co-worker that's training for the Rated P.G. girls team, had some advice for newcomers to the sport.
"Scream a lot when the person is going real fast and when people fall down scream more," said the 18-year-old.
Tucker said she can't wait until she's old enough to strap on the roller skates and start banging and crashing with the Rated girls. A player has to be 19 to play with the Rated girls, which Tucker won't be until October.
Teenagers who want to learn the basics of roller derby can join the Spruce City RollerBrats. The Brats entertained the audience during the intermission Saturday as they maneuvered through an obstacle course, where nine-year-old Dael "Tundru" King-Smith emerged as the top skater.
King-Smith joined the Brats last September when her mom went out for Fresh Meat tryouts and, she said she enjoys learning new things on skates.
"You have a blast," said King-Smith.
It's not just for girls, or women, anymore as the Rated P.G. girls are trying to get more men to try it out in order to create a team in the future. Sunday there was a men's try-it night at the Roll-A-Dome but there's also a coed training camp beginning April 22 where men can test their skills. The training camp runs Monday, 6-8 p.m. for seven weeks.
The Rated P.G. girls face off in coed matches against men for practice, something SaraBellum was unsure would work at first.
"I thought it would be weird playing with guys because it's such an intimate game but they're just another body," said SaraBellum. "Men are big and stronger, but they're well aware of their body differences and are respectful."
Brent B, a Prince George logger who declined to gave his last name, said the experience of watching the competition against the Derby Dolls was reminiscent of watching roller derby on TV during the 1980s, except they skate on a flat surface at the Roll-a-Dome as opposed an oval rink.
"It seems like a really good family event," said Brent B. "They all seem like they enjoy each other's company."
Brent B. said he'll definitely try to make it out May 11 when the Rated P.G. Roller Girls host Fort St. John before they embark on a two match road trip to Edmonton and Quesnel.
For more information on roller derby in Prince George see the website www.ratedpgrollergirls.com.
