If Lubbock didn’t Know Derby Before May 17, 2008, they do now. An overwhelming crowd of almost 2,000 not only attended but cheered, stomped and hollered, as the West Texas Roller Dollz inaugural home Bout took place.

The bout, dubbed Derby Hero featured two teams of fourteen players battling it out on skates. There were endless crashes and pile-ups, all to the crowds liking.The teams entered the Lubbock Civic Center floor to smoke, spot lights and Guitar Hero music. Team Kiss Army breezed onto the floor with military execution dressed in black with Iconic Kiss band makeup. Closely followed behind, were the Lynyrd Skyn-Hers dressed in Hillbilly attire with yellow accents supporting Armed Forces day.Few technical difficulties aside, the Bout was underway. The first two Jams of the evening were scoreless with Jammers Rollin Atkinson against Goodnight Kiss and Wild Wookie against Marie LaRoll.The third Jam finally put some numbers on the board, with Kiss Army’s Slyder scoring 2 points over Lynyrds Marie LaRolles 1 point. As the Jams continued, the Lynyrd Skyn-Hers took the lead and put some distance between the Kiss Army when Marie LaRoll scored 14 points on Jam 11 over Trishalishious zero. This wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the Skynyrds Jam 11’s blockers, which included Goodnight Kiss, Lethal Woopin’, Mulisha Maiden and Smokin’ Engen.

It was obvious that Team Lynyrds quick Jamming style and tough blocking skills was going to be tough to beat.

At the half the score was 33 Kiss Army and 48 Lynyrd Skyn-Hers. And while the teams planned their strategies the crowd was entertained by Budweiser with a Guitar hero themed Halftime show. Budweiser’s Challenge was won by Hunter age 12, who was a guest at the event representing this bouts charity the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Worthy of mentioning is, as of this date, the West Texas Roller Dollz have raised $2000 walking for the charity and another $200 at the bout for the foundation. It looks like after the percentage from the bout itself, the Dollz will have donated over $3000.00 to help find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.

The second half commenced and team Kiss fought to lesson the gap with help from Jammers Freak Naz-T and Slyder. Again, the blocks and falls and trips to the Doll Pound kept the crown roaring. Team Kiss never gave up the fight and it showed with the last three jams of the game being at a +9 point differential for them.

In the end the Lynyrd Skyn-Hers prevailed, proving that their versatile jamming and blocking power were superior that night. Nine of the Fourteen players on there team hit the floor as a Jammer and blocker. Final score 77 Lynyrd Skyn-Hers/ 60 Kiss Army.

Notable Blockers for team Lynyrd Skyn-Hers were Lilly Von Smack, Mulisha Maiden and Lethal Woopin’ for the Kiss Army - Slyder, Twanda and Hard Candy.

Don’t miss the unfailing action as the West Texas Roller Dollz seek revenge during their Summer Blast on June 7, 2008 at 7:00pm at the Lubbock Civic Center. Portions of this bouts proceeds will benefit the Woodystock organization that benefits Lubbock burn victims.

by HaRd CaNdY