Carolina Rollergirls All-Stars 148, Maine Port Authorities 103

Port Authorities vs. Carolina All-Stars | May 5, 2012 | Portland Expo, Maine | Bout Recap by Milhouse Van Bouten

On May 5^th, 2012, Maine Roller Derby’s all-star Port Authorities hosted the Carolina Rollergirls at the Portland Expo. This bout was arguably the most anticipated and influential of the season for MRD, as both teams were ranked closely in the WFTDA Eastern Region (Maine 11^th, Carolina 8^th) with Maine desperately trying to claw their way back into the Regional Tournament picture. The Port Authorities were 3-2 in WFTDA sanctioned competition through 2012, while Carolina was 2-0 and looked to continue their hot streak.

The bout started quickly and fiercely as Carolina’s agile offense pushed the pace and forced Maine to play  at their speed. CRG jammer Ginger Clobbers opened the bout with 12 points for Carolina while PA jammer Li’l Punisher grabbed 9. Both teams scored 1 point in the following jam, and traded power jams in jam three, with Carolina edging out Maine again 11–8. Grim D. Mise scored 14-0 in jam four, taking the lead for Maine. The momentum was back and forth early on, but started sliding in favor of Carolina at jam five. The CRG defense and chemistry outworked Maine on their home turf as Carolina established a steady single-digit point streak while holding the Port Authorities to minimal offense. In jams five through 14, Maine could only amass 4 points (scored by Grim D. Mise) while CRG jammers Thrashley, DVS and Pretty Reckless (who scored 19-0 in jam eight) combined for 42. Grim D. Mise sparked the offense again for Maine in jam 15, scoring 16-3 and scrambling to steal back the momentum. However, the Carolina defense seemed to be adapting to Grim’s speed and were able to neutralize her in jam 18, allowing teammate Jesse King to score 11-5. Li’l Punisher scored again for Maine 4-0 in the closing seconds of their power jam to end the half. While Carolina appeared to have the upper hand, the Port Authorities were able to keep the bout a relatively close score going into the second period, 87-61.

Carolina turned up the heat to start the second period, scoring another 21 points in the first three jams while the Port Authorities remained scoreless. Grim D. Mise was able to skate for another 4-2 jam in jam 4, but Maine was once again sent reeling in jams five through 8 as Thrashley, DVS and Pretty Reckless again combined for 25-0 points. The game turned to a more defensive pace and Maine began finding their footing. With some defensive help from Li’l Punisher, Grim and Spry Icicle were able to keep scoring pace with Carolina and prevent themselves from falling further behind. In jams 15-18, the PAs finally seem to regain their groove as Li’l Punisher, Grim D. Mise and Spry Icicle were able to make up 22 points while holding Carolina scoreless. With about a 40 point defecit in the final jam, it was simply too little too late for Maine. Grim D. Mise and Ginger Clobbers skated 4-4 to end the bout, and the Carolina Rollergirls  continued their undefeated season 148-103.