Roller Derby Update 5/14/11

Break out your banked and flat track Roller Derby t-shirts this weekend, as both of Austin's derby leagues are bouting.

Texas Rollergirls

Out on the flat track, the big rivalry for the last two years has been the Hotrod Honeys versus the Hustlers. But the Honky Tonk Heartbreakers are feeling confident this year: With a new lineup that draws heavily from the Texecutioners travel team, the Heartbreakers are looking to deliver the second big upset of the season to the three-time champion Hotrods. Meanwhile, the Hell Marys continue their unmatched efforts to build a powerhouse team by looking for their own upset: A serious effort to overturn the championship hopes of the Hustlers. Sunday, May 15, 5pm (doors at 4.30m). $15 ($12 in advance), Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez. Tickets available now at www.texasrollergirls.org.

Mixed results last weekend for the Texecutioners. The Philly Liberty Belles delivered a surprising 142-76 defeat last Saturday, but the Texies reversed that misfortune with a 162-156 victory over Baltimore's Charm City in a private bout on Sunday morning. The big test remains next weekend, when the Texies take on Seattle's Rat City, Portland's Rose City and former Women's Flat Track Derby Association champs the Oly Rollers in one massive weekend of bouting.

However, fantastic news for the Jr. Derby: The tiny terrors went over to Corpus Christi last weekend to play the Sparkling City Roller Dollz, and came home with a 59-52 win. Congratulations to both teams.

If you are interested in playing flat track derby in Austin, two URLs to watch: Both the Texas Rollergirls rec league (www.texasrollergirls.org/recreational-derby) and the Jr. Derby (www.texasrollergirls.org/jr-derby/) will be opening enrollment again soon.

TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls

Up on the banked track, the Hellcats are swinging their tails after a 41-50 beatdown by the Putas del Fuego, while the Rhinestone Cowgirls got to act like the cats that got the cream when they batted the Holy Rollers around in February, 87-23. They meet tonight, and the Hellcats really need this one to get them back in contention for the Calvello Cup that they last held in 2009. Saturday, May 14, 7pm (doors at 6pm). $15 ($13 in advance). Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. Tickets available now at www.txrd.com