Hell Marys' Last Hope

The Big Easy Rollergirls: Seen here last week at their spectacular home, Mardi Gras World. (Photo by Richard Whittaker)

Bout four of the 2008 flat-track Roller Derby season is make-or-break time for the championship hopes of the Hell Marys at tonight's Texas Rollergirls doubleheader. If the Marys win tonight, they are still in contention for the championship: But if the Hustlers bring the game they showed in the last bout, then the Marys could have a testing time. If they can't get a convincing win, then the crowd may be seeing this matchup again in August's third-place playoff.

For the intraleague bout, the Hotrod Honeys will be playing host to the Big Easy Rollergirls. The New Orleans team are coming out of a home defeat last week to the unranked OC Rollergirls from California, but that didn't really reflect the back-and-forth of the bout. OC's "win at all costs" approach may have put them ahead on points, but also put most of their roster in the penalty box at one point or another, and two of the team on the injury list. However, the Honeys remain the gold standard for a league team.

The bout starts tonight at 7pm (doors 6.30pm) at Playland Skate Center (8822 McCann), tickets $15. And if you still have energy left, the traditional after-party will be at Beerland (711 Red River).