Texecutioners in Philly

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Texies on the track: The Texas Rollergirls Texecutioners. WFTDA Declaration of Derby, Philadelphia, PA, Nov 14 2009 (Photo by Richard Whittaker)

Greetings from the Philadelphia, where the fastest and the finest in flat track roller derby have gathered for the Women's Flat Track Derby Association's 2009 nationals, the Declaration of Derby.

Of course, and as always, Austin's own Texecutioners are here in their trademark crimson-splattered black uniforms. Taking the top slot at South-Central regionals meant the Texies got a by on the first day which was, according to most reports, ruled by deliberate snail's-pace skating. There was no place for strollerderby this morning, as the Austin team got up nice and early for a 10am bout against the Boston Massacre.

Typical for Texas, the team that loves that to come from behind, they started off slow, giving away four points in the first three jams. And then Olivia Shootin' John came out for an unanswered grand slam, and the Texies held the lead right through to a final whistle score of 111-72. It's a quick trip to the next round, where they will face the Rocky Mountain Rollergirls, who just pulled a monumental 128-121 overtime upset out of the bag over home town heroes (and gracious hosts) the Philly Liberty Belles.

Texas didn't have it all their own way: Courtesy of a full penalty box, they handed out a 25 point jam to Boston in the closing minutes of the second period. But the lead was too big, and the Texies were too dominating. Bloody Mary in particular often looked like she was out for a leisurely Sunday skate in the park, and it's going to be a tough semi-final for Rocky Mountain against a well-rested Texies team.

Texas take to the track again at 6pm Eastern, 5pm central. There's a live feed, courtesy of Derby News Network all weekend.