New season, new teams, new rules. Last time we saw the Texas Rollergirls, the Hell Marys were ending a tearful and jubilant perfect season with a stunning and assured title win over the Hotrod Honeys. But that was 2012, and this is a whole new year. The Hells may be the reigning champs, but so were the Hustlers a year ago, and their tough luck rolled all season long, and they had to write it all off as a rebuilding year. Now the Hells must hold on to the top slot after losing their coaches and key players – either to retirement or the travel-only bench of the league’s touring Texecutioners. With so much fresh meat on the bench, they’ll need all the discipline they’ve learned to fend off the ever-challenging Hotrods and a refreshed Hustlers. But sharper eyes may rest on the Honky Tonk Heartbreakers this year. After years in the middle of the pack, they have quietly assembled a first-class jammer roster that’s deeper than most teams’ entire lineups. Add on a coach that took the Texies all the way to nationals in 2009, and this could be the gingham hit squad’s year. Sun., Feb. 10, 6pm (5pm doors). Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez. www.texasrollergirls.org.
This article appears in February 8 • 2013.
