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Derby girls ready for hard hitting bout

Expect hard hitting action this Saturday at the South Okanagan Events Centre as the SS Rodeo roller derby team takes on Ridge Meadows.

Expect hard hitting action this Saturday at the South Okanagan Events Centre as the SS Rodeo roller derby team takes on Ridge Meadows.

“Ridge Meadows is a hard hitting team and expect some really fast skating from the SS Rodeo because we are a team built of mostly jammers. So there will be lots of big hits and the girls will fly,” said SS Rodeo team member Ainsley Mosienko, who goes by the name Robin Banks when she is on skates.

The SS Rodeo is a bank track team, but the track is still under construction so they will be entertaining the crowd on a flat surface.

“There will be some really good players like Shocker and Juvy Hall. These girls have all been skating for a couple of years,” said Mosienko.

While the SS Rodeo is comprised of skaters from throughout the Okanagan, Penticton’s Justy Bee — aka Maude LoBrowski — will be on the track. Information will be handed out to explain how the derby works to spectators new to the sport. The name of the game is to score points by having the skaters in the jammers position busting through the skaters known as blockers. Jammers are identified with a star on their helmet and that responsibility can be passed on to another player. Once they pass through a group a second time they can start scoring points. There are two 30-minute periods.

After the bout a pit party will occur on the floor and the derby girls ask fans to stick around to mingle and have your photo taken with your favourite skater. The half-time entertainment is Nuvo Burlesque and Hooping. There will also be beer gardens, a vendor village and a 50/50 draw.

The SS Rodeo also acts as a sports and entertainment company and the derby girls can come out to promote events. They most recently shed more than their skates to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. The women stripped down at ZipZone Adventure Park in Peachland raising $1,500 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. They also will be making an appearance at the Penticton Speedway on July 23.

Tickets for Saturday’s derby can be purchased at the SOEC box office or online at www.valleyfirsttix.com and cost $12 — kids under 10 are free.

The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the bout starts at 7:30 p.m.