Confluence Crush Roller Derby (CCRD) returns to the flat-track this weekend and they are champing at the bit for their first home event in five years.
Photo Credit: David Strong
The Crush skates against Vette City Roller Derby Saturday at Gateway Convention Center (1 Gateway Dr., Collinsville, IL). Doors open at 5 p.m. and the first whistle for the doubleheader blows at 6 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for adult general admission while children eight and under get in free. Military and first responders get half-off tickets at the door with ID.
At Saturday’s twin-bill featuring separate, 60-minute tilts, the Crush’s primary A-team battles Vette City’s Vixens while the franchise’s B-team tussles with VCRD’s Venom.
Founded in 2011, Confluence Crush competes in sanctioned games within the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). The feisty, Metro East rollers can’t wait to lace up their quads against the Bowling Green, Kentucky opponent.
“We are overly excited about our return to the track at home since 2019,” said Crush captain Scarlet Bandit of the upcoming showdown.
Photo Credit: David Strong
The evening’s primary game between the respective leagues’ “A” teams has a lot riding on it. Both squads are currently nestled within the Top 50 of the WFTDA’s North American Northeast standings. The Crush (0-0 in 2024 sanctioned play) is currently ranked #46 out of 134 eligible teams while the Vette City Vixen (5-0) sits at #34.
“There is a lot of pressure to maintain our ranking and advance up the ladder,” assessed Bandit, one of the team’s primary blockers who has a double-digit tenure with the Crush. “Our game will be our first sanctioned home game since returning from COVID-19.”
Earlier this summer in preparation, the Crush competed at July’s Show-Me Skate invitational in Springfield, Missouri and finished with a 1-1 exhibition split that was highlighted by their 179-55 triumph over the B-team of Oklahoma’s Twister City Roller Derby.
Logging on-track reps was beneficial for team’s strides back into full-time play.
Photo Credit: David Strong
“Most of the skaters rostered had never played in a tournament before,” reflected Bandit. “We used the games as a gauge to determine what we had been doing right and what we still needed to improve upon.”
Alongside Bandit, the Crush’s A-team line-up Saturday consists of (in alphabetical order): Abitude, Andy Cyclone, Capt’n Blackout, Code Red, D Woww Murkem, Harley Legal, Jackie Stabit, Lil’ Smokes, Rampage, Rushin’ Bruisette, Swamp Smasher and Trauma Queen.
Saturday’s Crush opponent aims to push their undefeated streak to six games.
The Vette City Vixen maintained their current unblemished mark following an impressive 176-40 home win over #25 Roller Derby of Central Kentucky (ROCK) earlier this month.
The visitors have also posted sanctioned wins over Indiana-based leagues Circle City (#37), Naptown (#63), and Cornfed (#64) as well as neighboring #92 Cincinnati.
Photo Credit: David Strong
The Vixen have a lot of momentum in the North American Northeast heading into Saturday’s game and the Crush are fully aware that they must be at the top of their game for a full sixty.
“This should be a very tough game for us,” projected Bandit. “Expectations are a fast-paced game with some big hits. The score is just a number and doesn’t truly show Crush’s heart and determination.
“We go out to have fun, and when you go in with that mindset, you’re always going to give the fans a game to remember.”
Meanwhile the Crush’s B-team skates their first contest of the season. The developmental squad primarily consists of athletes new to the sport.
“We hope that it will be mostly fun for them overall,” said Marley Laveau, who bench coaches both Crush’s A and B squads. “Everyone wants to win on the scoreboard, but just being able to play is a win. Every time they are on the track, they learn and get better.”
Saturday’s B-team roster consists of (in alphabetical order): Biohazard, Bratty Long Legs, Chili con Carnage, Java Sparkles, Jendetta, Kassaroll, Liv Reckless, Mean Bean, Mega-Moo, Misery Chick, Mourning Glory, Raven Lunachick, Stefcon One, Trauma Queen and Veronica Hardblow.
Photo Credit: David Strong
It’s a totally fresh line-up for the Crush as half competing at first whistle will reach personal uncharted territory.
“Eight out of the 15 have never played except maybe a newbie mixer, and three have never even played a mixer,” said Laveau. “It was hard to rebuild, but we are getting there.”
Vette City’s Venom have split their pair of exhibition games this season. They were topped by Demolition Roller Derby, ranked #133 in the Northeast region, 130-77, earlier this month.
“It is really hard to gauge (them) at this point, but it does look like they have several A-to-B team crossovers playing,” assessed CCRD’s bench coach. “We have seen them play in the past and think they will be a good matchup.”
Saturday’s event will be the first of two home games this season at the Gateway Center and the Crush would appreciate your support.
“Several of (our skaters) will be playing for the first time, and the prospect of playing in front of their friends and family makes them excited and nervous at the same time,” pushed Laveau. “They have put in a lot of hard work to get where they are.”
For more information on the Crush, go to their official website.
By trade, he is a six-time, regional Emmy Award-winning news videographer/editor for KTVI/KPLR-TV. By hobby, he is a writer for Arch City Media, dating back to February 2014. Emphasis is on featuring and promoting local women's sports, but will cover anything that is not reported by traditional media outlets. Also a contributor to local concert reviews.
