Confluence Crush Roller Derby (CCRD) returns to the flat-track this weekend and the Metro-East quad-wheeled collective looks to end their 2024 local campaign on a winning note.
Photo Credit: David Strong
The Crush hosts the Rolla Rockets Saturday night at Collinsville’s Gateway Convention Center (1 Gateway Dr.) with a 6 p.m. opening whistle.
General admission tickets for the all-ages event are $15 while children eight and under are free. Military and first responders can receive half-off admission at the door by showing their ID.
Fully back to a competitive schedule this season, the Crush – 1-3 overall and ranked #85 in the North America Northeast region of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) – can snare their first home win this year at the end of the 60-minute tussle.
The 13-year-old league has certainly been willing and eager to face higher-ranked leagues to test their mettle. In their previous game at Gateway Center last month, the Crush fell to #9 Vette City Vixens, 266-53.
Despite the setback on the scoreboard, CCRD skated on cloud nine during the night as they competed their first game in front of a home crowd since 2019.
“It was really exciting to be able to play in front of our friends and family again,” said Crush captain Scarlet Bandit of the August event. “We can’t express enough gratitude to everyone who gave us support through our journey of rebuilding the team. It was also the debut for quite a few of our skaters, which also brought a new fan base to derby.”
Photo Credit: David Strong
The team also netted some take aways on the flat-track against Vette City, the rapidly rising Kentuckians that climbed 25 positions in the WFTDA Northeast rankings this past month.
“The biggest positive is that we played as a team and trusted our packs,” reflected Scarlet. “Some of the skills and strategies we’ve been working on at practice really paid off, while others needed adjustments for newer strategies. Just being able to play on the track again is a win in our books.”
This was important for both the Crush’s tenured players and the incoming rookies that laced quads.
“Our newer skaters got a real taste of both the fun and hard work that comes with roller derby,” said Scarlet. “Everyone’s been working hard at practice, and we are seeing some great things from the entire team. Now, we are preparing to implement the new strategies we have been practicing.”
Alongside the captain, the Crush’s Saturday projected line-up consists of the following (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.
Their opponent looks to play spoiler this weekend and snare a fourth straight victory.
Photo Credit: David Strong
Based in Waynesville, Missouri, the Rolla Rockets (3-2 in exhibition play) have been very active this season and have won their last three matchups, highlighted by last month’s 220-60 road triumph over Springfield Roller Derby’s Battle Brigade B-team.
“We are expecting our toughest game yet this season, but we are anxious to see how our skills will fare,” said Rockets’ captain Cup-A-TNT. “We are excited for the match up and an opportunity to test our skills against a great local team!”
Scheduled to skate alongside the Rolla jammer on the polished concrete this weekend (in alphabetical order): Big Johnson, Boom, Casskicker, Fearmione, Ferocious Dimples, Holy Steamroller, Ice, Jen and Toxic, Pushy Kat, Ruby Razor, Shorty, Slam I Am and Stargazer.
“This season, we have recruited some new players and coaches,” reflected Cup-A-TNT on the team’s overall growth. “We have learned new skills and tactics and are playing as a cohesive unit. It has been so much fun to see the progression this season and our recent wins are proof that the hard work is paying off.”
Photo Credit: David Strong
The Crush expects the Rockets to be fully on-board for a competitive showdown at first whistle.
“Rolla always brings fun and fair play,” assessed Scarlet of the opposition. “We expect a good game.”
A supportive crowd at their home finale will certainly helps.
“The cheers of encouragement and their presence means the world to our league,” Scarlet exclaimed.
The opening contest is followed by an exhibition match featuring the Crush’s B-team facing a mash-up unit consisting of visiting skaters that compete full-time for other Midwestern roller derby leagues.
Fans attending Saturday can receive $5 off admission by supporting the Crush charity’s partner, the Belleville Area Humane Society, whose facility was completely flooded in July. Just bring an item from the shelter’s donation list (LINK) or bring a receipt from the facility’s Amazon wish list (LINK) to receive the discount.
After Saturday’s event, the Crush prepares for their next night of recruitment of new skaters and officials. An info night will be held Thursday, October 17 at Tri-Township Recreational Center (410 Wickliffe St., Troy, IL)
For more information on the CCRD, go to their official website.
Arch City Media will have a full recap posted Sunday.
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. Finally, he prefers Diet Ski over coffee.
