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The Underground Derby League kicked off its third season Sunday night at Skateland, where about 60 of the league’s members split into three teams: Angels, Demons and Killer Tomatoes.
While there’s plenty of pushing and shoving on the rink, the aggression stays there, says Tiffany “Bam Bam Tiffalo” Duggan, who is entering her second year in the league.
“We leave it all on the rink,” she said.
Duggan, a medical assistant by day, served as a blocker for the Angels, trying to keep the other team’s jammer from skating past to gain points. A jammer is a player who attempts to score points by making her way past other players.
For the women in the league, the competition is just a part of the reason they participate. Duggan said she likes seeing women from all walks of life come together and derby.
“I’ve gained some good friends, and it’s changed my life,” she said.
It’s also changed the life of Danielle “Black Magick” Zinck.
Her reason for joining the league last year stemmed from frustration with the men in her life. She was looking for a place to unleash some anger.
“Now,” she said, “I do it because this is my family.”
Her daughter also participates in the junior league.
The derby family has grown from nine during its first season in 2009 to more than 80 women, said head coach and founder Desi Sordahl.
Sordahl said the league is a way to get everyone involved and meet new people. The league also has a travel team that competes throughout the region.
The league also gives back to the community and local charities. Sunday’s bout gave fans an opportunity to donate to the Thurston County Food Bank.
And what about the physicality of the sport?
“It ain’t fake,” Sordahl said.
Duggan was one of many who found herself on the wrong end of a body check, but the aggression that put her there doesn’t last long.
“At the end of the night, we’re still having beers together,” she said.
Nate Hulings: 360-754-5476
nhulings@theolympian.com
www.theolympian.com/outsideoly
