Written by Veronica Dodge.

As the Naptown Roller Girls Tornado Sirens took to the track at the historical Pepsi Coliseum in Indianapolis, just one week after an upsetting loss to Windy City, it was obvious that the home team was unfazed by their experiences in Chicago. Facing Pittsburgh’s Steel City Steel Hurtin’ for the first time since a loss more than two years ago, Naptown fans were privy to the closest bout of the NRG season. With the two teams ranked similarly in their regions, Naptown at 3rd for North Central, and Steel City at 4th for the East, the teams were expected to collide without a major blow-out on either side. Steel City refused to go down without a fight, as the lead went back and forth in the first half, but the Tornado Sirens pulled out ahead to take home the victory, with a final score of 189 to 135.
The first half of the bout was a struggle for the lead, as Naptown took the first few jams, but were quickly faced with opposition from Steel City. Less than 10 minutes into the half, the two teams were tied at 18 to 18 with a significant jam from Pittsburgh, as number 6 ‘Snot Rocket Science bumped them into the lead with a 13 point jam bringing the final to 18 to 31. The next three jams saw Maiden America (’76), RIP Tide (4), and Amooze Booche (208) take the lead for Naptown to even up the score 38 to 31, in favor of Naptown. The Steel City jammer combo of Hurricane Heather (5) and ‘Snot Rocket Science (6) was difficult for Naptown to dominate, but the score remained in favor of Naptown up until the half, with a halftime score of 73 to 71. The fast paced and exciting game was refreshing entertainment for the large crowds at the Pepsi Coliseum, especially after recent blow outs by Naptown at their home rink.
After the half, the Steel City roster was unable to take back the lead, with both teams with jammers in penalty trouble. Even when the Steel Hurtin’ jammer was given a break with multiple Naptown skaters in the box, just 8 minutes left of the game, and only Breezin’ by Ya (1116) as the soul blocker in the pack, she was unable to capitalize and bring the Pittsburgh team more than five points. The Naptown offense was in top shape, as familiar faces such as Ima Hurchu, Cereal Killer, and Shadi Layne paved the way for their jammers. Pittsburgh’s all star jammers were shut down repeatedly by Asian Sinsation and Enya Graves, as the Naptown girls brought the fire necessary to protect the home turf and redeem their Windy City loss.

(Photo by Tom Klubens)