It may have been the biggest win in the history of the Sea to Sky Sirens roller derby squad on Saturday (June 15), but it could also be the team's biggest loss.
The Sirens pulled out a come-from-behind 205-188 win over the Terminal City Riot Girls, but it was also the last official game for the Sirens top player and founder Shannon "Mala Justed" Handley.
It was through Handley's efforts that roller derby came to 麻豆社国产and the team presented her with presents and heartfelt thanks for her efforts. Handley, who was named most valuable player in B.C. last year, is moving to the Fraser Valley, but will continue to suit up for the Surrey-based Anarchy Angels.
"I love everyone on this team and I love this town," she said after the bout. "It's been amazing seeing this team form. Everything I wanted to happen finally did happen with this team. It took a long time but we have such amazing volunteers, the girls on the team and our super loud fans helped make it all happen."
Handley moved to 麻豆社国产in 2008 and after drumming up interest locally for a number of years, the Sirens hit the floor at Brennan Park for the first time in 2011.
"She's such an important member of our team," said Genevieve "Honey Badger" Medrano. "She really started the team and I'm happy she's moving on in her career, but it's completely disappointing for the Sirens to lose her."
Handley proved her skills and value on Saturday, kicking off the bout with a 19-point jam and then leading the way in the second half with 28-, 29- and 30-point jams.
"The power jams were a big part of the win," Handley said. "It's as simple as capitalizing on that. We started off a little frazzled but in the second half we focused on our game and gained confidence."
She said the win over the Riot Girls is one of the biggest in Sirens history.
"It's a very noteworthy win," she said. "A really good win for our ladies. The Riot Girls are a former championship team and probably the best team we've ever beat."
Kristi "Roxie Shocker" Anderson agreed and said the team's mood remained calm even though they were down 97-58 at the half.
"We kept the game clean and were as cool as cucumbers out there," she said. "I thought halfway through the first half we started playing much better and really pushed their jammers. This is a good win for us and probably the best win we've ever had."
Riot Girls head coach Germaine Koh said penalty troubles cost her team.
"Penalties really hurt us," she said. "In the first half we were playing more conservative and playing our game but in the second half we couldn't hold back from making that extra hit and it cost us - that's how it goes in this sport."
Koh said she was impressed with the Sirens' knowledge and strategy for the game, despite only being active for three years.
Next up for the Sirens will be a rematch with Whistler's Black Diamond Betties in 麻豆社国产on July 13. The Betties upset the Sirens in Whistler back on April 15 and revenge is on the mind for the Sirens. Anderson said the team is ready to hand Whistler a loss.
"I think we learned a lot from the Kamloops game [May 25]," she said. "We learned to be more aggressive out there and I think we'll be ready for Whistler."
She also said she expects all hands on deck against Whistler. Anderson, Medrano, Christy "Raven Kaos" Keyland and several other Sirens have been nursing injuries and missing games, but should be in the lineup against Whistler.
For more information on the team, visit www.squamishrollerderby.ca.
