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Saturday, Oct. 5: Dockyard Derby Dames Season 8 Opener

Pierce College Health Ed Center

Brat Capone drops a shoulder. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

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The Dockyard Derby Dames (DyDD) is gearing up for its 8th season of jams, slams and thank-you ma'ams, with a double-header opening-night bout Saturday, Oct. 5 at Pierce College in Lakewood.

In anticipation of the new season, we caught up with Bridgette Walker, team captain of the Marauding Mollys and head of sponsorship and development, to talk about what it means to be a Dockyard Derby Dame.

"It's basically a bunch of hot chicks that want to help people and who are athletes," said Walker, aka Brat Capone. "That's awesome however you want to look at it."

Hot chicks, helpers and athletes? Let's take a closer look.

Hot chicks: Derby gear tends to run on the racy side, with fishnets, short shorts and tight tank tops. Sass is a requirement. Hailing from a variety of backgrounds, approximately 50 women ranging in age from 18 to 52 have adopted personas like Slamburger Patty, Knuckleberry Finn and Hit-O-Honey, who, to add to the clout, was a former Volcano sexiest athlete of the year.

Helpers: Recently, a group of derby girls erected wood beams and pounded nails to help build a home in a volunteer partnership with Habitat for Humanity.

"The girls really enjoyed that one," said Walker, who rattled off a list of other organizations DyDD has supported, including the Pierce County Aids Foundation, the YWCA and the Humane Society.

"I think that derby is not just a sport ... it's also a lifestyle," Walker said. "The people that get in derby care about their community and care about people - it's important for these girls to do something their heart wants to do."

New this season are charity and appreciation-themed events, with the first bout being Law Enforcement Appreciation Night. Fire, police, and correctional officers receive a discount. Bring a new stuffed animal and get $2 off your ticket. Proceeds will benefit the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital Child Abuse Intervention Department.

Athletes: DyDD is the only Tacoma-area league listed in the Women's Flat Track Derby Association, making it a nationally recognized league.

The Trampires, Femme Fianna, Marauding Mollys, Hellbound Homewreckers and an all-star travel team, Wave of Mutilation, are the teams comprising DyDD. The league has a strong record, with the Marauding Mollys taking home two championship titles.

Walker said this year brings switch-ups within the league, with players transferring teams and balancing strengths, a strategic move by organizers, and an interesting twist for spectators.

Saturday, The Hellbound Homewreckers will face off against the Marauding Mollys while The Trampires will challenge Vancouver B.C.'s Terminal City Rollergirls Riot Cats.

"People should expect an exciting bout," Walker said. "I think the Trampires will be easily matched with Terminal City, and Homewreckers are stepping up their game, so I expect that to be a pretty tough battle."

Dockyard Derby Dames, 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5, Pierce College Health Ed, 9401 Farwest Dr. SW, Lakewood, $12-$20 at brownpapertickets.com or door

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