A blend of beautiful aggression, punk-rock-inspired attire, and sinuous athleticism, women's roller derby embodies a fun and feisty sport that is enjoyed by participants and spectators alike. Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Bettie Brigade offers all of these things and more, and luckily are returning for another entertaining and successful season.

Come watch the Betties dominate the track in their 2017 season opener against the Wine County Crushers Saturday, Feb. 25, at Rollin 253 Skate and Community Center in Fircrest. Doors open at 6 p.m., and tickets are available for purchase online in advance for $10, and $15 at the door.

The Betties have been busy since their last season, training and recruiting new ladies to the team. "We've been working a lot on improving our game strategy and strength as a team, and on our communication on the track," said Bettie Anastasia "Booty" Tang. "We have a bunch of new Betties joining us this season, and they're amazing! Our fresh meat program is the strongest I've ever seen it. I love seeing so many new people show their passion for the sport, and they all come from different backgrounds and bring different skills to the track."

Tang has been a part of the Betties for over a year, and considers the team to be one big family. "While being welcoming and accepting is a cornerstone of the sport, no one does it like the Betties. I was super intimidated when I joined the team at the beginning of last season because I'd come from a very small renegade league," she recalled. "But when I walked into the skating rink that first day, it was like I immediately had about twenty new best friends. I was instantly one of them, and I've seen the same thing happen with every freshie skater since then. You just kind of get sucked into this whirlpool of friendliness and support and you never want to leave.  It's exactly as weird and amazing as it sounds."

One could surmise that the commonality of military experience plays a major role in the Betties' camaraderie as a team - an inspirational ambiance that mirrors the uncanny backing military personnel lend one another day to day. "I think that sharing a military affiliation or military background gives us a unique camaraderie because we've all had a taste of how stressful military life can be. We've all been there and the whole team is always super supportive. The Betties are a super special team that way; once you've joined, you have a huge group of women behind you and there's nothing that they won't do to help out."

As if this beguiling systematical sisterhood wasn't enough of a reason to follow the team, Tang ups the ante by declaring the other various reasons the Betties are in for a fruitful season: "The Betties are bringing their A game this season!  We're working hard at practice, scrimmaging more than ever, and with all of our veteran skaters and new recruits, we're a force to be reckoned with."

For more info on the Bettie Brigade, visit BettieBrigade.com or Facebook.com/JBLMBettieBrigade.