On May 3rd, South Coast Roller Derby rolled into the desert heat to take on the Coachella Valley Derby Girls—and what a game it was! With temperatures soaring and a lean roster, we knew we were in for a challenge.

From the first whistle, the game was fast and fierce. Both teams brought relentless energy, trading hard hits and high-speed jams that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. Coachella Valley came out strong, capitalizing on their home turf advantage and gaining an early lead.

But just before the second half, one of our SCRD skaters sustained an injury that brought the action to a temporary halt. The pause was a sobering moment, but it also became a turning point. Rallying around our teammate, South Coast found a new gear. With renewed focus and determination, we clawed their way back into the game.

The second half saw South Coast tighten our walls, sharpen our offense, and capitalize on power jam opportunities. The scoreboard began to tilt in our favor, and by the final whistle, South Coast had secured a hard-fought 159–108 victory.

The energy in the venue was electric. The crowd was phenomenal—cheering, clapping, and riding every twist and turn of the game. And hats off to the Coachella Valley hosts, who went above and beyond to create an unforgettable experience for both fans and visiting skaters alike.

Congratulations to SCRD’s MVPs of the night: Yur Mom (MVP Blocker), Tragedy Ann (MVP Jammer), and Ellemental Chaos Pixie (MVP Overall).

And a final congratulations and well wishes to Slamus, the injured skater, who has healed up and is back at practices ready to play in her next game. Thank you for your grit, heart, and the unbreakable spirit. This one was for you!