The Derby United All-Star travel team, The Wildfires, craving some hard-hitting, fast paced banked track action, traveled to Phoenix, Arizona to compete in Arizona Derby Dame’s 3rd annual Chingadera Tournament earlier this month.

The weekend started off with two tough games on Saturday. Their first game was against the reigning Battle on the Bank champions – The Los Angeles Derby Dolls’ Ri-Ettes. The Wildfires brought the heat, leading for the first 12 minutes of the game – with jammers Stiletto and Hartlyn finding success on the high-side of the track. Co-captain Ryl’d Up helped lead the blockers to many power jam shut-outs. In the end, LADD took the win 202-120. Finishing out Saturday’s games was the much anticipated meet up between the San Diego Derby United Wildfires and Arizona Derby Dames’ Hot Shots. It was an exciting game for both the skaters and fans alike, with Reck em’ Ralph’s one-on-one blocking being a definite highlight. The Hot Shots finished with a strong lead – what a game!

The action continued on Sunday as the Wildfires took to the track in an early morning game against Houston, Texas’ South Side Roller Derby. Team rookie Brynn Diesel was *shining* with multiple 14 and 15 point jams. The Wildfires came in clutch with a solid win – 349 – 42. The final game of the tournament, and second win, was a fun one – against our friends The All Scar Army from Texas Roller Derby. Slamurai and Taffy were the memorable standouts of the game – even the announcers took notice!

Thank you to AZDD organizers, skaters and staff for a wonderful tournament. Our skaters cherished their time on the banked track and are looking forward to seeing all our friends in Houston, Texas for this year’s Battle on the Bank!

Final Scores:

February 16, 2019
SDDU Wildfires 120 @ LADD Ri-ettes 202
SDDU Wildfires 76 @ AZDD Hot Shots 182

February 17, 2019
SDDU Wildfires 349 @ SSRD Team Elite 42
SDDU Wildfires 210 @ TXRD All Scar Army 32 (Ended After Q3)

Contributing Writer: Tsunami
Feature Photo: www.Recess.Photography, Follow him at @RecessThePhotographer