Los Alamos Jr. roller derby team, the Cherry Bombs competed earlier this month in Fort Colllins, Colo. Here, the team poses with one of its opponents, the Boulder County Devil, after a bout. Photo by Debbie McCain
Cherry Bomb’s jammer Jolene Martinez, aka Strawberry Jam, passes the Devil’s blocker to race against their jammer. Photo by Debbie McCain
SPORTS News:
With great blockers holding the other team’s jammers and jammers getting through the other team’s walls, Los Alamos’ Jr. roller derby team, the Cherry Bombs beat three teams from Colorado during the “Shamrock Shakeup” held the second weekend of March in Fort Collins, Colo.
The first bout against the Fort Collins Agoges took place March 9 in the morning. The Cherry Bombs took the lead with Agoges right behind them with no more than 30 points.
Thanks to amazing blocking by the Cherry Bombs and strategy by the coaches and jammers, the Cherry Bombs won 177 to 142.
MVP Blocker went to No. 27, Evy Nakaoka, aka Avalanche. MVP Jammer went to No. 98, Jolene Martinez, aka Strawberry Jam. MVP Overall went to No. 5, Gwyneth Johson, aka Dragonheart.
The second bout against the Boulder County Devil was more physical. But with determination and strong players, Cherry Bombs blew the Devils off the track winning 327 to 148. MVP blocker went to No. 13, Althea McCain Tabor, aka Barbie Q. MVP Jammer went to No. 486, Erin Garcia, aka Diva. MVP Overall went to Johnson.
The final bout against Denver’s Minor Turbulence proved to be another battle of strategy. The Minor Turbulence had quite a few larger players up against the Cherry Bombs but size does not determine the game. Both teams played well with Cherry Bombs coming out on top with a 243 to 129 win. MVP Blocker went to McCain Tabor. MVP Jammer went to Garcia. MVP Overall went to No. 59, Amelia Inglis, aka Fairy Dusther.
Cherry Bomb Blockers Heidi Alman, aka Hotshot, Brooklin James, aka Sour Patch, and Althea McCain Tabor, aka Barbie Q, work to keep the other team’s jammer from scoring. Photo by Debbi McCain
Cherry Bomb jammer Gwyneth Johson, aka Dragonheart, maneuvers to get past the Agoges’ blocker. Photo by Debbie McCain
The Los Alamos Cherry Bombs Jr Roller Derby Team is a group of youth ages 11-17 from, Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Taos. They practice in various locations that are available during the winter and at the Los Alamos County Ice Rink during the summer.
If interested in learning more, email losalamoscherrybombs@gmail.com, or see and cheer them on at a home tournament, Rumble on the Rio in Taos April 27-28. Donations to the team are welcome and can be given via PayPal at losalamoscherrybombs@gmail.com.
