Betties Drop Close Bout

Officials tend to an injured Regina player as others watch on concerned

The upstart students still have something to learn from their veteran teachers.

Swift Current's Redneck Betties led the Regina Gravediggers throughout most of their roller derby bout on Saturday night, but a late surge forced a rare overtime in front of another loud and energetic Credit Union iPlex crowd.

In the end, the Gravediggers pulled off a 147-143 victory after a very physical two minutes of extra time.

"To only be four points behind it was the most amazing thing to watch," said Betties player of the game Jinger Vitis. "It was just a really good game. Everybody put on a really good show and I'm super proud of my girls."

Last night was only the second bout of 2012 for the Betties' second season.

They had spent time learning from several of the more experienced Regina players when they first got started.|

Swift Current had a lead at half and were also ahead down the stretch. Regina was able to tie things up with an excellent final minute.

"When we come out in the second half, because we're so strong in the first half, we have to stay focused," added Jinger Vitis. "Usually the first couple of jams we let it slip out of our hands and then we have a hard time catching back up. As long as we stay focused, play as a team and do our walls as we are supposed to, I think we will have no problem."

As for the player of the game award, it was a special honour for Jinger Vitis in only her second roller derby bout.

"I'm the only rookie that was playing," she said. "To actually get the player of the game I'm so excited."

A scary moment interrupted the bout late in the second half as one of the Gravediggers was taken off the playing surface on a stretcher.

Last word was that she had a minor head injury as was removed in that way as a precaution.

"I've had a concussion, a separated shoulder, a knee blown out," said Jinger Vitis. "It is hard hitting and it's very demanding."

The Betties are back at the Credit Union iPlex again on June 16th.

You can get more information on their Facebook page.

Interview with Jinger Vitis: