2018 Championships New Orleans Game 12: Gotham vs. Denver

Gotham Girls Roller Derby (Seed #3, WFTDA #3) vs. Denver Roller Derby (Seed #4, WFTDA #5)

Gotham Girls Roller Derby164

Denver Roller Derby 151

The third place game at the 2018 International WFTDA Championships was emotion-laden. Many fans were sporting moustaches and the hashtag #doitforbrawn was trending. Denver Roller Derby from Denver, Colo., U.S. came out with Brawnze scrawled on their bodies. Gotham Girls Roller Derby of New York, NY, U.S. had other plans though and skated away with a hard fought win, 164-151.

Denver took an early lead, winning the first four jams 10-4. The game was scrappy, with both teams nickel-and-diming points and Denver trying to run jams long when Scald had lead. The blocking from Denver and Gotham was intense and powerful — huge hits sent jammers and blockers flying while the game score crept upward with neither team being clearly dominant. Denver relied heavily on Wilhelm and Scald Eagle, while a variety of Gotham jammers had smatterings of success. At the end of the half, Gotham was ahead 81-67.

2018 International WFTDA Championships Game 12: Gotham vs Denver
Gif by Jenergy

The second half saw the tension and roars from the crowd rise, with Denver narrowing their jammer rotation but adding Gypin in as well, who was hugely successful as a third jammer for the team, steadily getting lead and a couple points in most of her jams.

In what was possibly the most exciting jam of the tournament, neither Kate Sera Sera nor Scald Eagle were awarded lead and the crowd was treated to two electrifying minutes in derby heaven. Akers, Leah and Blackman were phenomenal for Denver and Livvie, Caf Fiend and Fast and Luce made Scald work for every point. At the end of the jam, the crowd was on its feet and Denver took the lead for the first time in the second period by one single point.

Gotham shortened their jammer rotation in response. Misty Maven led the way for Gotham with a 74% lead jammer status. As the game drew to a close and the teams remained just a couple of points apart, Gotham began sending her out every other jam. She finished the game with back-to-back jams against Gypin and Scald to secure the win for the New Yorkers, 164-151.

2018 International WFTDA Championships Game 12: Gotham vs Denver
Gif by Jenergy

Gotham Girls Roller Derby earn the bronze medal and Denver can go home with their heads held high and a solid fourth-place finish.

2018 International WFTDA Championships Game 12: Gotham vs Denver
Phantom Photographics

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