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DETROIT (WJBK) - Roller derby is an intense sport with purposeful hits and real pain, and for Detroit Derby Girl skaters May 21 is why they've been pushing so hard and embracing the hurt.
DDG's five hometeams have been battling it out all season long, hoping to clinch a spot in Saturday's championiship bout.
The Detroit Pistoffs, the league's reigning champs, will face off against the undefeated Devil's Night Dames, which is FOX 2's Robin Murdoch's team.
They've been training very hard to get to champs, and have been working on some new moves. One, specifically, is a drive block. You can see how it works by watching Robin's report in the video player above.
If dont correctly, it can knock the wind out of someone and leave a pretty nasty bruise, too.
The drive block is just one of the many moves you will likely see at the weekend match-up. It's also something new skaters will learn about in the upcoming Derby U session, a one-on-one type of class offered by the league.
Many of the skaters taking part in Saturday's bout started in Derby U, and have come so far both athletically and strategically when it comes to game play. It's all for the chance to take home the big trophy, which they call Olive. This year, it would be the sixth time for the Pistoffs and the first time for the Dames.
The big game is Saturday, May 21 at the Masonic Temple in Detroit. Tickets are available in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com for $15. You can also buy them at the door of the Masonic the day of the event for $18.
Doors open at 5 p.m. The Grand Prix Madonnas and the Pistol Whippers will skate first to determine third and fourth places. The big skate with Robin's team is at 8 p.m.
Detroit Derby Girls' Derby! U will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at the Canfield Arena in Dearborn Heights from 7:15pm to 10:15pm. The cost for Derby! U is $50. Click here to fill out the form if you'd like to sign up.