Women's roller derby season debuts in St. Louis

Short shorts and high socks may fool one into thinking these women are dainty. Nope. They're tough girls who bang it out on skates. Photos by Nichole Torpea.
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A pair of Stunt Devils get limber.
A pair of Stunt Devils get limber.
The Arch Rival Roller Girls held the opening of their third season on March 22 at the All American Sports Mall in South County.
The Arch Rival Roller Girls held the opening of their third season on March 22 at the All American Sports Mall in South County.
In flat-track roller derby, there are three main positions. “Pivots” can be recognized by the stripe on their helmets. They control the speed of their team members and serve as the last line of defense against an opposing scorer.
In flat-track roller derby, there are three main positions. “Pivots” can be recognized by the stripe on their helmets. They control the speed of their team members and serve as the last line of defense against an opposing scorer.
A message from referee Rockity Roller.
A message from referee Rockity Roller.
Heckle, heckle, heckle.
Heckle, heckle, heckle.
The Smashinistas vs. The Stunt Devils...
The Smashinistas vs. The Stunt Devils...
Roller derby is full of quick tight movements, shown here by Smashinista “The Educator” (right) and Stunt Devil “Artemischief” (left).
Roller derby is full of quick tight movements, shown here by Smashinista “The Educator” (right) and Stunt Devil “Artemischief” (left).
A warning to those who chose the latter.
A warning to those who chose the latter.
Stunt Devil fans cheer for their winning team.
Stunt Devil fans cheer for their winning team.
Fans could choose to watch from high above…
Fans could choose to watch from high above…