As every woman knows, life can be stressful. It can be difficult to cope with day-to-day pressures of life such as working full-time, being in a relationship or raising kids. One group of Lakewood women has found a unique way to channel its energy into one of America’s fastest growing sports—roller derby. More than a dozen Lakewood women are part of the Burning River Roller Girls (BRRG), the Cleveland area’s first all-female, skater-owned, flat-track derby league.

By day, these women work full-time jobs ranging from a chemist to bill collector. By night, they double as "derby girls" with skater names such as Ivanna Destroya and Sister Mary Cyanide. During competitions on the track, these women relieve their stress and aggravations while building friendships with their teammates. Each bout features fast and furious action with lots of bumps and spills.

The skaters come from all walks of life and participate for a variety of reasons. "I was always aggressive as a kid," says Sister Mary Cyanide, a rookie skater who joined the group last month. "I enjoy the camaraderie, the workout, the notion that skaters come in all shapes and sizes." Cyanide, a Lakewood resident, is not surprised that so many of the skaters are from Lakewood. "Lakewood is by definition a very open-minded, free-spirited, cool kind of place," she says.

Although Cyanide did not participate in organized sports much until recently, other skaters come to the program with previous athletic experience. For instance, Brandy Alderson plays infield for The Old Stand’s co-ed softball team in the Lakewood recreation league. A chemist by day, she also skates as Dita von Bitch for BRRG. "It’s a great way to vent frustration from the day job."

By projecting an image of strength and independence, the skaters feel they provide good role models for young girls. "I enjoy the workout and being a good example for young girls in Cleveland," says Scooter Trash, a Cleveland Heights native who now lives and works in Lakewood. Scooter is assistant captain of the Cleveland Steamers, one of the four teams that comprise BRRG.

Many of the skaters are also moms. Amy Hawks joined the outfit a year ago and skates under the name Molitov Hot-Tail. "It helps me to keep my sanity," she says. Hawks’ daughter, Willow, attends Franklin Elementary. Willow has become an unofficial mascot for her mom’s team and has even earned the nickname Skater Snot. Another skater, Me-ow!, calls herself "a stay-at-home mom and roller derby glutton."

Despite all the bumps and bruises in the sport, the girls maintain a strong camaraderie off the rink. "Everybody gets along really well. What happens on the track stays on the track," says Dagney TagHurt. "The friendships that I’m developing are awesome," says Queen Cobra, a Lakewood resident who spends her days working as a bill collector.

Each skater chooses her own name, drawing upon different inspirations. For example, Queen Cobra has an avid interest in Egyptian art and history. Krista Reverson, a Lakewood resident who works in an accounting firm by day, wanted something both dark and feminine. She chose the name Morgue’N.

The BRRG first came together during the spring last year and have practiced regularly in preparation of their inaugural season. The season begins Sunday, April 22 and lasts until September 22. Their first event, dubbed "Maiden Massacre," will be held from 3-7 p.m. at the North Olmsted Soccer Complex. Tickets, which are $10 each if purchased in advance, are available at the Mission Boutique in Lakewood and through the group’s website.

The Mission Boutique, located on Madison near Warren Road, is a major sponsor of BRRG. "Marty Lansky (store owner) has been awesome," says Scooter Trash, who works at The Mission. The rising popularity of roller derby has helped BRRG to land major sponsors, including national sponsor Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.

What should fans expect to see at a BRRG event? Milfinator, a Lakewood native and alumna of Taft Elementary, sums it up. "Hot girls on roller skates kicking each other’s asses . . . you can’t beat it!"

For more information on tickets, joining the team or sponsorship, go to www.burningriverrollergirls.com.

Burning River Roller Girls 2007 Schedule

All bouts held at North Olmsted Soccer Complex

Maiden Massacre
Sunday, April 22, 3-7 p.m.

War by the Shore
Saturday, May 19, 6-9 p.m.

Rock n' Roller Brawl of Dames
Saturday, June 30, 6-9 p.m.

Blood, Sweat and SKATES!
Saturday, July 28, 6-9 p.m.

Miss Skates by the Lake
Saturday, August 25, 6-9 p.m.
(semi-finals)

The Battle of Lake Erie
Saturday, September 22, 6-9 p.m.
(championship)