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Barely five years ago, several of the Dockyard Derby Dames could hardly stand up on eight wheels. But at 6 p.m. tonight, they'll be cruising on all cylinders as they launch into their fifth season of hot roller derby action with The Marauding Mollys vs. the Femme Fianna and the DyDD season four champions The Trampires jammin' against The Hellbound Homewreckers in a bout staged at the Pierce College Health Ed. Center in Lakewood.

This sport involves - roughly - a race between two teams on roller skates, during which a player scores points by overtaking opposing players after skating completely around the track within a certain time limit. Despite its roots in Depression-era entertainment, the derby has undergone several cycles, including an upswing in the '70s, and now has grown to 104 Women's Flat Track Derby Association leagues. Adding to tonight's action, Weekly Volcano Publisher Pappi Swarner and columnist Steph DeRosa will partake in the pre-bout rues demonstration.

Tickets, $12 when doors open at 6 p.m., allow fans either a coveted (and slightly dangerous) trackside seat, one of the many stands or a more removed perch in the beer garden.

Dockyard Derby Dames Season 5, Bout 1

Saturday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m., doors 5 p.m., 412
Pierce College Health Ed. Center, 9401 Farwest Dr., Lakewood
DyDD's website and Facebook

The rest of the season

• BOUT 2: Saturday April 2, Pierce College Health Ed. Center, 9401 Farwest Dr. SW, Lakewood, doors at 5 p.m.
• ALL STAR: Saturday April 23, Pierce College Health Ed. Center, 9401 Farwest Dr. SW, Lakewood, doors at 5 p.m.
• BOUT 3: Saturday May 21, Foss Waterway, doors at 5 p.m.
• CHAMP BOUT: Saturday June 25, Foss Waterway, doors at 5 p.m.
• ALL STAR: Saturday Aug 20, Pierce College Health Ed. Center, 9401 Farwest Dr. SW, Lakewood, doors at 5 p.m.