CAPTION: (TAMPA -- 12/06/2005) Eva Gann, 22, of Clearwater applies a fresh coat of pink lipstick and checks it in the mirror of her compact before lacing up the skates and heading onto the rink for roller derby practice at the United Skates of America. STORY SUMMARY: Roller Derby is coming to Tampa. The Tampa Bay Derby Darlins team is now forming. (Times photo by Melissa Lyttle)
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(TP_228998_LYTT_DERBY) WEB EDIT FOR ROLLERDERBY STORY -- CAPTION: Wild Cherri (Cheri Kresge) helps Mulan Bruise (Nathalie Voirin) buckle her helmet strap during one of the first practices for the Tampa Bay Derby Darlins. Rollerderby, which is a full contact sport, was new to a lot of the players who either haven't roller skated since they were kids or who are involved in speed skating and artistic skating ventures, where finesse and grace are stressed over physicality. INTRO: Last summer they started a league of their own. Now the Tampa Bay Derby Darlins are hell on wheels. This is how they roll. (Times photo by Melissa Lyttle)
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(TP_228998_LYTT_DERBY) WEB EDIT FOR ROLLERDERBY STORY -- CAPTION: After their coach told them they needed to stop smoking and drinking and start exercising more, the Derby Darlins started getting more serious about getting into shape for the upcoming season. The smoking and drinking will never stop but they did start ending each practice with running, stretching and muscle building exercises. INTRO: Last summer they started a league of their own. Now the Tampa Bay Derby Darlins are hell on wheels. This is how they roll. (Times photo by Melissa Lyttle)
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(TP_228998_LYTT_DERBY) WEB EDIT FOR ROLLERDERBY STORY -- CAPTION: Bettie Kruger (Brandi Moore) picks up some style points as she and Anne Tagonize (Jessica Cameron) learn how to fall during practice. INTRO: Last summer they started a league of their own. Now the Tampa Bay Derby Darlins are hell on wheels. This is how they roll. (Times photo by Melissa Lyttle)
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(TP_228998_LYTT_DERBY) WEB EDIT FOR ROLLERDERBY STORY -- CAPTION: Amy Mills, 28, takes off her skates after practice, while her daughter Riley, 18 mos., crawls over her. Mills later left the league, before finalizing a derby name and after learning she was pregnant with her second child. INTRO: Last summer they started a league of their own. Now the Tampa Bay Derby Darlins are hell on wheels. This is how they roll. (Times photo by Melissa Lyttle)
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(TP_228998_LYTT_DERBY) WEB EDIT FOR ROLLERDERBY STORY -- CAPTION: Violet Beauregarde (Amy Jones) poses for a self portrait with Spank Sinatra (Brook Haller) during a late night at the Hub. INTRO: Last summer they started a league of their own. Now the Tampa Bay Derby Darlins are hell on wheels. This is how they roll. (Times photo by Melissa Lyttle)
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