OSWEGO -- A couple hundred people packed CrIsafulli Arena in Oswego to watch the Oz Roller Girls play their first home bout against Cortland's Crown City Royal Pains.
It's been almost a year in the making. We told you about how the team started up last May -- and Saturday night, the team skated for the first time together. Players said the night was pretty special and were in awe of the crowd.
"It's pretty much amazing, I'm in love with the sport and I can't believe so many people showed up," said Laura Wills.
Others said the long journey was worth the wait.
"It's amazing, it's kind of overwhelming looking around and seeing the girls that started with us a year ago," said Mallory Taber. "Everyone loves each other so much on the team."
Here's the team's schedule this year from its website:
2011 Home Bouts:
4/23 Oz vs. Crown City Rollerz
5/14 Doubleheader: Oz vs. Watertown Black River, then Port City Sirens vs. Nukes of Hazzard
6/11 Doubleheader: Oz vs. Enchanted Mountain Derby, then Nukes of Hazzard vs. Port City Sirens
7/29-31 Triple D (Derby, Down & Dirty) 3-Day Derby Event
8/27 Oz vs. ManchVegas Roller Girls
9/10 Oz vs. Assault City Roller Derby
All home bouts at the Crisafulli Arena, in historic Fort Ontario, Oswego, NY & official Home of the Oz Roller Girls
Away Bouts:
2/5 Oz vs. Hellions of Troy in Schenectady, NY
5/21 Oz vs. ManchVegas Roller Girls, NH
6/25 Oz vs. Crown City Rollerz, Cortland, NY
8/20 Oz vs. Enchanted Mountain, Olean, NY