Roller derby comes back to life in Fresno on Saturday night, as the Smog City Roller Grrls open their second season in a bout against the Wine Country Homewreckers of Sonoma.

As season two starts for the Smog City gals, their organization is staring to roll. They've scored a sponsorship deal with radio stations 104.1 and 95.7, The Fox. They've also secured Valdez Hall as their home turf for the season.

We talked to Roller Grrl Lola La Chola (a.k.a. Joey Fernandez) about their momentum, getting bruises, talking smack, taking on Fresno State's women basketball team and scoring dates with derby girls.

Q: How many bruises have you got preparing for the season opener?
A: I have received a bruise on my hip the size of a fist, another on my shin the size of a wheel, one on each knee from falling repeatedly and three finger-sized bruises on my left breast ... there was a four-girl pile-up involved and I personally think someone was using that to their advantage if you know what I mean. So the answer is seven.

Seems like there's a lot of momentum behind you guys right now. Are people finally recognizing?
I think we do have more recognition in the fact that people are seeing roller derby as a legitimate sport. We have always had a large following but I think most people thought it was “fluff” that would die down after the first season. I think the public sees now that there is so much more involved besides dressing skanky and knocking girls over. We have sponsors and advertisers who see us as a viable money making business.

Any significant roster changes between this year and last year?
Yes! I must start by giving a huge shout-out to my girl VEROTIKA 187 who broke her ankle in two places during practice a few months ago. She was a major powerhouse on our league, athletically speaking so we definitely lost a big talent. We also lost two grrls who moved to San Diego and two others who are both pregnant. So yes, our lineup has changed but those grrls were replaced by five very talented grrls who stepped up and got into the game and are going to blow Fresno away with their ability on Saturday.

What's the best thing about being a Roller Grrl?
For me the very best part of being a derby grrls is the camaraderie and sisterhood. We all came to this league not knowing one another and wondering how we would fit into the league. From the conception of derby in Fresno we have stuck together through some really hard times and made it the success it is today. Some of my best friendships were born of Derby. Also skating out at the beginning of a bout when your name is called out and you are introduced to the ROARING crowd is a feeling none of us expected. Seeing the faces of little girls watching us is so thrilling beyond anything we expected is a major reward.

Who would win in a fight between the SCRG and the Fresno State women's basketball team?
The FSU women’s basketball team would totally underestimate us so we’d ride their shock and awe and kick em right in the ass! By the way, we’d love to have any or all of them join us on skates. They are pretty bad ass!

If somebody wants to date a Roller Grrl, what advice do you have?
Have patience. We take this sport seriously and the commitments are great and many. Know that you must sacrifice precious moments because we’d rather get knocked on our ass by our fellow grrls than be treated to dinner by a great guy. But think of it this way, when we are ready to spend time with you, be prepared to nurse wounds. And kisses are always sweeter from a derby grrl!

How much trash do you guys talk during bouts?
SOOOO MUCH!!!! It's similar to boxing in that you must come out with full attitude and guts. Half the game is about getting in the other team's head. During my first bout all I heard was “F**k you Lola, you’re going down.” But, I didn’t. And the fact that they couldn’t get into my head ruined their game. On Saturday, be prepared to see dirty looks, hear trash talk and watch the frustration in the other team’s eyes, because the truth is, win or lose; SCRG is as cool as ice!!!

Give us your best Sonoma Country smack right now.
Sonoma Wine Country Home Wreckers who? These little girls wouldn’t know what to do with us bad asses from The 'No. Poor things are coming out to Fresno just to get sent home, black and blue. They have no idea what they have in store for them. We’re gonna stomp them like grapes then drink up the victory! They underestimate us and for that we are going to have to spank them, embarrass them and send them home crying; cause, that’s what we’re good at!

So where's the victory party?
The after party will be at Palomino’s in the Tower District. No cover charge. DJ Professor Stone will be spinning the fresh 80’s and 90’s tracks! Starts at 9:30pm!

RELATED:
- Lola and the Roller Grrls were on KSEE 24 this morning. KSEE's Catherine Mylinh laced up some roller skates with them. Check it.