BY: BOOKMANS

It's a special AZ Derby Dames edition of Handpicked! Sat, Sept 22, the Schoolyard Scrappers and the Brutal Beauties will battle it out in the AZ Derby Dames semi-finals. But first, two of their best pick a theme, make a list, and share it with us.

For those who keep up with AZ Derby Dames news, the last bout between the Brutal Beauties and the Schoolyard Scrappers was one for the books. "I was 'helping out' another Scrapper when one of the Brutal Beauties bit me!" laughs Scrapper Frankie Fitz. "There's footage of me ranting and raving on MySpace after it happened." And a look at the video evidence (available on the AZ Derby Dames MySpace) confirms a fierce battle between the two teams, with multiple body pile-ups and, shall we say, liberal use of colorful metaphors. Brutal Beauty Miss Sindy Rella probably remembers the bout more fondly - after all, the Beauties were last year's champions. "Hoping for a repeat this year for sure!" says Sindy.

It pays to be tough in roller derby, but the Dames want to set the record straight on what the game is all about. "I think the biggest misconception of derby is that all we do is fight," says Frankie. "There is a point to the game! The jammers [the players with stars on their helmets] are there to score and the blockers are there to stop them. We do have rules and penalties." And you don't have to be, as Sindy explains, a 'certain type of girl' to be an AZ Derby Dame. "We have players that are as young as 18 and as old as 40. There are women with no tattoos and some with a lot. It's such a variety."

Both Dames can trace their eventual road to derby glory back to childhood: Sindy to her love of roller skating rinks and Frankie to having four brothers. "I'm used to being rough," she says. "Getting beat up, and beating them up." Frankie joined the AZ Derby Dames soon after the league formed. "I heard that a new league was starting and I went to check it out. It was the best bout that I have ever seen." While she hit the recruiting table, it was friends that pulled Sindy in. "Kiwi, who would later be out team captain, invited Mami Chula, and she invited Madam and I to join. It was something I thought I would give a try and I ended up loving it! It was a lot of fun to join with two of my best friends."

Both Dames are fiercely loyal to their teams and fellow skaters. "The Schoolyard Scrappers is the best team ever," says Frankie. "I love every single one of those girls and am proud to be their co-captain. We are very close knit team and we hang out all the time. Our practices and bouts can be brutal but we help each other get through it."

Sindy is equally passionate. "Our team loves each other," she says. "We all get along! There was only one girl on the team who had skated derby before and we were definitely the underdogs last year. We worked really hard and came together as a championship team."

And it's that enthusiasm for the game and their fellow players that makes catching an AZ Derby Dames bout such a fun experience. "My job on the team is to score points and that's what I do," says Sindy. "I'm someone you won't see fighting on the track. I just get up and try to score more points."

"I can't lie," confesses Frankie. "I love the fighting."

Check out Miss Sindy Rella and Frankie Fitz on the track when the Brutal Beauties and the Schoolyard Scrappers face off this Saturday, Sept 22, at the Castle Sports Club in Phoenix, with local favorites Nunzilla providing half-time music. Admission is $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Advance tickets are available at all Bookmans locations. Don't miss out!

AZ Derby Dames on the web:
AZDerbyDames.com
AZ Derby Dames @ MySpace
Brutal Beauties @ MySpace
Schoolyard Scrappers @ MySpace

Frankie Fitz's Handpicked "Mood Music" What's the story behind the name? I got Frankie from my Frankenstein tattoo. The Fitz part just kind of fit, but if you ask some of the girls it comes from when I throw a fit - and my helmet - when I get mad. What's your signature move? I fall a lot. I think in my first bout I spent more time on the ground than on my skates. But I'm getting better and haven't had any major injuries yet. What might people be surprised to know about you? I know a lot of random information; some stuff I'm not even sure why or how I know it, but I do! Outside of derby, I go to school for music business and live sound reinforcement. I like all aspects of the music industry but I love touring. Album to get caught singing into your brush to (not that I do that or anything): Modest Mouse "We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank" Just a great album to rock out to. Album that makes you say huh?: Aesop Rock "None Shall Pass" I dont always understand him but I like him anyway. Album that I cant wait to come out: Foxy Shazam "Introducing" Their last album was awesome and I can't wait for their new one! Album to make you tap your foot and nod your head: Atmosphere "You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having" Great beats, great lyrics, great album. Check out Frankie at MySpace.

Miss Sindy Rella's Handpicked "Women Who Rock" What's the story behind the name? I have a tattoo of Minnie Mouse, so I wanted it to be somewhat Disney. My friend Steve came up with the name and I think it fits me well. What do you bring to your team? I think I bring a calmness, ease and quiet strength to the team. What might people be surprised to know about you? I have an identical twin! I spent a few years at Arizona State University's college radio station, 1260-AM KASC. I was Promotions Director for a year and that is how I met Mami Chula years before we were roller derby team mates. I had a female artist/female fronted band show which I loved because there are so many talented, awesome women in the music scene!   Here is my list of fabulous female artists/fronted bands who are constantly in my iPod mix. I picked eight since it's my number! These woman have a sense of style and know how to rock. Björk She is by far my #1. She can do no wrong in my eyes. I love her artistic sense of style and uniqueness. She is one artist I will travel out of state to see live. Adore her! Favorite album: "Post"   Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs Love her voice and sense of style! Favorite album: "Fever to Tell" Tegan & Sara Besides these ladies writing heart-felt songs, it doesn't hurt they are identical twins. Favorite album: "If It Was You" Kate Nash "Foundations" is my current MySpace profile song! Favorite album: "Made of Bricks" Beyonce Best booty-shaking music! So many good dance songs involve this good-looking lady! Favorite album: "Dangerously in Love" Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley Can't wait to see the band (and especially her) live on October 10th at the Marquee Theatre. Favorite album: "Take Offs and Landings" Amy Winehouse Saw her at Coachella this year - what an amazing voice she has! It's crazy to look at her and then hear that voice come out of someone so tiny. Favorite album: "Back to Black" Brody Dalle of the Distillers Love working out to this band! Favorite album: "Coral Fang" Miss Sindy co-chairs Care Card for the Junior League of Phoenix, a fundraiser with 100% of proceeds donated to the Ryan House, and other Junior League community programs.