A little blood, a little love

The tough, sassy gals of the Central Coast Roller Derby slug it out Saturday in Paso Robles in a match to benefit a local hospice for children.

Schoolyard Smackdown will pit the School Girls against the Drop-Outs in the first inter-league home game since November 2006. A portion of the proceeds benefits the de Groot Nursing Home For Children of San Luis Obispo County.

Founded by fans of A&E’s “Rollergirls” in January 2006, the Central Coast Roller Derby features about 40 skaters from throughout the county, ranging in age from their early 20s to 46.

Clad in short skirts and knee socks, they practice three times a week and compete in monthly bouts throughout the West.

Schoolyard Smackdown starts at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside Drive in Paso Robles. Show up at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy barbecue and a beer garden hosted by Downtown Brewing Co.

Tickets are $12, with free admission for kids 10 and under. They’re available by calling 1-888-825-5484 or visiting www.vallitix.com.

For more information about the fast-paced, hard-hitting sport of roller derby, check out www.centralcoastrollerderby.com.

-- Sarah L.