The Barbed Wire Betties are coming home for the first time to challenge the DuPage Derby Dames next week.

The Betties will play their first home bout 6:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at Huntley Middle School, 1515 S. Fourth St. A 10,000-pound roller derby track will be temporarily installed in the school’s main gym for the derby bout.

The Barbed Wire Betties became DeKalb County’s first roller derby team in June 2012, but they had to find bouts outside of the county because they didn’t have a home venue. The team chose Huntley Middle School as a venue in February while in the process of fundraising for the $4,000 floor needed to skate, according to a Feb. 23 Northern Star article.

“We have received a positive outcome with the community while working on building partnerships,” said team member Katherine “Skeleton” Keyes.

Keyes, who joined the Betties in June, said she enjoys the physical aspect of roller derby.

“Today in roller derby, you have good sportsmanship,” Keyes said. “You will go in to hit someone and then high five them after the game.”

The physical aspect of the game is also enjoyed by Betties fan Manuel Vasquez, a Sycamore resident who attends every game and refers to the sport as “football for girls.”

“I love to watch those girls,” Vasquez said. “They are amazing.”

Vasquez said he and some of his grandchildren skate, and one of his granddaughters hopes to become a Barbed Wire Betty.

Doors for the bout open at 6 p.m. and a party will be held afterward.

Women who are interested in becoming a Barbed Wire Betty can email a representative for more information at [email protected].