Around and about with the L.A. Derby Dolls

The L.A. Derby Dolls need to raise money and find a new venue in the next few months. The “Doll Factory,” where they have practiced and competed for the last six years, is being torn down.   (Bethany Mollenkof / Los Angeles Times)

The Ri-Ettes battle the Pennsylvania All Star Rollers. Finding a new place is a challenge. It has to be big and affordable, with a landlord willing to look outside the box -- the Derby Dolls are no textile company, but they’re not the violent, raucous crowd some think.  (Bethany Mollenkof / Los Angeles Times)

Fighting hard to score points, young women practice roller derby at the “Doll Factory.” Practices are intense. Team members are known by their derby names, clever wordplay or tough monikers such as RegulateHer, Jackie Nimble and Cirque d’Slay.  (Bethany Mollenkof / Los Angeles Times)

Fans cheer for the L.A. Derby Dolls team the Ri-Ettes as they battle the Pennsylvania All Star Rollers. To raise money for the move and the new space, the Dolls have started an online campaign with a goal of $100,000 by the end of the month. To date, they’ve raised more than $79,000.   (Bethany Mollenkof / Los Angeles Times)

Laughs abound at a practice at the “Doll Factory.” The girls take care one of one another, said a member of the Junior Ri-Ettes.   (Bethany Mollenkof / Los Angeles Times)

Sheila Noonen, center, a member of the Ri-Ettes, pauses during the “bout” with the Pennsylvania All Star Rollers. For the record, March 29, 12:47 p.m.: An earlier version of this caption misidentified Sheila Noonen as Christina Diaz.  (Bethany Mollenkof /Los Angeles Times)