The Frag Dolls are a group of women recruited and promoted by Ubisoft to bring the presence of women in gaming to the industry's attention.  At least, that's what they started out to be.  However, they are really a bunch of really cool gamers who can kick some serious ass on the PC - and they just happen to be women.

Our top notch network news reporter, Becky "Tovin" Simpson, caught up with the Frag Dolls recently for some interviews, and here is the next in our series.  In this installment, Tovin chats with Marcella " Pyra " Fernandez , a Pharmameutical student and world-class female gamer. Pyra was a member of the all-female team to ever place 6th in the Cyberathlete Professional League (the highest for an all-women team in the League's history), all while playing Halo 2.

Tovin: When you're not playing shooters, what are you playing? Marcella: As much as I love shooters, I've been trying to work my way up the ranks in Guitar Hero III. I started on Easy, then Medium, now I'm playing Hard. Maybe one day I can be an expert like our Team Captain, Rhoulette. Tovin: Seagate is sponsoring your booth here at CES, and so you're playing Rainbow 6: Vegas on the PS3.  Is there something that stands out to you, about this game that you want to share with other gamers? Marcella: How appropriate to play Rainbow Six: Vegas in the real Sin City. This was my favorite game of the series. Vegas is a whole different breed from other realistic shooters. The movement and aim are so smooth and the online play can turn into an all-day adventure if you don't watch the clock. Tovin: Let's be frank, you're a group of good looking, very good gamers, and often you get in trouble for using one thing to show off the other.  Do you feel as if the media is missing your message? Marcella: Yeah, it seems someone is always wagging a finger at us for doing what we love to do. And because we're a group of women, we often carry the burden of having to justify ourselves as gamers (competitive gamers at that). However, the media that actually shows an interest in learning about the Frag Dolls end up discovering that most of us have a deep-rooted passion for everything surrounding video games. And when we interact with people at tournaments, conventions and online, it is simply that fact that exists.

Tovin: Do you feel that the average woman has more to juggle when you add in home, family and then a gaming urge?

Marcella: I would say the same for any adult gamer, whether it be a mother, father, bachelor[ette], student, whatever. We all have responsibilities we have to fill as a member of society and as a member of a family. Where would we be if we chose not to juggle these tasks? At the end of the day (whatever time that may be), when you sit down to immerse yourself into a game that you enjoy, you are in the same position as any other gamer out there.

Tovin: How do you guys fare when trying to get it all done?

Marcella: Sometimes we're doing a million things at once just so we can make time to be an effective teammate. But since we have nine people on the team, we manage our responsibilities very well. However, it becomes especially difficult when you're on the road. When I was first recruited, I was traveling 2-3 times a month and trying to get things done at home proved to be a greater task than I imagined. But the reward is being able to play with this wonderful group.

Tovin: What would you say to someone in the industry that said that females are only a casual gamer?

Marcella: There are so many defenses to this myth. Firstly, define casual. I know a lot of females who play what is deemed a "casual game" but they play it so hardcore that I would never think of classifying them by the title "Casual Gamer." Plus, the trend is changing. More and more women are starting to branch out into what's considered "hardcore games." I would implore that industry people help dispel this myth.

Tovin: Do you feel that more of an effort is being put into making these games attractive to female gamers from the design point of view?

Marcella: With more and more recognition of the female market at conventions and discussion panels, the message is spreading. There absolutely is an effort there. Games designed with the female in mind don't have to include the stereotypical shades of pink, ponies and a dancing Britney Spears. Each consumer looks for something specific in interactive entertainment, whether it be artistic graphics, ground-breaking technology, moving storyline, or versatile online play (and so much more).

Tovin: Do you feel that the game industry is taking the outraged cry of female gamers to heart and not only marketing to them, but hiring women and training them in the industry?

Marcella: I don't think that women gamers are necessarily pounding down doors or shaking people for the way things are. As much as there is a need for some changes, the industry has been very receptive to these issues. If we want more women involved, it is our responsibility to show younger generations the endless opportunities technology and video games offer.

Tovin: What are your plans for 2008?!

Marcella: Well, I'm a new Frag Doll so I plan on living it up! I want to get back to my competitive roots with this team. I am ready to PLAY!