Odisha Warriors win inaugural Women’s HIL

Ranchi, Jan 26 (UNI) The inaugural edition of the Women’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 concluded with Odisha Warriors emerging victorious, defeating JSW Soorma Hockey Club 2-1 in a thrilling final at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium here on Sunday.

Rutuja Dadaso Pisal was the heroine for the Warriors, scoring both goals (20’, 56’) to secure the title. She gave Odisha the lead in the second quarter, only for Penny Squibb (28’) to equalise for Soorma shortly thereafter. However, Rutuja’s second goal late in the game sealed the win for the Warriors.

The match began at a high intensity, with Odisha’s Freeke Moes making the first circle entry. Soorma, however, excelled in defence, slowly gaining possession and controlling the game. Despite this, there were no major chances in the opening quarter, which ended goalless.

The breakthrough came in the second quarter when Victoria Sauze’s attempted pass into the circle was deflected, allowing Rutuja to skilfully loft the ball over Soorma goalkeeper Savita, giving the Warriors a 1-0 lead. Soorma responded with determination, earning a penalty corner, and Penny Squibb capitalised by sending the ball past Warriors’ keeper Jocelyn Bartram, levelling the score at 1-1.

Soorma started the third quarter on the offensive, with Charlotte Englebert and Olivia Shannon testing Bartram. Despite a penalty corner opportunity, Soorma was unable to break the deadlock. The quarter ended with both teams locked at 1-1.

The final quarter was tense, as both sides played cautiously. With eight minutes remaining, the Warriors earned a penalty corner, but Neha’s shot was deflected wide. In a counter-attack soon after, Rutuja pounced on a loose ball in the circle and fired it between Savita’s legs to put Odisha back in the lead.

A subsequent penalty corner attempt from Yibbi Jansen was easily charged down by the Soorma defence. The Warriors withstood Soorma’s pressure in the dying moments and clinched the 2-1 victory, securing the first-ever HIL title.

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