New Delhi, Dec 26 (NationPress) After concluding the inaugural season of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) in the last position with merely two wins—one achieved in a shootout—and scoring only four goals over six league matches, the Delhi SG Pipers are gearing up for the upcoming season with a firm resolve to rectify their offensive shortcomings.

The Pipers will depend on a reliable goalkeeping lineup as they strive to enhance their defensive resilience this season. The experienced Argentine goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino will bring her international expertise to the team, while Bansari Solanki offers a robust Indian alternative between the goalposts.

On the defensive front, the inclusion of Udita is a substantial advantage for the Pipers, providing experience, leadership, and skill in penalty corner situations. The most expensive player from the previous season, the Pipers were fortunate to acquire Udita at the base price, who boasts 134 senior caps and 17 goals for her nation.

Young defender Jyoti Singh, who captains the Indian Junior Women’s Team, will also play a vital role in their defense. The defensive lineup is further strengthened by the international acumen of Lola Riera from Spain and Costa Biondi Valentina Isabel from Argentina, while Indian talents Manisha, Suman Devi Thoudam, and Shilpi Dabas provide added depth.

In the midfield, seasoned Australian player Kaitlin Nobbs, with 16 goals in 156 senior matches, and 20-year-old Argentine prodigy Juana Castellaro, who has already accumulated 48 senior caps, will be key contributors. They will be joined by Sunelita Toppo, a promising 18-year-old already part of the Indian senior setup, along with her recent teammates from the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup, Ishika and Khaidem Shileima Chanu.

Up front, the Pipers will once again depend on India's skilled forwards, Navneet Kaur and Deepika, two of the country’s most formidable goalscorers who participated last season. Despite facing challenges in scoring during the previous edition, the duo’s experience and finishing prowess will be crucial to the team's attacking strategy. Veteran Indian forwards Sharmila Devi and Preeti Dubey will also join the attack this season.

Another significant signing is Uruguay's highly prolific forward Maria Teresa Vianaache, who has netted 69 goals in just 68 international appearances. The Pipers also welcomed Priscilla Jardel Mateos from Argentina as they work to enhance their scoring efficiency inside the circle.

The Delhi SG Pipers have established a solid core of experienced Indian players across all positions. With noteworthy talents like Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Udita, and Sharmila Devi at their peak, the team possesses the skill set and profile to create a significant impact this season.

Although scoring remains the primary concern after only four goals last season, with four notable additions to their offense, the Pipers are set to present a more formidable challenge this year.

Delhi SG Pipers Squad:

Cristina Cosentino (Argentina), Bansari Solanki, Udita, Jyoti Singh, Lola Riera (Spain), Costa Biondi Valentina Isabel (Argentina), Manisha, Suman Devi Thoudam, Shilpi Dabas, Sunelita Toppo, Kaitlin Nobbs (Australia), Juana Castellaro (Argentina), Ishika, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Sharmila Devi, Preeti Dubey, Maria Teresa Vianaache (Uruguay), Priscilla Jardel Mateos (Argentina).

The Delhi SG Pipers will kick off their Women’s HIL campaign against the Ranchi Royals on December 28 in Ranchi at 7:30 PM IST.