Ranchi, Jan 7 (NationPress) Soorma Hockey Club wrapped up their Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 season with a thrilling 3–2 victory over the finalists Bengal Tigers at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium.

Despite the match being a formality, with Soorma already out of contention and the Tigers confirmed for the finals, both teams exhibited remarkable determination, keeping fans captivated with a highly competitive encounter that stretched into the dying minutes.

Soorma started on the front foot, applying pressure right from the opening whistle and forcing the Tigers into defense early on. Olivia Shannon was instrumental in Soorma’s offensive efforts, narrowly missing a chance in the fourth minute, with the score remaining unchanged.

Team captain Salima Tete then delivered a centered shot that just evaded the goalkeeper, shortly after Shannon's attempt against Tigers captain Jennifer Rizzo, which was comfortably saved.

Following some back-and-forth exchanges, Soorma seized the lead in the 10th minute when Sonam deftly pushed the ball into the net from close range, establishing a 1–0 advantage. The Ranchi-based team maintained dominance for the remainder of the quarter, concluding the first break with a hard-earned lead.

The Tigers had a brief spell of possession at the start of the second quarter, but Shannon quickly sparked a Soorma counter-attack, although the final pass fell short. Soorma earned the first penalty corner of the match at the 26th minute, and moments later a second, yet the Tigers’ defense held firm.

The Tigers responded with their first penalty corner, which Soorma defended effectively. Lalremsiami attempted to score, but goalkeeper Nidhi thwarted her shot. Although the Tigers pressed for an equalizer late in the quarter, Soorma's defense remained resolute, preserving their 1–0 lead at halftime.

As the third quarter began, the Tigers aimed to relieve pressure by holding possession, while Soorma continued their aggressive high press. In the 35th minute, Victoria Manuele executed an impressive solo run, maneuvering past defenders and earning a penalty corner that ultimately failed. The Tigers earned another penalty corner in the 37th minute following Penny Squibb's risky high ball, which they converted successfully. League top scorer Agustina Gorzelany struck a powerful shot to level the score at 1–1.

Play remained evenly matched afterwards, with Soorma nearly regaining the lead in the final moments of the quarter when Maria Granatto shot just wide, leaving the score tied as they approached the final period.

In the fourth quarter, Soorma quickly seized the initiative, gaining a penalty corner just 21 seconds into play, but they failed to convert. However, they capitalized in the 49th minute when Vaishnavi stopped the ball cleanly before Squibb found the net, putting Soorma ahead 2–1.

The Tigers were awarded a penalty corner three minutes later but couldn't capitalize. Shortly after, Soorma struck again from another penalty corner, culminating in a well-executed team goal finished by Maria Granatto in the 53rd minute, extending their lead to 3–1. A Tigers referral was denied, and the goal stood.

Despite facing a setback, the Tigers continued to fight and earned a late penalty corner with just over a minute remaining. Lalremsiami converted the rebound, narrowing the score to 3–2. They pushed hard in the final seconds seeking an equalizer, but Soorma held firm to claim their second victory of the season.