Women's HIL 2024-25: Delhi SG Pipers Triumph Over Odisha Warriors in Penalty Shootout

Ranchi (Jharkhand), Jan 23 (NationPress) The Delhi SG Pipers displayed remarkable poise as Elodie Picard’s outstanding performance in goal led them to a 3-2 victory in a penalty shootout against the Odisha Warriors during the Women's Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 match on Thursday. Goals from Navneet Kaur (28') and Yibbi Jansen (35') meant both teams were tied at 1-1 at the conclusion of regular play, setting the stage for a dramatic shootout that the SG Pipers ultimately won.

The SG Pipers initiated their first opportunity of the encounter around the eighth minute when their captain Navneet Kaur executed a remarkable run into the circle, unleashing a slapshot across the goal that Geeta Yadav narrowly missed connecting with.

In response, the Odisha Warriors demonstrated their attacking intentions shortly after, with Sakshi Rana delivering a superb pass to Michelle Fillet in front of the net. Fillet was poised to score but Bichu Devi made an incredible save. A few minutes later, Sakshi attempted another setup, but Shileima Chanu was quick to thwart the effort. The SG Pipers concentrated their offensive efforts on the left side, resulting in a fine long pass to Charlotte Watson inside the circle. She aimed for a tomahawk shot from a tight angle, but her attempt soared above the goal.

The persistent pressure from the SG Pipers bore fruit in the 28th minute when they netted the crucial opening goal. Preeti Dubey executed a fantastic run, evading defenders, only to be halted by a stick-check just before shooting. This resulted in a penalty stroke, which Navneet confidently converted into the left bottom corner, giving her team a 1-0 advantage.

The Odisha Warriors entered the second half with renewed determination, earning the first penalty corner of the match in the 34th minute, courtesy of Baljeet Kaur. Yibbi Jansen launched a drag-flick to the right but was denied by a save on the goal line; however, she later scored a stunning goal from the ensuing penalty corner. She skillfully received the push and unleashed a powerful drag-flick that eluded defenders and the goalkeeper, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 35th minute.

The SG Pipers earned their first penalty corner in the 41st minute, but Navneet’s attempt went off-target. Jansen nearly scored again, expertly handling an aerial pass from Claire Colwill, but Bichu Devi was once again up to the task with a remarkable save. As the final quarter approached, the SG Pipers faced a challenge when Lily Owsley received a yellow card in the 49th minute, leaving her team a player short for five minutes.

In a similar turn of events, Neha Goyal, captain of the Odisha Warriors, was shown a yellow card, missing the closing moments of the match. The SG Pipers capitalized on their numerical advantage, securing a penalty corner in the final minute, but Jocelyn Bartram thwarted Stephanie De Groof to maintain the 1-1 scoreline, leading to a penalty shootout.

Both goalkeepers exhibited exceptional skill during the shootout, with Bartram and Elodie Picard making save after save. The tension peaked during the tenth attempt when the Odisha Warriors found themselves trailing 2-3.

Freeke Moes charged at Picard and attempted to maneuver around her, but Picard successfully disrupted her shot, causing it to go wide. Moes challenged the play for a penalty stroke, yet the TV umpire upheld the on-field decision, allowing the SG Pipers to secure their second victory of the season.