Odisha Warriors Kick Off Women’s HIL Season with Dominant 4-0 Victory Against Delhi SG Pipers
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Ranchi, Jan 12 (NationPress) The inaugural Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 kicked off on Sunday, with the Odisha Warriors securing a resounding 4-0 victory over the Delhi SG Pipers in Ranchi. Yibbi Jansen found the net twice (16' and 37'), along with Baljeet Kaur (42`) and Freeke Moes (43').
The league's opening was celebrated with a vibrant ceremony highlighting the rich culture of Jharkhand. Mrs. Kalpana Soren, a member of the Legislative Assembly of Jharkhand and spouse of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, had the honor of unveiling the Women’s Hockey India League trophy alongside the captains from the four participating teams.
The initial quarter was characterized by a cautious approach from both sides, as they sought to find their rhythm in this first encounter. Although the Pipers and Warriors created some half chances, neither team could capitalize, resulting in a goalless first quarter.
Yibbi Jansen made history by scoring the first goal in the Women’s Hockey India League. The Warriors earned a penalty corner in the 16th minute, and Jansen, renowned for her exceptional drag flicking skills, executed a brilliant shot that soared past goalkeeper Elodie Picard.
In the 21st minute, the Pipers were awarded their first penalty corner, but the injection was mishandled. They quickly earned another penalty corner, but Deepika's drag flick was effectively blocked by the Warriors' defense.
The Pipers came close again in the 26th minute, winning a third penalty corner. Goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram made several crucial saves before the Pipers earned a long corner. At the other end, the Warriors responded with their second penalty corner in the 27th minute, but Picard successfully deflected Jansen’s drag flick.
Despite having more possession, the Pipers struggled to find a breakthrough, while the Warriors' defense held firm, maintaining their lead at halftime.
Midway through the third quarter, the Warriors extended their lead to 2-0 with another goal from Jansen, who executed a precise drag flick into the corner, leaving Stephanie de Groof, stationed on the post, with minimal reaction time.
Shortly after, the Warriors increased their advantage to 3-0. Baljeet Kaur maneuvered along the goal line, passing to Neha Goyal, and after the ball deflected off Neha’s stick, Baljeet skillfully curled it past Picard.
Before the Pipers could regroup, the Warriors struck again, scoring their fourth goal as Freeke Moes navigated through challenges to send the ball past Picard.
In the final quarter, the Warriors focused on defending their lead while the Pipers sought a consolation goal. The Warriors played with ten players for five minutes after Neha received a yellow card in the 49th minute, but the Pipers could not capitalize on their advantage.
In the last two minutes, the Pipers earned a couple of penalty corners, yet the Warriors' defense effectively handled the threats, concluding the match with a convincing 4-0 win.
