Yibbi Jansen Shines as Odisha Warriors Defeat Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers
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Synopsis
On January 19, 2024, the Odisha Warriors triumphed over the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers 3-1 in the Women’s Hockey India League. Key players included Yibbi Jansen and Michelle Fillet, showcasing impressive skills and teamwork at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela.
Key Takeaways
- Odisha Warriors secured a significant 3-1 victory.
- Yibbi Jansen scored two goals and assisted another.
- Michelle Fillet opened the scoring early on.
- Neha Goyal sealed the win with a late goal.
- The Warriors lead the points table with eight points.
Rourkela, Jan 19 (NationPress) was a night to remember for hockey enthusiasts at the packed Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium as the Odisha Warriors triumphed over the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers with a score of 3-1 in the Women’s Hockey India League (2024-25). Goals came from Michelle Fillet (16'), Yibbi Jansen (18', 47'), and Neha Goyal (58') for the Warriors, while Udita (30') found the net for the Tigers.
The two teams had previously played to a 1-1 stalemate three days prior in Ranchi, where the Odisha Warriors emerged victorious in the penalty shootout, largely thanks to goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram’s stellar performance. Tonight, however, penalty shootouts were unnecessary as the Warriors clinched an impressive victory, propelling them to the top of the points table with eight points.
Initially, the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers appeared dominant in the first quarter, making several circle penetrations. Yet, they failed to challenge Bartram in goal for the Odisha Warriors.
In the 11th minute, Baljeet Kaur of the Warriors made a promising run down the right flank, passing to Rutuja Pisal in the circle. The young Indian managed to force a fine save from goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon.
The Tigers earned the first penalty corner of the match in the 14th minute. Udita’s slap shot deflected off a Tigers player onto Ishika Chaudhary’s body, leading the umpire to award a penalty stroke. However, the Warriors successfully challenged the decision, revealing that the ball struck Chaudhary above her knee.
The scoring opened with the very first play of the second quarter when Yibbi Jansen delivered a brilliant pass from the halfway line to Michelle Fillet. Fillet's powerful shot zipped past goalkeeper O’Hanlon before she could react.
The Warriors maintained their momentum, earning their first penalty corner in the 18th minute. Yibbi Jansen executed a fierce drag-flick that found the bottom corner, doubling their lead.
The Warriors’ two-goal advantage energized them, leading to multiple quick counterattacks into the Tigers’ circle. Despite the pressure, the Tigers managed to defend well, keeping themselves in the match.
As the first half ended, the Tigers earned a second penalty corner. Udita’s slap shot deflected off a Warriors defender and found its way past Bartram.
The third quarter was evenly contested, with the Tigers pushing hard to equalize. However, the Warriors' defense was commendable, allowing them to stay ahead.
The Warriors scored again in the third minute of the final quarter after Tigers goalkeeper Jennifer Rizzo inadvertently played the ball behind the goal line, leading to another penalty corner. Jansen capitalized, restoring the two-goal cushion.
Another penalty corner followed in the 49th minute, but Rizzo made a crucial save with her foot, denying Jansen’s attempt. Neha Goyal ultimately secured the win for the Odisha Warriors in the 58th minute with an exquisite finish. Jansen set up Fillet in the circle with an overhead pass, allowing the Warriors’ captain to score from close range.
