Odisha Warriors Triumph as First Champions of Women’s Hockey India League
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Synopsis
On January 26, the Odisha Warriors emerged victorious in the inaugural Women's Hockey India League, defeating Soorma Hockey Club 2-1 in a thrilling final match held in Ranchi. Rutuja Dadaso Pisal was the star, scoring both goals for the Warriors in a high-intensity game.
Key Takeaways
- Odisha Warriors won the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League.
- Rutuja Dadaso Pisal scored twice, leading her team to victory.
- The final score was 2-1 against Soorma Hockey Club.
- The match took place at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium.
- Strong defensive strategies were employed by both teams.
Ranchi, Jan 26 (NationPress) The first-ever edition of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 concluded with the Odisha Warriors claiming the championship title after a gripping 2-1 win against Soorma Hockey Club in the final match held at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday.
Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (20’, 56’) scored twice for the Warriors in the second quarter, giving them the lead, but Penny Squibb (28’) equalized shortly after for Soorma. Nevertheless, Rutuja netted again as the game neared its conclusion to secure the triumph for the Warriors.
The match was intense from the outset, with Freeke Moes of Odisha Warriors making the initial circle entry while JSW Soorma Hockey Club maintained solid defense, slowly rotating possession to control the gameplay. Despite the back and forth, significant shooting opportunities were scarce until the Warriors’ Neha found Rutuja Dadaso Pisal near the goal, but Soorma goalkeeper Savita intervened, leading to a goalless first quarter.
The midfield struggle persisted in the second quarter until a surprising breakthrough occurred when Victoria Sauze attempted a pass into the circle, which was deflected, allowing Rutuja to skillfully loft the ball over Savita, granting the Warriors the lead. Soorma pressed for an equalizer, earning a penalty corner with two minutes left in the quarter, where Penny Squibb successfully dragged the ball past Warriors’ keeper Jocelyn Bartram to level the score.
As the third quarter commenced, Soorma took the initiative, with Charlotte Englebert and Olivia Shannon testing Jocelyn Bartram repeatedly. They secured another penalty corner within five minutes, but Jyoti’s attempt was deflected. The Warriors sought to regain control, leading to an end-to-end game but neither team managed to score by the end of the third quarter.
The final quarter was filled with tension as both teams played cautiously. With eight minutes remaining, the Warriors earned their first penalty corner, but Neha’s shot went well over the goal. Shortly after, on a counterattack, Rutuja seized a loose ball in the circle and fired it between Savita’s legs, giving the Warriors the lead once more. Another penalty corner followed, but Yibbi Jansen’s flick was easily blocked. The Warriors held off Soorma’s advances in the final moments, securing the 2-1 victory and the championship title.
