Delhi SG Pipers Claim Season's First Win Against Soorma Club in Women's HIL
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Synopsis
On January 17, in Rourkela, the Delhi SG Pipers triumphed over Soorma Hockey Club with a 2-0 scoreline, marking their first victory of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 season. Goals from Sangita Kumari and Deepika sealed the match, showcasing a strong performance from the Pipers.
Key Takeaways
- Sangita Kumari and Deepika scored for the Pipers.
- The match concluded with a score of 2-0 in favor of the Pipers.
- This victory marked the Pipers' first win of the season.
- The game was held at Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium.
- Savita had an exceptional game in goal for Soorma.
Rourkela, Jan 17 (NationPress) Sangita Kumari and Deepika each netted a goal to propel the Delhi SG Pipers to their inaugural win of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 season, defeating the league-leading Soorma Hockey Club with a score of 2-0 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Friday. Sangita Kumari's goal in the 25th minute provided the Pipers with a lead in the second quarter, while Deepika secured the victory with her goal in the 47th minute.
Right from the start, the Delhi SG Pipers showcased a robust performance, exhibiting fluid ball control and effectively obstructing the Soorma's passing attempts. In contrast, the JSW Soorma Hockey Club displayed a commendable defensive strategy, successfully limiting the Pipers' opportunities despite facing intense pressure.
As the quarter progressed, the Pipers earned a penalty corner, but Stephanie de Groof's shot failed to challenge Savita in goal. The pace picked up towards the end of the quarter, resulting in a back-and-forth game, yet neither side found the net.
The second quarter saw Soorma starting off strong, gaining control in midfield and pushing toward the Pipers' circle, but they were unable to take a shot. They earned a penalty corner, but Jyoti's attempt was thwarted. The Pipers then regained momentum, creating several scoring chances, though Savita continued her stellar performance in goal.
With six minutes remaining in the second quarter, the Pipers converted a penalty corner when Sangita Kumari expertly redirected Stephanie de Groof's shot into the net, marking the Pipers' first goal of the season. The Pipers continued to earn multiple penalty corners but faced strong defensive efforts from Maria Verschoor and the Soorma defense.
As the third quarter commenced, Soorma employed a high press, forcing the Pipers back into their defensive circle without granting clear scoring chances. The Pipers earned a penalty corner midway through the quarter but failed to convert. Shortly thereafter, Vaishnavi of Soorma took a powerful shot from the circle's edge, but Elodie Picard was quick to deflect it.
As the quarter neared its end, Soorma earned several penalty corners but could not capitalize, allowing the Pipers to retain their lead under pressure. At the beginning of the final quarter, the Pipers received a penalty, and Deepika executed a powerful flick into the left corner, doubling their lead. Soorma responded with a penalty corner a few minutes later but could not convert.
The Pipers took control of the ball in the middle of the last quarter, looking to slow the game's pace. However, Soorma pressed on in search of a goal but were unsuccessful, and the match concluded with a victory for the Pipers.
