Ranchi, Jan 13 (NationPress) The Soorma Hockey Club kicked off their Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 season with an impressive 4-1 victory over the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers on Monday. Notable players Olivia Shannon, Charlotte Englebert, Salima Tete, and Sonam each netted goals, showcasing their skill and teamwork.

Olivia struck first for Soorma in the 38th minute, followed by Charlotte in the 42nd, captain Salima Tete in the 44th, and Sonam in the 47th, as the team rallied after Hannah Cotter (7’) had initially given the Tigers the lead.

The JSW Soorma Hockey Club commenced the match energetically, maintaining possession and regulating the pace of play early on. Despite their strong start, it was the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers who opened the scoring with a field goal from Hannah Cotter in the 7th minute.

After receiving a free hit in a perilous area, Cotter executed a powerful shot past the goalkeeper. Soorma responded quickly, earning their first penalty corner in the 11th minute, but Penny Squibb’s drag-flick was thwarted by the Tigers’ defense.

In the second quarter, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers attempted to capitalize on their lead, with Grace Stewart making a notable effort that was saved by Savita. The JSW Soorma Hockey Club, however, regained control and pressured the Tigers into their half with persistent attacks.

Soorma earned four penalty corners in the second quarter and even had a goal in the 21st minute, but it was disallowed after a video referral revealed stick interference by a Soorma player. As the match progressed into the second half, the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers held a slim lead while the JSW Soorma Hockey Club sought to equalize.

The third quarter saw Soorma turn the tide decisively, scoring three goals in rapid succession. They began with back-to-back penalty corners, but goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon of the Tigers made some excellent saves. The Tigers then countered with an aggressive attack, earning a penalty corner in the 33rd minute, but Soorma’s defense held strong.

Soorma finally found the equalizer in the 38th minute when Penny Squibb advanced the ball from deep, passing it to Deepika Soreng, who set up Olivia Shannon for a well-placed shot into the bottom left corner.

Just four minutes later, Charlotte Englebert scored following a cleverly executed penalty corner variation, and captain Salima Tete extended the lead in the 44th minute with a remarkable shot from a challenging angle.

The fourth quarter saw Soorma continue their offensive, with Sonam converting a penalty stroke in the 47th minute. They maintained their dominant performance, creating numerous scoring opportunities and securing the lead until the final whistle.

The upcoming match will feature the Delhi SG Pipers against the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers in the Women’s Hockey India League on Tuesday.