Odisha Warriors Triumph Over Soorma Hockey Club in HIL Penalty Shootouts

Ranchi, Jan 21 (NationPress) The Odisha Warriors achieved a thrilling 0-0 (2-0 SO) victory against Soorma Hockey Club during the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium on Tuesday. Following a fierce midfield contest over four quarters without any goals, the match proceeded to penalty shootouts. Sonika and Kaitlin Nobbs successfully converted their penalty attempts, while Jocelyn Bartram made four critical saves to secure the bonus point for her team.

The match commenced with the Odisha Warriors maintaining greater possession, but the Soorma Hockey Club displayed a strong defense and created some offensive opportunities. Both sides played cautiously, leading to a lack of significant scoring chances until Charlotte Stapenhorst of Soorma earned a penalty corner with four minutes remaining in the first quarter. However, Penny Squibb’s flick was expertly kicked out by Jocelyn Bartram, keeping the first quarter scoreless.

As the second quarter unfolded, both teams continued to battle intensely, with neither side willing to cede ground. Midway through, Englebert intercepted the ball and surged toward the shooting circle, earning a penalty corner, but Soorma could not capitalize on the opportunity. The Warriors quickly countered with their own penalty corner, yet Yibbi Jansen’s flick was deflected by Soorma’s goalkeeper, Savita. The first half concluded without any goals.

In the third quarter, the Odisha Warriors came out with renewed energy and earned another penalty corner. Despite Yibbi Jansen’s powerful drag flick, Savita made an outstanding save. Soorma maintained pressure in subsequent minutes but could not manage a shot on target. During a counterattack, Kaitlin Nobbs nearly broke the deadlock with a fierce shot from a tight angle as the game moved into the final quarter.

The last quarter began with Stapenhorst drawing a penalty corner for Soorma, but Penny Squibb’s attempt was easily deflected by Jocelyn Bartram. The Warriors’ Rutuja Dadaso Pisal forced Savita into a hurried clearance, but Neha could not capitalize on the chance. As the match approached its conclusion, both teams exchanged attacks, yet neither could penetrate the other's defense. With only a minute left, Soorma earned another penalty corner but failed to score, leading to penalty shootouts.

During the shootouts, Sonika and Kaitlin Nobbs scored for the Odisha Warriors, while Jocelyn Bartram stood firm in goal, denying all Soorma attempts and clinching the bonus point for her team.