Ranchi, Dec 29 (NationPress) The Shrachi Bengal Tigers kicked off their campaign in the Women's Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 season with a 1-0 win against Soorma Hockey Club at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium in Ranchi on Monday.

Agustina Gorzelany opened the scoring with a powerful drag flick in the 11th minute, giving the Tigers an early advantage. Despite the JSW Soorma Hockey Club showing aggressive attacking prowess, they couldn't find a way past the Tigers' robust defense for the remainder of the match.

Both teams battled fiercely in the midfield at the onset, but Soorma gradually built confidence, making several incursions into the Tigers' shooting circle without managing to take a shot.

The Tigers sought to exploit the flanks and earned a penalty corner five minutes before the end of the first quarter, where Gorzelany once again flicked the ball into the bottom right corner. In response, Soorma earned a penalty corner at the quarter's end, but Shihori Oikawa's attempt went wide.

In the second quarter, Soorma maintained pressure, pushing against the Tigers' defense and securing multiple penalty corners. However, Lalremsiami's courageous efforts ensured the Tigers held onto their lead.

Shortly after, Maria Granatto from Soorma made a strong run through the center after the Tigers lost possession, but Valentina Raposo quickly quelled the threat by forcing Granatto wide.

Soorma started the second half with a penalty corner earned by Baljeet Kaur, but Salima Tete's variation missed the target. They continued to apply pressure, pushing the Tigers back into their half, yet the Tigers' defense remained exemplary, allowing for occasional counterattacks.

As the quarter wore on, the Tigers became more proactive and created several chances, although they failed to convert. Meanwhile, Soorma relied on penalty corner strategies but could not find the back of the net. The frantic pace of the game continued into the third quarter, with both teams eager to score, but the score remained unchanged.

After a brief period of midfield exchanges, Soorma regained territory, but the Tigers' defense stood firm, slowing the game down as they moved toward the final minutes.

In the closing moments, Soorma intensified their efforts, earning a penalty corner with just two minutes left in the game, but Penny Squib's attempt went wide. The Tigers held their ground as a cohesive unit, securing a 1-0 victory in their inaugural match of the season.