Ranchi, Jan 26: The inaugural edition of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 came to an end with Odisha Warriors lifting the title with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Soorma Hockey Club in the final at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday.

Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (20’, 56’) gave Warriors the lead in the second quarter but Penny Squibb (28’) equalised for Soorma soon after. However, Rutuja found the back of the net again as the game came to a close and sealed the victory for the Warriors.

It was a high-intensity clash right from the starting whistle with Odisha Warriors’ Freeke Moes making the first circle entry while JSW Soorma Hockey Club continued to be exemplary in defence and rotated possession slowly to gain control over the game. The back and forth, however, did not result in a significant shooting chance until the Warriors’ Neha found Rutuja Dadaso Pisal in front of the goal but Soorma goalkeeper Savita charged out to diffuse the situation and the first quarter ended goalless.

The midfield battle continued in the second quarter but the breakthrough came out of nowhere as Victoria Sauze looked to pass into the circle but it was deflected high and Rutuja was alert to loft the ball in and over Savita to grant the Warriors the lead. Soorma pressed on in search of an equaliser and earned their second penalty corner with two minutes left in the quarter. And Penny Squibb stepped up and dragged the ball past Warriors’ keeper Jocelyn Bartram to the right bottom corner of the goal to restore parity.

Soorma took the initiative as soon as the third quarter began with Charlotte Englebert and Olivia Shannon testing Jocelyn Bartram on multiple occasions. They went on to earn a penalty corner within five minutes, but Jyoti’s attempt on goal was deflected away. The Warriors then attempted to regain control, making it an end to end game but neither was able to score till the end of the third quarter.

The last quarter was tense with both teams aiming to play it safe. With eight minutes left in the game, the Warriors earned their first penalty corner but Neha’s shot was deflected well over the goal. Soon after, on a counterattack, Rutuja picked up a loose ball in the circle and thundered it between Savita’s legs to grant the Warriors the lead again. They earned another penalty corner in the next minute but Yibbi Jansen’s flick was charged down easily. The Warriors sustained Soorma’s advances in the closing minutes and clinched the title with a 2-1 victory.

--IANS

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