Jocelyn Bartram’s heroics in the penalty shootout, saving three attempts, secured a 3-2 victory for the Odisha Warriors after their Women’s Hero Hockey India League (2024-25) match against the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers ended in a 1-1 draw. Baljeet Kaur (8’) netted for the Warriors, while Beauty Dungdung (16’) equalized for the Tigers.
The Tigers nearly took an early lead in the third minute when Ashley Hoffman’s pass across goal found Lalremsiami and Hannah Cotter, but both missed the opportunity. Shortly after, the Tigers earned the first penalty corner, but Bartram skillfully deflected Hoffman’s drag flick away.
Despite early pressure from the Tigers, the Warriors struck first in the eighth minute. Victoria Sauze sent a ball into the circle, which Baljeet Kaur expertly deflected past goalkeeper Jennifer Rizzo to open the scoring. The Tigers had a chance to level late in the first quarter through a penalty corner, but a mistrap allowed the Warriors to hold their lead.
The Tigers equalized just seconds into the second quarter when Beauty Dungdung’s shot slipped through Bartram’s legs after a rare mistake. Later, the Warriors were penalized for having six foreign players on the field, gifting the Tigers a penalty corner. However, Bartram denied Udita’s drag flick, and the Tigers wasted another corner opportunity just before halftime.
The third quarter saw few chances, with the best opportunity falling to the Warriors in the 37th minute. Michelle Fillet found herself in a promising position but hesitated too long, allowing Susila Chanu to block her shot.
Both teams struggled to create clear chances in the fourth quarter. The Tigers’ Hannah Cotter had a half-chance on the counter, but Bartram reacted well to save. In the 58th minute, a defensive lapse from the Tigers gave Rutuja Pisal a chance to win it for the Warriors, but goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon made a crucial save to keep the game level.
In the penalty shootout, Bartram stole the show by saving three attempts, clinching the bonus point for the Odisha Warriors.