Odisha Warriors edged out JSW Soorma Hockey Club in a thrilling penalty shootout, winning 2-0 after a goalless draw in regular time, during the Women’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi. After a tense midfield battle across four quarters, the match proceeded to penalty shootouts, where Sonika and Kaitlin Nobbs scored, and Jocelyn Bartram made four decisive saves to claim the bonus point.
The Warriors began the match with more possession, but JSW Soorma Hockey Club stood firm defensively and launched their own counterattacks. Both teams adopted a cautious approach, limiting clear opportunities. Soorma’s Charlotte Stapenhorst earned a penalty corner late in the first quarter, but Penny Squibb’s flick was thwarted by Jocelyn Bartram, keeping the scoreline at 0-0.
The midfield tussle continued in the second quarter, with neither side willing to concede ground. Englebert sparked a moment of action by stealing the ball at the halfway line and earning a penalty corner for Soorma, but the opportunity went to waste. Soon after, the Warriors earned their own penalty corner, but Yibbi Jansen’s attempt was brilliantly deflected by Soorma goalkeeper Savita. The first half ended without either team breaking the deadlock.
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The Warriors started the third quarter with greater urgency, earning another penalty corner. Yibbi Jansen’s powerful drag flick was once again superbly saved by Savita. Soorma enjoyed a brief spell of pressure but failed to convert it into a shot on target. On the counterattack, Kaitlin Nobbs came close to scoring with a thunderous slap from a tight angle, but the stalemate persisted into the final quarter.
As the fourth quarter began, Stapenhorst drew another penalty corner for Soorma, but Squibb’s effort was easily dealt with by Bartram. Rutuja Dadaso Pisal nearly capitalized on a counterattack for the Warriors, forcing Savita into action. The loose ball fell to Neha, but her attempt lacked direction. Both teams fought hard as the game approached its end. Soorma had one final chance with a penalty corner in the last minute, but they failed to score, sending the match to penalty shootouts.
In the shootout, Odisha Warriors’ Sonika and Kaitlin Nobbs coolly converted their chances, while Jocelyn Bartram proved unbeatable in goal, stopping all of Soorma’s attempts. Her heroics secured the bonus point for the Warriors, capping off a hard-fought victory.
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