The Delhi SG Pipers displayed remarkable composure as Elodie Picard’s brilliance in goal secured them a 3-2 shootout victory over the Odisha Warriors in the Women’s Hero Hockey India League on Thursday. Goals from Navneet Kaur (28′) and Yibbi Jansen (35′) left the teams tied at 1-1 after regulation time before the SG Pipers triumphed in the penalty shootout.
The SG Pipers had the first chance of the match in the eighth minute when captain Navneet Kaur made an excellent run into the circle and delivered a slapshot across the goal. However, Geeta Yadav was unable to connect. The Odisha Warriors responded with intent, as Sakshi Rana sent a perfect pass to Michelle Fillet in front of the goal, but goalkeeper Bichu Devi made a spectacular save. Sakshi created another opportunity soon after, but Shileima Chanu quickly intervened.
Focusing their attacks on the left flank, the SG Pipers came close when a long pass found Charlotte Watson inside the circle. She attempted a tomahawk from a tight angle, but her shot went over the goal. Their pressure finally paid off in the 28th minute when Preeti Dubey’s superb run earned them a penalty stroke after being stick-checked in the circle. Navneet Kaur confidently converted, placing the ball in the bottom left corner to give the SG Pipers a 1-0 lead.
The Odisha Warriors came out strong in the second half and earned a penalty corner in the 34th minute. Yibbi Jansen’s initial drag flick was saved on the goal line, but she capitalized on the subsequent penalty corner with a powerful drag flick that beat both defenders and the goalkeeper to level the score at 1-1.
The SG Pipers won their first penalty corner in the 41st minute, but Navneet’s shot went off target. Jansen nearly scored again when she controlled a perfect aerial pass from Claire Colwill, but Bichu Devi made an impressive save to deny her.
In the final quarter, the SG Pipers faced a challenge as Lily Owsley received a yellow card in the 49th minute, reducing their numbers for five minutes. However, the Warriors found themselves in a similar position when captain Neha Goyal was also shown a yellow card, forcing her to miss the closing moments of the game. The SG Pipers took advantage of their numerical edge and earned a penalty corner in the dying moments, but Jocelyn Bartram saved Stephanie De Groof’s shot, ensuring the game ended 1-1 and went to a shootout.
Both goalkeepers shone in the shootout, with Bartram and Picard making crucial saves. The decisive moment came on the 10th attempt, with the Odisha Warriors trailing 2-3. Freeke Moes attempted to beat Picard with a quick turn but missed the target. Her review for a penalty stroke was rejected by the TV umpire, confirming the SG Pipers’ second win of the season.