JSW Soorma Hockey Club secured a dominant 5-1 win against Delhi SG Pipers in the Women’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi. Early goals from Charlotte Englebert (6’) and Sonam (9’, 10’) gave Soorma a strong first-quarter advantage. Charlotte Stapenhorst (36’) added a fourth goal in the third quarter before Sangita Kumari (38’) pulled one back for the Pipers. However, Penny Squibb (60’) struck in the final minute to cap off a commanding performance.
Soorma started aggressively, pinning the Pipers in their half. Their pressure paid off when Maria Verschoor set up Englebert, who scored with a precise reverse sweep. Moments later, a rebound off Bichu Devi Kharibam’s save allowed Sonam to tap in the second goal. Shortly after, Englebert dribbled past defenders to assist Stapenhorst, whose lob across goal found Sonam for a simple finish, making it 3-0 by the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw Soorma maintain their dominance, with Englebert and Stapenhorst testing the Pipers’ defence. The Pipers showed glimpses of threat, with Preeti Dubey creating a chance, but her cross lacked a finishing touch. Soorma controlled the midfield through Verschoor and Englebert, but the Pipers’ defence, led by Bichu Devi, managed to hold firm.
For the Latest Sports News: Click Here
In the third quarter, the Pipers adopted aerial passes to bypass Soorma’s press. Sangita Kumari found space but was denied by goalkeeper Savita. However, five minutes in, Englebert dispossessed the Pipers and set up Stapenhorst, who scored with a lifted shot, extending Soorma’s lead to 4-0. The Pipers responded swiftly as Navneet Kaur assisted Sangita, who powered a shot past Savita for their only goal. Despite their push for a second, Soorma’s defence held steady.
In the final quarter, Soorma slowed the pace, focusing on ball retention. The Pipers earned their first penalty corner, but Manisha Chauhan’s attempt was comfortably saved by Savita. Another penalty corner opportunity saw Deepika’s effort narrowly missed by Lily Owsley. Soorma’s defence stayed resolute and earned a penalty corner in the dying moments, with Squibb’s pinpoint strike sealing the 5-1 victory.
Also Read: Mooney leads injury-hit Australia to victory in 1st T20I to retain Ashes