Synopsis
On January 20, Soorma Hockey Club showcased a commanding performance in the Women’s Hockey India League 2024-25, defeating Delhi SG Pipers 5-1. The match held at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium highlighted key players like Charlotte Englebert and Sonam, solidifying Soorma's return to form.Key Takeaways
- Soorma Hockey Club achieved a decisive victory.
- Charlotte Englebert and Sonam were standout players.
- Match held at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium.
- Pipers struggled to counter Soorma's intense play.
- Final score was 5-1, marking a significant win.
Ranchi, Jan 20 (NationPress) Soorma Hockey Club marked their return to winning form with an emphatic 5-1 triumph against Delhi SG Pipers in the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium on Monday.
Charlotte Englebert (6’) and Sonam (9’, 10’) established a significant advantage for Soorma in the initial quarter. Charlotte Stapenhorst (36’) added to the lead in the third quarter, but Sangita Kumari (38’) quickly answered back for the Pipers. Nevertheless, Penny Squibb (60’) sealed a stellar performance for Soorma with a goal in the final moments.
Soorma Hockey Club showcased a strong start, pressing the Delhi SG Pipers deep into their territory. Their early efforts bore fruit when Maria Verschoor assisted Charlotte Englebert on the left flank, who skillfully maneuvered past Bichu Devi Kharibam in goal with a precise low reverse sweep to score the first goal. Shortly after, Englebert and Stapenhorst launched a barrage of shots, resulting in a rebound that Sonam capitalized on to double the score.
Just a minute later, Englebert weaved through defenders near the circle and set up Stapenhorst, who lobbed the ball across the goal, allowing Sonam to deftly touch it in, bringing the score to 3-0 for Soorma in the first quarter.
The assault on the Pipers’ goal persisted into the second quarter, with Englebert and Stapenhorst generating several scoring opportunities. The Pipers found their rhythm with Preeti Dubey's run into the circle, but her cross went unconnected. Verschoor and Englebert dominated the midfield, creating further chances for Soorma, but Bichu and the Pipers’ defense stood firm, limiting the damage.
As the third quarter commenced, the Pipers tried to counter the Soorma press with aerial passes, finding Sangita Kumari on the baseline, but she was quickly thwarted by goalkeeper Savita. The game turned more dynamic as the Pipers pushed more players forward; however, five minutes into the quarter, Englebert intercepted the ball and assisted Stapenhorst, who scored to extend Soorma’s lead to 4-0.
Responding swiftly, Navneet Kaur found Sangita high up the pitch, and with no defenders nearby, she struck the ball past Savita to net their first goal. The Pipers pressed for a second, but Soorma held strong defensively for the remaining duration of the quarter. Soorma controlled the game tempo, but Navneet Kaur earned the Pipers' first penalty corner five minutes into the last quarter, though Manisha Chauhan’s flick was easily saved by Savita.
With renewed vigor, the Pipers attempted to penetrate the circle, yet Charlotte Watson’s attempt was weak. Minutes later, the Pipers earned another penalty corner, but Lily Owsley could not redirect Deepika’s shot toward the goal. Soorma displayed impressive defensive resilience, eventually earning a penalty corner in the final minute, where Penny Squibb found the top left corner to finalize the score at 5-1.
