Odisha Warriors defeated Soorma Hockey Club 2-1 in the final of the Women’s Hockey India League 2024-25 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday.
Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (20’, 56’) gave the Warriors the lead in the second quarter before Penny Squibb (28’) equalised for Soorma. However, Rutuja found the back of the net again in the final five minutes to help her team win the inaugural title of the Women’s Hockey India League.
Both hockey teams started with attacking intent. Odisha Warriors’ Freeke Moes made the first circle entry while Soorma Hockey Club continued to be exemplary in defence and rotated possession slowly to gain control over the game.
The midfield battle continued between the two hockey teams in the second quarter. Odisha Warriors made the breakthrough as Rutuja was alert to loft the ball in from the deflection and beat Soorma goalkeeper Savita Punia.
Trailing by a goal, Soorma pressed on in search of an equaliser and earned their second penalty corner with two minutes left in the quarter. Penny Squibb stepped up and dragged the ball past Warriors’ keeper Jocelyn Bartram to the right bottom corner of the goal to restore parity.
Soorma took the initiative as soon as the third quarter began with Charlotte Englebert and Olivia Shannon testing goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram on multiple occasions.
They went on to earn a penalty corner within five minutes but Jyoti’s attempt on goal was deflected away. The Warriors then attempted to regain control, making it an end-to-end game but neither was able to score till the end of the third quarter.
The last quarter was tense with both teams aiming to play it safe. With eight minutes left in the game, the Warriors earned their first penalty corner but Neha’s shot was deflected well over the goal.
Soon after, Rutuja picked up a loose ball in the circle and thundered it between Savita’s legs to grant the Warriors the lead again.
The Warriors earned another penalty corner in the next minute but Yibbi Jansen’s flick was charged down easily. Odisha sustained Soorma’s advances in the closing minutes and clinched the title with a 2-1 victory.
The women’s HIL 2024-25 was played in the league format with each team playing the other three in the competition twice.
Soorma Hockey Club topped the league stage with 13 points from six games, followed by Odisha Warriors, who claimed the second spot on the points table to make the final with 11 points.
The men’s Hockey India League 2024-25 final will be held at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela on February 1.
