Women’s HIL: Soorma Hockey Club Sign Off Season with 3–2 Victory over Finalists Bengal Tigers

Ranchi: Soorma Hockey Club wrapped up their Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2025–26 campaign on a positive note, registering a spirited 3–2 win against finalists Bengal Tigers at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium here.

Although the outcome had no bearing on the standings, with Soorma already out of contention and the Tigers assured of a finals berth, both sides produced a high-intensity contest that kept spectators engaged until the final whistle.

Soorma started aggressively, applying early pressure and forcing the Tigers onto the back foot. Olivia Shannon spearheaded the attack and came close in the fourth minute, while captain Salima Tete and Shannon both tested the Tigers’ defence soon after, though without reward.

The breakthrough came in the 10th minute when Sonam finished from close range to give Soorma a 1–0 lead. The Ranchi-based side controlled the remainder of the opening quarter and went into the first break with a deserved advantage.

Bengal Tigers enjoyed more possession early in the second quarter but struggled to convert their chances. Soorma earned two penalty corners in quick succession, only to be denied by resolute Tigers defending. The Tigers responded with a penalty corner of their own, but goalkeeper Nidhi stood firm, including a key save from Lalremsiami, as Soorma protected their slender lead going into halftime.

The Tigers looked to dictate play early in the third quarter, but Soorma continued with an intense high press. In the 37th minute, the Tigers made a penalty corner count, with league top scorer Agustina Gorzelany firing home a powerful strike to level the scores at 1–1. The contest remained evenly poised thereafter, with Soorma narrowly missing a late chance before the final quarter.

Soorma struck early in the fourth period, winning a penalty corner within seconds of the restart, though the initial opportunity went begging. They made amends in the 49th minute when Penny Squibb converted from a well-executed set piece to restore Soorma’s lead at 2–1.

Moments later, Soorma extended their advantage as Maria Granatto finished off a slick penalty-corner routine in the 53rd minute to make it 3–1, with a Tigers referral overturned and the goal upheld.

The Tigers mounted a late fightback and pulled one goal back through Lalremsiami from a rebound in the dying minutes. Despite sustained pressure in the closing stages, Soorma defended resolutely to close out a hard-fought 3–2 win, ending their season with their second victory.

With inputs from IANS