SG Pipers Triumph Over Soorma Hockey Club in Women's Hockey India League
Pipers' Leadership Expresses Confidence
Captain Navneet Kaur of SG Pipers shared her excitement regarding the team's performance, expressing confidence in their trajectory after a solid 3-1 victory against Soorma Hockey Club in their Women's Hockey India League (HIL) match on Saturday. The goals for Pipers came from Lola Riera (13'), Jyoti Singh (18'), and Sunelita Toppo (58'), while Penny Squibb (12') scored the lone goal for Soorma.
Intense First Quarter Ends 1-1
The match kicked off with a fierce exchange, as both SG Pipers and Soorma Hockey Club launched early attacks in a high-energy first quarter. Soorma took the lead when Penny Squibb (12') converted a penalty corner. However, SG Pipers quickly responded, maintaining pressure and earning multiple penalty corners. Their persistence paid off when Lola Riera (13') equalized, ending the first quarter at 1-1.
Pipers Take Lead Before Halftime Break
In the second quarter, SG Pipers intensified their attack, forcing Soorma onto the defensive. After an early penalty corner went unconverted, Jyoti Singh (18') capitalized on a chance inside the circle to give the Pipers a 2-1 lead. The quarter continued at a fast pace, with Soorma nearly equalizing through a penalty corner and a one-on-one chance for Sonam, but goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino made crucial saves to maintain the advantage.
Disciplined Defence Maintains Pipers' Advantage
SG Pipers started the third quarter aggressively, creating several opportunities but failing to score. Their disciplined defense and high pressing kept Soorma at bay, ensuring the score remained 2-1 at the end of the third quarter.
Toppo's Late Goal Seals 3-1 Victory
Determined to secure their lead, SG Pipers dominated the fourth quarter, continuously testing the Soorma defense. With 10 minutes left, Soorma replaced their goalkeeper with an extra outfield player in a bid to equalize, but this strategy backfired. Sunelita Toppo (58') executed a brilliant solo run, scoring to finalize the match at 3-1, keeping the Pipers at the top of the points table.