SG Pipers Triumph Over Soorma Hockey Club in HIL Showdown
SG Pipers Secure Victory Against Soorma
Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], January 3: The captain of SG Pipers, Navneet Kaur, expressed her excitement following her team's impressive performance, believing they are progressing well after a decisive 3-1 win against Soorma Hockey Club in their Women's Hockey India League (HIL) match on Saturday.
For SG Pipers, goals were scored by Lola Riera (13'), Jyoti Singh (18'), and Sunelita Toppo (58'), while Penny Squibb (12') managed to score the only goal for Soorma.
"It feels fantastic, and I am confident that the team is performing at a high level. We need to keep this momentum going," Navneet Kaur stated.
Christina Cosentino, the goalkeeper for SG Pipers, added, "My aim is to help the team improve consistently and maintain a strong defense. As a goalkeeper, my role is to support the team, which is crucial in this league."
The match began with an intense exchange of attacks from both teams, showcasing a high-tempo start. Soorma took the lead when Penny Squibb (12') converted a penalty corner.
SG Pipers quickly responded, maintaining their offensive pressure and earning several penalty corners. Their efforts paid off on the fifth attempt, with Lola Riera (13') scoring to level the match at 1-1 by the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, SG Pipers dominated, pushing Soorma onto the defensive. They earned an early penalty corner that went unconverted, but Jyoti Singh (18') soon found the net, giving the Pipers a 2-1 lead. The quarter continued at a fast pace, with both teams creating opportunities.
Soorma nearly equalized with a penalty corner and a one-on-one chance for Sonam, but goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino made crucial saves to maintain the Pipers' lead at halftime.
SG Pipers started the third quarter aggressively, creating several chances but failing to score. Their disciplined defense kept Soorma at bay, preserving their 2-1 advantage.
In the final quarter, SG Pipers maintained their pressure, testing the Soorma defense repeatedly. With 10 minutes left, Soorma replaced their goalkeeper with an extra outfield player in search of a goal, but this strategy backfired. Sunelita Toppo (58') executed a brilliant solo run, scoring to secure a 3-1 victory for the Pipers, who remain at the top of the points table.