Ranchi Royals Triumph Over Soorma Hockey Club in Women's Hockey India League
Ranchi Royals Secure Victory Against Soorma Hockey Club
Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], January 2: In a thrilling match of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26, Ranchi Royals emerged victorious, defeating Soorma Hockey Club 2-0 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium on Friday.
The Royals' goals came from Rutuja Dadaso Pisal in the 30th minute and Sakshi Rana in the 54th minute. The first quarter saw both teams displaying solid defensive strategies, with minimal errors and few scoring opportunities.
Initially, Ranchi Royals dominated possession, but Soorma Hockey Club demonstrated strong offensive play, making ten circle penetrations within the first quarter. In the 12th minute, Soorma earned the first penalty corner, but Ranchi's defense thwarted Penny Squibb's attempt.
Rutuja Dadaso Pisal had a chance in the 18th minute, but her shot was saved by Savita, and the rebound was mishandled by Hannah Cotter. Later, in the 25th minute, a foul by Ranchi's Ishika led to a penalty stroke for Soorma, yet Madhuri Kindo made an outstanding save against Squibb's shot.
As the first half neared its conclusion, Ranchi Royals struck first. Agostina Alonso delivered a precise pass into the circle, allowing Rutuja Dadaso Pisal to skillfully deflect the ball into the net.
In the third quarter, Soorma's Olivia Shannon showcased her talent with a remarkable individual effort, but her back-handed shot was saved by Ranchi's Bichu Devi Kharibam. Maria Ortiz nearly extended the Royals' lead in the 34th minute, but her shot hit the post.
With just seconds remaining in the half, Ranchi Royals earned another penalty corner, but the opportunity was squandered due to poor trapping. However, in the 54th minute, Sakshi Rana scored a stunning field goal from a tight angle, solidifying the Royals' lead.
In the final minute, Soorma Hockey Club was awarded a crucial penalty corner, but Bichu Devi Kharibam maintained her clean sheet by denying Squibb's dragflick.