SG Pipers Triumph Over Ranchi Royals in Women's Hockey India League Opener

SG Pipers Secure Victory in HIL 2025-26 Opener

In an exciting start to the Women's Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26, SG Pipers emerged victorious against Ranchi Royals with a score of 2-0 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday. The goals were scored by Captain Navneet Kaur in the 27th minute and Teresa Viana in the 46th minute.

Navneet Kaur's First-Half Goal Gives Pipers the Edge

The match commenced with both teams displaying intense competition, resulting in a tightly contested first quarter. Neither side managed to secure a penalty corner during the initial phase. Ranchi Royals' Hannah Cotter was a constant threat on the left side, while SG Pipers' Navneet Kaur and Deepika were instrumental in creating scoring opportunities.

Ranchi Royals earned the first penalty corner of the match, but Maria Ortiz's attempt was thwarted by the goalkeeper. SG Pipers responded with consecutive penalty corners in the 25th minute, yet Lola Riera's attempts were blocked. However, just two minutes later, Navneet Kaur converted a penalty corner into a goal, marking the first score of the Women's Hero HIL 2025-26 season.

Viana's Goal Secures the Win for Pipers

In the third quarter, Ranchi Royals had three penalty corners but failed to capitalize on these chances. Early in the second half, Navneet Kaur and Sunelita Toppo executed a brilliant play, but Kaur's shot was saved by Bichu Devi Kharibam of the Royals.

Ranchi Royals nearly equalized when Lucina von der Heyde's penalty corner shot was deflected by Lola Riera. SG Pipers continued to threaten, with Preeti Dubey's shot being saved by the goalkeeper.

In the first minute of the final quarter, Teresa Viana extended SG Pipers' lead to 2-0, skillfully maneuvering past the charging goalkeeper to score.

The Pipers maintained their lead for the remainder of the match, securing a significant win to kick off their Hero HIL campaign.