Hockey India League: JSW Soorma secure 5-1 win over Delhi SG Pipers

JSW Soorma Hockey Club bounced back with a commanding 5-1 win over Delhi SG Pipers in the Women’s Hockey India League on Monday.

Charlotte Englebert (6th minute) and Sonam (9th, 10th minutes) gave Soorma an early advantage, while Charlotte Stapenhorst (36th minute) extended the lead in the third quarter. Delhi SG Pipers managed to pull one back through Sangita Kumari (38th minute), but Penny Squibb (60th minute) sealed the emphatic victory with a goal in the final minute.

Soorma started strongly, pinning the Pipers deep in their half. Their aggressive start paid off when Maria Verschoor set up Englebert on the left wing, who beat goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam with a low reverse sweep. Shortly afterwards, Englebert and Stapenhorst launched a barrage of shots, and a save by Bichu rebounded to Sonam, who capitalised to double the lead. Within a minute, Englebert dodged past defenders and found Stapenhorst, whose lob across the goal was tapped in by Sonam, making it 3-0 by the end of the first quarter.

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In the second quarter, Soorma maintained their pressure with Englebert and Stapenhorst creating several chances. The Pipers began finding their rhythm as Preeti Dubey made a promising run into the circle, but her cross went unanswered. Verschoor and Englebert continued to dominate the midfield, but Bichu and the Pipers’ defence managed to limit further damage.

The Pipers adopted aerial passes to counter Soorma’s press in the third quarter and created an opening for Sangita, but goalkeeper Savita Punia swiftly intervened. Five minutes into the quarter, Englebert intercepted a Pipers’ pass and set up Stapenhorst, who lifted the ball past Elodie Picard to make it 4-0. The Pipers responded quickly, with Navneet Kaur finding Sangita in space. Sangita smashed the ball past Savita to score their only goal of the match.

In the closing moments, the Pipers earned a penalty corner, but Lily Owsley couldn’t redirect Deepika’s effort on target. Soorma defended resolutely, and in the final minute, they earned a penalty corner of their own. Penny Squibb expertly found the top left corner, rounding off a stellar 5-1 performance.

(With inputs from PTI)