Elodie Picard’s exceptional goalkeeping secured a thrilling 3-2 penalty shootout victory for Delhi SG Pipers over table-toppers Odisha Warriors in the Women’s Hockey India League on Thursday. The match ended 1-1 in regulation time.
Delhi SG Pipers opened the scoring in the 28th minute when skipper Navneet Kaur converted a penalty stroke after Preeti Dubey was fouled. Odisha Warriors responded in the 35th minute as Yibbi Jansen scored from a penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick.
Despite creating several chances, both teams failed to capitalise during regulation time. Delhi’s Charlotte Watson narrowly missed scoring with a tomahawk shot, while Odisha’s Jansen had another attempt saved by Delhi goalkeeper Bichu Devi.
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Key moments included yellow cards for Delhi’s Lily Owsley and Odisha captain Neha Goyal, leaving their teams temporarily shorthanded.
In the penalty shootout, both goalkeepers shone, but Picard’s final save against Freeke Moes secured the win for Delhi SG Pipers in Hockey India League (HIL). The victory was a consolation for the Pipers, who finished last in the four-team league with five points from six matches. Odisha Warriors remain at the top with 11 points despite the loss.
(With inputs from PTI)