Rourkela, Jan 20, 2025: Hockey fans were treated to an electrifying night at the jam-packed Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium as the Odisha Warriors outplayed the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers 3-1 in the Women’s Hero Hockey India League (2024-25).
Michelle Fillet (16’), Yibbi Jansen (18’ and 47’), and Neha Goyal (58’) delivered for the Odisha Warriors, while Udita (30’) managed a lone goal for the Bengal Tigers on a thrilling Sunday night.
The two teams had faced off just three days earlier in Ranchi, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw. The Warriors clinched victory in that encounter through a penalty shootout, thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram. However, no shootouts were needed this time as the Warriors claimed a decisive win to surge to the top of the points table with eight points.
The Bengal Tigers started strong in the first quarter, making multiple circle penetrations but failing to trouble the Warriors’ goalkeeper, Jocelyn Bartram. In the 11th minute, Odisha’s Baljeet Kaur made an impressive run down the right flank and set up Rutuja Pisal, who forced a brilliant save from Tigers’ goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon.
A controversial moment arose in the 14th minute when the Tigers were awarded a penalty stroke after Udita’s slap shot deflected onto Ishika Chaudhary’s body. However, the Warriors successfully used their referral to overturn the decision, as the ball had struck Chaudhary above the knee.
The Warriors broke the deadlock with the first move of the second quarter. Yibbi Jansen’s pinpoint pass from midfield found Michelle Fillet, whose powerful shot left O’Hanlon helpless.
Jansen doubled the lead just two minutes later with a fierce drag-flick from a penalty corner. The quick goals energized the Warriors, who continued to press forward with swift counterattacks. Despite their efforts, the Tigers’ defence held firm, keeping the scoreline at 2-0 going into halftime.
As the third quarter unfolded, the Tigers intensified their attack, earning a penalty corner right before halftime. Udita’s deflected slap shot found its way into the net, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
The Tigers maintained their momentum in the third quarter, but the Warriors’ defence stood strong.
The Warriors regained control in the final quarter. A mistake by Tigers’ goalkeeper Jennifer Rizzo resulted in a penalty corner for Odisha. Jansen stepped up again, delivering her second goal of the night to restore the two-goal cushion.
In the 58th minute, Neha Goyal sealed the victory with a clinical finish. Jansen’s precise overhead pass found Fillet, who set up Goyal for a point-blank strike, ensuring a memorable win for the Warriors.
This emphatic performance not only solidifies the Odisha Warriors’ position at the top but also sets the tone for an exciting season ahead in the Women’s Hero Hockey India League.
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