The first-ever Women’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 concluded with Odisha Warriors claiming the championship after a hard-fought 2-1 win against JSW Soorma Hockey Club in the final. The match, held at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, saw Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (20’, 56’) scoring twice for the Warriors, while Penny Squibb (28’) netted Soorma’s lone goal. Rutuja’s decisive second goal near the end sealed the victory for her team.
The match began with high intensity, as Odisha’s Freeke Moes made an early circle entry. Meanwhile, JSW Soorma’s defence stayed solid, carefully rotating possession to control the pace. Despite the back-and-forth action, clear chances were rare in the first quarter. The Warriors came close when Neha set up Rutuja near the goal, but Soorma goalkeeper Savita quickly intervened, ending the opening quarter goalless.
The second quarter saw continued midfield battles until Odisha broke the deadlock. Victoria Sauze’s pass into the circle deflected high, and Rutuja alertly lofted the ball over Savita to give the Warriors the lead. Soorma responded with urgency, earning a penalty corner just before halftime. Penny Squibb stepped up and sent a powerful drag flick past Warriors’ keeper Jocelyn Bartram, leveling the score at 1-1.
Soorma came out strong in the third quarter, with Charlotte Englebert and Olivia Shannon testing Bartram multiple times. They earned a penalty corner within minutes, but Jyoti’s shot was deflected away. The Warriors countered to make the game more balanced, but neither side managed to find the net by the end of the quarter.
The final quarter was tense, with both teams cautious in their approach. Eight minutes from time, the Warriors earned their first penalty corner, but Neha’s shot was deflected over the goal. Soon after, Rutuja seized a loose ball in the circle during a counterattack and fired it between Savita’s legs to restore the Warriors’ lead. They earned another penalty corner shortly after, but Yibbi Jansen’s attempt was easily blocked.
The Warriors held firm against Soorma’s late advances and secured a 2-1 victory to lift the inaugural Women’s HIL title.
End of Season Awards
Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Savita (JSW Soorma Hockey Club)
Upcoming Player of the Tournament: Sonam (JSW Soorma Hockey Club)
Top Scorers of the Tournament:Yibbi Jansen (Odisha Warriors), Charlotte Englebert (JSW Soorma Hockey Club)
Player of the Tournament: Jyoti (JSW Soorma Hockey Club)
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