Odisha Warriors Clinch Inaugural Women's HIL Title
Odisha Warriors won the first edition of Women's Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25, edging past Soorma Hockey Club 2-1 in a thrilling final at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday. The championship triumph marked the first-ever taste of success for the Odisha Warriors and it was made possible by Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, who scored both the goals for her team.
The match began with high intensity, as both teams pushed aggressively from the whistle. Odisha Warriors’ Freeke Moes made the first circle entry, but Soorma’s strong defensive unit, led by goalkeeper Savita, ensured the early threats were neutralized. Despite end-to-end action, the first quarter ended goalless, with neither side creating significant shooting opportunities.
The breakthrough came in the second quarter when Odisha's Victoria Sauze attempted a pass into the circle that deflected high. Rutuja Dadaso Pisal capitalized on the moment, lofting the ball over Savita to give the Warriors a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute. However, Soorma Hockey Club quickly responded, earning a penalty corner in the 28th minute. Penny Squibb's fiercely powerful drag flick to the bottom-right corner leveled the score, sending the teams into halftime at 1-1.
Soorma took the lead in the third quarter with Charlotte Englebert and Olivia Shannon testing Warriors' goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram at several times. Soorma was able to get a penalty corner in early, but the attempt from Jyoti was deflected off the Warriors defense. The game had turned into an intense midfield battle, and neither side gave in, though there were no additional goals added at the end of the third quarter.
The last quarter was a tense one, where both the teams played not to make expensive errors. With eight minutes still remaining on the clock, Warriors got their first penalty corner, but Neha's shot sailed over the goal. Within minutes, Rutuja picked up a loose ball in the circle and saw a clinical finish, slotting it between Savita's legs and restoring Odisha's lead in the 56th minute. The Warriors earned another penalty corner shortly thereafter, but the Soorma defense stood strong.
The last minutes were an attack of several moves as Soorma failed to hold off an equalizer. But Odisha defense, with the guiding presence of Bartram, ensured no breach to this.
Warriors kept up and clinched their place in history with a 2-1 victory to emerge as the first ever Women's HIL champion.
