Odisha Warriors Claim Historic Women's HIL Title After 2-1 Win Over Soorma

By: WE Staff | Monday, 27 January 2025

• Odisha Warriors won the inaugural Women’s HIL, defeating Soorma 2-1.
• Rutuja scored both goals for the Warriors, while Penny Squibb equalized for Soorma.
• Rutuja’s late strike sealed the win, and Odisha held off Soorma’s attacks.

On January 26, Odisha Warriors were crowned as the inaugural champions of the Women's Hockey India League. The Warriors secured the title with a 2-1 win over Soorma Hockey Club in the final. Rutuja Dadaso Pisal was the star of the show for the Warriors as she scored both goals for her side in the 20th and 56th minute. Penny Squibb (28’) equalized for Soorma, but Rutuja’s late strike sealed the triumph for the Warriors.

The Final started with high intensity. Odisha Warriors’ Freeke Moes made the first circle entry, but Soorma Hockey Club's solid defense and possession rotation kept control. Despite some back-and-forth play, neither team created a clear shooting chance in the first quarter. The closest opportunity came when Neha set up Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, but Soorma goalkeeper Savita swiftly charged out to neutralize the threat, ending the quarter scoreless.

The midfield battle continued in the second quarter until a brilliant moment from the Warriors. Victoria Sauze’s pass deflected high, and Rutuja lofted the ball over Savita to put her team ahead. Soorma responded with increased pressure and earned a penalty corner. Penny Squibb capitalized, dragging the ball past Jocelyn Bartram into the bottom-right corner to level the score at 1-1.

Soorma took the initiative in the third quarter, with Charlotte Englebert and Olivia Shannon testing Jocelyn Bartram. An early penalty corner resulted in a shot from Jyoti, deflected wide. The Warriors countered with end-to-end play, but neither side broke the deadlock, leaving the score tied.

Both teams played cautiously in the fourth quarter, making it tense. With eight minutes left, the Warriors earned their first penalty corner, but Neha’s shot went over. Rutuja capitalized on a loose ball shortly after, firing it past Savita to restore the lead. The Warriors earned another penalty corner, but Yibbi Jansen’s attempt was blocked. Odisha held off Soorma’s attacks in the final minutes, securing a 2-1 victory and the inaugural Women’s HIL title.