Ranchi, 13.01.225: The first Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) started at the Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium, Morhabadi. Odisha Warriors won 4-0 against Delhi SG Pipers in the first game of the Women’s Hockey India League on Sunday. Yibbi Jansen scored twice (16′ and 37′) for Odisha. Baljeet Kaur (42′) and Freeke Moes (43′) also scored to help their team win.
The first quarter was slow, with both teams taking their time to settle into the game. The Pipers and Warriors had a few chances, but neither could score, and the quarter ended 0-0.
Jansen opened the scoring in the 16th minute after the Warriors won a penalty corner. One of the best drag-flickers in the game, Jansen made no mistake, sending the flick past goalkeeper Elodie Picard.
The Pipers earned their first penalty corner in the 21st minute, but the play was mishandled.
The Warriors extended their lead in the third quarter with Jansen’s second goal. She fired a drag-flick into the corner, leaving Stephanie de Groof, positioned at the post, with no chance to react.
Five minutes later, Odisha went 3-0 up. Baljeet Kaur dribbled along the goal line and passed to Neha Goyal. The ball bounced back to Baljeet, who curled it past Picard for the goal.
In the final quarter, the Warriors focused on defending their lead while the Pipers tried to find a goal. Odisha played with 10 players for five minutes after captain Neha was given a yellow card in the 49th minute, but the Pipers couldn’t take advantage of the situation.
