Shrachi Bengal Tigers began their Women’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26 campaign on a positive note, edging past JSW Soorma Hockey Club 1–0 in a tightly contested encounter at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium in Ranchi on Monday.
A powerful drag flick from Agustina Gorzelany in the 11th minute proved decisive, as the Tigers’ resolute defensive effort saw them hold firm against sustained pressure for the remainder of the match.
The opening exchanges set the tone for a contest that would be defined by midfield battles and defensive organisation. Both sides began cautiously, contesting possession aggressively without allowing space inside the circle. As the first quarter progressed, Soorma gradually grew into the game, stringing together a series of promising attacks. Despite frequent entries into the Tigers’ circle, however, they struggled to convert possession into clear shooting opportunities.
The breakthrough came against the run of play. With five minutes remaining in the first quarter, the Tigers earned a penalty corner from one of their rare forays down the flank. Gorzelany stepped up and executed a trademark drag flick, sending the ball low into the bottom right corner to give Bengal the lead. It was a moment of quality that ultimately separated the two teams. Soorma had an immediate chance to respond, earning a penalty corner at the end of the quarter, but Shihori Oikawa’s effort was deflected wide.
Soorma carried their attacking momentum into the second quarter, committing more numbers forward and pinning the Tigers deeper in their half. Multiple penalty corners followed, but the Tigers’ defensive unit stood tall. Lalremsiami’s fearless rushing disrupted several set-piece routines, denying Soorma the rhythm they were seeking. When open play chances did emerge, the Tigers’ backline remained composed.
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One of Soorma’s best moments came midway through the quarter when Maria Granatto surged through the centre following a midfield turnover. Her run momentarily threatened to open up the Tigers’ defence, but Valentina Raposo read the danger early, shepherding Granatto wide and preventing a clean strike on goal. Despite enjoying the bulk of possession, Soorma went into the halftime break trailing by a solitary goal.
The third quarter followed a similar pattern, with Soorma pressing high and looking to stretch the Tigers’ defence. Baljeet Kaur earned an early penalty corner, but a variation involving Salima Tete failed to trouble the goalkeeper. As the quarter wore on, the Tigers began to show greater intent on the counterattack, finding space on the wings and briefly shifting the pressure away from their defensive circle. However, the final pass and finishing touch eluded them, keeping the contest finely balanced.
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Soorma, meanwhile, continued to rely heavily on penalty corner routines to find a way back into the match. Despite earning opportunities, their execution lacked the precision required to break down a well-drilled Tigers defence. The closing minutes of the third quarter were frantic, with both teams pushing hard, but the scoreline remained unchanged heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter saw a brief spell of midfield turnovers as fatigue began to set in. Soorma once again gained territory and tried to force errors, but the Tigers responded with disciplined defending and intelligent game management. Rather than chasing a second goal recklessly, Bengal focused on slowing the tempo, retaining possession where possible, and running down the clock.
Soorma made one final push in the dying moments, earning a crucial penalty corner with just two minutes remaining. It was their best chance to rescue a point, but Penny Squibb’s effort flew wide, summing up a frustrating night in front of goal. The Tigers closed out the match with composure, holding their structure and seeing out the remaining seconds to secure a hard-earned victory.
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For Shrachi Bengal Tigers, it was a statement opening performance built on defensive solidity and efficiency at set pieces. Gorzelany’s early strike proved enough, but the collective effort particularly in defence will have pleased the coaching staff. JSW Soorma Hockey Club, despite dominating large spells of possession and circle entries, were left to rue missed opportunities and will look to sharpen their attacking edge as the season progresses.
All matches of the Women’s Hero Hockey India League are being broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 and DD Sports, with live streaming available on Waves and the Hockey India League YouTube channel.
