SG Pipers continued their impressive run in the Women’s Hero Hockey India League with a composed 3–1 victory over JSW Soorma Hockey Club at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Friday.
Showing both resilience and tactical maturity, the Pipers came from behind to secure three valuable points and consolidate their position at the top of the league table. Goals from Lola Riera (13’), Jyoti Singh (18’) and Sunelita Toppo (58’) ensured a well-earned win for the Pipers, while Penny Squibb (12’) scored the lone goal for Soorma. The result further underlined SG Pipers’ growing authority in the league, built on a strong defensive structure and timely attacking interventions.
The match began at a frenetic pace, with both teams looking to impose themselves early. The opening exchanges saw end-to-end hockey, as SG Pipers pressed high while JSW Soorma looked to use quick transitions and penalty corners to their advantage. It was Soorma who struck first, capitalising on their early momentum when Penny Squibb stepped up to convert a penalty corner in the 12th minute, giving her side a deserved 1–0 lead.
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The response from the Pipers was immediate and emphatic. Rather than retreating, they increased the tempo and pinned Soorma inside their own half. A series of penalty corners followed, reflecting the sustained pressure applied by the table-toppers. Persistence finally paid off just a minute later when Spanish defender Lola Riera converted from the fifth penalty corner attempt, restoring parity and swinging the momentum firmly in Pipers’ favour. The first quarter ended 1–1, setting the tone for an absorbing contest.
SG Pipers carried that momentum into the second quarter, dictating play through disciplined pressing and quick ball movement. An early penalty corner went begging, but the breakthrough soon arrived. In the 18th minute, Jyoti Singh found herself in the right place at the right time inside the circle and made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper to give the Pipers a 2–1 lead.
To their credit, JSW Soorma responded with renewed urgency. They earned a penalty corner of their own and also created a clear one-on-one chance through Sonam, but both opportunities were denied by an inspired Cristina Cosentino in goal for SG Pipers. The Italian goalkeeper’s sharp reflexes and composure under pressure proved crucial, ensuring her side went into the half-time break with a slender but important advantage.
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The third quarter saw SG Pipers continue to control proceedings. They began aggressively, creating a couple of promising openings but lacking the final touch to extend their lead. Defensively, however, they remained organized and disciplined, closing down space effectively and limiting Soorma’s attacking options. JSW Soorma found it increasingly difficult to penetrate the Pipers’ structured defensive block, and despite their efforts, they were unable to create clear scoring chances. The scoreline remained unchanged at the end of the third quarter, with SG Pipers still holding a 2–1 lead.
With the match finely poised, the final quarter was always likely to be decisive. SG Pipers approached it with maturity, opting to keep possession and apply pressure rather than defend deep. Their approach paid dividends, as they repeatedly tested the Soorma defence and forced errors in midfield. As the clock ticked down, Soorma took a calculated risk by replacing their goalkeeper with an extra outfield player in a bid to find an equaliser.
The move, however, proved costly. In the 58th minute, Sunelita Toppo seized the opportunity with a moment of individual brilliance. Picking up the ball in midfield, she embarked on a determined solo run, cutting through the Soorma defense before finishing confidently into the open net. The goal effectively sealed the contest and capped off a commanding all-round performance from the Pipers.
The 3–1 victory not only reflected SG Pipers’ attacking depth but also highlighted their defensive solidity and game management. Once again, they demonstrated an ability to respond to adversity, absorb pressure, and strike decisively at key moments qualities that have made them early front-runners in this season’s Women’s Hero HIL.
For JSW Soorma Hockey Club, the result was another frustrating outing. Despite a bright start and periods of sustained pressure, they were undone by missed chances and a lack of cutting edge in the final third. While their intent was evident, converting opportunities remains an area of concern as the league progresses.
With this win, SG Pipers remain firmly perched at the top of the points table, sending a strong message to the rest of the competition. As the tournament unfolds, their blend of experience, youth, and tactical discipline continues to set the benchmark in the Women’s Hero Hockey India League.
All matches of the 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.
