In a dramatic turn of events, the defending champions Soorma Hockey Club saw their campaign in the Women's Hockey League come to a premature end on Saturday. The team suffered a 1-3 defeat against SG Pipers in Ranchi, marking their fourth consecutive loss and confirming their elimination from the tournament.
A Tame End for the Defending Champions
The match held a glimmer of hope for Soorma when Penny Squibb finally broke their scoring drought in the 12th minute. Converting a penalty corner in their fourth match, Squibb's goal ended a frustrating run of three games without scoring. However, this lead was short-lived, and the team's title defence concluded in a surprisingly meek fashion, a stark contrast to their table-topping performance in the previous edition of the league.
Pipers' Stunning Comeback Seals Victory
The SG Pipers showcased remarkable resilience to overturn the early deficit and secure a crucial win. Almost immediately after conceding, they earned their first penalty corner. Although their initial attempts were thwarted, Lola Riera equalised with a thunderous shot into the top of the net in the 13th minute.
The momentum firmly shifted in the second quarter when Jyoti Singh made it 2-1 for the Pipers just three minutes in. A move initiated by Udita and Navneet Kaur led to a scramble in the circle, with Singh ultimately scoring from point-blank range.
Despite Soorma increasing pressure and creating several chances, Pipers' goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino was in phenomenal form, earning the player of the match award. Her standout save denied Sonam from close range, keeping her team ahead.
Young Star Toppo Credits Captain and Coach
The Pipers sealed the victory in the final moments. After Soorma pulled their goalkeeper in a last-ditch effort, Sunelita Toppo scored the third goal with a lovely solo run, her second of the tournament. The young player displayed sublime skill against experienced opponents and was quick to share the credit for her performance.
"Navneet di knows I have speed, so she always tells me where and how to use my speed, and I just did that," Toppo said, praising her captain Nanveet Kaur. She also highlighted the impact of coach Sophie Gierts on the team's cohesion: "When she came initially, she tried to know about the team, how everyone is and made us come together. She spoke about it in the team meetings too."
Tournament Standings and Implications
With this result, the SG Pipers now sit at the top of the table with three wins from four matches, putting them in a strong position to qualify for the final. For Soorma Hockey Club, the loss marks a disappointing exit, raising questions about their form after a previously dominant season. The focus now shifts to the Pipers as they aim to maintain their lead and secure a spot in the championship match.
