The struggles for Soorma Hockey Club in the Women's Hockey India League deepened on Friday night as they slumped to a third consecutive defeat, falling 0-2 to Ranchi Royals at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium in Ranchi. The most glaring statistic for Soorma remains their inability to find the back of the net, a drought that has now extended to 12 full quarters of play.
A Story of Missed Chances and Defensive Resilience
Despite dominating territory and making a staggering 87 circle entries across their three matches, Soorma's finishing touch has deserted them completely. The pattern repeated itself in this encounter. The first quarter was a cagey affair with both defenses on top, though Soorma managed 10 circle penetrations. The game's pivotal moment arrived in the 25th minute when the Royals conceded a penalty stroke, offering Soorma a golden chance to break their duck and take the lead.
However, Penny Squibb's effort from the spot was superbly saved by Royals goalkeeper Madhuri Kindo. This missed opportunity proved costly, deflating Soorma's momentum. Just before the halftime whistle, Ranchi Royals struck. A powerful pass from midfield by Agostina Alonso found Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, who showed great awareness to deflect the ball into the net in the 30th minute, giving her side a crucial lead.
Royals Seal the Deal with a Goal of the Season Contender
The second half saw Soorma continue to press but with little reward for their efforts. The Royals, growing in confidence, came close to doubling their lead in the 34th minute when Maria Ortiz's low drive struck the post. The insurance goal finally arrived in the 54th minute, and it was a spectacular strike worthy of winning any match.
Sakshi Rana received a clever reverse pass from Rutuja Pisal and, from an incredibly tight angle, unleashed a thunderous shot that rocketed into the top right corner of the goal. Soorma's experienced goalkeeper Savita could only watch as the ball flew past, sealing a 2-0 victory for the Ranchi Royals, their second win in three matches.
Consequences and the Road Ahead
This result leaves Soorma Hockey Club in a precarious position at the bottom of the table, still searching for their first points and, more urgently, their first goal of the campaign. The team's frustration is palpable, having created numerous opportunities but failing to convert. The clinical finishing displayed by Ranchi Royals, especially through Rutuja Pisal and Sakshi Rana, highlighted the difference between the two sides on the night.
For the Royals, this victory provides a solid platform as they look to climb the standings. For Soorma, the focus must shift to solving their attacking woes before their goal drought defines their entire season. The pressure will be immense in their next outing as they desperately seek to turn their circle entries into tangible results on the scoreboard.
