Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (30′) and Sakshi Rana (54′) scored one goal each as Ranchi Royals defeated Soorma Hockey Club 2-0 in their Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 encounter at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium.
Match Overview
Defences were dominant in the first quarter, with both sides making minimal errors and not providing good chances to their opponents. Ranchi Royals held more possession early on; however, JSW Soorma Hockey Club displayed attacking intent with 10 circle penetrations in the first 15 minutes.
In the 12th minute, Soorma Hockey Club secured the first penalty corner of the evening, but Penny Squibb’s shot was blocked by the first rusher. The Royals had a chance in the 18th minute when Rutuja Dadaso Pisal’s shot was saved by Savita, and Hannah Cotter couldn’t control the rebound, missing a good opportunity.
In the 25th minute, Ranchi Royals’ Ishika committed a foul inside the circle, resulting in a penalty stroke for JSW Soorma Hockey Club. However, Penny Squibb was denied as Ranchi’s Madhuri Kindo made a brilliant save. Soorma won another penalty corner soon after but again found the first rusher in their path.
Key Moments
Just seconds before halftime, Ranchi Royals scored the first goal of the match. Agostina Alonso delivered a powerful pass into the circle from midfield, allowing Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (30′) to showcase her skills by deftly deflecting the ball into the net.
In the opening minutes of the third quarter, Soorma’s Olivia Shannon made an impressive individual effort, winning the ball in a dangerous area and firing a back-handed shot, which was saved by Ranchi Royals’ Bichu Devi Kharibam.
Maria Ortiz came close to doubling the Royals’ advantage in the 34th minute, beating her marker and unleashing a low shot that hit the post. With just two seconds left in the quarter, Ranchi Royals earned another penalty corner, but the ball was not effectively trapped, leading to a missed opportunity.
Final Stretch
In the 54th minute, Ranchi Royals extended their lead with another impressive field goal. Sakshi Rana (54′) struck the ball powerfully from a tight angle into the top right corner of the goalpost.
Soorma Hockey Club managed to win a crucial penalty corner in the final minute, but Penny Squibb’s dragflick was expertly denied by Bichu Devi Kharibam, who ended her game with a clean sheet.