Shrachi Bengal Tigers Open HIL 2025-26 Season with Victory
Shrachi Bengal Tigers clinched a 1-0 win against Soorma Hockey Club in their inaugural match of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 season at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium.
First Quarter Breakthrough
Agustina Gorzelany’s powerful drag flick in the 11th minute helped the Shrachi Bengal Tigers take an early lead. Despite a strong attacking effort from the JSW Soorma Hockey Club, they could not penetrate the Tigers’ solid defence for the remainder of the match.
Intense Battle in Midfield
Both teams started with a fierce midfield battle, but Soorma Hockey Club gradually gained confidence, making several entries into the Tigers’ shooting circle without attempting a shot. The Tigers countered by advancing down the wings, earning a penalty corner with five minutes remaining in the quarter. Gorzelany expertly flicked the ball into the bottom right corner. In a bid to equalise, Soorma earned a penalty corner at the end of the quarter, but Shihori Oikawa’s shot was deflected wide.
Soorma Pushes Forwards
The second quarter saw Soorma maintaining their offensive pressure, penetrating the Tigers’ defence and earning multiple penalty corners. However, Lalremsiami’s brave rushing play ensured the Tigers preserved their lead. Maria Granatto of Soorma attempted a run through the middle following a turnover, but Valentina Raposo managed to force her wide, allowing the Tigers to hold onto their slender advantage.
Penalties and Near Misses
Baljeet Kaur won a penalty corner for Soorma to kick off the second half, but a variation by Salima Tete went wide of the target. Soorma continued to press into the Tigers’ half, yet the Tigers exhibited outstanding defensive efforts while occasionally counter-attacking.
As the quarter progressed, the Tigers demonstrated increased initiative, creating several opportunities but failing to convert. Meanwhile, Soorma aimed to rely on penalty corner variations to score, but again found no success. The end of the third quarter saw both teams frantically searching for a goal, but the score remained unchanged.
Final Minutes of Tension
After a brief period of midfield turnovers, Soorma regained their footing and advanced again, yet the Tigers’ defence countered effectively. The Tigers worked to slow down the game tempo and manage the clock. In the final moments, Soorma intensified their efforts, earning another penalty corner with two minutes to go. However, Penny Squib’s attempt flew wide. The Tigers held their composure as a unit, securing a 1-0 victory in their season opener.