Shrachi Bengal Tigers Edge SG Pipers in Thrilling Women's HIL Shootout Drama

Agustina Gorzelany (6', 18') and Lalremsiami (11') netted goals for the Tigers in regular time, while Lola Riera (10', 60') and Sunelita Toppo (59') scored for the SG Pipers in the match played at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda International Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Thursday.

The Tigers started aggressively with an early circle entry, but SG Pipers absorbed the pressure and responded with swift passing to test the Tigers' defence. Shrachi Bengal Tigers soon earned back-to-back penalty corners, converting the second through Agustina Gorzelany (6') to take the lead. The response from the Pipers was immediate as they won a penalty corner of their own, with Lola Riera (10') slotting home a well-placed effort to level the scores.

The parity was short-lived, with Lalremsiami (11') restoring the Tigers' advantage through a deft deflection, giving her side a 2-1 lead at the end of the opening quarter. The Tigers then extended their lead in the second quarter as Gorzelany (18') struck again from a penalty corner. Despite sustained attacks from SG Pipers, Tigers' goalkeeper Jennifer Rizzo produced a series of fine saves to keep her side ahead 3-1 at half-time.

SG Pipers began the second half on the front foot, launching immediate attacks and earning a penalty corner early on, but they were unable to make it count. Undeterred, the Pipers kept knocking on the door with sustained pressure and repeated circle entries, testing the Tigers' defence throughout the third quarter. However, resolute defending and disciplined goalkeeping from Shrachi Bengal Tigers ensured the scoreline remained unchanged, as the third quarter ended goalless with the Tigers still leading 3-1.

The fourth quarter followed a similar pattern, with SG Pipers enjoying the bulk of possession and dictating the tempo of the game. Their dominance finally paid dividends with just over two minutes remaining when they won a penalty corner. Captain Navneet Kaur unleashed a fierce shot that was deftly deflected by Sunelita Toppo (59') to cut the deficit to a single goal.

The late surge continued as the Pipers earned a penalty stroke in the dying seconds of the match, which Lola Riera (60') calmly converted to complete a remarkable comeback. With the scores locked at 3-3 at full time, the contest was pushed into a shootout to determine the winner.

The thrilling shootout also finished 3-3, with both teams converting three attempts each, forcing the contest into sudden death. In the decisive moments, SG Pipers failed to score on two occasions, while Lalremsiami held her nerve to convert her chance and secure the bonus point for Shrachi Bengal Tigers.

- IANS