Women’s HIL 2025-26: Ranchi Royals defeats Soorma Hockey Club 2-0

Ranchi Royals defeated Soorma Hockey Club 2-0 in their Women’s Hockey India League 2025-26 encounter at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium in Ranchi on Friday. Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (30’) and Sakshi Rana (54’) scored the two goals of the evening. 

Defences were on top in the first quarter as both sides hardly gave away good chances to their opposition. Royals held more possession in the beginning, but Soorma was more threatening with 10 circle penetrations in the opening quarter. In the 12th minute, Soorma won the first penalty corner of the evening, but Penny Squibb’s shot was stopped by the first rusher.

In the 25th minute, Ranchi Royals’ Ishika committed a foul inside the circle, giving away a penalty stroke to Soorma. However, Squibb was denied due to a brilliant save by custodian Madhuri Kindo. The following minute, Soorma won a penalty corner as it continued to pile on the pressure only for Squibb’s strike to be denied once again.

With seconds left in the first half, Ranchi Royals bagged the first goal of the contest. Agostina Alonso played a powerful pass into the circle from midfield as Rutuja showcased incredible skill to poach the ball perfectly and deflect it into the net.

In the opening minutes of the third quarter, Soorma’s Olivia Shannon made a brilliant individual effort, winning the ball herself in a dangerous position and firing a back-handed shot. Ranchi Royals’ Bichu Devi Kharibam came to the rescue and preserved the lead. In the 34th minute, Maria Ortiz came teasingly close to increase the advantage for the Royals as she beat her marker and struck the post with her low-driven shot at goal. With just two seconds left on the clock, Ranchi Royals won another penalty corner but the ball wasn’t trapped effectively and the opportunity was lost.

In the 54th minute, Ranchi Royals increased its advantage with another amazing field goal. Sakshi unleashed a powerful strike from a tight angle into the top right corner of the goal. Soorma won a crucial penalty corner in the final minute of the match and for the umpteenth time in the contest, Squibb’s dragflick was denied by Bichu Devi.

Published on Jan 02, 2026