The Odisha Warriors claimed a 4-1 victory over the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers in the Women’s Hero Hockey India League 2025. The match was held at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. Michelle Fillet (16′), Yibbi Jansen (18′ and 47′), and Neha Goyal (58′) scored for the Warriors, while Udita (30′) netted for the Tigers.
As a result of this win, the Warriors moved to the top of the points table with eight points. Notably, the two teams had played to a 1-1 draw three days earlier in Ranchi, with Odisha securing a penalty shootout win.
Tigers Begin Strong, but Warriors Take the Lead
The Tigers started the match with strong attacks, making several penetrations into Odisha’s circle. However, they failed to test goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram. In the 11th minute, Odisha’s Baljeet Kaur made a run and passed to Rutuja Pisal, whose shot was saved well by Grace O’Hanlon.
In the 14th minute, the Tigers earned the first penalty corner. Udita’s shot deflected off a Warriors defender, leading to a penalty stroke. However, Odisha successfully appealed the decision, as the ball struck above the knee.
Odisha Warriors Extend Their Lead
Odisha opened the scoring early in the second quarter. Yibbi Jansen made a precise pass to Michelle Fillet, who blasted a powerful shot past goalkeeper O’Hanlon. Just two minutes later, Jansen doubled the Warriors’ lead with a drag-flick from a penalty corner.
Despite the two-goal deficit, the Tigers continued to press forward. As a result, they earned a penalty corner before halftime. Udita’s slap shot deflected off a defender and slipped past Bartram, bringing the score to 2-1.
Warriors Fight Back and Add Another Goal
The third quarter saw the Tigers apply more pressure, but Odisha’s defense remained solid. In the 43rd minute, the Warriors capitalized on a mistake by Tigers goalkeeper Jennifer Rizzo, who played the ball behind the goal line. The Warriors were awarded a penalty corner, and Jansen’s drag-flick extended their lead to 3-1.
Rizzo made a crucial save in the 49th minute, denying Jansen’s penalty corner attempt to keep the Tigers in the game.
Neha Goyal Seals the Victory for Odisha
With just minutes remaining, the Warriors sealed the victory. In the 58th minute, Jansen made an overhead pass to Fillet, who then found Neha Goyal in the circle. Goyal made no mistake, finishing from close range to secure the 4-1 win.
Consequently, the Warriors moved to the top of the points table, earning eight points from four matches.
