Finance
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team ended the Bhubaneswar leg of the Hockey Pro League 2023/24 with a 3-1 victory against the United States at Kalinga Hockey Stadium, Bhubaneswar on Friday.
Vandana Katariya(9’), Deepika (26’), and Samila Tete (56’) scored for India. Meanwhile, Sanne Caarls (42’) scored the only goal for the United States.
India started the game with an opportunity to score through a penalty corner but Deepika’s dragflick sailed wide of the post. United States quickly answered back with a chance of their own as Elizabeth Yeager shot from a tight angle, however, India’s Captain Savita diffused the situation with a save. Halfway through the first quarter, Sangita Kumari ventured down the right wing and attempted to find Sonika in the shooting circle but the ball bounced off United States’ goalkeeper Kealsie Robles and fell kindly to Vandana Katariya, who tapped the ball in goal to score the first goal of the game for India.
Elizabeth Yeager attempted a reverse shot while spinning over the shooting circle, but it went right into the side netting as the United States got off to a fast start in the second quarter. Salima Tete launched a brilliant run on the right wing shortly after, but the move failed because she was unable to locate Lalremsiami in the circle.
For the remainder of the quarter, India used a high press. With four minutes remaining, Monika threaded a pass to Vandana, who moved the ball to Deepika on the right flank. Deepika’s goal, finished by her reverse swing from a tight angle, highlighted the complex passing sequence. With one minute remaining, the US earned a penalty corner before the halftime whistle but Savita battered the shot away to safety and the first half ended 2-0 in India’s favour.
India took the initiative in the third quarter as Sharmila Devi attempted a drive down the left wing but she couldn’t find a teammate in the circle and the chance went begging. India continued to peg United States back in their own half and it wasn’t long before they earned a penalty corner, however, Navneet Kaur shot just wide of the post.
As the quarter progressed both teams earned a penalty corner each but neither team managed to capitalise. With three minutes left in the quarter, Sanne Caarls picked up a loose ball outside the shooting circle and unleashed a tomahawk shot to beat Savita in goal and present the United States with a foothold in the game.
In an effort to score the last quarter’s goal, both sides tested the defense of the other. With seven minutes remaining in the match, India was awarded a penalty corner, but their attempt went wide once more. As the game was coming to an end, Salima Tete deflected the ball into goal to give India a two-goal lead after Deepika went on a brilliant run down the left flank, speeding past multiple defenders. The game ended 3-1 in India’s favor as the United States persevered in their quest to score another goal in the last seconds.
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team will play China on February 12 at 1930 hours.
Source:IANS
