Shrachi Bengal Tigers clinched a dramatic bonus point in the Women’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26, edging past SG Pipers in a tense penalty shootout after the two sides were locked at 3–3 at full time. The contest went down to sudden death, where Lalremsiami held her nerve to convert the decisive attempt and seal a memorable victory.
Fast Start and Early Goals
The Tigers began the encounter on the front foot, pressing high and creating early circle penetrations. Their aggressive intent paid off when they earned successive penalty corners, converting the second through Agustina Gorzelany (6’) to open the scoring.
SG Pipers responded immediately. A swift attacking move earned them a penalty corner, and Lola Riera (10’) made no mistake with a precise finish to level the scores. The parity, however, was short-lived as Lalremsiami (11’) restored the Tigers’ lead with a deft deflection, giving her side a 2–1 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
Tigers in Control at Half-Time
Shrachi Bengal Tigers continued to dictate terms in the second quarter and extended their lead when Gorzelany (18’) struck again from a penalty corner. SG Pipers mounted a strong response, but Tigers’ goalkeeper Jennifer Rizzo stood tall, producing a series of crucial saves to preserve a 3–1 lead at the break.
Pipers Apply Pressure, Tigers Hold Firm
The momentum shifted after half-time as SG Pipers pushed forward with greater urgency. They earned an early penalty corner in the third quarter and maintained sustained pressure through repeated circle entries. Despite their dominance, resolute defending and composed goalkeeping from the Tigers kept the scoreline unchanged, with the third quarter ending goalless.
Late Drama Forces Shootout
SG Pipers continued to control possession in the final quarter and were finally rewarded late in the match. With just over two minutes remaining, a penalty corner saw Navneet Kaur’s powerful effort deflected home by Sunelita Toppo (59’) to cut the deficit.
The pressure intensified in the closing seconds when the Pipers were awarded a penalty stroke. Lola Riera (60’) calmly converted to complete a dramatic comeback and force the match into a shootout.
Lalremsiami Delivers in Sudden Death
The shootout mirrored the intensity of the contest, ending 3–3 after the initial attempts and pushing the teams into sudden death. SG Pipers faltered with two missed chances, while Lalremsiami stepped up confidently to score the winner and secure the bonus point for Shrachi Bengal Tigers.
Photo credit: Hockey India league
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