The Odisha Warriors secured a 3-2 victory in a penalty shootout after drawing 1-1 with the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers in the Women’s Hero Hockey India League 2024-25. Jocelyn Bartram played a key role, saving three penalty attempts to help her team win. Baljeet Kaur (8’) scored for Odisha, while Beauty Dungdung (16’) netted for Bengal Tigers.

Bengal Tigers’ Early Chances

The Bengal Tigers started strong. In the third minute, Ashley Hoffman passed from the goalline toward the goal, but Lalremsiami and Hannah Cotter both missed. Shortly after, the Tigers earned a penalty corner, but Bartram blocked Hoffman’s drag flick.

Warriors Take the Lead

Against the run of play, Odisha took the lead in the 8th minute. Victoria Sauze sent a ball into the circle, and Baljeet Kaur deflected it past goalkeeper Jennifer Rizzo to make it 1-0. The Tigers had a chance to equalize in the final minute of the first quarter, but they failed to trap the penalty corner properly.

Tigers Equalize Early in the Second Quarter

The Tigers responded quickly in the second quarter. Just 46 seconds in, Beauty Dungdung took a shot in the circle. Bartram should have saved it, but the ball slipped through her legs and into the goal, leveling the score at 1-1.

Missed Penalty Corners and Missed Opportunities

In the 27th minute, the Warriors gave away a penalty corner for having six foreign players on the field. Bartram saved Udita’s drag flick to keep the game level. The Tigers earned another penalty corner just before halftime, but Udita’s attempt missed the target.

Chances for Both Teams in the Second Half

The Warriors had a chance in the 37th minute when Michelle Fillet found herself in front of goal. However, she hesitated, allowing Susila Chanu to block the shot. In the fourth quarter, the Tigers had a half-chance from a counterattack, but Bartram made a save.

Final Chance and Shootout

In the 58th minute, Rutuja Pisal had a great opportunity after a defensive error by the Tigers. However, goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon rushed out and blocked Pisal’s shot. The match then went to a penalty shootout.

Bartram Saves the Day

In the shootout, Bartram was the hero. She saved three penalty attempts, helping the Odisha Warriors win 3-2 and earn the bonus point.