Ranchi Royals crushed Shrachi Bengal Tigers 5-0 in their second match of the Women’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26. The match took place at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium in Ranchi on Tuesday. Lucina von der Heyde scored twice, while Hannah Cotter, Beauty Dungdung, and Sangita Kumari added one goal each.

Strong Start by Ranchi Royals

Ranchi Royals began the match with confidence and controlled the game from the start. They enjoyed more possession and attacked frequently. In the first half alone, the team made 17 circle entries, putting constant pressure on the Bengal Tigers’ defence.

In the fifth minute, Ranchi Royals earned the first penalty corner of the match. However, Sabine Plonissen’s attempt was blocked by the first rusher. Five minutes later, the home side broke the deadlock. Hannah Cotter scored in the 10th minute after Sakshi Rana delivered a sharp pass from the left flank. The ball deflected inside the circle and Cotter calmly finished to give Ranchi Royals the lead.

Soon after, Shrachi Bengal Tigers earned a penalty corner at the other end, but they failed to create a serious threat.

Royals Extend Their Lead

Ranchi Royals continued to press forward. In the 14th minute, Neha won another penalty corner for her side. Lucina von der Heyde took the initial shot, which was blocked by a defender. However, Beauty Dungdung reacted quickly to the rebound and pushed the ball into the net, doubling the Royals’ lead.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern. Ranchi Royals moved the ball well along the flanks and created several chances. Despite the pressure, Shrachi Bengal Tigers showed resilience in defence. Goalkeeper Jennifer Rizzo made two important saves late in the first half, denying strong shots from Augustina Albertarrio and Sakshi Rana to keep the scoreline at 2-0.

Goals Flow After the Break

Ranchi Royals wasted no time after halftime. In the early minutes of the third quarter, Lucina von der Heyde scored her first goal of the match. She carried the ball from the left side, passed it to Rutuja Dadaso Pisal near the baseline, and received it back. Her shot took a slight deflection and went into the goal in the 33rd minute.

The home side struck again in the 44th minute. Maria Sofia Darnay set up Sangita Kumari with a neat pass from the left flank. Sangita finished comfortably in front of goal, delighting the home crowd and making it 4-0.

Royals Seal the Win

Shrachi Bengal Tigers pushed hard in the final quarter in search of a consolation goal. However, Ranchi Royals stayed organised and relied on quick counterattacks to control the game.

With four minutes remaining, Ranchi Royals won another penalty corner. Lucina von der Heyde converted the chance with a precise shot in the 57th minute. The goal completed a comprehensive 5-0 victory and capped a commanding performance by the Royals.