SG Pipers registered a solid 2-0 victory over Ranchi Royals in the opening match of the Women’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26 season. The match was played at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday.

Captain Navneet Kaur opened the scoring in the 27th minute, while Teresa Viana added the second goal in the final quarter to seal a strong start for SG Pipers.

Tight opening quarter with strong defence

The first quarter saw intense end-to-end action, with both teams showing discipline in defence. Neither side conceded a penalty corner in the early stages, reflecting a cautious and well-organised approach.

Hannah Cotter was lively for Ranchi Royals on the left flank and caused problems with her movement. At the other end, SG Pipers relied on Navneet Kaur and Deepika, who combined well to create most of the circle entries in the first half.

Navneet breaks the deadlock before halftime

Ranchi Royals earned the first penalty corner of the match through Rutuja Dadaso Pisal. However, the chance went begging as Maria Ortiz’s drag-flick was stopped by the SG Pipers’ goalkeeper.

In the 25th minute, SG Pipers responded by winning back-to-back penalty corners. Lola Riera tested the Royals’ defence, but her attempts were well handled. Two minutes later, the breakthrough finally arrived. SG Pipers earned another penalty corner, and captain Navneet Kaur (27') converted it with a powerful strike, scoring the first goal of the Women’s Hero HIL 2025–26 season.

Royals push hard but fail to equalise

Ranchi Royals came out with intent after the break and won three penalty corners in the third quarter. Despite the opportunities, they could not find a way past the Pipers’ defence.

Early in the second half, Navneet Kaur combined well with Sunelita Toppo down the left. The captain aimed for the top corner, but Royals goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam made an excellent save. Soon after, Lucina von der Heyde came close from a penalty corner, but Lola Riera’s sharp deflection kept SG Pipers in front.

SG Pipers continued to threaten. Preeti Dubey found space inside the circle and fired a low shot, but the Royals’ goalkeeper reacted quickly to deny her.

Teresa Viana seals the match in final quarter

SG Pipers doubled their lead in the very first minute of the final quarter. Teresa Viana (46') exploited open space on the left, dribbled past the advancing Ranchi Royals goalkeeper, and calmly slotted the ball into the net.

After taking a 2-0 lead, SG Pipers managed the game well. They stayed composed in defence and controlled possession in the closing minutes to secure a comfortable and important victory.

Strong start for SG Pipers

The win gave SG Pipers a confident start to their Hero HIL campaign. Their disciplined defence, effective penalty-corner execution, and calm finishing proved decisive against a determined Ranchi Royals side.