Despite ranchi royals

Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro: SG Pipers produced a masterclass of defensive steel and attacking flair to overpower Ranchi Royals 2-0 in the opening match of the 2025-26 Season to open their campaign in style in the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday.

SG Pipers' rock-solid defence, anchored by Indian veteran Udita, junior women's team captain Jyoti Singh, and Spain's world-class Lola Riera, was an impenetrable fortress in the opening quarter. Despite Ranchi Royals' relentless possession and numerous circle penetrations fuelled by home crowd energy, the Pipers absorbed every wave of pressure with supreme composure, frustrating the hosts and securing a flawless goalless quarter. This heroic backline performance set the tone for the Pipers' dominance.

In the second quarter, SG Pipers' elite goalkeeper Bansari Solanki produced a string of breathtaking saves, including thwarting a penalty corner, to repel Ranchi Royals' early raids and keep the scoreboard level.