Ranchi Royals End Campaign on a High Note with 5-2 Win Over Finalists
Home fans witnessed a spectacular finish to the season as Ranchi Royals delivered a commanding performance to defeat SG Pipers 5-2 in their final Women's Hero Hockey India League encounter. This emphatic victory at the Ranchi turf ensured the hosts finished third in the tournament standings, while the Pipers moved on to the finals having already qualified.
Star Performers Shine
It was a goal-fest led by Lucina von der Heyde and Hannah Cotter, who both netted a brace (two goals each). Local favorite Sangita Kumari also found the back of the net, adding to the celebration. Despite the loss, SG Pipers' captain Navneet Kaur displayed excellent skill, scoring twice for her side.
First Half Action
The Ranchi Royals vs SG Pipers match started with high intensity. Although the Pipers applied early pressure, the Royals capitalized on a penalty corner in just the 2nd minute. Lucina von der Heyde’s precision drag-flick gave the hosts an early lead. However, the joy was short-lived as Navneet Kaur struck an equalizer for the Pipers in the 10th minute, ending the first quarter at 1-1.
Momentum shifted in the second quarter. Ranchi applied sustained pressure on the visitors' defense. This persistence paid off when Sangita Kumari, finding herself unmarked in the circle, smashed a goal in the 24th minute. The Royals went into halftime with a well-deserved 2-1 lead.
Royals Seal the Deal
After a goalless but tactically intense third quarter, the floodgates opened in the final fifteen minutes. Lucina von der Heyde converted another penalty corner in the 47th minute to extend the lead.
The closing minutes belonged to Hannah Cotter, who struck two quick goals in the 55th and 60th minutes, shattering any hopes of a comeback for the visitors. While Navneet Kaur managed a consolation goal in the 58th minute, the Royals walked away with a comprehensive 5-2 victory and a respectable third-place finish in the HIL 2025-26 results.
