HIL | Yibbi’s twin strikes take Odisha Warriors to top of the table

Yibbi Jansen's double penalty corner leads Odisha Warriors to a 4-1 victory over Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers.

Yibbi Jansen’s double penalty corner conversion propelled Odisha Warriors to a 4-1 win over Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers in the women’s competition of the Hockey India League at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium here on Sunday.

Warriors’ third victory in front of their home crowd took them to the top of the table.

Warriors created a few good chances early on but could not achieve success due to Tigers’ alert goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon.

Tigers replied by launching some raids, led by Hannah Cotter. At the stroke of the first break, Tigers earned a short corner which resulted in a stroke before being cancelled by Warriors’ referral.

Warriors showed better coordination while attacking with more intensity in the second quarter. The Dutch duo of Yibbi and Michelle Fillet combined beautifully to draw first blood. Yibbi sent in a diagonal pass from half-line and Michelle unleashed a cracking shot from top of the circle to score a spectacular goal.

Yibbi sounded the board to convert Warriors’ first short corner in style and double the lead.

Backed by vociferous home supporters, Warriors, featuring four local players, made several forays but Rutuja Pisal and Neha Goyal missed great opportunities.