MANHEIM: The Indian women’s hockey team produced a rampaging performance as they thumped Canada 5-2 to record their second victory in their USA tour in Pennsylvania on Friday.
Starting quickly off the blocks India were dominant in the early exchanges, pushing Canada on the defensive. The Eves won a PC early in the first quarter, but failed to convert from it. Soon enough though, they had the lead via Vandana Katariya’s field goal in the ninth minute.
Canada came out quicker in the second quarter and scored the equaliser via a Stephanie Norlander PC conversion in the 17th minute. Over the course of the quarter, India stoically defended several of Canada’s PCs and ensured they went into half time level at 1 goal apiece.
The two teams came out all guns blazing in the second half; Canada dominating the ball in midfield as India looked to play on the counter. It was the latter’s tactics that worked, though. A quick press led to Deepika scoring their second to take the lead in the 38th minute. Canada equalised via a Brienne Stairs goal in the 42nd minute. With little time left in the third quarter, a host of chances fell to both sides with their respective goalkeepers put to the test. Canada’s PC was bravely denied by Savita in India’s goal, before an attempt by Anuradha was denied by Kaitlyn Williams in Canada’s. Inseparable, the teams went into the final break tied at 2-2.
In the final quarter India came out with renewed zest and were soon in the lead via Deepika’s second goal in the 49th minute. Two minutes later, Vandana doubled her tally with a field goal and extended India’s lead to 4-2.
Reeling from the double blow, Canada tried to string together some possession and take control of the game, but India never truly let them back in it. Poonam Rani scored a fifth in the 58th minute to consolidate a second consecutive victory for India on the tour.
India will play against Canada again on Saturday.