Rotterdam, June 21: The Indian women’s hockey team came from a goal down to defeat USA 4-2 in its first match of the FIH Pro League double-header, here on Tuesday.
Danielle Grega handed USA a 28th minute lead through a field effort before the Indians forced their way back into the match by scoring through Deep Grace Ekka (31st), Navneet Kaur (32nd) and Sonika (40th) to take a 3-1 lead.
The Americans reduced the margin in the 45th minute through Natalie Konerth’s penalty corner conversion before Vandana Katariya sealed the game for India with a field goal in the 50th minute.
USA had the first chance in the form of a penalty corner in the 10th minute but squandered it. Soon the Indians had the first shot at goal but Gurjit Kaur missed from a penalty corner.
USA broke the deadlock in the 28th minute through Grega who steered the ball into the goal from an Erin Matson’s lofted pass from midfield, past Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam.
Just 45 seconds into the third quarter, India drew parity through Deep Grace’s penalty corner conversion before Navneet stunned the Americans with a brilliant field goal from Vandana’s pass after a fine build up from the right flank.
In the 39th minute, Bichu Devi made a brilliant save to deny the Americans. A minute later, Sonika extended India’s lead with a field goal.
USA did not give up and reduced the margin just at the stroke of the third quarter through a penalty corner conversion by Konerth.
Five minutes into the fourth and final quarter, India reclaimed their two-goal advantage when Vandana scored with a fierce shot from the right and held on for a fashionable victory. (PTI)
