Indian women’s hockey team beats Canada in USA

TIL Desk Sports/ Vandana Katariya and Deepika struck two goals each as the Indian women’s hockey team thrashed Canada 5-2 to record its second victory in the ongoing tour of USA.  After Vandana (9th and 51st minute) and Deepika (38th and 49th minute), Poonam Rani added a fifth in the 58th minute for India in the match. Quickly off the blocks, India were dominant in the early exchanges, pushing Canada on the defensive.

Canada came out quicker in the second quarter and scored the equaliser via a Stephanie Norlander PC conversion in the 17th minute. The two teams came out all guns blazing in the second half with Canada dominating the ball in midfield. However, a quick press by India led to Deepika scoring their second goal 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 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 scored a fifth in the 58th minute to consolidate a second consecutive victory for India on the tour.