US Tour: India eases past Canada

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.

Vandana Katariya (right) scored goals in the 9th and 51st minutes for India.

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 was dominant in the early exchanges, pushing Canada on the defensive. The Indians won a penalty corner (PC) early in the first quarter, but failed to convert it. Soon enough, though, it had the lead via Vandana’s field goal in the 9th minute.

Off a second PC soon after, Poonam’s deflected shot was saved by the defender on the post to prevent India from doubling its lead. Canada came out with a PC of its own but India defended strongly to prevent an equaliser and went into the break in the lead.

Canada came out quicker in the second quarterand 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 it went into half time level at one goal apiece.

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 its 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 was 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 it back in it. Poonam scored a fifth in the 58th minute to consolidate a second consecutive victory for India on the tour.