Indian women's hockey team win 2nd tie of US tour

The Indian women's hockey team beat the US girls 2-1 in their second game of the ongoing pre-Olympic tour in here on Thursday.

Jill Witmer gave the hosts the lead in the 19th minute before Preeti Dubey (45th) and Lilima Minz (55th) struck for the Indians in the second half.

The two teams played out a goalless first quarter with neither able to breach the circle and create openings. the hosts took the lead in the second quarter via a penalty corner conversion by Jill. The two teams went into half time separated by that strike with the US leading 1-0.

India came out stronger in the second half and started making inroads into the US defence, constantly breaching the circle via the flanks.

Their reward for all the pressure came in the final minute of the third quarter, Preeti scoring the equaliser via a penalty corner conversion. With one quarter left to play, the game was even, presenting both teams with an opportunity to take home the victory.

India were the ones who capitalised on it, using their momentum to constantly keep the pressure up in the final quarter. Just five minutes from the final hooter, Lilima scored off a penalty corner to give them the lead, which they held on to record their first victory of the tour.

--IANS

ajb/vt