Gorzelany dazzles as Argentines shine this season in Women's HIL

With the Women’s Hockey India League entering the business end, what’s been impressive to see over the past 10 days has been the impact of the Argentine players for their respective teams.After just two players last year, as many as 14 players came down in this edition and the star of the show has been undoubtedly Agustina Gorzelany, playing for Shrachi Bengal Tigers. Bought for Rs. 42 lakhs during the auctions, Gorzelany has been lethal from the penalty corners and currently tops the chart with four goals. Her shots have been a treat to the eyes and with Tigers making the final, it will be quite a sight seeing her take on her Argentine counterpart — Cristina Cosentino — the SG Pipers goalkeeper, in the summit clash on Saturday.It’s still a few days away and Gorzelany for now has been more than pleased with the experience so far.“We are always playing against international players and this time the difference was that we are sharing the same team. So, yeah, this kind of thing makes you grow in another aspect as a player,” said the Argentine superstar during an interaction with TOI.Besides that, it has also been financially beneficial for the South American players. However, what has impressed her the most is how the tournament has given an opportunity to the women.“I really hope hockey could grow this way in every country and I think mostly women need to be shown everywhere. Everywhere, as well as the men. But mostly I think we need to start to give women the place they deserve,” said the two-time Olympic medallist.As for Cosentino, who has thoroughly enjoyed her time in India so far, has been quite taken aback by the attacking style of the Indian players. “They’re aggressive players who all the time want to go and attack. It’s an Indian hockey style but it’s a little chaotic. I’m more used to structure, but I think it opens me and is enriching my hockey. So, I try to control my defenders a little bit more because sometimes I struggle with that,” said Cosentino.She was also happy with Bansari Solanki’s performance on Tuesday and belives she can do even better in the coming days. “She’s a great goalkeeper, but she can do a little better and I think this experience will help her. She has the confidence, and I think she has the capacities to manage these matches,” she added.Meanwhile, Ranchi Royals’ Argentine recruit Agustina Albertarrio played a vital role for them. Although Royals won’t make the summit clash, Albertarrio rued missing out on playing last season.“Last year we didn’t come because most of us didn’t know we need to fill forms. So, this year was different. And yeah, now we are a lot and it’s nice to be here,” said Albertarrio, who is looking to make it back into the Argentina national team.However, the big focus for the Argentines will now be the World Cup coming up later this year. They finished runners-up in the last edition behind the Dutch and will be eager to change it this time.