The Lion City Sailors Women’s Team made it two wins out of two in the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL), as they secured a convincing 9-0 win over Balestier Khalsa on Sunday (16 March) night at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.

Their dominant display was even more impressive given that many of their 11 goals this season have been scored by young talents emerging from the Sailors Girls Academy and Mattar Sailors.

After struggling to find their rhythm early against Albirex Niigata (S) last weekend, the Sailors came out flying against Balestier, and broke the deadlock after just three minutes when Putri Alyiah Seow tapped home from Sarah Zu’risqha’s cross.

“Sarah’s cross was pinpoint. She put it on a plate for me, and I just had to tap it in — so full credit to her. I’m so happy to have scored on my debut,” said the delighted 21-year-old, who previously played for Mattar Sailors in the Women’s National League (WNL) in 2024. 

More importantly, the goal gave Alyiah a huge confidence boost and helped settle her nerves, as it proved to her that she belonged at the WPL level.

“I wasn’t expecting to start, so when Coach Daniel (Ong) told me I was in the lineup, I was ecstatic. I was definitely nervous, but I had been looking forward to this for weeks — especially after spending the last few weeks out injured,” said Alyiah.

“One of the biggest adjustments for me in moving from the WNL to the WPL has been working on my confidence. The standard in this team is really high, so confidence is key. Earning my first start and scoring my first goal has really boosted mine, and hopefully, it will only grow from here.”

The Sailors effectively held Balestier at bay, with the Tigresses failing to register a single shot on goal to test goalkeeper Izairida Shakira. At the other end, Balestier had former Mattar Sailors custodian Talia Sachet to thank, as she helped her side endure the Sailors’ relentless onslaught in the opening 20 minutes.

But Balestier’s resistance was finally broken in the 23rd minute when Raeka Ee surged into the box and drove the ball into the net for the Sailors’ second. Just nine minutes later, Liyana Rickit made it 3-0 with a clinical strike from distance.

The floodgates then opened in the second half, with three of the four halftime substitutes introduced by Coach Daniel getting on the scoresheet.

Yuvika Suresh won a penalty just three minutes after the restart after being clipped in the box, which fellow substitute Syazwani Ruzi proceeded to calmly convert.

Yuvika — who scored twice last season — then equalled her 2024 goal tally within just seven minutes. Assisted by pinpoint passes from Qarissa Putri and Syazwani respectively, the 16-year-old struck twice in the 51st and 58th minutes to make it 6-0.

“It felt surreal, as I didn’t score often last season. Scoring twice in a single match is huge for me, and I really didn’t expect it. I’m happy that I was able to find the spaces my teammates created for me and that I had the confidence to take those shots,” Yuvika said with a smile.

The Sailors added three more goals in the final 20 minutes, with Sarah, Nurhidayu Naszri — capping off her 21st birthday with a powerful header — and captain Umairah Hamdan all finding the back of the net to round off an emphatic win.

It was a stark contrast to last weekend, as the Sailors moved fluidly across the pitch, stringing quick passes around Balestier’s defence with ease.

Reflecting on their win against Balestier, Yuvika said, “Our passing was much sharper today than in the last game. We found space well and linked up effectively.”

With their March fixtures complete, the Sailors currently sit atop the WPL standings and will now turn their focus to their clash against Tanjong Pagar United on 9 April at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.