Shawnee knocks Ocean City out of playoffs for second straight year in South Jersey Group III
MEDFORD — The Red Raiders played a great game but the Renegades’ brick-wall defense shut down their high-powered offense and Shawnee’s top scorer netted two from long range to win the sectional final Nov. 14 at Shawnee High School.
“We gave everything, so we hold our heads up high. Props to Shawnee,” senior co-captain Naomi Nnewihe said. “Not taking away from Shawnee’s goals, but a couple of bounces this way, couple inches to the right and the goaltender doesn’t get that incredible save … I feel like we definitely played better than what the score reflects.”
The Ocean City High School girls soccer team (20-5) came out on the front foot, controlling possession early and for extended periods throughout the game. However, Shawnee’s defense thwarted most shots on net and those that did reach the goal were saved by senior goalkeeper Mackenzie Borbi as they beat the Red Raiders in the NJSIAA South Jersey Group III championship for the second straight year.
It was the Renegades’ 17th shutout of the season.
Junior striker Madelynn Sadusky scored twice, one in each half, from outside the 18-yard box — goals that senior goalkeeper Kaia Ray had little chance of stopping.
“They did what we expected them to do. Maddie Sadusky up top, probably the best player in the state. I won’t be surprised next weekend seeing them hoist the trophy in the state championship,” first-year head coach Sean Matteo said.
Sadusky’s first goal came 16:15 into the game as she got an open look from the middle of the field after a pass from sophomore Maddie Zaun and fired into the net as Ray rushed out to try to cut off the angle.
The top-seeded Renegades proved dangerous on offense throughout the match, moving the ball downfield to its speedy forwards, but the Raiders’ defense also played a strong game.
“We knew it was going to be a battle but we made them earn it. We didn’t go down without a fight, and that’s what I’m proud of,” Matteo said. “That’s the best team we saw all year and there’s a reason whey they’re number three in the state.”
Ocean City, the third seed, came out of the halftime break and immediately had a chance to level the match when leading scorer senior Nnewihe (32 goals, 13 assists) had a shot on goal less than a minute into the second stanza but did not score.
Senior Coryn McDonnell was a force in midfield, stopping a lot of Shawnee’s advances with her nifty footwork and putting a lot of pressure on the Renegades when turning the ball over.
The Raiders had a great chance to tie the game 12:41 into the second half when sophomore Emma Vince took a corner that was met by a strong header from senior Kati Maxwell, but Borgi somehow saved the point-blank shot.
Just 3 minutes later, Sadusky netted her second to take the wind out of Ocean City’s sails.
The Renegades nearly made it 3-0 with less than 4 minutes remaining, when defender Avery Kornafel shot high following a corner kick, but Ray got a hand on the ball to tip it over the net.
“I’m just glad I got the last high shot; it made me feel a lot better about the game,” Ray said. “It just wish we won.”
The Red Raiders knocked off Toms River South and Cherry Hill West (in a shootout) en route to the title game.
Senior co-captains Nnewihe and Brooke Liebrand (16, 9) led the team in scoring, followed by Vince (15, 10) and McDonnell (9, 10 ).
The team scored 94 goals this season and gave up just 26 with 12 shutouts.
Liebrand was definitely disappointed but proud of the team’s effort.
“That’s a great team out there; we knew they were going to be good coming in. Even if they were the better team, I think we put up a hell of a fight, so I’m really proud of us and no matter what, we put our all into that game,” Liebrand said.
She also thinks it was a great season given the leadership change.
“We came in and had a new coach, so it was definitely some adjusting, but I think the girls just stood behind each other every step of the way. We just trusted each other, so that’s why we got here today,” Liebrand said. “Even coming here and losing, it was all so worth it and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Liebrand said the strong showing says a lot about the quality of the program.
“Some of my best friends left last year, so we definitely missed them, but I think we knew that we had a good upcoming senior class so we knew we just needed to trust each other and know we could build a good program with the new coach,” Liebrand said.
Matteo said he is grateful to be working for the Red Raiders.
“This is an amazing program to get to coach. I knew their expectations, so getting to [Egg Harbor Township] for the [Cape-Atlantic League] final was special,” he said, noting it’s where he started coaching regionally and where he still coaches the softball team. “To get them back there after a tough start to the season, to tie for the conference, to win the first round of the coaches tournament, to make it to this final — at the end of the day, the highlight would be being around this group of girls.”
The team will lose nine seniors out of 33 players. In addition to Nnewihe, Liebrand, McDonnell and Ray, Shaela Gannon, Maxwell, Emily Swan, Maeve Quinn and Ella Jenkins will be moving on. However, there is a large junior class that will be leading the way next year, including Liv Adams, Thompson Sypherd, Jaida Dooley, Adalyn DeAngelis, Gabby Cupit, Maeve Geary, Lindsey Seeberger and Charlotte Rhubart.
Matteo said he already is looking forward to next season.
“Knowing that’s what we have to come back to, I know they (Shawnee) are going to be expected to come back next year — third time’s going to be a charm for us,” he said.
– STORY by CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
– PHOTOS by DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff
