UPDATE: Shawnee High School clinched its third consecutive South Jersey Group 4 championship after a nail-biting shootout against Moorestown, concluding with a score of 3-0 in penalties. The dramatic finish unfolded on November 4, 2023, as the teams battled to a 1-1 draw over 100 minutes of intense play.
Goalkeeper Madeline Dubler was the star of the shootout, making two critical saves while the Quakers’ third shot hit the crossbar. “I was just looking at their eyes and seeing which way they went,” Dubler stated confidently. Her performance solidified Shawnee’s position as No. 14 in NJ.com’s statewide Top 20.
The Renegades struck first in the match, with midfielder Caitlin Olkowski scoring in the 11th minute after a long restart that deflected into her path. “I hit it top corner,” Olkowski said, reflecting on the momentum shift. However, the Quakers quickly leveled the score with a penalty kick from Ellia Oteri with 17:11 remaining in regulation.
Moorestown dominated possession after the equalizer, frustrating Shawnee’s strategy. “We worked on a game plan and they executed it to perfection,” praised Moorestown coach Bill Mulvihill. But the Renegades regained urgency, nearly clinching victory in regulation when Maddie Shevchenko had a header saved just before the end of the game.
Overtime saw even more tension, with the best chance falling to Moorestown. A high cross found Jess Murphy, whose shot hit the crossbar. “I had confidence in my team to clear it right away,” Dubler said, highlighting the team’s resilience.
Shawnee head coach Drew Wagner commended his team’s heart and effort, stating, “We’ve got great kids, with great heart and we’ve got a great program here.”
Now, the Renegades (20-2) look ahead to a state semifinal matchup against Northern Burlington, set for Wednesday. Wagner noted the upcoming challenge, saying, “We want to keep this momentum going.”
As for Moorestown, Coach Mulvihill expressed pride in his team’s performance, emphasizing their return to form. “This team put us back to what Moorestown is all about,” he said.
The thrilling showdown illustrates the high stakes and intense emotions of high school soccer, making it a must-watch for sports enthusiasts. As Shawnee celebrates their victory, the anticipation builds for their next challenge on the road to the state championship.
