Vittese's goal tied the score at 3-3 midway in the second half. But West Essex (22-1), which has won 15 state titles, surged in front on Paulina Berse's goal and held off a furious Irish charge.
"We played really well," Vittese said. "[West Essex is] a very good team, and their goalie [senior Melissa Laible] was phenomenal."
Camden Catholic won its only state title in 1985. The Irish were the No. 4 seed in the South Jersey Group 2 tournament but put together a playoff drive that energized the program and brought out a large contingent of fans to Sunday morning's game, including a cheering, chanting student section.
"I want to come back here the next two years," Vittese said.
West Essex 2 2 – 4
Camden Catholic 1 2 – 3
Goals: WE-Amanda Cassera, Kalyn Schwartz, Jackie Fusco, Paulina Berse. CC-Alyssa Olenick, Caroline Kane, Tara Vittese.
Freehold Borough 5, Moorestown 1. The Quakers fell to the defending champions in the Group 3 state title.
Sophomore Jess Dadino scored for Moorestown (15-6-1), which was seeking its 17th state title but first since 2006. The Quakers were 16-0 in state title games.
Emily Wold scored three goals for Freehold Borough (22-1).
"I'm so proud of my team, so proud of my seniors," Moorestown coach Ali Collins said. "They did everything we asked them to do - play with heart, play as hard as they could, grow as a team."
Moorestown 0 1 – 1
Freehold Borough 1 4 – 5
Goals: FB-Emily Wold, 3, Lauren Bock, Haley Meade. M- Jess Dadino.
Shore Regional 8, Schalick 0. Aileen Johnson scored four goals, and goalie Giselle Ramos did not allow a goal on 19 shots in Shore Regional's victory.
Shore Regional 4 4 - 8
Schalick 0 0 - 0
SR goals: Hannah Barreca 1, Alyssa Ercolino 2, Aileen Johnson 4, Gina Ruscil 1.
Sch goalie: Giselle Ramos 19 saves.
