A strong start wasn't enough for Haddon Township, which failed to score for just the fourth time this season in falling, 4-0, to defending champion New Providence on Saturday in the NJSIAA State Group 1 girls' soccer final at the College of New Jersey.
The Hawks (20-6), who shared the state title with New Providence in 2000, appeared to be on course for its second crown with an early four-shot barrage that included a rocket off the post in the 14th minute.
Haddon Township goalkeeper Chrissy Ambrozy also was in top form early, making a brilliant stop on a header. But Ambrozy's bid for her 13th shutout was dashed with four minutes to go in the first half, when Casey Trezza scored from 15 yards out.
After Township's Kelly Nelson nearly tied it seven minutes into the second half, New Providence (19-1-1) seized control when Ashley Evangelos headed in a corner kick six minutes later.
Alex Schlobohm beat two defenders to score from the right wing, boosting New Providence's lead to 3-0. Paige Carleen's leftfooted blast beat Ambrozy in the 75th minute, marking the first time this season that the Hawks had allowed more than three goals in a match.
New Providence goalie Jill Ashinsky kept the Hawks off the scoreboard for her 15th shutout of season.
The loss ended a highly successful campaign for Haddon Township, which included the South Jersey Group 1 championship after ending the last two seasons with a loss in the sectional final.
New Providence 1 3 - 4
Haddon Township 0 0 - 0
Goals: NP–Paige Carleen, Ashley Evangelos, Alex Schlobohm, Casey Trezza.
Goalies: NP–Jill Ashinsky; HT–Chrissy Ambrozy.
