Top-seeded Cherokee, No. 14 in the NJ.com Top 20, will make its first trip to the sectional finals since 2014 after defeating fourth-seeded Southern 2-0 in the South Jersey, Group 4 semifinals in Marlton.

The sides were scoreless until the fourth quarter, when Brooke Butler and Maggie Melnychuk gave Cherokee (15-5-1) all it needed to secure the win with a pair of goals.

Erin O’Brien made 12 saves to preserve her third straight shutout and 11th of the season.

This marked Cherokee’s second straight semifinals appearance after falling to Kingsway last season.

Emma Korenthal recorded 14 saves for Southern (13-7-1).

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