DEARBORN – Sadie Walsh has scored many meaningful goals in her career.

But the Saline junior’s early goal in Thursday’s Division 1 girls soccer regional final may have been her most memorable.

Walsh broke free from Salem’s defense and drilled the ball past the goalkeeper to give the Hornets a 1-0 lead, setting the tone for a special night for her team.

The Hornets carried the momentum from Walsh’s goal to a 4-0 victory to return to the state semifinals for the second time in three seasons.

“I think the goal that I scored was probably one of the most exciting goals I’ve scored in a long time,” Walsh said after the game. “It was so early, and it really set the tone for the game. It gave our team an extra kick, and I think it really served us well.”

Walsh knew she had to make a statement

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