Hornets Move to Regional Final For Second Time in History

The Saline Hornets rolled past Livonia Franklin 5-0, Tuesday night to advance to the regional final for just the second time in the history of the program.

Saline hosts Canton, who defeated Dearborn, 4-0, at 7 p.m.

Dana Restrick, Hornets’ coach, said it was a milestone victory for the team.

“This is only the second time we’ve made it to regional finals for the program, so this is huge,” Restrick said.

The Hornets were led Tuesday by Madison Philips, who scored two goals for the second time this post-season, after going through a scoreless drought during an injury-plagued senior year.

Philips first goal made it 3-0. Brittany Brown’s corner kick from the left side was headed over to Philips, who booted the ball upstairs, over the Franklin keeper. Her second goal came in the second half. Philips streaked down the right wing and fired a short-side shot that bounced in off the goalie’s hands.

Philips scored two goals in Saline’s 3-2 overtime win over Skyline and suffered a concussion in Saline’s win over Monroe.

“I was just glad to be able to play today. I had to take a few days off, which was upsetting, because these are the biggest games of our season—of my high school career,” said Philips, who will play soccer for Siena Heights University next season.

Restrick said Philips’ contributions have been huge in the post-season.

“We wouldn’t be here today without her two goals against Skyline,” Restrick said.

Saline dictate the pace of Tuesday’s game. Junior Abbey Sovitch staked Saline to a 1-0 lead before the game was even a minute old.

About 10 minutes later the Hornets had their most menacing attack of the game. Freshman Amanda Zylstra brought the ball in from the left side and fired a shot on goal. The Hornets had several kicks at the ball from just a few feet out, but couldn’t put it past the Franklin keeper. Another Zylstra shot was thwarted by the diving Franklin goalie. This time, the rebound went to senior Kristina Veal, who fire a shot up and over the goalie for a 2-0 lead. Philips first goal came about eight minutes later. Saline carried its 3-0 lead into the break. Hornet keeper Amanda Price made one save during the half.

Midway through the second half, Philips made it 4-0 with her second marker of the game. Less than a minute later sophomore Bucky Sulkowski closed out the scoring. Saline keeper Hayley Reynolds made one stop in the second half.

The two shots Saline keepers faced were the first shots they’ve faced since the Skyline game. The tough Hornets defense did not give up a shot against Huron or Monroe.

The Hornets host Canton Friday night. Saline opened the season against Canton March 27 in a 1-1 tie.

Restrick said it was an evenly matched game, with Saline controlling the first half and Canton improving in the second half. The Hornets scored first and Canton tied it with 90 seconds to play.

“We’ve changed a ton since then, and I am sure they have, too,” Restrick said. “We know who their key players are. I am sure it will be a great game.”
Philips, who said she was excited to be part of the second Saline team to make the regional final, recalled that Canton was a very good opponent.

“I remember a good team, but that we could totally hang with them and that they are a beatable team,” said Philips.