Austin Hemmingson | Daily Press Gladstone’s Kate Matthews returns a shot during a No. 3 singles match against Gwinn Thursday at Gladstone.

GLADSTONE — It took a little while for Gladstone senior Olivia Saari and junior Marnnea LaFave to find their rhythm in a girls’ tennis meet here Thursday.

They did just that in the second set as they rallied past Gwinn’s Raina Humphrey and Kadie LaRock 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 in No. 1 doubles.

“In the first set, we didn’t play well,” said Saari. “Coach (Ryan Barron) talked to us between sets and fired us up. We just started thinking we had to win this one.”

The Braves’ duo led 5-2 in the third set before Humphrey-LaRock climbed within 5-4.

Three overhand shots by LaFave found the gaps in the end, enough to preserve the set as the Braves blanked Gwinn 8-0.

“The overhand shots were working for us,” said LaFave. “They definitely pushed us, but they were getting tired and we took advantage of that. After the first set we started moving and serving a lot better. We feel good about this one. This definitely gives us confidence going into Monday (home match against Westwood).”

Kate Matthews went to a tie-break in a 6-4, 7-6 (7-2) triumph over Lily Kerry at No. 3 singles and Jenna Tardiff took a 6-3, 6-4 decision from Destinee Stanton at No. 4.

“While Lilly Griebel is resting a bum knee, Jenna Tardiff filled in nicely,” said Barron. “Marnnea and Olivia grinded out a tough win today. They had a slow start and looked a bit sluggish at first, but they redeemed themselves. After that first set it looked like they flipped a switch. They were avoiding their net player, hustling all over the court and finishing at the net. I’m proud of how they fought through the tough times and finished strong.”

Gladstone senior Andie Balenger copped No. 1 singles in a 6-1, 6-0 conquest of Gwinn senior Jaleigh Martinez.

“This is probably one of the best matches I played all year,” said Balenger.

“Everything was working today. She’s a good player. She tried to change things up, but I was able to adjust. I just try to stay focused and get it done.”

Alaina Trudeau also won in convincing fashion, topping Ashley Scott 6-0, 6-2 at No. 2.

“Alaina had a solid outing today,” said Barron. “When Alaina is hitting her shots, she’s tough to beat.”

Sara Eilola-Alesha Marenger defeated Amaya Cornelius-Madalyn Brady 6-3, 6-4 in No. 3 doubles and Taelor Zeise-Emma Wagner beat Tiffany Rinnger-Emma Clairmont 6-0, 6-1 at No. 4.

“Our returns were the key,” said Wagner. “We were able to get some hard returns and our serves were good. We’re very pleased.”

Zeise had similar thoughts about their match.

“Everything went in our favor,” she said. “We were able to find the openings. We’re very happy with the win.”

Gwinn coach Darcia Mattson says the school’s program is growing.

“The girls are working hard,” she added. “We were missing a couple girls who were playing volleyball tonight and playing some jayvee players. Just the fact that we had 14 is a good thing. This group is a coach’s dream. They’re all coachable and dedicated. They want to get better. Most of them have very high academic achievements.

“We got our new courts last year and we’re very proud of them. The community really stepped up. We try to keep them open for people to enjoy.”

The Modeltowners visit Ishpeming Tuesday.

Singles

No. 1 — Balenger, def. Martinez, 6-1, 6-0; No. 2 — Trudeau, def. Scott, 6-0, 6-2; No. 3 — Matthews, def. Kerry, 6-4, 7-6 (7-2); No. 4 — Tardiff, def. Stanton, 6-3, 6-4.

Doubles

No. 1 — Saari-LaFave, def. Humphrey-LaRock, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4; No. 2 — Delaire-E. Marenger, def. Walker-Whitaker, 6-2, 6-1; No. 3 — Eilola-A. Marenger, def. Cornelius-Brady, 6-1, 6-3; No. 4 — Zeise-Wagner, def. Rinnger-Clairmont, 6-1, 6-0.