Gwinn’s Lily Kerry returns a shot during the No. 3 singles match against Gladstone on Thursday at Gladstone. (Escanaba Daily Press photo by Austin Hemmingson)

GLADSTONE — It took a little while for Gladstone senior Olivia Saari and junior Marnnea LaFave to find their rhythm in a high school girls tennis meet on 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,” Saari said. “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 and 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,” LaFave said. “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 (a home match against Westwood).”

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

“The girls are working hard,” she said. “We were missing a couple girls who were playing volleyball tonight and (we were) playing some JV 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.”

Kate Matthews went to a tiebreak 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,” Barron said. “Marnnea and Olivia grinded out a tough win today.”

Gladstone senior Andie Balenger won 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,” Balenger said. “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.

In No. 2 doubles, the Braves’ Emma Delaire and Emily Marenger felled Gwinn’s Karlee Walker and Alyssa Whitaker 6-2, 6-1.

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

The Modeltowners visit Ishpeming on Tuesday.