“This was a huge win for the girls,” said Warren coach Thomas Pellegrino. “This second win over Mercyhurst just guaranteed us a spot in the semifinals of the D10 playoffs later this season.

“We knew going into the match it was going to come down to the wire,” added Pellegrino. “When we played them away earlier this season we won in a third set at second doubles. Today was the same team score, but played out much differently.”

At top singles, Iris Kiehl lost to Lauren Richmond 7-5, 2-6, 6-7 (2-7).

“This was easily the best tennis Iris has played all season and she saved it for the perfect moment,” said Pellegrino. “Last time Iris played Lauren, she lost 4-6, 1-6, so this shows massive improvement and heart. She was tracking down everything today, making Lauren work for every single point and, more importantly, giving her teammates time by staying on the court as long as possible. Iris’ effort today was simply outstanding. She just went three sets with the third best player in double-A.”

A 3-2 Region 2 win over Mercyhurst Prep on Friday at Betts Park guaranteed Warren’s girls tennis team a second-place finish in the region and District 10 2A playoff spot. Team members, from left, in front are Lily Seyler, Maddy McDunn, Ashley Plank, Hannah Pearson, Ella Card, Izzy Heacox, Sydnie Cochran, Anna Courson, and Sarah Harvey. In the second row are Winnie Wolf, Grace Carr, coach Thomas Pellegrino, Madalynn Perry, Iris Kiehl, Grace Carlson, Lucy Harrison, Kaelin Hatfield, Tasha Ferry, Jahzara Hunter, Peyton Morrison and coach Mike Kiehl. Photo submitted to Times Observer

At second singles, Grace Carr lost to Sophia Potilivo 0-6, 3-6.

“Grace started off a little too quick and was rushing points,” said Pellegrino. “Sophia is like playing a brick wall, so it makes it very frustrating for aggressive players like Grace.”

Lucy Harrison defeated Mari Clippinger 6-1 6-2.

“Lucy was on a mission today,” said Pellegrino. “She kept her foot on the gas from game one and didn’t let up. This was a flawless win from Lucy today and gave us the singles point we needed.”

In doubles, Izzy Heacox and Kaelin Hatfield defeated Maggie Gallagher and Vanessa Jarmolowicz, 6-2, 6-4.

“This pair has came a long way since week one and are clicking at the right time,” said Pellegrino. “Kaelin’s serve was working wonders today and I don’t think I saw Izzy miss one ball up at the net. They played a very strong Mercyhurst pair, but completely took over the net from start to finish and were serving and returning beautifully today.”

Warren’s Madalynn Perry and Sydnie Cochran defeated Chloe Difranco and Quinlan Cullen, 6-2, 6-0 at second doubles.

“Our girls went into this match knowing we were up 2-1 and they could close it out with a victory,” said Pellegrino. “These two played flawless today and were off the court in what seemed to be 30 minutes. Sydnie was throwing up beautiful lobs that were giving her opponents loads of trouble and Perry completely took over the net today smashing overhead after overhead.

“Coach (Mike) Kiehl, (Travis) Myler, and myself could not be more proud of what our girls accomplished today,” added Pellegrino. “They knew the importance of this match and stepped up to the occasion. This was easily the best tennis we have played all season and we are only going to get stronger going into playoffs later in October.”

The Dragons — guaranteed a District 10 2A playoff spot versus the Region 1 champion with the win — is at Bradford on Monday.

JV winners on Friday for Warren included Tasha Ferry, Winnie Wolf, and Ella Card.