It didn’t bother the Struthers High School player.

She ended Saturday’s play as a No. 2 seed heading to Friday’s and Saturday’s Division II Akron District at the Springside Racquet and Fitness Club.

Nerves heading into the semifinals and finals. She had plenty, especially going into Monday’s third-round matchup with John F. Kennedy’s Paras Kontos, a third-seeded player at the sectional. Mendel won in three sets to advance.

“It was kind of a nerve-wracking one,” Mendel said. “I saw that she was seeded. Obviously, that’ll bring your nerves up. Wow, she’s good. I beat the No. 1-seeded girl (Lakeview’s Laura Garvin) during the season. I was like, ‘I really do have a chance to come up here even though I may look like the underdog.’ ”

Staff photo / John Vargo Struthers’ Emily Vo hits a forehand.

Emily Vo played singles most of the year, until two weeks ago. She was paired with teammate Renee Leonard, Vo’s best friend.

The two have a good dynamic there, working together well heading into district play as a No. 4 seed.

“I am so grateful for her because going to doubles is a little different for me,” Vo said. “She’s helping me with where to move. I can always rely on her to be up at the net, be there for me if I can’t be there somewhere.”

The two will have good mental game moving forward.

“Don’t show them if you’re down, if you are down,” Leonard said. “Have a positive attitude.”

Staff photos / John Vargo Struthers’ Renee Leonard returns the ball during Saturday's Division II Boardman Sectional.

Mendel’s attitude hasn’t changed.

“I’m just here to play my best,” she said. “I lose, I lose. As long as I play my hardest out there, anything could happen.”