Staff photo / John Vargo Struthers’ girls tennis team is sending three to this week’s Division II district in Akron. Pictured, from left, are: Emmah McConahy, Daniella Mendel, Ella Croyle.

STRUTHERS — Daniella Mendel enters this year’s Division II Akron district girls tennis tournament as a No. 2 seed for the second straight year, coming out of the Boardman sectional.

The Struthers High School junior knows what to expect.

“I’m expecting a higher level of play,” she said. “I know these girls are going to bring their all. They’re going to win something. I’m hoping to find the same thing.”

She said school sometimes is a stressor, but Mendel said she’ll do her work and focus on tennis — staying productive.

Getting on the courts east of the high school really helps to decompress the day.

“It helps me forget about anything that’s happening,” said Mendel, who faces Revere’s Morgan Dobos Friday morning at 9 a.m., at the Springside Racquet and Fitness Club in Akron.

The anger melts away on the centrifugal force of the racket to the bouncy yellow tennis ball.

“I find if I had a bad day or am irritated at something, I can bring my anger out there,” Mendel said.

The doubles team of sophomore Emmah McConahy and junior Ella Croyle is a four seed. They face Canton South’s Destiny Winans and Abigail Franks in the first round.

McConahy is a mix of nervous and excited to play different teams in the district.

She plans to temper those nerves.

“I think about play like you’re practicing,” McConahy said. “I’ll be fine. Just tell yourself it’s a game. Do your best, and you’ll be fine.”

Croyle talked to Mendel to know what to expect for district play.

“She kind of prepared me for the fact that people there are well skilled,” Croyle said. “They practice this constantly. Being prepared for people who have gone to districts before. I’m going to see a lot good people who can play the game pretty well.”

They played well in sectional play to move on. The Struthers doubles team was surrounded by family and friends last week when they advanced to district play by winning their quarterfinal matchup at Struthers High School.

“I didn’t think we would make it that far,” Croyle said. “We had a couple rough patches a couple of times. It was exciting, especially that last shot to hit the win. That was nice.”

She’s ready for Friday, not worried at all.

“I try to go with the flow and see what happens,” Croyle said. “I try to practice a lot. I try not to psyche myself out too much, so I don’t get nervous.”

Mendel is glad she’s not making the trip by herself, taking a doubles team for the second straight year. Last season, Emily Vo and Renee Leonard advanced as a Wildcats double team. This year, it’s McConahy and Croyle.

“It’s nice that we’re all making it far and doing the best we can to do something, get a name out there,” Mendel said.