GROVE CITY — Emily Gordon knew in her mind she was out of position, but her body didn't cooperate when Gordon adjusted to where the tennis ball was landing.

The Grove City sophomore tripped over her foot and suffered an ankle injury that ended her first appearance in the PIAA Class AA state tennis championships. Gordon retired in the third set of a 4-6, 6-2, 3-0 loss to eventual state champion, Wilson's Tyra Ott.

Gordon's injury gave her a game-plan for the summer. Get stronger.

“I've always had really weak ankles and wrists,” Gordon said. “I've been working on strengthening my wrists after injuring it in the summer. I feel strong and ready to go.”

Gordon will be the top singles player for a Grove City team that lost its No. 2 player, Claire Casalnova, when she moved to another district.

Eagles coach Jared Henshaw always knows Gordon will put in the time to improve. What he's impressed with is how she handles pressure.

“That's probably one of her strongest abilities, she keeps a level head,” Henshaw said. “She took (her loss at states) maturely and handled it well. ... She is growing this year and is going to be back there and stay healthy.”

Staying healthy and recharging her batteries was a result of taking a little break.

Preparing for a healthy run for the playoffs meant Gordon played with ankle braces during the summer. She plans on using them during regular-season play, but not in the district tournament or beyond.

“It was definitely a major struggle to get back, as much as I wanted to,” Gordon said. “I was scared to re-injure it and make it worse. It's been a hard transition to take (the ankle braces) off.”

After the loss in states, Gordon didn't hit the usual tournament circuit.

Instead, she went back to practice.

“I was trying to be more consistent and last longer in points,” Gordon said. “Not go for a winner every time. I want to play out the point longer and let the other person make the first mistake.”

Gordon hopes that will help her get back to states. Here's a look at what the rest of the area tennis scene has to offer:

Butler

Coach: Alisa Green, 17th season.

Last year's record: 4-7.

Top returners: Savanna Turner, Soph.; Mercedes Belch, Soph.; Jill Ford, Soph.; Andrea Malacaman, Soph.; Jenna Kuntz, Soph.; Alison Hinch, Soph,.; Breanna Anthony, Soph.

Up and coming: Sydney Hanratty, Freshman

Outlook: Turner, Belch and Hanratty will play at No.'s 1, 2 and 3 singles, respectively. Ford is the top returning doubles player. The Golden Tornado have no juniors or seniors on the roster.

“We definitely have some talent and a lot of dedication,” Green said. “This will be a building and development type of year, but these players look promising.”

Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic

Coach: Stephanie Crowley, first season.

Last year's record: First season for program.

Outlook: Crowley has about 10 kids out for the team and is excited to see how the first year can go for the Trojanettes.

Knoch

Coach: Nancy Conlon, third season.

Last year's record: N/A.

Top returners: Molly Conlon, Sr.; Hope Crimbchin, Sr.; Maggie Blair, Jr.; Carly Burdett, Jr.; Sarah Luffy, Jr.; McKenzie Matlack, Jr.; Sharyn Sefton, Jr.

Up and coming: Emma Zinsky, freshman; Alex Jaksec, freshman, Emma West, freshman

Outlook: Nancy Conlon sees more wins in the future for the Knights. For the first time during her tenure, Knoch will have a junior varsity team.

“We never had the numbers for it,” she said. “We had 16 last year and we're up to 24 this year. I'm hoping to split it evenly, 12 and 12. We have a lot more experience and depth.”

Mars

Coach: Mark Varlotta, 15th year.

Last year's record: N/A.

Top returners: Jordan Seles, Sr.; Emily Paras, Sr.

Up and coming: Amelia Haley, Freshman.

Outlook: Making a trip back to the playoffs will require the Planets coming up with the right doubles mix.

“Our singles players are solid,” Varlotta said. “It'll come down to finding the proper dynamic on our doubles' teams, looking for a pair that works. We're still working on ironing out our second doubles team.”

Seneca Valley

Coach: Eric Grove.

Last year's record: 9-8.

Top returners: Allie Head, Sr; Kerry Schults, Sr.; Aubrey Stamchak, Sr.; Cylie Arohnson, Jr.

Up and coming: Allison Frazier, Soph.

Outlook: Seneca Valley was on the outside looking in last season and wants to make a run at the playoffs.

“This is a great group,” Grove said. “They are high energy, very positive. They have a good team dynamic and I am enjoying them.”

Butler Eagle Sports Editor John Enrietto contributed to this report.