GROVE CITY — Emily Gordon was down 40-love to Hickory's Morgan Bender in the first game of their tennis match last week.

“I'll be honest with you, she surprised me,” said the No. 1 singles player for the Grove City High girls tennis team. “She had a really good serve and I got down. It was really important for me not to give that game up.”

Gordon didn't — she rallied to win the game and won, 6-0, 6-0.

The defending PIAA Class AA champion has won all nine of her matches this season by that score.

It's quite a streak of dominance for Gordon, who lost only one set all last season, that coming in the state championship match she eventually won over Brenna Magliochetti of Bethlehem Catholic.

“I just want to go out and win every single game,” Gordon said. “I want to try not to give a single game up. It's really important to me not to rest on what I have accomplished.”

For Gordon, her senior season so far has been about keeping her focus in matches, as well as getting stronger and better away from them.

Her work goes far beyond what is seen in those 6-0, 6-0 sweeps.

“I go to Pittsburgh on the weekends and after practice to train and lift,” Gordon said. “I'm always working.”

The weight training has helped Gordon prevent the injuries this season that have dogged her in the past.

As a freshman, she sprained her ankle in the state championship match and was forced to retire.

She also entered the playoffs last season banged up and it nearly cost her.

“Not only has the weight lifting helped with my power,” Gordon said, “it's helped with injury prevention.

“I don't want to jinx it,” Gordon answered, chuckling. “I feel really healthy and strong and powerful on the court this year.”

During her matches this season, Gordon has challenged herself in different ways, whether it is focusing on her serve, on certain strokes, or on “just being more consistent and smarter,” she said.

It's worked.

Grove City girls tennis coach Jared Henshaw said Gordon has lifted her game even higher this season.

“I can't take credit for it — it's all her,” Henshaw said. “It's just neat to see her put it all together on the court. From where she was as a freshman until now, there's no comparison.”

And she's done it despite everyone's No. 1 player gunning for her.

“When they go out, they play tough,” Henshaw said. “They all go for it. They're there to compete and I think they relish the opportunity to play (Gordon).”

Gordon has relished the opportunity this season to be a mentor for other members of the Eagles' talented team.

Grove City is 9-0 following a 3-2 win over Wilmington Thursday.

Gordon, of course, won her match, 6-0, 6-0.

But she's been a great aid to singles players Sydney Adams and Addie Reynolds.

She's also helped out in practice with the doubles teams.

“I really like being in that position,” Gordon said. “Sometimes it's hard being with your peers — they don't always listen to you — but they're my best friends. They ask me, 'How do you do this?' and I give them advice. They've been there for me, they all came to states with me, and having their support is half the battle.”

Henshaw said Gordon hasn't let her success go to her head.

“She's so down-to-earth,” Henshaw said. “She just has a gift.”

Gordon will take that gift to Mercyhurst University next season.

She chose the Lakers because of academics — Gordon wants to do something in sports medicine.

Gordon passed up opportunities to play Division I tennis.

“People have asked me, 'Why aren't you playing Division I? You won a state championship,'” Gordon said. “I wanted to put education first. Tennis doesn't last forever.”

Gordon hopes her win streak does, however.

She feels like with her increased strength and the rebirth of her backhand, which she said she lost in the district tournament last season — but won it anyway — she can continue to roll.

“Winning districts for the fourth time is my first goal,” Gordon said. “If I can get that, states is just a bonus. I just want to go there and enjoy it.”