FOX CHAPEL — The unusual nature of this tennis match was not lost on Laura Greb and Brooke Bauer.

The Knoch teammates found themselves on opposite sides of the net Thursday at Shady Side Academy.

It had happened before — most recently just a week ago when the two juniors squared off for the section singles title — but this time was different.

This was for a WPIAL Class AAsingles championship.

“I tried to think of it as any other match,” Greb said. “There was definitely more nerves because I was playing against one of my good friends.”

“It's definitely a unique opportunity,” Bauer added. “To be both playing (for a championship) means we're both doing well.”

The two Knights battled in a match Greb eventually won, 6-1, 6-2, for her third consecutive WPIAL title.

The win was by no means a breeze for Greb.

“There were lots of long points,” Greb said. “Brooke played really well.”

For Knoch coach Nancy Conlon, it was also an unusual afternoon.

“One's going to lose and one's going to win,” Conlon said. “There's no way around that.

“The score was not indicative of the quality of play,” Conlon added. “It was a great match. Laura had fewer errors. That's what it came down to.”

Greb beat Sewickley Academy's Simran Bedi (6-0, 6-1) last year and downed Katherine Marks of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (6-4, 6-1) as a freshman for her other WPIAL titles.

Winning a third straight meant a lot to Greb.

“It's a huge accomplishment and I'm super happy,” Greb said. “I've been working hard all season so it feels good.”

Greb has been trying to improve her footwork and speed on the court.

With a polished all-around game, Greb identified her quickness as something she could do to take her game to another level.

“It's a lot of off-the-court training,” Greb said. “A lot of running. I also incorporate drills on the court to improve my speed.”

It's all an effort to get over the hump at the state level.

Two years in a row Greb lost to Brenna Magliochetti of Bethlehem Catholic,

Magliochetti graduated, leaving Greb as one of the favorites to win the crown this year.

Her biggest stumbling block may be wearing the same uniform.

Bauer has made marked improvements this season after back-to-back third-place WPIAL finishes.

“I really worked on the mental part of the game,” Bauer said. “It's helped me be more positive and have more positive outcomes on the court.”

It also helps that Bauer's shots have more zip on them this year.

“I've definitely tried to get stronger and hit stronger shots,” Bauer said. “That makes a big difference.”

Greb and Bauer will be on the opposite ends of the PIAA Class AA bracket.

While neither of them is thinking too far ahead, both have entertained the possibility that they could meet again.

With a state title on the line.

“Oh, that would be amazing,” Greb said. “It would be super exciting for both of us.”

“It would definitely be a challenge,” Bauer added. “If we could get to that point, it would be amazing. I know both of us would play our hardest. I always enjoy playing against her. We know each other so well and it's always a good match. We push each other and go at each other and after, we are still close friends.”