The Portsmouth High School girls tennis team is making a powerful statement this season, racing to a stellar 9-1 record that has them tied with Timberlane for second place in Division II. For a squad that reached the championship match last year, this isn't just about winning—it's about redemption.
The Clippers have been dominant, posting 9-0 victories in all but one of their wins. Their lone blemish? A narrow 5-4 loss to Souhegan, the reigning Division II state champions, back on April 8. That early-season battle set the tone for a team hungry to return to the title match and flip the script.
"I'm so proud of our team up and down the ladder who continue to work hard and improve each day," said head coach Wendy Poutre. "Our captains, Avery (Porter) and Elyse (White), along with our other seniors, really set the tone."
That senior leadership is the backbone of this squad. Five of the top six players are seniors, with only No. 2 Aia Tracz being a sophomore. The lineup reads like a who's who of experienced talent: Avery Porter at No. 1, Elyse White at No. 3, Anna Syphers at No. 4, Aoife Ryan at No. 5, and Ailish Honda at No. 6. In doubles, the chemistry is just as strong, with Porter and White pairing at No. 1, Tracz and Syphers at No. 2, and Ryan and Honda at No. 3.
"We've definitely been off to a strong start," Porter said. "I think everyone on this team has grown a lot, and we're just really having fun. A lot of us are seniors, and we're really taking in every game, every win and every loss. We had a really good game with Souhegan, and we know we definitely have some tough matches coming up, but we know we're going to put everything into it. We're just really proud of where we are right now."
That blend of focus and fun has been a winning formula. White echoed the sentiment, noting the team's depth and steady improvement. "This season has been really good," she said. "We have a lot of depth on the team. Even from the first practice to now, we've had so much improvement and everyone plays really well together. Everyone has the ability to win, and we're all so focused."
With the regular season winding down, the Clippers are locked in on their ultimate goal: a return to the Division II championship and a chance to rewrite last year's ending. If their current momentum is any indication, this team is ready for the challenge.