Clippers beat Tomahawks, win this battle of the unbeatens

MERRIMACK - The Portsmouth High School girls lacrosse team got five goals from Emily Whitney and Devan Parker each to hand Merrimack its first loss of the season Saturday.

The Clippers outscored the Tomahawks 9-2 in the second half to win 19-9 in a battle of the last two undefeated teams in Division II. Portsmouth is now 9-0 in the division while Merrimack dropped to 9-1.

Lauren Perry led Merrimack with five goals and an assist while Erin MacLean added two goals and an assist. Amber Olson and Kristen Corriea also had a goal apiece for the 'Hawks. Goalie Julia Gladstone made nine saves.

Portsmouth led 10-7 at halftime and increased its lead to five goals early in the second half. Merrimack appeared to cut the lead to back to four on a goal by Perry, but the score was waved off. The 'Hawks got the goal back a few minutes later, but Portsmouth scored again 36 seconds after to make it 13-8.

Merrimack answered again with 18:38 to play to cut the lead to four goals, but on the 'Hawks failed to get a shot off on their next three possessions. After the third trip, Portsmouth scored the first of six unanswered goals.

The 'Hawks are back in action on Monday at Dover, while the Clippers travel to face Bishop Guertin.