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Portola’s girls tennis program could deliver its best team this fall, and do so without having its best player.

The Bulldogs are playing the season without standout junior Kenzie Nguyen. The former O.C. Register player of the year has shifted to homeschool and traveling for tournaments. She also is focused on college recruiting.

But despite her absence, the Bulldogs are off to a 6-0 start and earning rave reviews from rival coaches. Their early-season resume includes 6-2 win against Santa Margarita.

“We are the strongest we’ve been, which is incredible considering we don’t have Kenzie,” Portola coach Natasha Schottland said.

Fortunately for Portola, Nguyen’s twin sister Kylie remains on the roster to help lead the squad.

Kylie holds a Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) of about 8.0 and forms a strong duo with sophomore Jiah Lee, whose UTR rating is about 7.5.

Portola’s depth begins with returners Leanna Roman and Payton Nguyen and newcomer Imani Shah, who is from Great Britain.

Last season, Portola went 14-0 to capture the Pacific Coast League before falling on games to Palos Verdes in the first round of the CIF-SS Open Division playoffs.

It was the second consecutive season the Bulldogs fell in the first round in the Open playoffs, and the program’s fourth straight first-round exit overall.

Portola’s team this fall can certainly distinguish itself by advancing in the playoffs and breaking what Schottland calls the Bulldogs’ “curse.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing the competition this season and hope my team rises to the challenge,” she said. “I would love to break our curse of losing in the first round CIF.”

TEAMS TO WATCH

(Listed alphabetically, records entering Sept. 5)

Aliso Niguel (2-1): The Wolverines are defending Division 1 champion.

Beckman (5-2): The Patriots’ start includes a 3-1 showing at its Fall Showcase last week. Beckman has moved to the South Coast League from the Pacific Coast League.

Corona del Mar (2-2): The Sea Kings have handled reigning state champion Mater Dei 15-3 and University 14-4.

Fountain Valley (2-0): The Barons are heavy on returners, including Chloe Vu and Jaslyn Nguyen.

JSerra (2-0): The Lions opened with an 11-7 victory against Huntington Beach.

Mater Dei (0-2): The reigning state champion hasn’t been full-strength but could be dangerous in the Trinity league.

Orange Lutheran (4-0): The Lancers’ blend of experience and youth should provide more depth this season.

Portola (6-0): The Bulldogs went 4-0 at Beckman’s Fall Showcase to emerge as arguably the top team in the county.

Santa Margarita (7-1): The Eagles’ lone loss came against Portola (6-2) at Beckman’s Fall Showcase. They’re playing the California Tennis Classic this weekend at Clovis East.

University (3-2): The Trojans posted a 3-1 record at Beckman’s Fall Showcase. The Trojans fell to Santa Margarita 6-2.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

A look at some of the area’s top players to watch this season:

Daniela Borruel, Sunny Hills: The USC committed senior and reigning O.C. player of the year is vying to become the first O.C. girl to win three CIF-SS singles titles.

Anna Cherico, Mater Dei: The junior returns as the reigning Trinity League champion.

Kiara Deng, Beckman: Deng ranks as the No. 3 freshman in the state, according to Tennis Recruiting Network.

Grace Kersenbrock: Santa Margarita: Kersenbrock and fellow junior Emily Gao help lead the Eagles.

Kylie Nguyen, Portola: Nguyen has developed into one of the county’s top juniors.

Emilie Lew, Corona del Mar: Lew forms a strong junior duo with Polina Briggs.

Lisa Polkanova, Woodbridge: The All-County junior fell to Beckman’s Kiara Deng 7-6 (6).

Sophie Suh, Orange Lutheran: Suh ranks as the No. 1 freshman in California, according to Tennis Recruiting Network.

KEY EVENTS AND DATES

Here is a brief list of some of the key events this season: CIF-SS playoffs, Nov. 6-15; CIF Southern California Regional, Nov. 22-23; CIF State championship, Nov. 30, Fresno

Please send girls tennis news to Dan Albano at [email protected] or @ocvarsityguy on X and Instagram

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