PORTSMOUTH — Every team has a stinker in them, but this one

came at a most inopportune time.

The Portsmouth High School varsity girls’ basketball team was knocked out of contention for the Division I crown when it dropped Tuesday’s quarterfinal against Coventry High, 51-44, at home.

Too many missed shots, as well as some defensive mistakes, sealed the Patriots’ fate.

“It was a good effort, but we picked a bad time to play probably one of our poorer games,” said head coach Richard Glover. “We didn’t shoot well, obviously, but we made some defensive lapses as well. But I have to give Coventry credit. They’re scrappy and they got a lot of offensive rebounds.”

The season is not over for the lady Patriots, however.

“It was disappointing to lose, especially being a playoff game before a big crowd, but I’m happy that we still have an opportunity in the open tournament starting next Wednesday.

We’ll be excited about that. We’re still alive for the season,” said Mr. Glover.

Portsmouth was down by only a point at halftime, 20-19, but the Oakers took control of the game going forward.

The Patriots had trouble containing Coventry’s triple threat of Katie Beaudoin, Carly McNulty and Meagan Willett, who accounted for 42 of the Oakers’ 51 points.

Portsmouth senior co-captain Haley Alves helped keep things close until the final few minutes, when Coventry pulled away. She led all scorers with 17 points and went 4 for 4 from the free-throw line.

Gabby DeComo, a junior, added 11 points. Senior co-captain Haley Oliveira collected 7 points and freshman Kylie Swider had 6.