New England Women Win 2026 Friendship Cup in Mont Tremblant

After a one-year hiatus, a team of 14 women from across New England traveled to Mont Tremblant, Quebec, on the weekend of June 26–28 to compete in the 42nd Annual Women’s Friendship Cup. The team was greeted by beautiful summer weather and had the privilege of competing on the picturesque red clay courts at the Mont Tremblant Beach and Tennis Club, providing the perfect setting for a weekend of spirited competition and camaraderie.

This year's New England squad featured seven returning players and seven first-time participants, blending experience with fresh enthusiasm. The team was also fortunate to have veteran Friendship Cup participant Allyson Bolduc in attendance. Although she was unable to compete on court this year, Allyson’s unwavering support, encouragement, and behind-the-scenes assistance exemplified the spirit of the Friendship Cup and helped make the weekend run smoothly for all players.

The Friendship Cup format features two players from each of seven age divisions, ranging from the 40s through the 70s in five-year increments. Each player contested a singles match on Saturday before partnering in doubles on Sunday; every point counted.

After falling to Quebec 20–7 in 2024, the New England team arrived knowing they faced a formidable challenge against a talented and experienced opponent. Saturday's singles competition featured numerous tightly contested matches, with New England rising to the occasion to build an impressive 9–5 advantage heading into doubles.

One of the weekend's most memorable matches came at the women's 70s #1 singles position, where Vermont's Helga Immerfall battled Quebec's Claudine Lévillé. After dropping a heartbreaking first-set tiebreak, Immerfall rallied to win the second set in another tiebreak before Lévillé was forced to retire with an injury early in the deciding set. The dramatic 6-7, 7-6, 1-1 (ret.) victory lasted more than three hours and epitomized the competitive spirit and resilience displayed throughout the weekend.

New England carried its momentum into Sunday's doubles competition, continuing its strong play across the age divisions. The team ultimately secured a convincing 14–7 overall victory, reclaiming the Friendship Cup and avenging last year's defeat.

Another standout performance came in the women's 45s doubles, where Massachusetts' Cecily Wiswell and Vermont's Jen Oshita demonstrated remarkable resilience. After both players had tough singles losses on Saturday, they regrouped to defeat Virginie Villani and Gaëlle Simian, who together formed one of Quebec's strongest pairings. Simian's impressive résumé includes the 2019 Canadian National 40+ singles championship and the 35+ doubles championship, making the New England victory especially noteworthy.

For more than four decades, the annual competition has celebrated international friendship, sportsmanship, and the lasting bonds formed through tennis. Both teams are looking forward to renewing their friendly rivalry when the Friendship Cup returns to New England in 2027.

The New England team extends its sincere appreciation to the New England Senior Tennis Foundation (NESTF) for its continued financial support. NESTF's generosity has helped preserve many of the traditions that make the Friendship Cup so special, including providing commemorative team shirts for every player and exchanging gifts with our Canadian hosts and competitors. Their commitment to senior tennis continues to strengthen this unique event and the friendships it fosters every year.