Fox Chapel notebook: Soccer teams tested early

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, September 2, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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Section play is grueling for all WPIAL soccer programs. The way the calendar falls necessitates playing tough games early in the schedule.

Both the Fox Chapel boys and girls programs were tested by perennially WPIAL and PIAA Class 4A challengers Seneca Valley in the first week of the season.

For the Foxes’ girls team, they saw a 1-0 halftime lead slip away in the second half. Fox Chapel allowed a penalty kick and another goal to see Seneca Valley escape with a 2-1 victory. The Foxes (2-1, 1-1) were able to bounce back in their next game by blanking North Hills, 5-0.

Fox Chapel’s boys also battled the Raiders tooth and nail. Seneca Valley was able to grab a 1-0 victory by finding a goal with 11 minutes remaining.

The Fox Chapel boys started 1-1 overall and 0-1 in section.

Foxes learn tough lesson

Fox Chapel knew that rebuilding the football program wouldn’t be accomplished overnight.

What the Foxes found in Week Zero was a look into how the top WPIAL Class 5A programs handle their business. Fox Chapel was blanked by Peters Township, 35-0, on the road. The Foxes didn’t have many offensive drives that crossed midfield.

Fox Chapel defensive back Tyrese Samuels did provide some positive vibes. He intercepted a pass and returned it into Peters Township territory to set up the offense in position to score.

Fox Chapel wasn’t able to cash in on the good field position. The Foxes finished with 27 passing yards to open the season.

Tennis off to strong start

Fox Chapel had a big nonsection match with North Allegheny postponed by rain Aug. 30. The Foxes haven’t had much else to rain on their parade thus far this season. Fox Chapel started 3-0 overall and 2-0 thus far in Section 3-2A.

The Foxes opened section play by sweeping Thomas Jefferson and Woodland Hills, 5-0.

Field hockey looks for spark

Mia Costello scored a goal for Fox Chapel to prevent the Foxes from being shut out in a 3-1 loss to North Allegheny. The Foxes were outshot 20-12 by the Tigers. North Allegheny had more opportunities on penalty corners, holding a 9-5 edge.

Bulldogs roll to big victory

With how WPIAL football sections are set up, Shady Side Academy will have five weeks of nonconference games before attempting to win the Allegheny 6 crown. The Bulldogs didn’t waste their opportunity to get a warmup in during their season opener. Shady Side Academy put up 34 points in the first quarter of a 55-0 victory over Summit Academy.

It was the first win in what the Bulldogs hope will be a much different start than last season. Shady Side Academy rallied to reach the WPIAL semifinals after starting the year 1-4.

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