Fresh off WPIAL title, Fox Chapel girls face new challenge in Class 3A

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, August 25, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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The defending WPIAL Class 4A girls soccer champions are dropping down a class, but Fox Chapel coach Carlo Prati knows that repeating as champions likely won’t be any easier in Class 3A.

Defending PIAA champion Moon, returning WPIAL champion South Fayette and perennial state power Mars will all have something to say about that. The Foxes, who were scheduled to open the season Aug. 23 against Shady Side Academy, made their nonsection schedule as difficult as possible to ensure they don’t lose a beat.

Fox Chapel finished last season 14-5-2, stunning North Allegheny, 1-0, in the WPIAL title game before ultimately losing the PIAA quarterfinals to Conestoga.

“The second we were in last year, we needed to be prepared no matter who we were facing,” Prati said. “I told everyone that every team is going to want to beat you guys. Everyone is looking at us now. I stacked the nonsection schedule.”

Fox Chapel will travel to face old section rivals Seneca Valley and North Allegheny. The Foxes will also face Norwin, Peters Township and South Fayette away from home. Fox Chapel’s new section will include Gateway, Hampton, Mars, Obama Academy, Penn Hills and Shaler.

The Foxes return plenty of punch in their attack. Sophomore Emily McKee led the team with 24 goals last season.

“She makes everything look easy,” Prati said. “She’s definitely gotten stronger. She will be up to the challenge of other teams marking her. She took a lot of people by storm last year, scoring like she did last year.”

McKee is one of eight returning starters from last season. Senior Alyssa Quakenbush should help facilitate the attack after handing out 20 assists last season. Maya Dipasquale, Maddie Grimsley, Bella Urso, Antonia Linzoain, Taylor Wilkinson and Caylie Wilkinson will return.

Prati said replacing Anna Troutman, an all-WPIAL player from last season, will challenge their backline. Fox Chapel also lost Kate Friday, who is playing at Xavier this season.

Lia Pizzella is coming off an injury but should see time in net for Fox Chapel. Gianna Patterson will also play keeper for the Foxes.

“I think we are similar to last year,” Prati said. “We still have a lot of speed going forward. Nothing crazy is going to change this year.”

Tags: Fox Chapel