By:
Saturday, April 26, 2025, TRIB-LIVE
The Fox Chapel boys lacrosse team can count on its defense keeping every game close. What Foxes coach Jordon Hodder hopes is that the attack has finally found its footing.
Fox Chapel scored 19 goals in a win over Norwin on April 21. The Foxes followed that up by grinding out a 9-8 win over Upper St. Clair on Senior Night.
The Foxes have the second-best goals-allowed average in Section 2-3A by conceding 6.8 per contest. Only North Allegheny has been more effective, only allowing 6.7 per game.
Goalkeeper Jacob Amster has put together a strong string of performances.
“I think we are finding our stride, especially offensively,” Hodder said. “The win over Norwin propelled us into the game against USC. We were tied once, but otherwise led the entire way against Norwin.”
The Foxes (6-3, 2-2) would like to find a way to avoid being stuck in a logjam in the middle of the section. North Allegheny and Shady Side Academy are both unbeaten in section play. The Foxes are a half-game behind Pine-Richland.
Hodder said he expected sophomore Tucker Cullen to pick up where he left off as one of the team’s top scoring options. What Hodder has been pleased with is how other players have developed as well.
Brady Matthews has displayed good versatility.
“He’s developed into a phenomenal two-way midfielder,” Hodder said. “He is able to use his right and left hand. He’s got a bright future. We have good pieces around him. They are starting to gain confidence.”
Griffin McCaffrey, Dominic Rothmeyer and Tyler Goldstein have also found ways to play important roles in the attack. If they aren’t scoring goals, they are able to help put their teammates in good spots to contribute.
Hodder said the lineup has started to blend together well.
“We had a lot of new starters,” Hodder said. “There are a lot of new guys in the spotlight. They are starting to work together better. We have been passing and moving the ball well and trying to help everyone out. We have more threats on the field.”
Hodder said that he thinks the team is built well to win late in the season. This team hasn’t folded down the stretch.
Fox Chapel proved its mettle in close wins against Seneca Valley and Upper St. Clair.
“We want to continue to put four quarters together,” Hodder said. “This year we’ve dealt with adversity better than in the past.”