By Josh Rizzo | TribHSSN
The Fox Chapel girls soccer team never stopped pushing each other. The Foxes were blessed with a freshman class that featured many players who could immediately battle for spots.
Despite finishing in third place in a competitive Section 1-4A race, Fox Chapel caught fire in the postseason to bring a trophy back home.
The Foxes, who reached the WPIAL finals for the first time since 1985, upset section rival North Allegheny, 1-0, to win their first championship. Kate Friday scored the winner 35 seconds into overtime on an assist from Alyssa Quakenbush.
Fox Chapel reached the PIAA quarterfinals before losing to Conestoga. The Foxes finished the season with a 14-5-2 record.
The championship was a highlight for Fox Chapel during a busy school year. Here’s a look at some of the best moments.
Wrestling Back in Playoffs
For the first time since 1971, the Fox Chapel wrestling team won a section title. Fox Chapel beat Peters Township, 37-24, in the first round of the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs.
The Foxes would ultimately be bounced from the playoffs by eventual WPIAL champion Connellsville.
Landon Funk also became the Foxes’ first county champion since 2020 when he won the 114-pound weight class.
Track Piles Up Medals
Hyperextending his finger was no major issue for Mason Miles. The senior shot putter figured out different ways to stay healthy as his injuries healed. When Miles got on the big stage at the PIAA Class 3A championships, he fired a throw of 58 feet, 4.2 feet, to place third.
Miles was the top individual performer for Fox Chapel.
Rowan Gwin placed fourth in the 1,600-meter run, while Anna Trouamn placed sixth in the high jump.
Boys Basketball Makes States
Fox Chapel had no easy road back to the PIAA Class 5A tournament. The Foxes had to battle through the consolation round after losing in the WPIAL quarterfinals. Wins over Kiski and Bethel Park earned the Foxes the WPIAL’s fifth seed.
Fox Chapel upended Erie Cathedral Prep in the first round of the state playoffs before bowing out against Bethel Park.
Pasquella Goes for Gold
Sarah Pasquella won the WPIAL Class 3A title by finishing the 200 free in a time of 1 minute, 51.08 seconds. Pasquella went on to place second at the PIAA tournament in the event.
Owen Howell also claimed a WPIAL title this season, winning the 200 IM in a school record time of 1:52.38.
Fuhrer Hits Goal
The Fox Chapel boys golf team had a solid year. The Foxes shared the section title with Shaler and saw David Fuhrer and Davis Kittsley qualify for the state tournament. Fuhrer shot a 2-under par 142 (72-70) to tie for 10th pace.
Girls Lacrosse in Quarters
The Foxes suffered a heartbreaking loss to rival Shady Side Academy in the WPIAL Class 3A quarterfinals. Fox Chapel, seeded fourth, lost 12-11 to the Bulldogs. Sydney Schutzman scored her 200th goal for the Foxes.