By:
Saturday, May 3, 2025, TRIB-LIVE
Brady Matthews didn’t get distraught that his early days in lacrosse were delayed by the covid pandemic. Matthews, who started playing in middle school, missed a season because of the restrictions that put a pause on sports.
Instead, the Fox Chapel junior attack/midfeidler went about improving in his own fashion. While gathering together was still frowned upon, there was nothing wrong with spending time working on his own.
“I went out in the backyard and was practicing throwing the ball against the wall,” Matthews said. “I would do so many with my right hand and so many with my left. It helped me be better with both hands.”
The Foxes (8-3, 2-2) have started to build momentum out of section play with a roster that is built with players who have come a long way since middle school. Fox Chapel has won four straight matches since losing to North Allegheny on April 15, including a 12-10 win over Bethel Park on April 25.
Matthews said he is happy with how the team’s attack has clicked into place. Fox Chapel’s scoring picking up was important to support an already stout defense.
The Foxes have allowed just 6.9 goals per game. Only North Allegheny has a better mark in Section 2-3A.
Junior goaltender Jacob Amster also started playing lacrosse in middle school.
Amster chose his position in a pragmatic way.
“I picked goalie because I was bad, and that was the only way I would play,” Amster said.
Amster’s confidence grew slowly throughout the next few years. He said Fox Chapel’s defense had played so well this season because of how they communicate.
Foxes coach Jordon Hodder said the way the defense played allowed the offense time to branch out and grow.
The Foxes hope their total team effort will help them glide into the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs and cause some problems when they get there.
“We have been locking things down,” Hodder said. “It has given our offense time to get going.”