Fox Chapel tennis eyes continued success

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, August 27, 2017 | 11:00 PM

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Alex Slezak enters his ninth season as coach of the Fox Chapel girls tennis team, and he's feeling optimistic about this season.

Last year, the Foxes finished with a 15-5 record that included a section title and third-place finish in the WPIAL.

Senior Amanda Nord and sophomore Charlotte James won the WPIAL and PIAA doubles championships.

“Amanda has won three WPIAL doubles titles in a row,” Slezak said. “She'll be looking for a sweep this year and also a second PIAA gold medal.”

The Foxes returned their top three singles players: Nord, James and Kristen Friday.

“Our singles lineup will be strong, and we have a large incoming group of freshmen and sophomores who really have been working hard in their tennis training,” he said. “I am looking for them to contribute.”

Even though the team appears to be set in singles, Slezak realizes the importance of solid doubles play.

“Team titles are won with good doubles teams,” he said. “This is an area we will pay close attention to this season. We are hoping to defend our section title. That is our goal, and we again expect Shady Side Academy to be our toughest section rival.”

Fox Chapel opened with a 3-2 win over Mt. Lebanon on Aug. 21 as Nord, James and Friday swept singles. They shut out Allderdice, 5-0, on Aug. 23. Nord, James and Friday won in singles, and in doubles, Molly Wiese and Emily Fera along with Amanda Schilcher and Molly Dean posted wins.

The Foxes (4-0) ended the week with a 3-2 win over Upper St. Clair on Aug. 24 and a 4-1 defeat of Pine-Richland on Friday with Nord, James and Friday earning wins in singles in both contests. Weise and Fera notched a doubles win against Pine-Richland.

Marty Stewart is a freelance writer.

Tags: Fox Chapel