The Fox Chapel boys tennis team has the luxury of having a roster filled with depth and experience. Other than Frank Siegel, the No. 3 singles player, everyone else on the varsity roster is a senior.
That may make a big difference for the Foxes as they battle for first place in Section 3-3A. Fox Chapel (5-1, 3-0) is tied for first place with Allderdice. Foxes coach Alex Slezak said the tennis community in Fox Chapel is tight knit.
“All of the kids in Fox Chapel grow up and play tennis together, even if they aren’t the same age,” Slezak said. “It’s a nice, close-knit community. It’s good for practice and to have a competitive environment in general.”
Fox Chapel has Mason Friday as the No. 1 singles player this season. Slezak said that Friday wanted to prove he could handle the top spot.
As Friday has grown through the program, Slezak said his strength and ability has taken major steps forward.
“I think he’s stepped into the role just fine,” Slezak said. “It was something he was looking forward to doing. It was a goal he set for himself during tryouts. He’s comfortable with it.”
Fox Chapel’s only loss this season was a 3-2 setback against North Allegheny. The Foxes picked up wins via sweeps against Baldwin, Peters Township, Shaler and Woodland Hills.
“I try not to set any expectations,” Slezak said. “We want to get better every day. We wanted to work a little harder every day and maximize their talent.”
The Foxes look forward to their match against Shady Side Academy. Since the Bulldogs already lost to Allderdice, they will need to beat the Foxes.
Fox Chapel last won the section in 2023.
“Shady Side is always going to be our No. 1 competition,” Slezak said. “When the time comes to play that match, we’ll give it our all and put it all on the line.”