Falcons Nest - May 3rd
Falcons enter tournament play.
Middle School Golf
O’Neal vs TSDCH/BCA/TDS Final Score: 167, W
The Navy Team from O'Neal returned to Hillandale with determination to repeat the outcome from the White Team last week as they faced off against TSDCH, BCA, and TDS on another fantastic day for golf. Despite narrowly missing out on the lowest score by just one shot, O'Neal showcased their skill by securing the team victory with an impressive overall low score of 167. Natalia Henderson led the charge with a stellar performance, carding a 37, closely followed by Charlotte Schroen with 40, Olivia Afable with 41, and Harper Harless with 49. It was a collective effort from the team to clinch the win.
O’Neal vs TSDCH/BCA/TDS Final Score: 167, W
The Navy Team from O'Neal returned to Hillandale with determination to repeat the outcome from the White Team last week as they faced off against TSDCH, BCA, and TDS on another fantastic day for golf. Despite narrowly missing out on the lowest score by just one shot, O'Neal showcased their skill by securing the team victory with an impressive overall low score of 167. Natalia Henderson led the charge with a stellar performance, carding a 37, closely followed by Charlotte Schroen with 40, Olivia Afable with 41, and Harper Harless with 49. It was a collective effort from the team to clinch the win.
O’Neal vs Thales Final Score: 156/170 - 186, W
The O'Neal Middle School golf team demonstrated exceptional skill as they hosted Thales Academy on a picturesque Thursday, delivering an outstanding performance. With perfect weather conditions, the Falcons arrived fully prepared to compete at their best. Impressively, three players finished the day under par, with Natalia Henderson leading the charge at an incredible four under with a score of 33, followed closely by Luke Valkovics at three under with 34, and Zeyu Zhao at one under with 36. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as birdie fruit snacks were being handed out left and right. Thales Academy secured third place with a total score of 186, while The White Team claimed second with 170. However, it was The Navy Team that emerged victorious, clinching first place with an impressive team score of 156.
The O'Neal Middle School golf team demonstrated exceptional skill as they hosted Thales Academy on a picturesque Thursday, delivering an outstanding performance. With perfect weather conditions, the Falcons arrived fully prepared to compete at their best. Impressively, three players finished the day under par, with Natalia Henderson leading the charge at an incredible four under with a score of 33, followed closely by Luke Valkovics at three under with 34, and Zeyu Zhao at one under with 36. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as birdie fruit snacks were being handed out left and right. Thales Academy secured third place with a total score of 186, while The White Team claimed second with 170. However, it was The Navy Team that emerged victorious, clinching first place with an impressive team score of 156.
Middle School Girls Soccer
O’Neal vs Freedom Christian Final Score: 3-0, W
This week the Middle School Soccer Team completed their undefeated season with victories against Freedom Christian and Berean Baptist. On Monday, the girls handled hot conditions and a bumpy field to complete the 3-0 victory at Freedom. They kept Freedom Christian under consistent pressure, and even had a penalty kick save to preserve the shutout victory. The girls did a terrific job playing in a variety of positions and winning their individual battles in those areas of the field.
This week the Middle School Soccer Team completed their undefeated season with victories against Freedom Christian and Berean Baptist. On Monday, the girls handled hot conditions and a bumpy field to complete the 3-0 victory at Freedom. They kept Freedom Christian under consistent pressure, and even had a penalty kick save to preserve the shutout victory. The girls did a terrific job playing in a variety of positions and winning their individual battles in those areas of the field.
O’Neal vs Berean Baptist Final Score: 3-1, W
On Thursday, the A and B team combined for a terrific 3-1 victory over Berean Baptist. Each girl embraced their role in the game, and all 27 players at the game were strong contributors. After two first half goals for the Falcons, Berean Baptist scored to close the gap and then quickly put O’Neal under pressure after the ensuing kick-off. The girls held strong to maintain the lead, and then capitalized with a late goal to secure the win. Next week O’Neal will play at home as the #1 seed in the conference tournament.
On Thursday, the A and B team combined for a terrific 3-1 victory over Berean Baptist. Each girl embraced their role in the game, and all 27 players at the game were strong contributors. After two first half goals for the Falcons, Berean Baptist scored to close the gap and then quickly put O’Neal under pressure after the ensuing kick-off. The girls held strong to maintain the lead, and then capitalized with a late goal to secure the win. Next week O’Neal will play at home as the #1 seed in the conference tournament.
Varsity Girls Soccer
With the regular season conference championship locked up last week, there was one goal for all of O’Neal’s matches this week: get ready for the playoffs. That preparation took many forms: working on the little things during a match against a team that posed little threat, playing an old foe from a higher division to prepare for much stronger competition, and beginning the conference tournament with a decisive victory.
O’Neal vs Northwood Temple Academy – Final Score: 9-0, W
Last Friday, O’Neal hosted Northwood Temple Academy and controlled the game from beginning to end. Up 6-0 at halftime, the Falcons set small goals throughout to practice different skills against a live opponent. By the end of the game, Charli Bunder had 4 goals, Gianna Maheu had 2, Jaleesa Eichel scored a bicycle kick, and the Falcons had two players score their first goals of the season: eighth grader Paige Fusonie and defender Kaylee Crow.
O’Neal vs Grace Christian of Sanford – Final Score: 3-3, Tie
On Monday, the skill level of the competition ratcheted way up as the Falcons hosted the only team that beat them last year, Grace Christian of Sanford. O’Neal rose to the occasion and played the best they’ve played all season. Maheu volleyed in a goal with her left foot in the 28th minute to take the lead. After half, Grace tied it, but Kennedi Hamner restored the lead with her first goal of the season on a penalty kick. A very brief lapse in defensive concentration allowed Grace to show their skill and score twice in two minutes to take a 3-2 lead. Jaleesa Eichel curled in a shot to tie it back up in the seventy-first minute, and both teams battled to a tie.
O’Neal vs Freedom Christian Academy – Win 4-0
Thursday saw the beginning of the conference tournament with O’Neal hosting Freedom Christian Academy in the semi-finals after a first-round bye. As happened when they played Freedom both times prior, the Falcons controlled possession the entire time and had to work to break down a packed defense with an excellent keeper. Twice O’Neal scored because of excellent positioning as Maheu and Victoria York tapped in shots that the keeper blocked but didn’t control. Bunder and Jordin Reed both also scored from Eichel’s passes to bring the final score to 4-0.
Thursday saw the beginning of the conference tournament with O’Neal hosting Freedom Christian Academy in the semi-finals after a first-round bye. As happened when they played Freedom both times prior, the Falcons controlled possession the entire time and had to work to break down a packed defense with an excellent keeper. Twice O’Neal scored because of excellent positioning as Maheu and Victoria York tapped in shots that the keeper blocked but didn’t control. Bunder and Jordin Reed both also scored from Eichel’s passes to bring the final score to 4-0.
The Falcons will play in the conference tournament championship Friday 5/3 at home against Fayetteville Christian School, and the state tournament will begin next week. Times and locations for those games are TBD.
Middle School Baseball
RUNS | HITS | RBIs | BB | SO | ||
W | O’Neal | 16 | 19 | 15 | 6 | 2 |
L | Freedom Christian | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Falcon bats were red hot against Freedom Christian Academy totaling 19 hits. Six Falcons Collected multiple hits, Kaiden Taveras led with four hits and three RBIs. Jacob Bullock and Christian Baker had three hits with two doubles for Baker. Parker Maxwell and Liam Enslin had two hits apiece with one double. Jackson Booth also had a two base hit night.
Owen West started for the Falcons with his second appearance of the season. West struck out one and allowed four runs. He was followed by Jackson Booth. Booth struck out five and allowed two runs. Once Booth settled in, he commanded the strike zone and had Freedom Christian on their heels for the rest of the game. Pitchers were well supported by their defense as they played flawlessly. Once again, Ford Kuester had an outstanding play in right field stealing a clutch base hit from FCA.
RUNS | HITS | RBIs | BB | SO | ||
W | O’Neal | 16 | 12 | 15 | 6 | 2 |
L | Berean Baptist | 1 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 7 |
The O’Neal Falcons continue to tear through opponent pitching. The Falcons scored 16 runs on 12 hits against Berean Baptist Academy. Liam Enslin carried the torch for the offensive. He drove in four runs on three hits with one double. Kaiden Taveras, Jaxson Graves, and Jordan Cole each had two hits. Graves and Cole collected one double apiece. Charles Borland, Jackson Booth, and Jacob Bullock also collected one hit apiece for the Falcons.
Jordan Cole took the hill for a late season debut. The lefty struck out five and did not allow any earned runs while permitting only one walk and no hits in two innings of play. Cole was relieved by Parker Maxwell who came in firing away. Maxwell quickly shut down the side striking out two and sealing the victory for the team.
The Falcons close the regular season 10-2 and are well poised for the SAC Tournament.
Varsity Baseball
RUNS | HITS | RBIs | BB | SO | ||
W | O’Neal | 14 | 8 | 11 | 6 | 3 |
L | Northwood Temple | 4 | 12 | 4 | 2 | 5 |
O’Neal Varsity Falcons won big over Northwood Temple Academy last Friday. The Falcons go on the board early when Will Slagle homered to left field scoring two runs and going 2 for 3 on the day adding a double in the middle innings. Jacob Bates went 3 for 5 at the plate and Ricky Mullis also had a multi-hit game going 2 for 3. Manning, Pavlovich, Shepherd, Thomas and Wade also collected hits. The Falcons stole 13 bases for the win.
Jackson Mullis started on the bump as he pitched to his brother, Ricky Mullis for O’Neal’s Senior Night. J. Mullis gets the win going 4 innings and striking out 3 batters. Joey Wade collects the save, pitching 2 innings and delivering 2 strikeouts.
RUNS | HITS | RBIs | BB | SO | ||
L | O’Neal | 10 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 9 |
W | Fayetteville Christian School | 12 | 13 | 10 | 3 | 11 |
The Falcons lose a high scoring slugfest in the second round of conference playoffs coming from a game one bye on Tuesday. The seven-inning game was full of excitement as the Falcons held the lead until a 9-run inning flipped the tides of the game. Jacob Bates hit a 2-run homer in the bottom of the sixth to start a comeback rally from the Nest. But it wasn’t enough to keep their win streak alive heading into the state tournament next week.
Bates hit 2 for 4 with 4 RBIs accompanied by Will Slagle going 2 for 3 with a double, Jacob Shepherd went 3 for 4 with a double. Jackson Mullis, Camden Harrell, Sam Taylor, and Ricky Mullis collected hits on the day.
Joey Wade pitched a solid three innings striking out 5 before FCHS rallied. June Thomas finished the game striking out 6 of 13 batters faced.
Next week the Falcons will start the State Tournament for NCISAA 2A playing Tuesday TBA.
Varsity Boys Tennis
On Monday (4/29) the boy's tennis team demonstrated their skill with a visit to BCA, securing an exceptional 7-2 victory. Notably, they achieved success in the doubles matches and clinched four out of six singles points, showcasing exceptional leadership from senior co-captains Will Kitchens and Owen Williams.
In a heartening return to the lineup after an absence of over three weeks, Ethan Kim reclaimed his position at number 2 singles, displaying commendable determination despite his ongoing shoulder recovery. Kim teamed up with Kitchens to secure victory in the #1 doubles match, further exemplifying the team's collaborative spirit and resilience.
Looking ahead, the team eagerly anticipates the State team tournament next week, awaiting news of their opponent and venue, which will be communicated on Sunday evening.
Photos by Wendy Hodges
Photos by Wendy Hodges
Events Next Week 5/6 - 5/10:
All events are subject to change.
Check our website for the most up-to-date information.
DAY | DATE | OPPONENT | SPORT | H/A | EVENT TIME |
FRI | 5/3/2024 | Pinecrest Last Chance Loading Day | Track and Field | AWAY | NA |
SAT | 5/4/2024 | Pinecrest Last Chance | Track and Field | AWAY | 10:00 AM |
SUN | 5/5/2024 | Boys Golf State Championship Practice Round | BGOLF | AWAY | TBD |
MON | 5/6/2024 | MS SEMSAC TOURNAMENT SEMI FINALS vs. Freedom | MSBASE | HOME | 3:30 PM |
MON | 5/6/2024 | MS SEMSAC TOURNAMENT SEMI FINALS vs. Village | MSGSOC | HOME | 3:30 PM |
TUE | 5/7/2024 | NCISAA 1st Round - TBA | BTN | AWAY | 3:00 PM |
TUE | 5/7/2024 | NCISAA 1st Round - TBA | BASE | TBA | 3:30 PM |
TUE | 5/7/2024 | NCISAA 1st Round - TBA | GSOC | TBA | TBA |
THU | 5/9/2024 | MS SEMSAC TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP - TBA | MSBASE | TBA | 3:30 PM |
THU | 5/9/2024 | MS SEMSAC TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP - TBA | MSGSOC | TBA | 3:30 PM |
THU | 5/9/2024 | NCISAA 2nd Round - TBA | BTN | AWAY | 3:00 PM |
THU | 5/9/2024 | NCISAA 2nd Round - TBA | BASE | TBA | 3:30 PM |
THU | 5/9/2024 | NCISAA 2nd Round - TBA | GSOC | TBA | TBA |
THU | 5/9/2024 | Thales Academy, Apex, St. Mary's Magdalene, Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill (O'Neal Combined Team) | MSGOLF | HOME | 3:15 PM |
FRI | 5/10/2024 | SENIOR DAY - Track and Field - Hannah Center Gym | Track and Field | HOME | 5:30 PM |
SAT | 5/11/2024 | NCISAA 3rd Round | BASE | TBA | 3:30 PM |
SAT | 5/11/2024 | NCISAA 3rd Round | GSOC | TBA | TBA |
SAT | 5/11/2024 | NCISAA 3rd Round | BTN | AWAY | 3:00 PM |
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