Falcons Nest - September 12th
It’s been a big week for Falcon Athletics—full of grit, growth, and great wins.
MS Cross Country:
Fresh off class trips, the Falcon runners picked up where they left off with another impressive showcase this week at St. John Paul II. An uphill battle, the Falcons overcame crowded trails and one of the longer courses they will face this year. Strong finishes were a theme, and a huge shout-out to Abigail Schupp (12:30) and Olivia Hardee (12:59) for placing 2nd and 3rd in a field of 83 runners! Charlie Borland and David Risseeuw tied with a whopping time of 12:09, placing 6th and 7th in a strong group of 75 boys. The grit and determination displayed by both the boys and girls clearly showed that the Falcons are a force to be reckoned with.|
Next week, the Falcons travel to Village Christian Academy in Fayetteville for their first meet against conference schools.
Fresh off class trips, the Falcon runners picked up where they left off with another impressive showcase this week at St. John Paul II. An uphill battle, the Falcons overcame crowded trails and one of the longer courses they will face this year. Strong finishes were a theme, and a huge shout-out to Abigail Schupp (12:30) and Olivia Hardee (12:59) for placing 2nd and 3rd in a field of 83 runners! Charlie Borland and David Risseeuw tied with a whopping time of 12:09, placing 6th and 7th in a strong group of 75 boys. The grit and determination displayed by both the boys and girls clearly showed that the Falcons are a force to be reckoned with.|
Next week, the Falcons travel to Village Christian Academy in Fayetteville for their first meet against conference schools.
Varsity Cross Country:
The Falcons raced under beautiful, cloudy 70-degree weather—almost unheard of this time of year and perfect for fast running. The entire team took advantage of the conditions, with every single runner hitting a new season PR compared to last week’s opener. The race plan was to start conservatively through the first mile, then begin moving up by picking off the competition one runner at a time. The Falcons executed it perfectly, with every athlete clocking their second mile within a minute of their first split—a huge improvement from just a week ago. To be able to stick to a race plan this early in the season is an impressive sign of focus and maturity.
The Falcons will carry this momentum into a busy week ahead, with an in-conference meet at Village Christian on Tuesday, September 16th, followed by a trip to Raleigh’s WakeMed Soccer Complex for the Adidas XC Challenge hosted on September 20th. That meet will bring big crowds and deep competition, giving the athletes an exciting chance to test their composure, “run their own race,” and continue building confidence in their ability to move up through the field.
The Falcons raced under beautiful, cloudy 70-degree weather—almost unheard of this time of year and perfect for fast running. The entire team took advantage of the conditions, with every single runner hitting a new season PR compared to last week’s opener. The race plan was to start conservatively through the first mile, then begin moving up by picking off the competition one runner at a time. The Falcons executed it perfectly, with every athlete clocking their second mile within a minute of their first split—a huge improvement from just a week ago. To be able to stick to a race plan this early in the season is an impressive sign of focus and maturity.
The Falcons will carry this momentum into a busy week ahead, with an in-conference meet at Village Christian on Tuesday, September 16th, followed by a trip to Raleigh’s WakeMed Soccer Complex for the Adidas XC Challenge hosted on September 20th. That meet will bring big crowds and deep competition, giving the athletes an exciting chance to test their composure, “run their own race,” and continue building confidence in their ability to move up through the field.
Varsity Girls Tennis
O'Neal vs. The Burlington School: 6-3, W
The Falcons extended their winning streak with a 6–3 victory on the road Monday, Sept 8th. The tennis team traveled to Alamance Country Club to play against The Burlington School. Due to limited courts, the format for both singles and doubles matches were switched to an 8-game pro set. The girls opened with competitive doubles matches on hard courts and came away with two wins at line 2 and 3. This included a commanding 8–1 victory from Beth Cordero and Izzy Grotzke. The girls carried that momentum into their singles matches. The Falcons secured four of the six matches played both on hard and clay courts. Sydney Davis continued her winning streak keeping another opponent to winning zero games off of her. Valentina Roberts, Cordero, and Grotzke all came away with great wins!
The team will be back in action again Friday, September 12th and is again on the road to play a conference match against Village Christian Academy in Fayetteville.
The Falcons extended their winning streak with a 6–3 victory on the road Monday, Sept 8th. The tennis team traveled to Alamance Country Club to play against The Burlington School. Due to limited courts, the format for both singles and doubles matches were switched to an 8-game pro set. The girls opened with competitive doubles matches on hard courts and came away with two wins at line 2 and 3. This included a commanding 8–1 victory from Beth Cordero and Izzy Grotzke. The girls carried that momentum into their singles matches. The Falcons secured four of the six matches played both on hard and clay courts. Sydney Davis continued her winning streak keeping another opponent to winning zero games off of her. Valentina Roberts, Cordero, and Grotzke all came away with great wins!
The team will be back in action again Friday, September 12th and is again on the road to play a conference match against Village Christian Academy in Fayetteville.
Middle School Boys Soccer:
O’Neal vs Berean Baptist: 4-0 W
O’Neal vs Berean Baptist: 4-0 W
The O'Neal Falcons delivered a dominating performance in their recent game, showcasing a remarkable array of tactical combinations. These strategies allowed the Falcons to maintain complete control, consistently keeping the game on their side of the field.
Throughout the match, the Falcons exhibited an assertive offensive presence, generating numerous shots on target. This ownership of the attacking play helped them build significant momentum, leading to continuous improvement in their on-field execution.
Varsity Boys Soccer:
O’Neal vs Berean Baptist: 5-0, W
O’Neal vs Berean Baptist: 5-0, W
The O’Neal Falcons Boys Varsity Soccer Team delivered a commanding 5-0 victory over the Berean Baptist Bulldogs in their third home game of the season, securing an important conference win in front of an energized home crowd.
From kickoff, the Falcons took control of the match, dominating possession and winning nearly every 50/50 ball. Their pressure paid off when Andrew Miller calmly converted from the penalty spot after a Berean handball in the box, putting O’Neal ahead 1-0. The Falcons continued to generate chances but were denied by a series of strong saves from the Bulldogs’ goalkeeper.
Berean attempted to battle back, but Falcons goalkeeper Liam Enslin produced a string of excellent saves to keep the Bulldogs scoreless. Building from that defensive confidence, O’Neal doubled their advantage late in the first half. Off a corner kick, Jack Habets collected the ball at the edge of the box, weaved through two defenders, and rifled a shot inside the near post to make it 2-0 heading into halftime.
The Falcons slowed briefly after the break but relied on a rock-solid back line of Joseph Lucas, Parker Fusonie, Andrew Hobbs, and Matt Davis to keep Berean from finding any rhythm. Once the midfield trio of Gabe Marrero, Oriol Mateu Masdeu, and Habets began pulling the strings, O’Neal reasserted control. Midway through the second half, Miller slipped a perfectly timed pass to Rhett Hardin, who finished clinically to extend the lead to 3-0.
The Falcons’ depth then came to life. Shahir Batterjee provided creativity in attack, Johannes Pester added defensive stability, and substitute Holden Boyd injected energy with aggressive pressing that frustrated Berean’s back line. Neelix McLaurin also impressed with disciplined defending, while Lucas nearly stole the show with a bicycle kick that narrowly missed the top corner.
With momentum fully theirs, O’Neal struck twice more to finish off the Bulldogs. Hardin capitalized on a quick turnover to score his second goal of the night, and Habets closed the scoring with a long-range rocket that left the goalkeeper no chance.
When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 5-0 — a statement win that showcased the Falcons’ balance of attacking flair and defensive steel.
O’Neal now turns its attention to Friday’s road test against conference rival Village Christian Academy, with kickoff set for 5:30 p.m.
Middle School Volleyball:
O’Neal vs Freedom Christian Academy: 1-2 (25-18, 12-25, 8-14), L
O’Neal vs Freedom Christian Academy: 1-2 (25-18, 12-25, 8-14), L
What a week for the Middle School Volleyball Team! On Monday, September 8th, the girls hit the road to face Freedom Christian, a tough league opponent. They started strong, winning the first set with powerful hits by Kayla McWhinney and Emma Garrison, plus impressive dives from Grace Chabalko to keep plays alive. Although they couldn’t hold the momentum and dropped the next two sets, the effort was clear.
O’Neal vs Berean Baptist Academy: 2-1 (7-25, 25-13, 15-13), W
The very next day, September 9th, the team bounced back at home in Hannah Gym with a thrilling performance. After a slow first set, the Falcons stormed back in the second with a 10-point serving streak by McWhinney, steady rallies, and strong control. The third set was a nail-biter, highlighted by smart tips from Garrison and clutch plays from Chabalko, ending in a 15–13 win. It’s been an exciting week full of growth, energy, and confidence for the team, and they’re ready to keep building on their progress!
The very next day, September 9th, the team bounced back at home in Hannah Gym with a thrilling performance. After a slow first set, the Falcons stormed back in the second with a 10-point serving streak by McWhinney, steady rallies, and strong control. The third set was a nail-biter, highlighted by smart tips from Garrison and clutch plays from Chabalko, ending in a 15–13 win. It’s been an exciting week full of growth, energy, and confidence for the team, and they’re ready to keep building on their progress!
Varsity Volleyball:
O’Neal vs. Freedom Christian Academy 2-3 (25-20, 16-25, 25-19, 24-26, 12/15), L
The Falcons came out strong on the road Monday night, taking the first set and surprising the #2 team in the conference. A string of early errors in the second set created a deficit that was too much to overcome, but the team quickly regrouped and took the third set with confidence. The fourth set was a battle all the way into extra points, with both teams trading momentum before Freedom narrowly took the win to force a fifth. The Falcons left everything on the court in the deciding set but ultimately fell 12-15.
Despite the result, O’Neal walked away knowing they played some of their best volleyball of the season, proving they can go toe-to-toe with one of the conference’s toughest opponents.
O’Neal vs Berean Baptist Academy 2-3 (25-20, 25-17, 20-25, 24-26, 14-16), L
Coming off Monday’s strenuous five-set match, the Falcons opened strong against Berean Baptist, taking the first two sets with confidence and energy. The third set saw a shift in rotation that disrupted the team’s rhythm, allowing the Bulldogs to gain confidence and steal the set. O’Neal regrouped in the fourth, battling point for point and forcing extra points, but ultimately falling to push the match to a fifth set.
In the final set, the Falcons fought hard but fatigue from back-to-back five-set matches showed late, and Berean edged out the win. Despite the loss, the Falcons displayed resilience and grit in their third five-set match of the season.
For the match, Elli Hood led the Falcons with 8 aces and 13 kills, while Jane Nguyen contributed 6 aces to keep the pressure on the Bulldogs’ serve receive. Laura Shulze and Kennedi Hamner were strong at the net with 12 kills apiece. Lily Stanley ran the offense efficiently, tallying 31 assists, and on defense, Jordin Reed and Myer Johnson anchored the back row with 16 digs each, while Hamner added 15.
The Falcons took Wednesday off to participate in the Athletics Service Project and were back in the gym Thursday to prepare to take on Village Christian Academy Friday in Fayetteville.
O’Neal vs. Freedom Christian Academy 2-3 (25-20, 16-25, 25-19, 24-26, 12/15), L
The Falcons came out strong on the road Monday night, taking the first set and surprising the #2 team in the conference. A string of early errors in the second set created a deficit that was too much to overcome, but the team quickly regrouped and took the third set with confidence. The fourth set was a battle all the way into extra points, with both teams trading momentum before Freedom narrowly took the win to force a fifth. The Falcons left everything on the court in the deciding set but ultimately fell 12-15.
Despite the result, O’Neal walked away knowing they played some of their best volleyball of the season, proving they can go toe-to-toe with one of the conference’s toughest opponents.
O’Neal vs Berean Baptist Academy 2-3 (25-20, 25-17, 20-25, 24-26, 14-16), L
Coming off Monday’s strenuous five-set match, the Falcons opened strong against Berean Baptist, taking the first two sets with confidence and energy. The third set saw a shift in rotation that disrupted the team’s rhythm, allowing the Bulldogs to gain confidence and steal the set. O’Neal regrouped in the fourth, battling point for point and forcing extra points, but ultimately falling to push the match to a fifth set.
In the final set, the Falcons fought hard but fatigue from back-to-back five-set matches showed late, and Berean edged out the win. Despite the loss, the Falcons displayed resilience and grit in their third five-set match of the season.
For the match, Elli Hood led the Falcons with 8 aces and 13 kills, while Jane Nguyen contributed 6 aces to keep the pressure on the Bulldogs’ serve receive. Laura Shulze and Kennedi Hamner were strong at the net with 12 kills apiece. Lily Stanley ran the offense efficiently, tallying 31 assists, and on defense, Jordin Reed and Myer Johnson anchored the back row with 16 digs each, while Hamner added 15.
The Falcons took Wednesday off to participate in the Athletics Service Project and were back in the gym Thursday to prepare to take on Village Christian Academy Friday in Fayetteville.
Varsity Girls Golf
Sandhills Athletic Conference 9-Hole Match: 119 (+47)
The Falcons girls’ varsity team traveled to Gates Four CC in Fayetteville to compete in the nine-hole match. Maddie Leland shot 59 and teammate Olivia Garcia finished with a 60. A minimum of three players is needed to field a team so both of our players competed as individuals. There are no matches scheduled next week, and the girls continue to work with Coach Wherry to shape their games.
Click here for High Res Photos from Wendy Hodges of The Pines Media
Sandhills Athletic Conference 9-Hole Match: 119 (+47)
The Falcons girls’ varsity team traveled to Gates Four CC in Fayetteville to compete in the nine-hole match. Maddie Leland shot 59 and teammate Olivia Garcia finished with a 60. A minimum of three players is needed to field a team so both of our players competed as individuals. There are no matches scheduled next week, and the girls continue to work with Coach Wherry to shape their games.
Click here for High Res Photos from Wendy Hodges of The Pines Media
Falcon Athletics Next Week 9/15/25 - 9/20/25:
DAY | DATE | OPPONENT | SPORT | H/A | EVENT TIME |
MON | 09/15/25 | Fayetteville Christian School | GTN | HOME | 3:30 PM |
MON | 09/15/25 | Fayetteville Christian School | MSBSOC | HOME | 3:30 PM |
MON | 09/15/25 | Fayetteville Christian School | MSVB | HOME | 3:30 PM |
MON | 09/15/25 | Fayetteville Christian School | BSOC | HOME | 5:15 PM |
MON | 09/15/25 | Fayetteville Christian School | VB | HOME | 4:45 PM |
TUE | 09/16/25 | Northwood Temple | MSBSOC | AWAY | 3:30 PM |
TUE | 09/16/25 | Northwood Temple | MSVB | AWAY | 3:30 PM |
TUE | 09/16/25 | Northwood Temple | BSOC | AWAY | 5:00 PM |
TUE | 09/16/25 | Village Christian | MSXC | AWAY | G 3:30 PM/B 4 PM B |
TUE | 09/16/25 | Village Christian | XC | AWAY | B 4:30 PM G5:15 PM |
TUE | 09/16/25 | Forsyth Country Day | GTN | HOME | 4:30 PM |
TUE | 09/16/25 | Northwood Temple | VB | AWAY | 5:00 PM |
THU | 09/18/25 | Seaforth High | GTN | HOME | 4:00 PM |
FRI | 09/19/25 | Grace Christian Sanford | MSBSOC | AWAY | 4:00 PM |
FRI | 09/19/25 | Grace Christian Sanford | BSOC | AWAY | 5:30 PM |
SAT | 9/20/25 | Adidas XC Challenge | XC | AWAY | 9:00 AM |
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