Falcons Nest - October 2
Falcons Find Teamwork & Growth
Varsity Volleyball
O'Neal vs. Fayetteville Academy: 0-3, Loss (26-28, 26-28, 20-25)
The Falcons traveled to Fayetteville Academy on Tuesday, September 29th and pushed their hosts to the wire in a match decided by just nine points across three sets. O'Neal reached 26 in each of the first two sets, both of which went to extra points before Fayetteville Academy edged them out. Playing with a short bench, the Falcons turned in their best attacking performance of the season, swinging more often and more efficiently than in any match this year.
Lizzie Gomlak led the way with 10 kills, her best offensive match of the season. Stella McPeake was perfect on her swings, putting down five kills without a single error, and Mallory McPeake stepped in at middle for the first time and added four kills of her own. Lily Austin contributed six more, while Myer Johnson turned in the best passing match of her season and led the Falcons with 26 digs. Julie Wilson passed above her season average and chipped in four digs from the back row. Emma Garrison ran the offense by herself across all three sets.
O'Neal vs. Trinity Christian: 3-1, Win (25-7, 23-25, 25-16, 25-17)
The Falcons picked up their third win of the season on Thursday, October 1st, beating Trinity Christian in four sets at home to complete a season sweep of the series. O'Neal set the tone immediately with a dominant 25-7 opening set, and after Trinity answered in a tightly contested second, the Falcons regained control to close the match out with convincing 25-16 and 25-17 wins. O'Neal served aggressively from start to finish, consistently keeping Trinity out of system and never allowing them to settle into an offensive rhythm.
Myer Johnson and Lily Austin controlled the court with an excellent passing night, giving the Falcons steady first contacts and letting the offense run the way it is drawn up. Stella McPeake turned in another solid hitting performance, and Mallory McPeake was aggressive all evening from the right side — the third different position she has filled for O'Neal in as many matches.
The Falcons return to action Monday, October 5th, against Berean Baptist Academy with a 5:15PM start time.
O'Neal vs. Fayetteville Academy: 0-3, Loss (26-28, 26-28, 20-25)
The Falcons traveled to Fayetteville Academy on Tuesday, September 29th and pushed their hosts to the wire in a match decided by just nine points across three sets. O'Neal reached 26 in each of the first two sets, both of which went to extra points before Fayetteville Academy edged them out. Playing with a short bench, the Falcons turned in their best attacking performance of the season, swinging more often and more efficiently than in any match this year.
Lizzie Gomlak led the way with 10 kills, her best offensive match of the season. Stella McPeake was perfect on her swings, putting down five kills without a single error, and Mallory McPeake stepped in at middle for the first time and added four kills of her own. Lily Austin contributed six more, while Myer Johnson turned in the best passing match of her season and led the Falcons with 26 digs. Julie Wilson passed above her season average and chipped in four digs from the back row. Emma Garrison ran the offense by herself across all three sets.
O'Neal vs. Trinity Christian: 3-1, Win (25-7, 23-25, 25-16, 25-17)
The Falcons picked up their third win of the season on Thursday, October 1st, beating Trinity Christian in four sets at home to complete a season sweep of the series. O'Neal set the tone immediately with a dominant 25-7 opening set, and after Trinity answered in a tightly contested second, the Falcons regained control to close the match out with convincing 25-16 and 25-17 wins. O'Neal served aggressively from start to finish, consistently keeping Trinity out of system and never allowing them to settle into an offensive rhythm.
Myer Johnson and Lily Austin controlled the court with an excellent passing night, giving the Falcons steady first contacts and letting the offense run the way it is drawn up. Stella McPeake turned in another solid hitting performance, and Mallory McPeake was aggressive all evening from the right side — the third different position she has filled for O'Neal in as many matches.
The Falcons return to action Monday, October 5th, against Berean Baptist Academy with a 5:15PM start time.
Middle School Volleyball
O'Neal vs. Fayetteville Academy: 2-0, Win (25-11, 26-24)
O'Neal vs. Fayetteville Academy: 2-0, Win (25-11, 26-24)
On Tuesday, September 29, the Middle School Girls Volleyball team traveled to Fayetteville Academy and put their hard work in practice on full display. The girls won both sets, showing aggressive plays and strong teamwork, including their first game with a libero—shoutout to Makenzie Kemp! The team’s serves were especially consistent in the first set, with Kennedy Morrow putting together an impressive streak of nine serves, four of them aces, helping the girls secure a 25–11 win. We also saw great hits from Arya Stingle, smart tips and pushes from Mary Chabalko and Kayla McWhinney, and strategic swings to the line from Evelyn Scogin. The second set was much more nerve-wracking as Fayetteville Academy came out playing more aggressively, but the girls stayed composed. Ruby Emond made several great receptions and an impressive backward pass, while Evelyn added five kills and Arya added three. After a close battle, the girls finished the set 26–24 to earn another exciting victory!
O'Neal vs. St. Patrick's Catholic School: 2-1, Win (25-19, 14-25, 16-14)
On Thursday, October 1, the Middle School Girls Volleyball team welcomed St. Patrick to their home court for an unforgettable match. The girls came out strong in the first set, showing confidence, great communication, and smart reactions from Kennedy Morrow, along with strategic pushes and swings from Arya Stingle. Kaylee Wilson had an impressive serving streak of eight serves, including six aces, helping the team secure the first set. The second set was much tighter, and the girls struggled to maintain their morale as the opposing crowd cheered loudly, eventually losing the set 25–14. But the energy in the court and gymnasium during the third set was unbelievable! After starting behind and struggling with communication and receptions, the girls locked in and worked together as a team. They fought for every ball, stayed calm under pressure, and delivered some of their best volleyball of the season. The girls not only caught up in points but went on to win the set by two points! A special shoutout goes to Kennedy Morrow and Olivia Hardee for their aggressive serves under pressure. It was incredible to see the bench cheering their hearts out and, most importantly, to see the girls show just how strong they can be when they play together as a team.
Varsity Girls Tennis
O'Neal vs. Fayetteville Academy: 0-9, Loss
The Lady Falcons faced two strong opponents this week, beginning with a road match at Fayetteville Academy on Monday. Despite a 0–9 loss, the team competed with grit and sportsmanship, continuing to battle for every point. Facing a strong opponent gave the Falcons valuable experience and opportunities to sharpen their play under pressure.
O'Neal vs. Carolina Friends: 3-6, Loss
On Thursday, the Falcons hosted Carolina Friends in a closely contested matchup. The teams split the six singles matches, sending the Falcons into doubles tied 3–3. Long rallies and competitive games kept the afternoon exciting, but Carolina Friends ultimately secured the doubles points for a 3–6 Falcons loss.
Throughout both matches, Valentina Roberts stood out for her focus, competitive spirit, and positive attitude. Her consistent effort and leadership helped set the tone for the Falcons during a challenging week, earning her the team’s Athlete of the Week recognition.
O'Neal vs. Fayetteville Academy: 0-9, Loss
The Lady Falcons faced two strong opponents this week, beginning with a road match at Fayetteville Academy on Monday. Despite a 0–9 loss, the team competed with grit and sportsmanship, continuing to battle for every point. Facing a strong opponent gave the Falcons valuable experience and opportunities to sharpen their play under pressure.
O'Neal vs. Carolina Friends: 3-6, Loss
On Thursday, the Falcons hosted Carolina Friends in a closely contested matchup. The teams split the six singles matches, sending the Falcons into doubles tied 3–3. Long rallies and competitive games kept the afternoon exciting, but Carolina Friends ultimately secured the doubles points for a 3–6 Falcons loss.
Throughout both matches, Valentina Roberts stood out for her focus, competitive spirit, and positive attitude. Her consistent effort and leadership helped set the tone for the Falcons during a challenging week, earning her the team’s Athlete of the Week recognition.
Varsity Girls Golf
The Falcons competed in two nine-hole matches this week, starting Tuesday at Bayonet at Puppy Creek. O’Neal finished fourth in a field of six teams, with Charlie Higashi posting the Falcons’ low round of 52. The match gave the team another opportunity to gain competitive experience as the fall season heads into its final stretch.
On Thursday, O’Neal welcomed visiting teams to its home course at Legacy Lakes for a well-attended afternoon of golf. Hosting is always a highlight for the Falcons, and visiting teams love the opportunity to compete here in the Sandhills, where golf is such a special part of our community. It was a fun opportunity to share our home course and bring teams together for friendly competition.
The Falcons earned another fourth-place finish, with Higashi once again leading the team. Her round of 51 improved on Tuesday’s score by one stroke and capped a consistent week on the course.
The Falcons competed in two nine-hole matches this week, starting Tuesday at Bayonet at Puppy Creek. O’Neal finished fourth in a field of six teams, with Charlie Higashi posting the Falcons’ low round of 52. The match gave the team another opportunity to gain competitive experience as the fall season heads into its final stretch.
On Thursday, O’Neal welcomed visiting teams to its home course at Legacy Lakes for a well-attended afternoon of golf. Hosting is always a highlight for the Falcons, and visiting teams love the opportunity to compete here in the Sandhills, where golf is such a special part of our community. It was a fun opportunity to share our home course and bring teams together for friendly competition.
The Falcons earned another fourth-place finish, with Higashi once again leading the team. Her round of 51 improved on Tuesday’s score by one stroke and capped a consistent week on the course.
Varsity Cross Country
On Saturday, September 26th, the Falcons XC team traveled to Oxford, NC, to compete in a 5K fundraiser for the Central Children's Home, and they showed up ready to compete! It was a beautiful day for racing and a great opportunity for our athletes to challenge themselves against new competition. The varsity girls got things rolling with Abigail Schupp earning an impressive 2nd place finish, closely followed by teammate Natalia Henderson in 3rd. Both girls competed incredibly hard, especially with limited competition around them, making their performances even more impressive. Our varsity boys followed with just three runners, but they made every opportunity count! Tre Grabos claimed an outstanding 1st place victory, finishing in 19:18. Tyler Kuhn finished 19th with a massive 90-second PR, while Jaron Gainey came in close behind in 22nd. Competing against a field of 58 varsity boys, the Falcons made their mark in a big way! It was an exciting day of racing and a fantastic opportunity for our athletes to step outside their comfort zones, embrace new competition, and show just how much they are capable of accomplishing.
On Saturday, September 26th, the Falcons XC team traveled to Oxford, NC, to compete in a 5K fundraiser for the Central Children's Home, and they showed up ready to compete! It was a beautiful day for racing and a great opportunity for our athletes to challenge themselves against new competition. The varsity girls got things rolling with Abigail Schupp earning an impressive 2nd place finish, closely followed by teammate Natalia Henderson in 3rd. Both girls competed incredibly hard, especially with limited competition around them, making their performances even more impressive. Our varsity boys followed with just three runners, but they made every opportunity count! Tre Grabos claimed an outstanding 1st place victory, finishing in 19:18. Tyler Kuhn finished 19th with a massive 90-second PR, while Jaron Gainey came in close behind in 22nd. Competing against a field of 58 varsity boys, the Falcons made their mark in a big way! It was an exciting day of racing and a fantastic opportunity for our athletes to step outside their comfort zones, embrace new competition, and show just how much they are capable of accomplishing.
Middle School Cross Country
The Middle School Cross Country team traveled to Oxford, NC to compete in the Central Children's Home XC Festival. The festival was a great event to raise money for the Central Children's Home, hosting several races ranging from age 8 to college/master's race. The course a 1k loop that they went around 3 times, battling a hill each loop. Both teams did spectacular, finishing 1st in their races as a team and multiple top 10 individuals.
The Middle School Cross Country team traveled to Oxford, NC to compete in the Central Children's Home XC Festival. The festival was a great event to raise money for the Central Children's Home, hosting several races ranging from age 8 to college/master's race. The course a 1k loop that they went around 3 times, battling a hill each loop. Both teams did spectacular, finishing 1st in their races as a team and multiple top 10 individuals.
The Middle School girls were led by 6th grader Landis Holwerda and Nora Owsiany, finishing 4th and 7th while Madeleine Beckman and Ava-Rose Decker finished close together at 12th and 13th place. The strong performance by all Falcons helped bring home hardware with a 1st team overall place!
The Middle Schools boys were led by 8th grade Nate Trujillo who finished 3rd overall with a time of 12:38. The Falcons had 4 runners inside the top 11 places with Trujillo, William Schupp 5th place, Will Chalker 9th place, and Aiden Wilcox in 11th place. With the great race from each Falcon, the Middle School boys finished 1st overall as a team.
The Middle School Cross Country team wraps up their season with two home meets. On October 6th they will run in their backyard for the conference preview, then finish the season with the SEMSAC Conference Championship on October 20th. This is a young, but eager team ready to compete to show the competition what they are made of!
The Middle School Cross Country team wraps up their season with two home meets. On October 6th they will run in their backyard for the conference preview, then finish the season with the SEMSAC Conference Championship on October 20th. This is a young, but eager team ready to compete to show the competition what they are made of!
Middle School Boys Soccer
O'Neal vs. Fayetteville Christian: 1-8, Loss
The Falcons faced a tough challenge against Fayetteville Christian as the Warriors' attack proved difficult to contain throughout the match. O'Neal struggled to apply consistent pressure on the ball, allowing several Warriors players to dribble into dangerous areas and create scoring opportunities. Defensively, the Falcons had trouble maintaining their shape, which opened passing lanes through the middle and led to multiple quality chances for Fayetteville Christian.
Despite the scoreline, the Falcons continued to battle until the final whistle. Henry Borland provided the highlight for O'Neal with a well-struck free kick that found the back of the net for the team's lone goal. The match served as a learning opportunity as the Falcons looked to improve their defensive communication, hustle, and recovery speed.
O'Neal vs. Fayetteville Academy: 2-6, Loss
The Falcons returned to the field against Fayetteville Academy and showed noticeable improvement in their defensive intensity. O'Neal competed with greater energy and determination, making the Eagles work harder for their scoring opportunities.
Fayetteville Academy's talented attackers, however, were able to capitalize on open shooting opportunities and convert their chances. On the offensive end, Grayson Wallace and William French used their speed to apply constant pressure and challenge the Eagles' defense throughout the match. While the Falcons ultimately fell 6-2, their effort and increased defensive focus demonstrated positive growth.
O'Neal vs. St. Patrick's: 3-7, Loss
The Falcons closed out the week with a rematch against St. Patrick's. Both teams showed significant improvement from their first meeting earlier in the season, resulting in a more competitive and entertaining contest.
St. Patrick's was led by its captain, whose pace and footwork allowed him to influence the game and create opportunities for his team. Defensively, O'Neal received standout performances from Adin Seuk and Anderson Cloninger. The pair controlled the back line with strong positioning, timely tackles, and determined defending against a dangerous attack. Although the Falcons came up short by a score of 7-3, they continued to show resilience and improvement as the season progressed.
O'Neal vs. Fayetteville Christian: 1-8, Loss
The Falcons faced a tough challenge against Fayetteville Christian as the Warriors' attack proved difficult to contain throughout the match. O'Neal struggled to apply consistent pressure on the ball, allowing several Warriors players to dribble into dangerous areas and create scoring opportunities. Defensively, the Falcons had trouble maintaining their shape, which opened passing lanes through the middle and led to multiple quality chances for Fayetteville Christian.
Despite the scoreline, the Falcons continued to battle until the final whistle. Henry Borland provided the highlight for O'Neal with a well-struck free kick that found the back of the net for the team's lone goal. The match served as a learning opportunity as the Falcons looked to improve their defensive communication, hustle, and recovery speed.
O'Neal vs. Fayetteville Academy: 2-6, Loss
The Falcons returned to the field against Fayetteville Academy and showed noticeable improvement in their defensive intensity. O'Neal competed with greater energy and determination, making the Eagles work harder for their scoring opportunities.
Fayetteville Academy's talented attackers, however, were able to capitalize on open shooting opportunities and convert their chances. On the offensive end, Grayson Wallace and William French used their speed to apply constant pressure and challenge the Eagles' defense throughout the match. While the Falcons ultimately fell 6-2, their effort and increased defensive focus demonstrated positive growth.
O'Neal vs. St. Patrick's: 3-7, Loss
The Falcons closed out the week with a rematch against St. Patrick's. Both teams showed significant improvement from their first meeting earlier in the season, resulting in a more competitive and entertaining contest.
St. Patrick's was led by its captain, whose pace and footwork allowed him to influence the game and create opportunities for his team. Defensively, O'Neal received standout performances from Adin Seuk and Anderson Cloninger. The pair controlled the back line with strong positioning, timely tackles, and determined defending against a dangerous attack. Although the Falcons came up short by a score of 7-3, they continued to show resilience and improvement as the season progressed.
Varsity Boys Soccer
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Christian School: 0-3, Loss
The O’Neal School Boys Varsity Soccer team played three matches over the past week, enduring two difficult road results before returning home with an emphatic victory.
The Falcons began the stretch Friday against Fayetteville Christian School. O’Neal battled the Warriors but was unable to find the breakthrough.
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Christian School: 0-3, Loss
The O’Neal School Boys Varsity Soccer team played three matches over the past week, enduring two difficult road results before returning home with an emphatic victory.
The Falcons began the stretch Friday against Fayetteville Christian School. O’Neal battled the Warriors but was unable to find the breakthrough.
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Academy: 0-3, Loss
On Tuesday, the Falcons traveled to face a strong Fayetteville Academy side. O’Neal again competed but struggled to turn its opportunities into goals, eventually falling to the Eagles.
O’Neal vs Lee Christian School: 6-1, Win
The Falcons returned home Thursday determined to respond against Lee Christian School and respond they did. The Falcons exploded offensively in a victory, ending a five-game losing streak and completing a season sweep of Lee Christian after also defeating them 6-4 earlier in the year.
After a challenging stretch against several strong opponents, the performance against Lee Christian was an important return-to-form for O’Neal as the Falcons head into the final portion of the regular season.
O’Neal returns home Monday at 5:00 p.m. against Berean Baptist Academy in a special Senior Night match, where the Falcons will recognize and celebrate their senior players before taking the field.
On Tuesday, the Falcons traveled to face a strong Fayetteville Academy side. O’Neal again competed but struggled to turn its opportunities into goals, eventually falling to the Eagles.
O’Neal vs Lee Christian School: 6-1, Win
The Falcons returned home Thursday determined to respond against Lee Christian School and respond they did. The Falcons exploded offensively in a victory, ending a five-game losing streak and completing a season sweep of Lee Christian after also defeating them 6-4 earlier in the year.
After a challenging stretch against several strong opponents, the performance against Lee Christian was an important return-to-form for O’Neal as the Falcons head into the final portion of the regular season.
O’Neal returns home Monday at 5:00 p.m. against Berean Baptist Academy in a special Senior Night match, where the Falcons will recognize and celebrate their senior players before taking the field.
Photos be Wendy Hodges | The Pines Media
Attn Media: For Higher Resolution Files, please contact Director of Communications Kathy Taylor
Attn Media: For Higher Resolution Files, please contact Director of Communications Kathy Taylor
Falcon Athletics Next Week 10/5/2026 - 10/9/2026
DAY | DATE | OPPONENT | SPORT | H/A | EVENT TIME |
MON | 10/5/2026 | Fayetteville Christian School Gates Four | GGOLF | Away | 1:00pm |
MON | 10/5/2026 | Berean Baptist | MSBSOC | Home | 3:00pm |
MON | 10/5/2026 | Berean Baptist Senior Recognition | GTN | Home | 3:30pm |
MON | 10/5/2026 | Berean Baptist | MSVB | Home | 3:30pm |
MON | 10/5/2026 | Berean Baptist Senior Recognition | BSOC | Home | 4:30pm |
MON | 10/5/2026 | Berean Baptist Senior Recognition | VB | Home | 5:00pm |
TUE | 10/6/2026 | The Burlington School | GTN | Away | 3:00pm |
TUE | 10/6/2026 | Freedom Christian | MSBSOC | Away | 3:30pm |
TUE | 10/6/2026 | Conference Preview | MSXC | Home | 4:00/4:30 |
TUE | 10/6/2026 | Freedom Christian | MSVB | Away | 4:00pm |
TUE | 10/6/2026 | Freedom Christian | BSOC | Away | 5:00pm |
TUE | 10/6/2026 | Freedom Christian | VB | Away | 5:30pm |
TUE | 10/6/2026 | Conference Preview | XC | Home | 5pm & 5:30pm |
THU | 10/8/2026 | Cape Fear Christian | GTN | Home | 3:30pm |
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