Falcons Nest - October 3rd
A weekly recap of O'Neal Athletics
Middle School Boys Soccer:
O'Neal vs Freedom Christian Academy: 1-4, L
O'Neal vs Freedom Christian Academy: 1-4, L
O'Neal's soccer team faced a tough match against Freedom, ultimately resulting in a loss for O'Neal. Despite the unfavorable outcome, the game was not without its moments of brilliance from the O'Neal side.
There were several instances where O'Neal's players demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork. Highlights included a particularly impressive save by their goalkeeper, preventing what seemed like a certain goal, and a series of intricate passes in the midfield that nearly led to a scoring opportunity.
Although O'Neal did not secure the win, their performance showcased flashes of potential and individual talent that will undoubtedly serve as building blocks for future games. The team's resilience and a few standout plays provided their supporters with reasons for optimism.
O'Neal vs Freedom Christian Academy: 4-6, L
In a thrilling back-and-forth contest, O'Neal's soccer team, the Falcons, ultimately succumbed to Freedom in a hard-fought match. Despite the loss, the O'Neal Falcons showcased remarkable resilience and determination, finishing the game strong. The excitement was palpable as both teams exchanged blows throughout the match.
In a thrilling back-and-forth contest, O'Neal's soccer team, the Falcons, ultimately succumbed to Freedom in a hard-fought match. Despite the loss, the O'Neal Falcons showcased remarkable resilience and determination, finishing the game strong. The excitement was palpable as both teams exchanged blows throughout the match.
The game was a testament to the competitive spirit of both sides, with O'Neal demonstrating significant improvement and tenacity until the final whistle. The Falcons' efforts were notable, especially in their ability to maintain pressure and challenge Freedom throughout the intense ninety minutes.
Despite not securing the victory, O'Neal's performance highlighted their growth and potential, playing their last home game with a strong impression of their fighting spirit. The Falcons proved they are a team capable of competing at a high level, setting a promising tone for the future.
O'Neal vs Berean Baptist Academy: 7-6, W
Yesterday, O'Neal played its final soccer game of the season. The team recognized the importance of finishing the season strong to build a promising future. The match proved to be entertaining, with Berean initially leading 2-0 on the scoreboard, despite O'Neal dominating the overall game.
However, O'Neal applied the lessons learned throughout the season, demonstrating a commitment to hard work even when trailing. The team maintained composure, trusting that the result would ultimately favor them. In the last 15 minutes, echoing their coach's advice, O'Neal tapped into their passion and played with heart, leveling the score and forcing a penalty shootout.
During the penalty kicks, goalkeeper Anderson made a crucial save on the third penalty. Rafe then secured the victory by converting the final penalty kick, allowing O'Neal to conclude their season with a triumphant win.
Varsity Boys Soccer:
The O’Neal Falcons Boys Varsity Soccer Team wrapped up their regular season with two conference matchups that showed the highs and lows of competition.
O’Neal vs. Freedom Christian Academy: 1-4, L
The week began with a tough outing against Freedom Christian. The Falcons struggled to find rhythm in the opening half, as Freedom controlled play and struck twice before the break.
O’Neal regrouped at halftime and started the second half with more energy, creating a few attacking opportunities. However, Freedom remained clinical, adding two more goals in the second half. Joseph Lucas gave the Falcons a late consolation goal with a well-taken finish, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide as O’Neal fell 4-1.
O’Neal vs. Berean Baptist Academy: 5-1, W
Determined to respond, the Falcons came out with fire in their final regular season matchup against Berean Baptist—and the energy showed immediately. With starting goalkeeper Murphy Stanton back between the posts after a long injury layoff, O’Neal played with confidence from back to front.
In just the first minute, Parker Fusonie opened the scoring after finishing a pinpoint cross from Gabe Marrerro. Moments later, Fusonie doubled his tally with a composed shot to the far post after being played through on goal.
The Falcons weren’t done. Their relentless pressure created waves of chances, and Andrew Hobbs capitalized with a breakaway finish after winning possession high up the field. O’Neal carried a commanding 3-0 lead into halftime.
The second half brought more of the same, with Hobbs finding his second goal and nearly completing a hat trick when a thunderous effort rattled off the post. Captain Jack Habets capped off the scoring with a long-range strike, sealing an emphatic 5-0 advantage before Berean pulled one back late.
The 5-1 victory was a fitting way for O’Neal’s seniors to close their regular season careers, showcasing intensity, teamwork, and clinical finishing.
With the regular season now complete, the Falcons shift their focus to the SAC quarterfinals. Time and location for their postseason opener are still to be announced, but the Falcons will look to carry Thursday’s momentum into tournament play.
The O’Neal Falcons Boys Varsity Soccer Team wrapped up their regular season with two conference matchups that showed the highs and lows of competition.
O’Neal vs. Freedom Christian Academy: 1-4, L
The week began with a tough outing against Freedom Christian. The Falcons struggled to find rhythm in the opening half, as Freedom controlled play and struck twice before the break.
O’Neal regrouped at halftime and started the second half with more energy, creating a few attacking opportunities. However, Freedom remained clinical, adding two more goals in the second half. Joseph Lucas gave the Falcons a late consolation goal with a well-taken finish, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide as O’Neal fell 4-1.
O’Neal vs. Berean Baptist Academy: 5-1, W
Determined to respond, the Falcons came out with fire in their final regular season matchup against Berean Baptist—and the energy showed immediately. With starting goalkeeper Murphy Stanton back between the posts after a long injury layoff, O’Neal played with confidence from back to front.
In just the first minute, Parker Fusonie opened the scoring after finishing a pinpoint cross from Gabe Marrerro. Moments later, Fusonie doubled his tally with a composed shot to the far post after being played through on goal.
The Falcons weren’t done. Their relentless pressure created waves of chances, and Andrew Hobbs capitalized with a breakaway finish after winning possession high up the field. O’Neal carried a commanding 3-0 lead into halftime.
The second half brought more of the same, with Hobbs finding his second goal and nearly completing a hat trick when a thunderous effort rattled off the post. Captain Jack Habets capped off the scoring with a long-range strike, sealing an emphatic 5-0 advantage before Berean pulled one back late.
The 5-1 victory was a fitting way for O’Neal’s seniors to close their regular season careers, showcasing intensity, teamwork, and clinical finishing.
With the regular season now complete, the Falcons shift their focus to the SAC quarterfinals. Time and location for their postseason opener are still to be announced, but the Falcons will look to carry Thursday’s momentum into tournament play.
Middle School Volleyball:
O’Neal vs Freedom Christian Academy: 0-2 (19-25, 26-28), L
The girls played their last home game on Tuesday, September 30th, and it was a nail-biting, exciting match from start to finish! Facing Freedom Christian, a very competitive team, the girls showed how much their hard work in practice—and the extra support from Mr. McWhinney—has paid off. In the first set, the team fought for every ball and made some great plays, including a strong hit by Grace Chabalko, but they fell short with a 25–19 loss.
The girls played their last home game on Tuesday, September 30th, and it was a nail-biting, exciting match from start to finish! Facing Freedom Christian, a very competitive team, the girls showed how much their hard work in practice—and the extra support from Mr. McWhinney—has paid off. In the first set, the team fought for every ball and made some great plays, including a strong hit by Grace Chabalko, but they fell short with a 25–19 loss.
The second set was even more intense. With beautiful saves from Grace Chabalko and Emma Garrison, plus a powerful hit from Kayla McWhinney, the girls brought energy and determination to the court. A highlight of the night was seeing Ainsley Pate and Penny Gribble make their debut, adding even more excitement to the game. The set was neck-and-neck all the way to extra points, but the girls narrowly lost 28–26. We are very proud of the effort the girls put into this game and truly enjoyed celebrating this last home game together.
O’Neal vs Berean Baptist Academy: 0-2 (8-25, 19-25), L
The girls closed out their season this week with an away game against Berean Baptist. The first set was a tough one, with struggles on receiving tips and some miscommunications leading to a 25–8 loss. However, the team came back stronger in the second set, sparked by an impressive 8-serve streak from Emma Garrison that set the tone early. The girls battled through long rallies, made some great plays, and fought hard, but ultimately fell 25–19.
Although the season ended with a loss, the coaching staff are proud of the way the girls competed, especially in the second set, and the growth in the team since the start of the season. While this chapter ends here, the effort, teamwork, and spirit the girls displayed will carry into next season.
Varsity Volleyball:
O’Neal vs. Caldwell Academy: 0-3 (9-25, 14-25, 14-25), L
The O’Neal Falcon volleyball team faced a tough slate of three matches this week, beginning with a showdown against the No. 4 ranked Caldwell Academy. The Falcons held their own in serve-receive but struggled to transition into aggressive offensive attacks. The Eagles took advantage, finding gaps in the Falcons’ defense and capitalizing throughout the match.
Serving also proved to be a major challenge, with O’Neal recording more service errors than in any match this season. Despite the setbacks, the Falcons never backed down, continuing to fight hard until the final point.
Highlights from the match included an ace from Laura Schulze, six kills from Kennedi Hamner, and a solo block from Elli Hood. Hamner also led the team defensively with seven digs. In the third set, O’Neal shifted its back-row rotation to test new combinations, which brought fresh energy and rhythm that carried momentum into the team’s upcoming matches.
O’Neal vs. Freedom Christian Academy: 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-23), W
The very next day, the Falcons hosted Freedom Christian Academy in a highly anticipated Senior Recognition Night and their annual Pink Out match. The last time the two teams met, O’Neal fell to the Patriots in five sets. This time, with the energy of senior night behind them, the Falcons came out strong and never let up—except for a stumble in the third set.
O’Neal quickly found itself in a nine-point deficit in that frame. Timeouts were used to help the team reset, and though serving errors remained a challenge, the Falcons steadily closed the gap by focusing on meeting in the middle, resetting each point, and moving forward with composure. Their persistence paid off, as they pulled out the win in straight sets—a memorable sendoff for the team’s five seniors, the largest senior class in several years.
Christina Acker, Kennedi Hamner, Jane Nguyen, Jordin Reed, and Lily Stanley have all been part of Falcon Volleyball since middle school, serving as key pillars in the program. Their final match on Dosier Court in Hannah Gym ended in celebration, capped by standout performances: Jane Nguyen and Laura Schulze with four aces apiece, Hamner with 13 kills, Stanley with 16 assists, and Reed with 11 digs.
O’Neal vs Berean Baptist Academy: 3-1 (25-23, 27-25, 19-25, 25-14), W
The Falcons closed out their regular season with a rematch against the Bulldogs, a team that had edged O’Neal in five sets earlier this year. This time, on the Bulldogs’ home court during their Senior Night, the Falcons flipped the script with a four-set victory.
O’Neal battled through errors in the opening three sets, particularly at the service line, where missed opportunities added pressure. Communication lapses and hesitation at key moments also created challenges, and in the third set the Falcons were unable to overcome the deficit.
The fourth set, however, told a different story. Determined to finish strong, O’Neal tightened its play, communicated with urgency, and brought relentless energy from the first point to the last. With momentum firmly on their side, the Falcons closed out the match and sealed their regular season with a much-deserved win.
With the victory, O’Neal secured the No. 5 seed in the Sandhills Athletic Conference Tournament. The Falcons will face No. 4 Northwood Temple Academy in Fayetteville on Monday at 5 p.m. in the quarterfinals round.
O’Neal vs. Caldwell Academy: 0-3 (9-25, 14-25, 14-25), L
The O’Neal Falcon volleyball team faced a tough slate of three matches this week, beginning with a showdown against the No. 4 ranked Caldwell Academy. The Falcons held their own in serve-receive but struggled to transition into aggressive offensive attacks. The Eagles took advantage, finding gaps in the Falcons’ defense and capitalizing throughout the match.
Serving also proved to be a major challenge, with O’Neal recording more service errors than in any match this season. Despite the setbacks, the Falcons never backed down, continuing to fight hard until the final point.
Highlights from the match included an ace from Laura Schulze, six kills from Kennedi Hamner, and a solo block from Elli Hood. Hamner also led the team defensively with seven digs. In the third set, O’Neal shifted its back-row rotation to test new combinations, which brought fresh energy and rhythm that carried momentum into the team’s upcoming matches.
O’Neal vs. Freedom Christian Academy: 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-23), W
The very next day, the Falcons hosted Freedom Christian Academy in a highly anticipated Senior Recognition Night and their annual Pink Out match. The last time the two teams met, O’Neal fell to the Patriots in five sets. This time, with the energy of senior night behind them, the Falcons came out strong and never let up—except for a stumble in the third set.
O’Neal quickly found itself in a nine-point deficit in that frame. Timeouts were used to help the team reset, and though serving errors remained a challenge, the Falcons steadily closed the gap by focusing on meeting in the middle, resetting each point, and moving forward with composure. Their persistence paid off, as they pulled out the win in straight sets—a memorable sendoff for the team’s five seniors, the largest senior class in several years.
Christina Acker, Kennedi Hamner, Jane Nguyen, Jordin Reed, and Lily Stanley have all been part of Falcon Volleyball since middle school, serving as key pillars in the program. Their final match on Dosier Court in Hannah Gym ended in celebration, capped by standout performances: Jane Nguyen and Laura Schulze with four aces apiece, Hamner with 13 kills, Stanley with 16 assists, and Reed with 11 digs.
O’Neal vs Berean Baptist Academy: 3-1 (25-23, 27-25, 19-25, 25-14), W
The Falcons closed out their regular season with a rematch against the Bulldogs, a team that had edged O’Neal in five sets earlier this year. This time, on the Bulldogs’ home court during their Senior Night, the Falcons flipped the script with a four-set victory.
O’Neal battled through errors in the opening three sets, particularly at the service line, where missed opportunities added pressure. Communication lapses and hesitation at key moments also created challenges, and in the third set the Falcons were unable to overcome the deficit.
The fourth set, however, told a different story. Determined to finish strong, O’Neal tightened its play, communicated with urgency, and brought relentless energy from the first point to the last. With momentum firmly on their side, the Falcons closed out the match and sealed their regular season with a much-deserved win.
With the victory, O’Neal secured the No. 5 seed in the Sandhills Athletic Conference Tournament. The Falcons will face No. 4 Northwood Temple Academy in Fayetteville on Monday at 5 p.m. in the quarterfinals round.
Middle School Cross Country:
The O’Neal Middle School cross country team is in the middle of a busy season and showing strong progress both as a team and as individual runners.
At last week’s meet at Fayetteville Christian, the Falcons turned in an impressive performance, with the boys’ team taking first place overall and the girls’ team finishing second. Leading the way for the boys were Charlie Borland (11:34, 2nd), David Risseeuw (11:35, 3rd), Eason Hodgkin (12:02, 6th), Hunter Monroe (12:07, 8th), and Nate Trujillo (12:56, 16th). On the girls’ side, top finishers included Abigail Schupp (12:47, 2nd), Olivia Hardee (12:57, 3rd), Lucy Emond (14:42, 12th), Kennedy Morrow (15:20, 19th), and Julie Wilson (15:44, 25th).
The Falcons then hosted their first home meet of the season on Wednesday, which runners described as their favorite meet yet. With lively music, a well-marked course, and enthusiastic fans, the atmosphere made for a memorable afternoon. The team also emphasized the importance of being gracious hosts and welcoming visiting schools. On the course, both the boys’ and girls’ teams captured first place finishes.
Top five finishers for the girls were Abigail Schupp (11:40, 1st), Olivia Hardee (12:34, 2nd), Lucy Emond (13:40, 9th), Emma Globke (14:16, 11th), and Julie Wilson (14:20, 20th). The boys’ top performers were Charlie Borland (11:20, 4th), David Risseeuw (11:20, 5th), Hunter Monroe (11:22, 6th), Eason Hodgkin (11:23, 7th), and Nate Trujillo (12:08, 10th).
Looking ahead, a group of Falcons will travel to Cary on Friday, October 3, to compete in the prestigious Great American XC Festival. The event will give the middle school runners valuable experience at a large-scale meet.
The team continues to show determination and hard work, with coaches and families proud of the progress being made throughout the season.
The O’Neal Middle School cross country team is in the middle of a busy season and showing strong progress both as a team and as individual runners.
At last week’s meet at Fayetteville Christian, the Falcons turned in an impressive performance, with the boys’ team taking first place overall and the girls’ team finishing second. Leading the way for the boys were Charlie Borland (11:34, 2nd), David Risseeuw (11:35, 3rd), Eason Hodgkin (12:02, 6th), Hunter Monroe (12:07, 8th), and Nate Trujillo (12:56, 16th). On the girls’ side, top finishers included Abigail Schupp (12:47, 2nd), Olivia Hardee (12:57, 3rd), Lucy Emond (14:42, 12th), Kennedy Morrow (15:20, 19th), and Julie Wilson (15:44, 25th).
The Falcons then hosted their first home meet of the season on Wednesday, which runners described as their favorite meet yet. With lively music, a well-marked course, and enthusiastic fans, the atmosphere made for a memorable afternoon. The team also emphasized the importance of being gracious hosts and welcoming visiting schools. On the course, both the boys’ and girls’ teams captured first place finishes.
Top five finishers for the girls were Abigail Schupp (11:40, 1st), Olivia Hardee (12:34, 2nd), Lucy Emond (13:40, 9th), Emma Globke (14:16, 11th), and Julie Wilson (14:20, 20th). The boys’ top performers were Charlie Borland (11:20, 4th), David Risseeuw (11:20, 5th), Hunter Monroe (11:22, 6th), Eason Hodgkin (11:23, 7th), and Nate Trujillo (12:08, 10th).
Looking ahead, a group of Falcons will travel to Cary on Friday, October 3, to compete in the prestigious Great American XC Festival. The event will give the middle school runners valuable experience at a large-scale meet.
The team continues to show determination and hard work, with coaches and families proud of the progress being made throughout the season.
Varsity Cross Country:
The Falcons hosted the Conference Preview meet this week on their home course, giving all conference teams a chance to race the route before the championship next month. The course started on campus and wound through the school’s wooded trails, creating a lively atmosphere with music and plenty of support from fans. The team also recognized seniors Nathan Reifenstahl, Chris O’Melia, and Sam Schmitz for their leadership and dedication.
The Falcons hosted the Conference Preview meet this week on their home course, giving all conference teams a chance to race the route before the championship next month. The course started on campus and wound through the school’s wooded trails, creating a lively atmosphere with music and plenty of support from fans. The team also recognized seniors Nathan Reifenstahl, Chris O’Melia, and Sam Schmitz for their leadership and dedication.
The Falcons raced strong on their home turf, with the boys’ team—led by seniors O’Melia, Schmitz, and Reifenstahl and supported by freshman Jack Browning and sophomore Mason Wicks—earning a 3rd-place finish. On the girls’ side, Haddie Habets ran an impressive race to place 10th overall. Hosting this meet gave the team an exciting chance to showcase their progress, and they’re eager to line up again when the course is set for the Conference Championships on October 14th.
Varsity Girls Tennis:
O'Neal vs. Cape Fear Christian Academy: 2-7, L
On Wednesday, October 1st, the Falcons Girls Varsity Tennis team took to the court to compete against the reigning NCISAA 1A Champs, the Cape Fear Christian Academy tennis team. This match was a rescheduled match from the day before due to rainy conditions. Doubles play was first up, and Hannah Claire Nesbit and Vivienne Rhue were the only team to come away with a victory. Solid baseline play and a tough lob game on this windy day led the girls to a 9-8 tiebreak win! In the singles to follow, the O'Neal senior, Hannah Claire Nesbit played an amazing match to snag the only win. She played a rollercoaster of a match, winning the first set in another tiebreaker, then losing the second set 0-6, but never gave up hope. She was able to pull out a 10-7 third-set tiebreak win! Way to go Hannah Claire!
The Falcons have their last regular season match at home on Friday against Burlington Christian Academy and will make it a PINK OUT day!
O'Neal vs. Cape Fear Christian Academy: 2-7, L
On Wednesday, October 1st, the Falcons Girls Varsity Tennis team took to the court to compete against the reigning NCISAA 1A Champs, the Cape Fear Christian Academy tennis team. This match was a rescheduled match from the day before due to rainy conditions. Doubles play was first up, and Hannah Claire Nesbit and Vivienne Rhue were the only team to come away with a victory. Solid baseline play and a tough lob game on this windy day led the girls to a 9-8 tiebreak win! In the singles to follow, the O'Neal senior, Hannah Claire Nesbit played an amazing match to snag the only win. She played a rollercoaster of a match, winning the first set in another tiebreaker, then losing the second set 0-6, but never gave up hope. She was able to pull out a 10-7 third-set tiebreak win! Way to go Hannah Claire!
The Falcons have their last regular season match at home on Friday against Burlington Christian Academy and will make it a PINK OUT day!
Varsity Girls Golf:
The Falcons girls’ varsity team traveled to Gates Four CC in Fayetteville to compete in the rainy nine-hole match. Maddie Leland shot 59, and teammate Olivia Garcia finished with a 61. A minimum of three players is needed to field a team, so both O’Neal players competed as individuals. The girls travel to The Bayonet GC on Monday, October 6, for their next match.
The Falcons girls’ varsity team traveled to Gates Four CC in Fayetteville to compete in the rainy nine-hole match. Maddie Leland shot 59, and teammate Olivia Garcia finished with a 61. A minimum of three players is needed to field a team, so both O’Neal players competed as individuals. The girls travel to The Bayonet GC on Monday, October 6, for their next match.
Falcon Athletics Next Week 10/6/25 - 10/10/25
DAY | DATE | OPPONENT | SPORT | H/A | EVENT TIME |
MON | 10/6/2025 | Covenant Prep @ the NAV | MSXC | AWAY | 4:30G/ 5:00B |
MON | 10/6/2025 | SAC Quarter Finals Northwood Temple Academy | VB | AWAY | 5:00PM |
MON | 10/6/2025 | SAC Quarter Finals Village Christain | BSOC | AWAY | 6:30PM |
TUE | 10/7/2025 | SAC Semis Fayetteville Christian | GTN | HOME | 3:30PM |
TUE | 10/7/2025 | SAC Semi Finals | BSOC | TBD | 5:00PM |
TUE | 10/7/2025 | SAC Semi Finals | VB | TBD | 5:00PM |
TUE | 10/9/2025 | Northwood Temple | XC | AWAY | 3:00G 3:45B |
THU | 10/9/2025 | SAC Finals | BSOC | TBD | 5:00PM |
THU | 10/9/2025 | SAC Finals | VB | TBD | 5:00PM |
THU | 10/9/2025 | SAC Finals | GTN | TBD | 3:30PM |
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