Falcons Nest - September 11
Falcons Find Their Stride After Class Trips
Middle School Boys Soccer:
O’Neal vs. St. Patrick’s: Final 2–5, Loss
The Falcons traveled to the Jordan Soccer Complex to face St. Patrick’s in their first game back from class trips. The boys started strong, displaying renewed energy and a competitive spirit. Both teams battled throughout the first half and entered halftime tied 0–0.
St. Patrick’s gained momentum in the second half as breakdowns in communication and composure in the midfield led to several costly turnovers. The Falcons had difficulty containing one of St. Patrick’s skillful attackers, who capitalized on those opportunities. Despite strong efforts from William French and Grayson Wallace, the Falcons ultimately fell 5–2.
O’Neal vs. Freedom Christian: Final 5–5, Win in Penalty Shootout
The Falcons returned home to face Freedom Christian Academy. Coming off Tuesday’s loss, the boys were determined to bounce back. They entered the game with the same competitive spirit while showing greater composure with the ball. Skillful dribbling combined with smart passing created consistent attacking opportunities throughout the first half.
O’Neal vs. St. Patrick’s: Final 2–5, Loss
The Falcons traveled to the Jordan Soccer Complex to face St. Patrick’s in their first game back from class trips. The boys started strong, displaying renewed energy and a competitive spirit. Both teams battled throughout the first half and entered halftime tied 0–0.
St. Patrick’s gained momentum in the second half as breakdowns in communication and composure in the midfield led to several costly turnovers. The Falcons had difficulty containing one of St. Patrick’s skillful attackers, who capitalized on those opportunities. Despite strong efforts from William French and Grayson Wallace, the Falcons ultimately fell 5–2.
O’Neal vs. Freedom Christian: Final 5–5, Win in Penalty Shootout
The Falcons returned home to face Freedom Christian Academy. Coming off Tuesday’s loss, the boys were determined to bounce back. They entered the game with the same competitive spirit while showing greater composure with the ball. Skillful dribbling combined with smart passing created consistent attacking opportunities throughout the first half.
The Patriots responded in the second half, creating several breakaway opportunities and one-on-one chances against the goalkeeper. The score shifted from 3–1 to 4–3 before regulation ended in a tie, sending the game to a penalty shootout. Backup goalkeeper Knox Van Scoyoc came up big for the Falcons with two clutch saves, and starting goalkeeper Anderson Cloninger sealed the victory by placing his penalty kick into the top-left corner. The Falcons defeated the Patriots in the shootout to secure the win.
Varsity Boys Soccer:
O’Neal vs. Freedom Christian Academy: 8-1, W
The O’Neal School Boys Varsity Soccer team put together one of its most complete performances of the young season Thursday afternoon, overwhelming conference opponent Freedom Christian Academy with relentless pressure and a balanced attack in a victory at home.
O’Neal vs. Freedom Christian Academy: 8-1, W
The O’Neal School Boys Varsity Soccer team put together one of its most complete performances of the young season Thursday afternoon, overwhelming conference opponent Freedom Christian Academy with relentless pressure and a balanced attack in a victory at home.
The Falcons wasted little time establishing control. Just two minutes into the match, Gabe Marrero opened the scoring, giving O’Neal an early 1-0 advantage. Only two minutes later, Joseph Lucas doubled the lead, rising above the defense and powering home a header from a corner kick.
From there, the pressure rarely stopped. O’Neal continued to create chance after chance, striking both the crossbar and the post several times as the Falcons pinned the Patriots deep in their own half. Rafe Hardee eventually added the third goal, giving O’Neal a commanding advantage.
The Falcons continued their attacking onslaught throughout the remainder of the first half but could not turn several additional opportunities into goals. That changed quickly after halftime.
O’Neal came out of the break with even greater intensity, and just seven minutes into the second half, Captain Andrew Miller found the back of the net to make it 4-0.
The Falcons were relentless from there. Carson Rodriguez added two goals, Parker Fusonie found the net as well, and O’Neal continued to attack until the final whistle.
While much of the attention belonged to an offense that produced seven goals, Murphy Stanton was outstanding in goal for the Falcons. Stanton delivered a strong performance when called upon and helped ensure that Freedom Christian never found a way back into the match.
The 7-1 victory was an encouraging response from an O’Neal team that has continued to show improvement through the opening weeks of the season. After creating numerous chances in previous matches without always receiving the reward, the Falcons were clinical against Freedom Christian and showed what their attack can look like when the pressure, movement and finishing all come together.
Perhaps most importantly, the goals came from throughout the lineup. Marrero, Lucas, Hardee, Miller, Rodriguez and Fusonie all contributed to a performance that demonstrated the depth of the Falcons’ attacking options.
O’Neal will have little time to celebrate. The Falcons return to their home field Friday, September 11 at 5:00 p.m. for a non-conference matchup against the Cape Fear Christian Academy Eagles.
Middle School Volleyball:
O’Neal vs. St. Patrick Catholic School: 2-0, W (25-18, 25-22)
On Tuesday, September 8, the Middle School Girls Volleyball team traveled to St. Patrick and earned its first win of the season! The Falcons showcased how much they have improved by applying the skills they have been working on in practice. Throughout the match, the team displayed more organized play, consistent three-touch sequences, long rallies, and many smart plays.
The Falcons won the first set behind impressive tips and pushes from Kayla McWhinney, strong serves from Rylee Jones, and a great save by Olivia Hardee. The team began the second set with great energy and confidence, highlighted by a nice hit from Kennedy Morrow, several aces, and strong hits and reactions from Sarah Williams. The set became nerve-racking when the teams tied at 22, but Morrow helped break the tie with a series of strong serves that secured the victory for the Falcons. It was exciting to see the team play with greater confidence and demonstrate what it is capable of on the court!
O’Neal vs Freedom Christian Academy: 0-2, L (6-25, 11-25)
On Thursday, the Middle School Girls Volleyball team faced Freedom Christian, one of the strongest opponents in the conference. Despite showing great serve-receive skills, the Falcons struggled with communication and did not consistently execute three touches, making it more difficult to maintain control of the ball. The team still had some great moments, including strong hits by Arya Stingle, an impressive save by Makenzie Kemp, and a powerful serve from Jones. After a talk with Coach Alyssa, the girls returned stronger in the second set, displaying smarter plays, longer rallies, and great tips from McWhinney. Although the Falcons ultimately lost both sets, the game was a valuable learning experience for the student-athletes. The team is ready to learn from its mistakes and continue improving as it prepares for next week’s games!
O’Neal vs. St. Patrick Catholic School: 2-0, W (25-18, 25-22)
On Tuesday, September 8, the Middle School Girls Volleyball team traveled to St. Patrick and earned its first win of the season! The Falcons showcased how much they have improved by applying the skills they have been working on in practice. Throughout the match, the team displayed more organized play, consistent three-touch sequences, long rallies, and many smart plays.
The Falcons won the first set behind impressive tips and pushes from Kayla McWhinney, strong serves from Rylee Jones, and a great save by Olivia Hardee. The team began the second set with great energy and confidence, highlighted by a nice hit from Kennedy Morrow, several aces, and strong hits and reactions from Sarah Williams. The set became nerve-racking when the teams tied at 22, but Morrow helped break the tie with a series of strong serves that secured the victory for the Falcons. It was exciting to see the team play with greater confidence and demonstrate what it is capable of on the court!
O’Neal vs Freedom Christian Academy: 0-2, L (6-25, 11-25)
On Thursday, the Middle School Girls Volleyball team faced Freedom Christian, one of the strongest opponents in the conference. Despite showing great serve-receive skills, the Falcons struggled with communication and did not consistently execute three touches, making it more difficult to maintain control of the ball. The team still had some great moments, including strong hits by Arya Stingle, an impressive save by Makenzie Kemp, and a powerful serve from Jones. After a talk with Coach Alyssa, the girls returned stronger in the second set, displaying smarter plays, longer rallies, and great tips from McWhinney. Although the Falcons ultimately lost both sets, the game was a valuable learning experience for the student-athletes. The team is ready to learn from its mistakes and continue improving as it prepares for next week’s games!
Varsity Volleyball:
O'Neal at Trinity Christian: Final 3-0, W (25-22, 25-18, 25-14)
The Falcons picked up their first win of the season on Tuesday, September 8th, sweeping Trinity Christian on the road. The opening set stayed close throughout, with O'Neal battling point for point before closing it out 25-22. The Falcons found their rhythm from the service line in the second, using an effective serving night to build separation and take it 25-18. O'Neal carried that momentum into the third, pulling away for a 25-14 finish and their most complete set of the season.
Lily Austin turned in an outstanding night serving and passing, giving the Falcons consistent control of the first ball, while Stella McPeake led the team with six kills. After weeks of steady growth against a demanding early schedule, the young Falcons put together a complete match from start to finish.
O'Neal vs. Freedom Christian: Final 0-3, Loss (16-25, 10-25, 18-25)
The Falcons hosted Freedom Christian on Thursday, September 10th in front of a good home crowd. O'Neal battled to a 14-14 tie in the opening set before a long Freedom Christian scoring run swung the frame.
Passing proved difficult in the second, but the Falcons stayed aggressive offensively rather than backing off and carried their emphasis on aggressive serving from the practice gym into the match. The third set stayed close through the opening ten points before another Freedom Christian run, and O'Neal chased from there, fighting to an 18-25 finish in their strongest set of the night.
O'Neal at Trinity Christian: Final 3-0, W (25-22, 25-18, 25-14)
The Falcons picked up their first win of the season on Tuesday, September 8th, sweeping Trinity Christian on the road. The opening set stayed close throughout, with O'Neal battling point for point before closing it out 25-22. The Falcons found their rhythm from the service line in the second, using an effective serving night to build separation and take it 25-18. O'Neal carried that momentum into the third, pulling away for a 25-14 finish and their most complete set of the season.
Lily Austin turned in an outstanding night serving and passing, giving the Falcons consistent control of the first ball, while Stella McPeake led the team with six kills. After weeks of steady growth against a demanding early schedule, the young Falcons put together a complete match from start to finish.
O'Neal vs. Freedom Christian: Final 0-3, Loss (16-25, 10-25, 18-25)
The Falcons hosted Freedom Christian on Thursday, September 10th in front of a good home crowd. O'Neal battled to a 14-14 tie in the opening set before a long Freedom Christian scoring run swung the frame.
Passing proved difficult in the second, but the Falcons stayed aggressive offensively rather than backing off and carried their emphasis on aggressive serving from the practice gym into the match. The third set stayed close through the opening ten points before another Freedom Christian run, and O'Neal chased from there, fighting to an 18-25 finish in their strongest set of the night.
Lilly Hobson and Reagan Lowth both turned in solid offensive performances, providing scoring options and putting pressure on the Freedom Christian defense. Coming off their first win of the season, the Falcons continue to build and will look to carry that momentum forward.
The Falcons return to action Tuesday, September 15th, traveling to Berean Baptist for a 5:00pm start.
The Falcons return to action Tuesday, September 15th, traveling to Berean Baptist for a 5:00pm start.
Varsity Girls Tennis
O'Neal vs. Westchester Country Day School: 7-2, W
The Lady Falcons traveled to Westchester Country Day School on Tuesday and earned an impressive victory over a strong opponent. O’Neal won four of the six singles matches, taking the advantage into doubles play.
Singles Results
Line 1 – Vivienne Rhue: 6–3, 7–6 (7–3 tiebreaker)
Line 2 – Beth Cordero: 1–6, 2–6
Line 3 – Valentina Roberts: 4–6, 6–2, 5–10 (tiebreaker)
Line 4 – Sydney Davis: 6–3, 6–2
Line 5 – Izzy Grotzke: 6–1, 6–3
Line 6 – Kennedy Aytes: 6–2, 6–0
Needing to win at least one doubles match to clinch the team victory, the Falcons rose to the occasion and swept all three doubles lines.
Doubles Results
Line 1 – Vivienne Rhue and Beth Cordero: 8–6
Line 2 – Valentina Roberts and Sydney Davis: 8–6
Line 3 – Izzy Grotzke and Kennedy Aytes: 8–4
The team demonstrated outstanding focus and determination throughout the afternoon. Izzy Grotzke had an especially strong showing, earning a convincing straight-set victory at Line 5 singles before teaming with Kennedy Aytes for an 8–4 victory at Line 3 doubles.
It was another strong outing for the Lady Falcons as they continued their successful season with a well-earned victory over Westchester Country Day School.
Photos by Wendy Hodges | The Pines Media
Media may contact Director of Communications Kathy Taylor for high res photos.
The Lady Falcons traveled to Westchester Country Day School on Tuesday and earned an impressive victory over a strong opponent. O’Neal won four of the six singles matches, taking the advantage into doubles play.
Singles Results
Line 1 – Vivienne Rhue: 6–3, 7–6 (7–3 tiebreaker)
Line 2 – Beth Cordero: 1–6, 2–6
Line 3 – Valentina Roberts: 4–6, 6–2, 5–10 (tiebreaker)
Line 4 – Sydney Davis: 6–3, 6–2
Line 5 – Izzy Grotzke: 6–1, 6–3
Line 6 – Kennedy Aytes: 6–2, 6–0
Needing to win at least one doubles match to clinch the team victory, the Falcons rose to the occasion and swept all three doubles lines.
Doubles Results
Line 1 – Vivienne Rhue and Beth Cordero: 8–6
Line 2 – Valentina Roberts and Sydney Davis: 8–6
Line 3 – Izzy Grotzke and Kennedy Aytes: 8–4
The team demonstrated outstanding focus and determination throughout the afternoon. Izzy Grotzke had an especially strong showing, earning a convincing straight-set victory at Line 5 singles before teaming with Kennedy Aytes for an 8–4 victory at Line 3 doubles.
It was another strong outing for the Lady Falcons as they continued their successful season with a well-earned victory over Westchester Country Day School.
Photos by Wendy Hodges | The Pines Media
Media may contact Director of Communications Kathy Taylor for high res photos.
Falcon Athletics Next Week 9/14/26 - 9/18/26
DAY | DATE | OPPONENT | SPORT | H/A | EVENT TIME |
MON | 9/14/2026 | Berean Baptist Bayonet Golf Course | GGOLF | Away | 1:00pm |
TUE | 9/15/2026 | Berean Baptist | MSBSOC | Away | 3:30pm |
TUE | 9/15/2026 | Berean Baptist | MSVB | Away | 3:30pm |
TUE | 9/15/2026 | Berean Baptist | BSOC | Away | 5:00pm |
TUE | 9/15/2026 | Berean Baptist | VB | Away | 5:00pm |
TUE | 9/15/2026 | Village Christian | MSXC | Away | 4:00pm |
TUE | 9/15/2026 | Village Christian | XC | Away | 4:00pm |
THU | 9/17/2026 | Village Christian Academy | GTN | Home | 3:30pm |
THU | 9/17/2026 | Village Christian Academy | MSBSOC | Home | 3:30pm |
THU | 9/17/2026 | Village Christian Academy | MSVB | Home | 3:30pm |
THU | 9/17/2026 | Village Christian Academy | BSOC | Home | 5:00pm |
THU | 9/17/2026 | Village Christian Academy | VB | Home | 5:00pm |
FRI | 9/18/2026 | Arborbrook Christian Academy | GTN | Home | 3:30pm |
FRI | 9/18/2026 | Co-Ed Youth Soccer Clinic | BSOC | Home | 3:30-5pm |
The O'Neal School
The O'Neal School admits students of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
To reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, call 988 or text HOME to 741741
To reach the NC Peer Warmline, call 855-733-7762
© The O'Neal School