Falcons Nest - Sept. 18
A weekly recap of O'Neal Athletics
Varsity Girls Tennis:
O'Neal vs Village Christian Academy: Final 7-2, Win
On Friday, September 12, the Falcons tennis team traveled to Mazarick Park in Fayetteville for a conference clash with Village Christian Academy. This was the second meeting of the season and the Falcons showed up ready to play. The Village Christian Academy line 1 player proved once again hard to defeat, but the Falcons were able to secure a victory in singles lines 2 through 6 and doubles lines 2 and 3! Vivienne Rhue dominated from the baseline in her line 2 singles match winning 6-1, 6-1. Valentina Roberts matched that powerful performance, winning her line 4 singles 6-1, 6-1.
O'Neal vs Fayetteville Christian: Final 9-0, Win
On Monday, September 15, the Falcons continued conference play at home against Fayetteville Christian. This was the second conference match between these two schools as well. Their last meeting was cut short due to the weather, so the teams were excited to play under clear blue skies. The Falcons dominated their doubles matches to start the afternoon. Hannah Claire Nesbit displayed some excellent hustle and net play leading their doubles pairing to victory at 8-4. In the singles play that followed, Valentina Roberts showed a lot of determination and grit in a come from behind victory in her line 2 match winning 10-1 in the third set tiebreaker. The Falcons are now 4-1 in conference play and will be back in action this Thursday at home against Seaforth.
On Friday, September 12, the Falcons tennis team traveled to Mazarick Park in Fayetteville for a conference clash with Village Christian Academy. This was the second meeting of the season and the Falcons showed up ready to play. The Village Christian Academy line 1 player proved once again hard to defeat, but the Falcons were able to secure a victory in singles lines 2 through 6 and doubles lines 2 and 3! Vivienne Rhue dominated from the baseline in her line 2 singles match winning 6-1, 6-1. Valentina Roberts matched that powerful performance, winning her line 4 singles 6-1, 6-1.
O'Neal vs Fayetteville Christian: Final 9-0, Win
On Monday, September 15, the Falcons continued conference play at home against Fayetteville Christian. This was the second conference match between these two schools as well. Their last meeting was cut short due to the weather, so the teams were excited to play under clear blue skies. The Falcons dominated their doubles matches to start the afternoon. Hannah Claire Nesbit displayed some excellent hustle and net play leading their doubles pairing to victory at 8-4. In the singles play that followed, Valentina Roberts showed a lot of determination and grit in a come from behind victory in her line 2 match winning 10-1 in the third set tiebreaker. The Falcons are now 4-1 in conference play and will be back in action this Thursday at home against Seaforth.
Middle School Boys Soccer:
O'Neal vs Village Christian Academy: 0-9, L
O'Neal vs Village Christian Academy: 0-9, L
Last Friday, the O'Neal School Middle School soccer team faced their toughest opponent of the season, Village Christian Academy. Despite knowing the challenge ahead, the Falcons were prepared for a demanding game. Although the outcome wasn't as hoped, the experience provided valuable lessons.
The coaches are diligently working to develop the team's skills and maximize their potential. They remain committed to fostering a strong and competitive spirit among the players. This dedication ensures continuous improvement and growth for Falcon soccer as a whole program.
The team is focused on learning from every match, using each experience as a building block for future success. Their commitment to improvement, combined with the coaches' guidance, is aimed at bringing out the best in every player.
O'Neal vs Fayetteville Christian School: 0-4, L
On Monday, the coaches addressed the team, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and consistently strong finishes, particularly under pressure. It appears that the team's greatest challenge currently stems from mental setbacks, as the players' spirits tend to falter when facing defeat.
Despite this, the first half of the O'Neal game showcased significant improvement, with the team dominating through effective passes and making better strategic decisions in their soccer play. However, in the second half, they conceded two goals, indicating a noticeable shift in the players' mental approach. The coaches have repeatedly stressed to the team that in soccer, it is always possible to turn a game around, and that anything is achievable.
At the conclusion of the game, the Fayetteville Christian coach spoke to the O'Neal team, asserting that if they maintain their first-half performance, they are capable of defeating any opponent. He further acknowledged that O'Neal, given their strong initial play, should have won against his team.
O’Neal vs Northwood Temple Academy: 1-4, L
O'Neal's performance in yesterday's game was notable. Despite the final score, the Falcons generated numerous scoring chances, although the ball unfortunately did not find the net. The ability to create opportunities and play good soccer is commendable.
This display aligns with the coaching staff's philosophy for the team. They emphasize playing with courage and heart, a spirit that should be maintained until the final whistle. O'Neal exemplified this commitment throughout the match.
The team objective is for every player to demonstrate bravery and determination, regardless of the immediate outcome. O'Neal's effort on the field reflected this core principle.
Varsity Boys Soccer:
The O’Neal Falcons Boys Varsity Soccer Team endured one of their toughest stretches of the season this past week, playing back-to-back conference games with limited substitutions. Though the results didn’t fall their way, the Falcons showed grit and determination while battling through fatigue and adversity.
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Christian 0-5, L
The Falcons opened the week at home against Fayetteville Christian in a hard-fought match. O’Neal held strong through the first half, denying the Warriors any breakthrough chances with disciplined defending and hustle. The match remained 0-0 at the break, with the Falcons giving their home crowd plenty to cheer about.
Early in the second half, however, the Falcons’ short bench began to take its toll. Fayetteville Christian found the opener and then capitalized on O’Neal’s fatigue with a relentless five-minute surge that saw three more goals hit the back of the net. Despite creating chances of their own and refusing to give in, the Falcons ultimately conceded a fifth goal before the final whistle, falling 5-0.
O'Neal vs Northwood Temple Academy: 0-3, L
With little recovery time, O’Neal traveled the next day to Northwood Temple Academy. Having asked nearly every player to go the full 80 minutes against Fayetteville Christian, the Falcons entered the match on tired legs but ready to compete.
O’Neal started brightly, creating early chances that tested the Eagles’ back line but couldn’t find the finishing touch. In the 20th minute, a miscommunication in the Falcons’ defense opened the door for Northwood Temple’s first goal. The Falcons fought to stay in the match, keeping the deficit to one at halftime.
In the second half, the uphill battle—both figuratively and literally on Northwood Temple’s sloped field—took its toll. The Eagles doubled their lead from the penalty spot and sealed the game with a late strike, handing O’Neal a 3-0 defeat.
While the week ended without points in the standings, the Falcons displayed resilience, heart, and an unwillingness to quit despite challenging circumstances. With their short-handed roster tested in two tough conference matchups, the experience will serve the team well as they continue their season.
The Falcons return to action Friday, September 19, with another road match in Sanford against Grace Christian. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
Middle School Volleyball:
O’Neal vs Village Christian Academy: 1-3 (25-21/23-25/13-15), L
The middle school volleyball team had a busy and exciting week, facing three strong opponents back-to-back. On Friday, September 12, the girls traveled to Village Christian for a thrilling match that kept everyone on edge from start to finish. After winning the first set 25–21, they dropped the second 25–23 and battled hard in the third before falling 15–13. Despite the tough loss, the team showed off the skills they’ve been developing in practice, including strong receptions and bumps by Abbi Holroyd—who also delivered an impressive 10-serve streak in the opening set—along with quick reactions and smart, cohesive plays across the board.
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Christian School: 0-2 (13-25/22-25), L
On Monday, September 15, the girls hosted Fayetteville Christian, another competitive opponent. The first set proved challenging, as nerves and communication struggles led to a 25–13 loss. But the team bounced back with sharper play in the second set, delivering long rallies and key saves. Highlights included a net dig from Kayla McWhinney and multiple clutch saves by Grace Chabalko. Although the effort was much stronger, the girls ultimately dropped the set 25–22 in another narrow finish.
O’Neal vs Northwood Temple Academy: 0-2 (13-25/17-25), L
The week wrapped up on Tuesday, September 16, with a road game at Northwood Temple. This match brought its own challenges, as the team struggled with serve receive against powerful serving. The first set ended 25–13, but the girls found a better rhythm in the second. Abbi Holroyd, Emma Garrison, and Lainey Murphy delivered strong serving runs, and the game also marked Sarah Williams’s debut on the court. With several fun rallies and plenty of effort, the girls fought hard before falling 25–17. After such a packed week of competition, the team is ready to use practice time to fine-tune communication, serve receive, and consistency—determined to show their best version in the three games still ahead.
Varsity Volleyball:
O’Neal vs Village Christian Academy: 1-3 (11-25/12-25/25-22/17-25), L
On Friday, the Falcons faced #1-SAC ranked Village Christian Academy. Early errors in the first and second sets gave the Knights a cushion that was difficult for the Falcons to overcome once they found their rhythm. A key shift came during the third-set huddle, where the Falcons committed to coming out with intensity and playing point-for-point. That renewed focus allowed them to stay composed, minimize mistakes, and edge out the Knights to claim the third set. In the fourth, a mix of fatigue, early errors, and powerful Knight hitting ultimately proved too much for O’Neal to overcome, and the Falcons fell 1–3. Stat leaders for the match included Elli Hood and Jordin Reed with 3 aces each, Kennedi Hamner with 9 kills, Lily Stanley with 21 assists, and a strong defensive effort led by Myer Johnson (14 digs) and Reed (12 digs).
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Christian School: 0-3 (17-25/12-25/25-22) L
Monday brought a matchup against Fayetteville Christian School where the Falcons never quite settled into their rhythm. Small mistakes became big momentum shifts, allowing the Warriors to go on extended runs that kept O’Neal from closing the gap. Jane Nguyen led the team at the service line with 4 aces, also recording a team-high 5 kills. Johnson once again anchored the defense with 16 digs, while Hamner added 13 of her own.
O’Neal vs Northwood Temple Academy: (16-25/24-26/23-25), L
Tuesday, the Falcons took on Northwood Temple Academy. After struggling to find their footing in the first set, O’Neal nearly forced a comeback in the second and third sets, dropping both by narrow margins — including an extended extra-points battle in set two. Miscommunication at key moments proved costly, but the team showed resilience and fight throughout the match. Reed led the Falcons with 4 aces and 6 digs, while Hamner and Hood each tallied 7 kills. Stanley kept the offense moving with 17 assists.
The Falcons spent the rest of the week regrouping — focusing on fine-tuning rotations, experimenting with new positions, and building team chemistry. They are looking forward to putting those lessons into action in the coming contests.
O’Neal vs Village Christian Academy: 1-3 (11-25/12-25/25-22/17-25), L
On Friday, the Falcons faced #1-SAC ranked Village Christian Academy. Early errors in the first and second sets gave the Knights a cushion that was difficult for the Falcons to overcome once they found their rhythm. A key shift came during the third-set huddle, where the Falcons committed to coming out with intensity and playing point-for-point. That renewed focus allowed them to stay composed, minimize mistakes, and edge out the Knights to claim the third set. In the fourth, a mix of fatigue, early errors, and powerful Knight hitting ultimately proved too much for O’Neal to overcome, and the Falcons fell 1–3. Stat leaders for the match included Elli Hood and Jordin Reed with 3 aces each, Kennedi Hamner with 9 kills, Lily Stanley with 21 assists, and a strong defensive effort led by Myer Johnson (14 digs) and Reed (12 digs).
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Christian School: 0-3 (17-25/12-25/25-22) L
Monday brought a matchup against Fayetteville Christian School where the Falcons never quite settled into their rhythm. Small mistakes became big momentum shifts, allowing the Warriors to go on extended runs that kept O’Neal from closing the gap. Jane Nguyen led the team at the service line with 4 aces, also recording a team-high 5 kills. Johnson once again anchored the defense with 16 digs, while Hamner added 13 of her own.
O’Neal vs Northwood Temple Academy: (16-25/24-26/23-25), L
Tuesday, the Falcons took on Northwood Temple Academy. After struggling to find their footing in the first set, O’Neal nearly forced a comeback in the second and third sets, dropping both by narrow margins — including an extended extra-points battle in set two. Miscommunication at key moments proved costly, but the team showed resilience and fight throughout the match. Reed led the Falcons with 4 aces and 6 digs, while Hamner and Hood each tallied 7 kills. Stanley kept the offense moving with 17 assists.
The Falcons spent the rest of the week regrouping — focusing on fine-tuning rotations, experimenting with new positions, and building team chemistry. They are looking forward to putting those lessons into action in the coming contests.
MS Cross Country:
The middle school cross country runners did not have a meet this week, so the coaches took advantage of the extra practice time to focus on their holistic approach to running. The athletes learned about the importance of proper nutrition, including what and when to eat before a meet, and took home a handout with protein snack ideas. Practice also included yoga and stretching exercises to help prevent injury and improve focus. The team is looking forward to competing next Tuesday at Fayetteville Christian School.
Varsity Cross Country:
The Falcons took on Village Christian this week at Golf View Walking Trail, a beautiful course featuring rolling grassy paths with long, challenging uphill balanced by plenty of downhill stretches. The race plan was to go out conservative in the first mile, and every single athlete executed that perfectly, hitting their goal splits right on target. While overall results weren’t the strongest of the season, the team used this meet as valuable preparation for the Adidas XC Challenge on Saturday. With one of the biggest races of the year ahead, the Falcons are focused on building off these efforts and channeling them into their next performance.
The middle school cross country runners did not have a meet this week, so the coaches took advantage of the extra practice time to focus on their holistic approach to running. The athletes learned about the importance of proper nutrition, including what and when to eat before a meet, and took home a handout with protein snack ideas. Practice also included yoga and stretching exercises to help prevent injury and improve focus. The team is looking forward to competing next Tuesday at Fayetteville Christian School.
Varsity Cross Country:
The Falcons took on Village Christian this week at Golf View Walking Trail, a beautiful course featuring rolling grassy paths with long, challenging uphill balanced by plenty of downhill stretches. The race plan was to go out conservative in the first mile, and every single athlete executed that perfectly, hitting their goal splits right on target. While overall results weren’t the strongest of the season, the team used this meet as valuable preparation for the Adidas XC Challenge on Saturday. With one of the biggest races of the year ahead, the Falcons are focused on building off these efforts and channeling them into their next performance.
Varsity Girls Golf
Coach Wherry had a good nine-hole round with Olivia and Maddie this past Monday.
Both girls are showing great improvement, and the goal is to have them making double bogey or better on every hole before they head back into competition.
Coach Wherry had a good nine-hole round with Olivia and Maddie this past Monday.
Both girls are showing great improvement, and the goal is to have them making double bogey or better on every hole before they head back into competition.
This process is long-term, and the resources are in place to develop a strong foundation going forward. Next Monday, the girls head back to Legacy again for their nine-hole teaching/playing round.
Falcon Athletics Next Week 9/22/25 - 9/27/25:
DAY | DATE | OPPONENT | SPORT | H/A | EVENT TIME |
MON | 09/22/25 | Trinity Christian School | VB | AWAY | 4:30PM |
TUE | 09/23/25 | Fayetteville Academy Senior Recognition | GTN | HOME | 3:30 PM |
TUE | 09/23/25 | Fayetteville Academy | MSBSOC | HOME | 3:30 PM |
TUE | 09/23/25 | Fayetteville Academy | MSVB | HOME | 3:30 PM |
TUE | 09/23/25 | Fayetteville Academy | BSOC | HOME | 5:00 PM |
TUE | 09/23/25 | Fayetteville Christian School | MSXC | AWAY | 3:15G 3:45B |
TUE | 09/23/25 | Fayetteville Christian School | XC | AWAY | 4:30B 5:30G |
TUE | 09/23/25 | Fayetteville Academy | VB | HOME | 4:45PM |
WED | 09/24/25 | Carolina Friends | GTN | AWAY | 4:00PM |
FRI | 09/26/25 | Freedom Christian Academy | MSBSOC | AWAY | 3:30 PM |
FRI | 09/26/25 | Carolina Friends | BSOC | AWAY | 4:30PM |
SAT | 09/27/25 | Sports Clinic 9am-11am | VB & XC | HOME | 9-11AM |
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