Falcons Nest - March 20
A weekly recap of O'Neal Athletics.
Varsity Boys Tennis
O'Neal vs. North Moore: Final 6-3, Win
Battling windy and cold conditions on the road at North Moore on Tuesday, the team delivered a strong performance highlighted by dominant singles victories. Ethan Kim controlled play at line one, while Will French secured an impressive win at line three. Johannes Pester made the most of his first singles appearance at line six, earning a convincing 6–0, 6–2 victory. In doubles action, the team picked up a win at line one with the pairing of Nathan Reifenstahl and Will French, capping off a solid outing despite the challenging weather.
O'Neal vs. Carolina Friends: Final 8-1, Win
Wednesday on the home courts in a rivalry matchup, the team set the tone early by opening with doubles—and never looked back. The highlight of the day came from Jacob Lian and Johannes at line three, who staged an incredible comeback after falling behind 0–4 and later 1–6, rallying all the way to a thrilling 9–7 victory. The momentum carried across the lineup as the team swept all three doubles lines, showcasing outstanding communication and a commitment to keeping each other positive in pressure moments.
In singles play, Nathan battled through a physical match filled with long rallies, ultimately prevailing 6–4, 6–2 with steady, disciplined play. Joseph Lucas delivered a dominant performance at line four, cruising to a 6–2, 6–0 win, while Johannes continued his strong form by extending his winning streak at line six.
O’Neal vs. Village Christian Academy: Final 9-0, Win
Thursday on the home courts in a key conference matchup, the team once again opened with doubles and continued its strong momentum. The pairing of Elliot Means and Will Chalker delivered a hard-fought 8–6 win at line three, setting the tone with composed and consistent play.
In singles, Harrison O’Connor made an impressive return from injury, battling through long rallies and executing a smart, strategic game plan to earn a 7–5, 6–2 victory at line three. His performance highlighted both resilience and patience, helping secure another solid result for the team. At line six, Oriol Mateu Masdeu also earned a win for the team with a strong 6-1, 6-3 win.
After a demanding three-day stretch featuring three consecutive matches, the Falcons will take the weekend to rest and recover before gearing up for another busy slate of three matches next week.
O'Neal vs. North Moore: Final 6-3, Win
Battling windy and cold conditions on the road at North Moore on Tuesday, the team delivered a strong performance highlighted by dominant singles victories. Ethan Kim controlled play at line one, while Will French secured an impressive win at line three. Johannes Pester made the most of his first singles appearance at line six, earning a convincing 6–0, 6–2 victory. In doubles action, the team picked up a win at line one with the pairing of Nathan Reifenstahl and Will French, capping off a solid outing despite the challenging weather.
O'Neal vs. Carolina Friends: Final 8-1, Win
Wednesday on the home courts in a rivalry matchup, the team set the tone early by opening with doubles—and never looked back. The highlight of the day came from Jacob Lian and Johannes at line three, who staged an incredible comeback after falling behind 0–4 and later 1–6, rallying all the way to a thrilling 9–7 victory. The momentum carried across the lineup as the team swept all three doubles lines, showcasing outstanding communication and a commitment to keeping each other positive in pressure moments.
In singles play, Nathan battled through a physical match filled with long rallies, ultimately prevailing 6–4, 6–2 with steady, disciplined play. Joseph Lucas delivered a dominant performance at line four, cruising to a 6–2, 6–0 win, while Johannes continued his strong form by extending his winning streak at line six.
O’Neal vs. Village Christian Academy: Final 9-0, Win
Thursday on the home courts in a key conference matchup, the team once again opened with doubles and continued its strong momentum. The pairing of Elliot Means and Will Chalker delivered a hard-fought 8–6 win at line three, setting the tone with composed and consistent play.
In singles, Harrison O’Connor made an impressive return from injury, battling through long rallies and executing a smart, strategic game plan to earn a 7–5, 6–2 victory at line three. His performance highlighted both resilience and patience, helping secure another solid result for the team. At line six, Oriol Mateu Masdeu also earned a win for the team with a strong 6-1, 6-3 win.
After a demanding three-day stretch featuring three consecutive matches, the Falcons will take the weekend to rest and recover before gearing up for another busy slate of three matches next week.
Track & Field
The O’Neal Track & Field team kicked off their season on Saturday, March 14th, at Reid Ross High School, hosted by Fayetteville Christian School. With beautiful weather setting the stage, it was an incredible day of competition. This year, O’Neal expanded the program to include middle school athletes (grades 6–8), and they immediately made an impact. Many were competing in their first-ever meet, showing impressive confidence and composure. Highlights included Axel Shuerguer placing 3rd in the 1600m as a 6th grader, with David Risseeuw close behind in 4th, and Lucy Emond taking 3rd in the 400m.
The upper school athletes competed with intensity, leading the boys team to a strong 3rd place overall finish. The team recorded top-6 finishes in six of the eight open events, including three first-place victories. Ashton Coon led the way with wins in both the 200m and 400m, while Gabriel Marrero captured 1st in the 800m. It was an exciting season opener filled with personal bests, breakthrough performances, and a strong foundation for the rest of the season.
MS Baseball
O'Neal vs. Freedom Christian Academy: 2-13, L
O'Neal vs. Freedom Christian Academy: 2-13, L
The O'Neal School fell Freedom Christian Academy in a tough matchup, as Freedom Christian’s offense set the tone early and never let up. Despite the loss, there were bright spots for O’Neal, including Gabriel Rodriguez, who went 1-for-2 with a triple and an RBI, and Eason Hodgkin, who added a hit and drove in a run. On the mound, William McGovern delivered a solid inning of relief, striking out two batters. O’Neal will look to regroup and build on the positives as they prepare for their next game.
Varsity Boys Baseball
O’Neal vs North Moore High School: 4-19, L
The scoreboard does not dictate the energy the Falcons had this game. In a matchup that was going to be tough, the boys went into the game looking for positives and there were some great takeaways. In 40 degree weather, the Falcons were lead by Jack Habets at the play who went 2-3. Parker Fusonie, Charlie Borland, and Joseph Lucas all brought in a run for O'Neal.
O'Neal vs. Freedom Christian Academy: 3-10, L
The Falcons were only down 2-1 though 4 innings vs FCA last night. Joey Wade led the way on the mound throwing 4.2 innings while striking out 6. Everyone was getting on base, it was just a tough time driving them home. Wade lead the Falcons at the plate as well, tallying 2 hits on the night. Habets, Oliver Gabor, Peter Sundborg, and Fusonie also all had hits on the night. The hard fought contest has put the boys in a great situation to come up with a win next week. The Falcons next game is at home vs. Berean Baptist next Tuesday. Come out and support! Go Falcons.
MS Girls Soccer
After a three-game week last week, the Falcons enjoyed a practice-focused week since their scheduled match against Fayetteville Academy was postponed and has been rescheduled for April 14th. With no competition on the calendar, the team used the opportunity to put in strong, productive work during both practices. The group remained focused and continued to develop despite the lighter schedule. The team looks forward to returning to match play next Monday against Berean Baptist.
After a three-game week last week, the Falcons enjoyed a practice-focused week since their scheduled match against Fayetteville Academy was postponed and has been rescheduled for April 14th. With no competition on the calendar, the team used the opportunity to put in strong, productive work during both practices. The group remained focused and continued to develop despite the lighter schedule. The team looks forward to returning to match play next Monday against Berean Baptist.
Varsity Girls Soccer
O’Neal vs Freedom Christian School: 0-2, L
The girls dropped a 0–2 result in a physically demanding match last night. With only one available substitute due to several athletes being out, the group showed resilience and work rate throughout, handling the constant pace of play with determination.
Despite the final scoreline, the team controlled the majority of the match. They consistently moved the ball well through the midfield with strong, composed passing and spent much of the game in the attacking half. However, with limited numbers up top against a compact defensive shape, quality chances were difficult to convert. The opposing goalkeeper played a significant role, making key saves and quickly restarting play to relieve pressure.
The effort, possession, and overall play reflected a strong performance, even if the result did not. The team will look to build on this showing and turn those opportunities into goals moving forward.
Hi Res Photos by Wendy Hodges | The Pines Media
O’Neal vs Freedom Christian School: 0-2, L
The girls dropped a 0–2 result in a physically demanding match last night. With only one available substitute due to several athletes being out, the group showed resilience and work rate throughout, handling the constant pace of play with determination.
Despite the final scoreline, the team controlled the majority of the match. They consistently moved the ball well through the midfield with strong, composed passing and spent much of the game in the attacking half. However, with limited numbers up top against a compact defensive shape, quality chances were difficult to convert. The opposing goalkeeper played a significant role, making key saves and quickly restarting play to relieve pressure.
The effort, possession, and overall play reflected a strong performance, even if the result did not. The team will look to build on this showing and turn those opportunities into goals moving forward.
Hi Res Photos by Wendy Hodges | The Pines Media
Falcons Athletics Next Week: 3/20/26 - 3/28/26
DAY | DATE | OPPONENT | SPORT | H/A | EVENT TIME |
MON | 3/23/2026 | SJPII | MSBASE | HOME | 3:30 PM |
MON | 3/23/2026 | Berean Baptist Academy | MSGSOC | HOME | 3:00PM |
MON | 3/23/2026 | Sandhills Classical Christian | GSOC | HOME | 4:30PM |
TUE | 3/24/2026 | Westchester Country Day | BTN | HOME | 3:30 PM |
TUE | 3/24/2026 | Sandhills Highlanders | MSGOLF | HOME | 3:20PM |
TUE | 3/24/2026 | Berean Baptist Academy | BASE | HOME | 4:00PM |
TUE | 3/24/2026 | Berean Baptist Academy | GSOC | HOME | 4:00PM |
TUE | 3/24/2026 | Cary Academy | T&F | AWAY | 4:15PM |
THU | 3/26/2026 | Thales Academy Apex | BGOLF | AWAY | 2:00PM |
THU | 3/26/2026 | Village Chirstian Academy | MSGSOC | HOME | 3:00PM |
THU | 3/26/2026 | Fayetteville Academy | BTN | AWAY | 3:30PM |
THU | 3/26/2026 | Village Chirstian Academy | MSBASE | HOME | 3:30PM |
FRI | 3/27/2026 | Burlington Christian Academy | BTN | HOME | 3:30 PM |
FRI | 3/27/2026 | Freedom Christian Academy | MSGSOC | HOME | 3:00PM |
FRI | 3/27/2026 | Village Chirstian Academy | BASE | HOME | 4:00PM |
FRI | 3/27/2026 | Village Chirstian Academy | GSOC | HOME | 4:30PM |
SAT | 3/28/2026 | Spring Sports Clinic | GSOC/BASE | HOME | 9-11AM |
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