Falcons Nest - September 25
Falcons Had a Busy Week of Competition
Varsity Girls Golf
In a strong display of physical and mental toughness, The O'Neal School varsity girls golf team returned to Gates Four Country Club and fought through oppressive heat to earn a 4th-place team finish.
Despite sweltering temperatures across nine holes, the Falcons kept their composure on a challenging course. Charlie Higashi anchored the team's performance, firing the low score of the day with disciplined play off the tee and poised short-game execution.
The squad's resilience under harsh weather conditions reinforces a strong foundation as they build momentum for the remainder of the season.
Despite sweltering temperatures across nine holes, the Falcons kept their composure on a challenging course. Charlie Higashi anchored the team's performance, firing the low score of the day with disciplined play off the tee and poised short-game execution.
The squad's resilience under harsh weather conditions reinforces a strong foundation as they build momentum for the remainder of the season.
Varsity Cross Country
This week, the Falcons put together their best cross-country performance of the season! After weeks of extreme heat, the cool temperatures and light drizzle made for nearly perfect racing conditions. Going into the meet, the focus was on being aggressive, staying mentally engaged, and making every turn an opportunity to gain ground. The Falcons executed that plan beautifully, making decisive moves and passing competitors throughout the entire race. The biggest test came in the final quarter mile, where a challenging uphill finish awaited tired legs. Rather than backing down, our runners attacked that hill and continued to compete all the way to the finish. It was exciting to watch this group race with so much confidence and determination, and this meet was a great example of what happens when preparation meets the courage to compete.
This week, the Falcons put together their best cross-country performance of the season! After weeks of extreme heat, the cool temperatures and light drizzle made for nearly perfect racing conditions. Going into the meet, the focus was on being aggressive, staying mentally engaged, and making every turn an opportunity to gain ground. The Falcons executed that plan beautifully, making decisive moves and passing competitors throughout the entire race. The biggest test came in the final quarter mile, where a challenging uphill finish awaited tired legs. Rather than backing down, our runners attacked that hill and continued to compete all the way to the finish. It was exciting to watch this group race with so much confidence and determination, and this meet was a great example of what happens when preparation meets the courage to compete.
Middle School Cross Country
The MS Cross Country team traveled to Fayetteville, NC to compete in their conference 3k hosted by Fayetteville Christian School. The course was weathered with rain and cold wind, but the Falcons battled through the elements.
The MS Cross Country team traveled to Fayetteville, NC to compete in their conference 3k hosted by Fayetteville Christian School. The course was weathered with rain and cold wind, but the Falcons battled through the elements.
The girls' team were led by 6th grader Landis Holwerda and 7th grader Avery Pohlmeyer with times of 13:51 and 13:58, followed closely by Nora Owsiany with a time of 14:04. 3 Falcons inside of the top 11. 6th graders Ava- Rose Decker and Madeleine Beckman rounded up the team with times of 14:55 and 16:09. The Falcons finished 4th overall on the Middle School Girls side, and 3rd within their conference team scores.
The boys' team were led by 6th grader William Schupp with a time of 12:34, followed by 8th graders Will Chalker and Aiden Wilcox, with times of 13:06 and13:34; pushing each other with 3 Falcons inside the top 9. 6th Grader Baentley Cummings and 7th grader Collin Ames wrapped up the Falcons score with times of 16:18 and 18:10. The Falcons finished 3rd overall in the meet and 2nd within conference team scores.
The Falcons will travel to Oxford, NC where they will compete in the Central Children's Home Festival on September 26th while having the opportunity to watch 2 collegiate cross country races. The Falcons wrap up their season with SEMSAC Conference Preview hosted by O'Neal on October 6th and SEMSAC Championship hosted by O'Neal on October 20th.
The Falcons will travel to Oxford, NC where they will compete in the Central Children's Home Festival on September 26th while having the opportunity to watch 2 collegiate cross country races. The Falcons wrap up their season with SEMSAC Conference Preview hosted by O'Neal on October 6th and SEMSAC Championship hosted by O'Neal on October 20th.
Middle School Boys Soccer
O'Neal vs. Northwood Temple: 5-3, Win
The Falcons took on Northwood Temple and earned a hard-fought 5-3 victory thanks to improvements across the field. O'Neal showed stronger defensive play throughout the match, limiting scoring opportunities and working together effectively to shut down attacks. The Falcons also displayed much sharper passing, allowing them to maintain possession and create chances in the offensive third.
A key difference in the game was the composure shown in the midfield. O'Neal made smarter decisions with the ball and connected passes consistently to keep the attack moving forward. William French once again provided a spark for the Falcons with his outstanding speed, creating problems for the Eagles' defense and helping generate several scoring opportunities. The combination of disciplined defense, improved passing, and an aggressive attack helped O'Neal secure an impressive 5-3 win.
O'Neal vs. Fayetteville Academy: 3-5, Loss
The Falcons faced Fayetteville Academy in a contest played under rainy conditions. Despite the difficult weather, O'Neal battled hard against a talented Eagles squad that featured skillful attackers and a deep bench.
Fayetteville Academy was able to use quick passing combinations to break down the Falcons' defense and create quality scoring chances throughout the game. O'Neal continued to compete and never backed down, even when facing a multi-goal deficit. The Falcons showed resilience late in the match, finishing on a strong note with two goals in the closing stages. Although O'Neal came up short by a score of 5-3, the team's determination and effort until the final whistle highlighted the growth and competitive spirit they have shown throughout the season.
O'Neal vs. Northwood Temple: 5-3, Win
The Falcons took on Northwood Temple and earned a hard-fought 5-3 victory thanks to improvements across the field. O'Neal showed stronger defensive play throughout the match, limiting scoring opportunities and working together effectively to shut down attacks. The Falcons also displayed much sharper passing, allowing them to maintain possession and create chances in the offensive third.
A key difference in the game was the composure shown in the midfield. O'Neal made smarter decisions with the ball and connected passes consistently to keep the attack moving forward. William French once again provided a spark for the Falcons with his outstanding speed, creating problems for the Eagles' defense and helping generate several scoring opportunities. The combination of disciplined defense, improved passing, and an aggressive attack helped O'Neal secure an impressive 5-3 win.
O'Neal vs. Fayetteville Academy: 3-5, Loss
The Falcons faced Fayetteville Academy in a contest played under rainy conditions. Despite the difficult weather, O'Neal battled hard against a talented Eagles squad that featured skillful attackers and a deep bench.
Fayetteville Academy was able to use quick passing combinations to break down the Falcons' defense and create quality scoring chances throughout the game. O'Neal continued to compete and never backed down, even when facing a multi-goal deficit. The Falcons showed resilience late in the match, finishing on a strong note with two goals in the closing stages. Although O'Neal came up short by a score of 5-3, the team's determination and effort until the final whistle highlighted the growth and competitive spirit they have shown throughout the season.
Varsity Boys Soccer
O’Neal vs Northwood Temple Academy: 0-6, Loss
The O’Neal School Boys Varsity Soccer team endured a difficult stretch this week with back-to-back conference matches against Northwood Temple Academy and Fayetteville Academy.
The Falcons opened the week at home against Northwood Temple and struggled to find their rhythm, falling 6-0. O’Neal was unable to generate the energy and collective response it needed after conceding early, allowing Northwood to take control of the match.
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Academy: 0-8, Loss
The following day brought another tough challenge against Fayetteville Academy. Despite battling throughout the match, the Falcons fell 8-0 to a strong Fayetteville side.
It was a difficult two-game stretch for O’Neal, but the Falcons will have an opportunity to respond quickly.
O’Neal vs Northwood Temple Academy: 0-6, Loss
The O’Neal School Boys Varsity Soccer team endured a difficult stretch this week with back-to-back conference matches against Northwood Temple Academy and Fayetteville Academy.
The Falcons opened the week at home against Northwood Temple and struggled to find their rhythm, falling 6-0. O’Neal was unable to generate the energy and collective response it needed after conceding early, allowing Northwood to take control of the match.
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Academy: 0-8, Loss
The following day brought another tough challenge against Fayetteville Academy. Despite battling throughout the match, the Falcons fell 8-0 to a strong Fayetteville side.
It was a difficult two-game stretch for O’Neal, but the Falcons will have an opportunity to respond quickly.
Varsity Volleyball
O'Neal vs. Fayetteville Christian School: 1-3, Loss (25-23, 11-25, 16-25, 15-25)
The Falcons traveled to Fayetteville Christian School on Monday, September 21st and took the opening set 25-23, the first set O'Neal has taken from Fayetteville Christian. Serving carried that set, with the Falcons scoring on nearly two-thirds of their serves. Fayetteville answered in the second and third, but O'Neal kept swinging and kept digging in what was their best attacking performance of the season against a top-tier opponent.
Lily Austin turned in the match of her season, handling a team-high 33 serve-receive attempts with a single error while adding nine digs. Myer Johnson recorded 31 digs, the highest total by any Falcon this season, along with a team-best three aces. Reagan Lowth led O'Neal with a season-high seven kills, and Haddie Habets added three more as the Falcon middles got going again. Kat Davis stepped in at middle in the fourth set and did a great job filling the role. Stella McPeake served eight times without an error, and Layla Duffy played a clean match on both sides of the ball.
O'Neal vs. Northwood Temple: 0-3, Loss (16-25, 12-25, 7-25)
The Falcons hosted Northwood Temple, the top team in the conference, on Tuesday, September 22nd. O'Neal came out digging, keeping balls alive across a first set in which the Falcons recorded nearly half their match total in digs and sided out at their highest rate of the night. Serving was steady throughout — O'Neal put 33 of its 36 serves in play and recorded four aces, with the Falcons passing well through the first two sets before Northwood's service pressure tilted the third.
Lizzie Gomlak led the Falcons with five kills and hit .333 on the night, her most productive offensive match of the season. Lily Austin served three aces without an error, adding two kills, five digs and 18 serve receive attempts. Myer Johnson anchored the back row with a team-high 10 digs while handling 27 receptions. Haddie Habbits took a clear step forward at the net, getting four touches on blocks that disrupted Northwood's attack. Layla Duffy added five digs, and Reagan Lowth passed at the Falcons' best serve receive rating of the match while contributing four digs of her own.
O'Neal vs. Fayetteville Academy: 3-1, Win (25-21, 25-17, 23-25, 25-18)
The Falcons picked up their second win of the season on Wednesday, September 23rd, beating Fayetteville Academy in four sets at home. O'Neal took the first two behind their best attacking of the year, dropped a tight third 23-25, then closed the match out from the service line. Serving was the story all night: the Falcons recorded 19 aces, far and away their highest total of the season, and never let Fayetteville Academy settle into a rhythm in serve receive.
Lily Austin was outstanding on both sides of the ball, serving 21 times for seven aces without a single error while adding six kills and 10 digs. Stella McPeake matched her with six kills of her own, and Layla Duffy chipped in four aces. Myer Johnson set a new season high with 36 digs. Lainey Murphy earned the start at middle and played all four sets, attacking aggressively and reading the game well in her first extended action of the season, and Avery Sutton played solid defense in the back row.
The Falcons return to action Tuesday, September 29th, traveling to Fayetteville Academy for an early 3:30pm start.
O'Neal vs. Fayetteville Christian School: 1-3, Loss (25-23, 11-25, 16-25, 15-25)
The Falcons traveled to Fayetteville Christian School on Monday, September 21st and took the opening set 25-23, the first set O'Neal has taken from Fayetteville Christian. Serving carried that set, with the Falcons scoring on nearly two-thirds of their serves. Fayetteville answered in the second and third, but O'Neal kept swinging and kept digging in what was their best attacking performance of the season against a top-tier opponent.
Lily Austin turned in the match of her season, handling a team-high 33 serve-receive attempts with a single error while adding nine digs. Myer Johnson recorded 31 digs, the highest total by any Falcon this season, along with a team-best three aces. Reagan Lowth led O'Neal with a season-high seven kills, and Haddie Habets added three more as the Falcon middles got going again. Kat Davis stepped in at middle in the fourth set and did a great job filling the role. Stella McPeake served eight times without an error, and Layla Duffy played a clean match on both sides of the ball.
O'Neal vs. Northwood Temple: 0-3, Loss (16-25, 12-25, 7-25)
The Falcons hosted Northwood Temple, the top team in the conference, on Tuesday, September 22nd. O'Neal came out digging, keeping balls alive across a first set in which the Falcons recorded nearly half their match total in digs and sided out at their highest rate of the night. Serving was steady throughout — O'Neal put 33 of its 36 serves in play and recorded four aces, with the Falcons passing well through the first two sets before Northwood's service pressure tilted the third.
Lizzie Gomlak led the Falcons with five kills and hit .333 on the night, her most productive offensive match of the season. Lily Austin served three aces without an error, adding two kills, five digs and 18 serve receive attempts. Myer Johnson anchored the back row with a team-high 10 digs while handling 27 receptions. Haddie Habbits took a clear step forward at the net, getting four touches on blocks that disrupted Northwood's attack. Layla Duffy added five digs, and Reagan Lowth passed at the Falcons' best serve receive rating of the match while contributing four digs of her own.
O'Neal vs. Fayetteville Academy: 3-1, Win (25-21, 25-17, 23-25, 25-18)
The Falcons picked up their second win of the season on Wednesday, September 23rd, beating Fayetteville Academy in four sets at home. O'Neal took the first two behind their best attacking of the year, dropped a tight third 23-25, then closed the match out from the service line. Serving was the story all night: the Falcons recorded 19 aces, far and away their highest total of the season, and never let Fayetteville Academy settle into a rhythm in serve receive.
Lily Austin was outstanding on both sides of the ball, serving 21 times for seven aces without a single error while adding six kills and 10 digs. Stella McPeake matched her with six kills of her own, and Layla Duffy chipped in four aces. Myer Johnson set a new season high with 36 digs. Lainey Murphy earned the start at middle and played all four sets, attacking aggressively and reading the game well in her first extended action of the season, and Avery Sutton played solid defense in the back row.
The Falcons return to action Tuesday, September 29th, traveling to Fayetteville Academy for an early 3:30pm start.
Middle School Volleyball
O’Neal vs. Fayetteville Christian School: 0–2 loss (9–25, 12–25)
On Monday, the Middle School Girls Volleyball team traveled to Fayetteville Christian. Although it was not the team’s strongest performance, the Falcons had several good moments throughout the match. In the first set, Kayla McWhinney made strong plays at the net, while Olivia Hardee contributed strong serves. In the second set, the Falcons put together several rallies and played more aggressively. Evelyn Scogin made a strong dig while working alongside Olivia Hardee, and Kennedy Morrow provided solid back-row play. Despite their efforts, the Falcons lost both sets.
O’Neal vs. Northwood Temple Academy: 0–2 loss (19–25, 18–25)
On Tuesday, the Middle School Girls Volleyball team welcomed Northwood Temple for a competitive home match. The Falcons fought for every ball through several long rallies. Makenzie Kemp contributed strong serve receive and passing, while Kennedy Morrow showed quick reactions. Kayla McWhinney put together a streak of seven serves in the first set, including three aces, but the Falcons fell 25–19. In the second set, Rylee Jones contributed strong serves and swings, while Evelyn Scogin found success with well-placed hits. Although the Falcons lost the set, they showed teamwork, determination, and improvement throughout the match.
O’Neal vs. Fayetteville Academy: 2–1 win (25–13, 21–25, 15–11)
On Wednesday, the Middle School Girls Volleyball team welcomed Fayetteville Academy for an exciting home match. The Falcons started strong, with Olivia Hardee putting together a streak of seven serves, including five aces. Kayla McWhinney also found open spots on the opponents’ side with smart tips. After winning the first set, the Falcons continued to battle in the second. Evelyn Scogin placed hits along the line, and Kennedy Morrow made smart plays, but Fayetteville Academy took the set. O’Neal responded in the third. Evelyn made key saves and powerful swings, Arya Stingle added a strong hit, and Kayla McWhinney and Olivia Hardee contributed important serves. The Falcons’ teamwork and determination helped them secure the win.
O’Neal vs. Fayetteville Christian School: 0–2 loss (9–25, 12–25)
On Monday, the Middle School Girls Volleyball team traveled to Fayetteville Christian. Although it was not the team’s strongest performance, the Falcons had several good moments throughout the match. In the first set, Kayla McWhinney made strong plays at the net, while Olivia Hardee contributed strong serves. In the second set, the Falcons put together several rallies and played more aggressively. Evelyn Scogin made a strong dig while working alongside Olivia Hardee, and Kennedy Morrow provided solid back-row play. Despite their efforts, the Falcons lost both sets.
O’Neal vs. Northwood Temple Academy: 0–2 loss (19–25, 18–25)
On Tuesday, the Middle School Girls Volleyball team welcomed Northwood Temple for a competitive home match. The Falcons fought for every ball through several long rallies. Makenzie Kemp contributed strong serve receive and passing, while Kennedy Morrow showed quick reactions. Kayla McWhinney put together a streak of seven serves in the first set, including three aces, but the Falcons fell 25–19. In the second set, Rylee Jones contributed strong serves and swings, while Evelyn Scogin found success with well-placed hits. Although the Falcons lost the set, they showed teamwork, determination, and improvement throughout the match.
O’Neal vs. Fayetteville Academy: 2–1 win (25–13, 21–25, 15–11)
On Wednesday, the Middle School Girls Volleyball team welcomed Fayetteville Academy for an exciting home match. The Falcons started strong, with Olivia Hardee putting together a streak of seven serves, including five aces. Kayla McWhinney also found open spots on the opponents’ side with smart tips. After winning the first set, the Falcons continued to battle in the second. Evelyn Scogin placed hits along the line, and Kennedy Morrow made smart plays, but Fayetteville Academy took the set. O’Neal responded in the third. Evelyn made key saves and powerful swings, Arya Stingle added a strong hit, and Kayla McWhinney and Olivia Hardee contributed important serves. The Falcons’ teamwork and determination helped them secure the win.
Varsity Girls Tennis
O'Neal vs. Fayetteville Christian School: 7-2, Win
The Falcons earned a victory at Fayetteville Christian School, sweeping all five singles lines and winning two of three doubles lines.
Vivienne Rhue (6–3, 6–4), Beth Cordero (6–3, 6–2), Valentina Roberts (6–1, 6–1), Izzy Grotzke (6–0, 6–0), and Kennedy Aytes (6–0, 6–0) each won in singles. Rhue and Cordero added an 8–6 doubles win, while Roberts and Grotzke won 8–4.
Grotzke stood out with a shutout victory at Line 4 singles and a strong doubles performance that helped secure the team win. Wednesday’s match was rained out, and the Falcons will return to action next week against Fayetteville Academy and Carolina Friends.
O'Neal vs. Fayetteville Christian School: 7-2, Win
The Falcons earned a victory at Fayetteville Christian School, sweeping all five singles lines and winning two of three doubles lines.
Vivienne Rhue (6–3, 6–4), Beth Cordero (6–3, 6–2), Valentina Roberts (6–1, 6–1), Izzy Grotzke (6–0, 6–0), and Kennedy Aytes (6–0, 6–0) each won in singles. Rhue and Cordero added an 8–6 doubles win, while Roberts and Grotzke won 8–4.
Grotzke stood out with a shutout victory at Line 4 singles and a strong doubles performance that helped secure the team win. Wednesday’s match was rained out, and the Falcons will return to action next week against Fayetteville Academy and Carolina Friends.
Falcon Athletics Next Week 9/28/26 - 10/3/26
DAY | DATE | OPPONENT | SPORT | H/A | EVENT TIME |
MON | 9/28/2026 | Berean Baptist @ Bayonet | GGOLF | Away | 1:00pm |
MON | 9/28/2026 | Fayetteville Academy | GTN | Away | 3:30pm |
TUE | 9/29/2026 | Fayetteville Academy | MSBSOC | Away | 3:30pm |
TUE | 9/29/2026 | Fayetteville Academy | VB | Away | 3:30pm |
TUE | 9/29/2026 | Fayetteville Academy | MSVB | Away | 4:30pm |
TUE | 9/29/2026 | Fayetteville Academy | BSOC | Away | 5:00pm |
THU | 10/1/2026 | Home Match @ Legacy Lakes | GGOLF | Home | 1:00pm |
THU | 10/1/2026 | St. Patrick's | MSBSOC | Home | 3:00pm |
THU | 10/1/2026 | Carolina Friends | GTN | Home | 3:30pm |
THU | 10/1/2026 | St. Patrick's | MSVB | Home | 3:30pm |
THU | 10/1/2026 | Lee Christian | BSOC | Home | 4:45pm |
THU | 10/1/2026 | Trinity Christian | VB | Home | 5:00pm |
FRI | 10/2/2026 | Arborbrook | GTN | Away | 4:00pm |
SAT | 10/3/2026 | Sports Clinic | XC | Home | 9:00am |
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