Falcons Fall Season Finale

James Franklin, Director of Athletics
Varsity Cross Country
Thursday October 15 the cross-country teams earned a pair of third place finishes at the conference championship meet. The teams ran well with most athletes improving upon September’s race on the same Cedarock Park course.  Molly Kuzma was the individual champion and Grace Simpson secured All Conference honors with her 8th place finish. In a very close and competitive boys’ race, O’Neal finished only 3 points behind BCA for 3rd. Three boys earned All-Conference distinction: Corbin Weeks (5th),  Ayden Richardson (9th) and Oscar Little (11th). Charlie Kuzma finished 12th, narrowly missing All-Conference. O’Neal’s 6th man, Gunnar Adams, finished ahead of BCA’s scoring fifth man. The top boys and girls go on to compete October 30 at the NCISAA 2A state meet.

Varsity Girls Golf
The Falcons returned to the links after Fall Break and got another win. The Falcons had an 18 hole match vs. Carmel Christian and won 246 to 293. O'Neal was led by Alex Lapple's 76 (38-38). Lauren Kuhn followed her up with an 83 (44-39), Molly Haarlow's 91 (43-48), Mary Earhart's 93 (49-44) and Audrey Kim's 103 (52-51). The Falcons head to Raleigh on Monday to face St. David's School in the last match prior to the state tournament. O'Neal looks to defend the state championship on Oct. 26th at Bryan Park's Players Course in Greensboro.  

Varsity Girls Tennis
The girls had their final match of the regular season against a tough Trinity team from Raleigh. The girls fought hard but came up short. The day was something to remember because we recognized our number one player and our only senior on the team Tea Waldt. She was rightfully lauded for her integral leadership qualities. She will be missed. The team is looking forward to postseason competition.

Middle School Boys Soccer
The Middle School Soccer Team completed its game schedule last week and focused on its intra squad soccer competition this week as players moved up and down the leaderboard based on their performance in smash ball, world cup, and a full field scrimmage.  They are competing for positioning in the internal tournament that will happen during the last week of the season.  The energy level has been high, and it is a very competitive group, so this is giving us an opportunity to focus on how to give 100% in a competition while still being a respectful teammate.
 
Varsity Boys Soccer
O’Neal Falcons vs Northwood Temple (5-1 Win)
O’Neal Falcons vs Fayetteville Academy (0-4 loss)
O’Neal Reserve 8th Graders vs St. John Paul (3-2 win)

The varsity soccer team played well against Northwood Temple scoring five goals while only giving up one. The solid play of the defense allowed for a consistent offensive threat from the Falcons who capitalized on multiple combinations down the field. Brennan finished the first goal, which was followed by scores from Will, Phillip, and Aaron S. Even though the Falcons also played well against Fayetteville, they were unable to capitalize on any scoring opportunities and ultimately fell short by a margin of four goals.

In addition to the varsity travel contest, the reserve 8th grade team also played a very exciting game this week. Getting down two goals early in the match, the Falcons rallied together to respond with a three-goal run. The last of these goals was scored by Gavin with only seconds remaining on the clock.

Upcoming Matches:
Friday (10/16) at Home vs Salem Baptist (kickoff at 4:30pm)

Middle School Volleyball
Game at SJP II 
Match #1— L 1-2 (25-17, 17-25, 13-15) 
Match #2— W 2-1 (13-25, 25-20, 15-13) 
 
This week, the Middle School Volleyball team wrapped up the game portion of their season traveling to Saint John Paul II for a two-match afternoon. Both matches were close affairs highlighting the growth in both teams since their first match in mid-September. The Falcons used powerful serves, controlled passing, and strong team communication to pull out the second match. Since the start of the season, this group of 6th and 7th grade girls, many of whom had not previously played volleyball, dedicated themselves to the process of improving daily and it has paid off. This young Middle School team finished the with an overall record of 4-4 this Fall. Congratulations on a strong Fall season, ladies, and we look forward to seeing all you all continue to accomplish within our Falcon volleyball program. 

JV Volleyball
Game vs. Fayetteville Academy 
Scores—W 2-0 (25-12, 25-22) 
 
The Falcons kicked off their final week of the season hosting Fayetteville Academy Wednesday evening in the Hannah Center. With a fast start thanks to powerful serves and dominating front row attacks, the JV Volleyball team took a lead in set one and never let up. Most impressive though was the full team effort brought by the JV ladies Wednesday evening, seeing every Falcon in uniform assist in the victory. The win moves the Falcons to 2-1 on the season, as they head into their final match this Friday, October 16th at Salem Baptist to wrap up their Fall 2020 season.  

Varsity Volleyball
vs. Fayetteville Academy  Wednesday-October 14th
The O'Neal School 1  (25-22)
Fayetteville Academy 3  (25-23; 25-21; 25-21)

Varsity Volleyball celebrated our FAB 5 Seniors Wednesday, October 14th before hosting a rematch with Fayetteville Academy on our home court.  It was a pleasure to honor Grace, Taylor, Kayla, Holly and Mikaila, speaking on behalf of their own individual talents as well as their group effort as a team.  We are certainly proud of their volleyball career at The O'Neal School and know their experience will empower them in their future.  Our last home game started off strong, with high energy, complete focus, powerful offense, quick speed and movement around the court.  It was a FUN match to coach and watch.  We held strong with each following set, as the score often went back and forth.  This team is on the cusp of breaking through for a WIN and we appreciate their diligence and perseverance.  It will pay off soon.  We will travel to Salem Baptist Christian School Friday, October 16th to compete in our last contest @5:15pm.  We can do this, Lady Falcons!
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