Falcons Nest - September 29th
BUSY WEEK OF CONTESTS FOR THE FALCON ATHLETES
Middle School Volleyball:
Opponent | Set 1 | Set 2 | Match |
Fayetteville Christian | 21-25 | 7-25 | L |
Freedom Christian | 25-23 | 25-22 | W |
Fayetteville Academy | 25-15 | 25-6 | W |
The Middle School Volleyball team competed in three games this past week. The first match was a hard-fought loss against Fayetteville Christian. Myer Johnson showcased a strong and precise serve, leading to several exciting, long rallies. Heather Anton-Botengan made a remarkable save in the first set, extending the Falcons' fight. The bench was lively and engaged, constantly cheering and offering unwavering support throughout the set.
In the second game of the week, the team faced Freedom Christian in an exciting match filled with great rallies. Heather Anton-Botengan’s confident serving helped set the tone, sparking a long rally between the teams. Cecilia Jones delivered exceptional tipping and hitting, securing the first set win, while Reagan Lowth contributed with strong passing and a powerful hit that pushed the Falcons ahead in the second set.
The final game of the week started slowly, but the team found their rhythm, communicating effectively to bring home the win. Gigi Gabriele made an impressive save in the first set, complemented by several excellent serves from Keelie Bosworth. In the second set, the team’s serving was dominant, with 88% of serves making it over and in. The Falcons had three consecutive 6-point serving streaks from Cecilia Jones, Keelie Bosworth, and Riley Havenstein. Mallory McPeake also shone with her setting in the second set, rounding off a successful week for the team.
Varsity Volleyball:
Opponent | Set 1 | Set 2 | Set 3 | Set 4 | Match |
Fayetteville Christian | 26-28 | 19-25 | 25-21 | 12-25 | L |
Freedom Christian | 15-25 | 25-21 | 25-21 | 28-26 | W |
The O'Neal Varsity Volleyball team traveled to Fayetteville Christian last Friday, where they battled hard but ultimately fell 1-3. After a strong showing in the first set, pushing it into extra points before coming up short, the Falcons managed to take the third set but couldn't extend the match to a fifth, falling in the fourth. This was a winnable game for the Falcons, but the team didn’t bring their usual level of play. Post-match discussions focused on the importance of consistently playing at their own standard and not underestimating opponents. It was a tough lesson, but one that helped fuel their motivation for Monday's game against Freedom.
The Falcons hosted Freedom Christian for their first face-off of the season in an epic four-set battle, where the Falcons emerged victorious! The match showcased the team's resilience, energy, and determination, proving they have what it takes to compete with and defeat any team in the conference. These tightly contested sets are proving invaluable in preparing the athletes for tough situations down the stretch. By experiencing these high-pressure moments now, the team is gaining the confidence and composure needed to navigate similar challenges in conference and tournament play. When those critical moments arise, they’ll be able to reflect on these experiences and rise to the occasion with the poise and resilience they’ve developed throughout the season.
Middle School Boys Soccer:
O’Neal vs Freedom Christian: Final Score 1-2, L
The Falcons hosted Freedom Christian on Monday, playing a tightly contested game that featured teams with identical records. Freedom had some dangerous forwards, and they were able to put pressure on O’Neal throughout the first half. The defense did a good job holding strong, but a left-footed strike from the top of the 18 put Freedom ahead 1-0 midway through the contest. O’Neal pressed forward more in the second half, trying to even the score, and in doing so were vulnerable to a counterattack that pushed the lead to 2-0 in Freedom’s favor. The Falcons kept playing hard and scored a late goal to keep themselves in it. Ultimately, Freedom’s defense was able to turn away O’Neal’s final chances. The boys get another shot at Freedom on Monday, hoping to move back into a tie for fourth place in the league.
O’Neal vs Freedom Christian: Final Score 1-2, L
The Falcons hosted Freedom Christian on Monday, playing a tightly contested game that featured teams with identical records. Freedom had some dangerous forwards, and they were able to put pressure on O’Neal throughout the first half. The defense did a good job holding strong, but a left-footed strike from the top of the 18 put Freedom ahead 1-0 midway through the contest. O’Neal pressed forward more in the second half, trying to even the score, and in doing so were vulnerable to a counterattack that pushed the lead to 2-0 in Freedom’s favor. The Falcons kept playing hard and scored a late goal to keep themselves in it. Ultimately, Freedom’s defense was able to turn away O’Neal’s final chances. The boys get another shot at Freedom on Monday, hoping to move back into a tie for fourth place in the league.
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Academy: Final Score 0-1, L
Every once in a while, a losing effort can produce a magical moment. That happened this week when O’Neal faced a Fayetteville Academy team that had dominated the Falcons in their first meeting. With an experienced team that boasts the most dangerous center forward in the league, Fayetteville Academy expected the game to be over in the first five minutes. With a new defensive plan and some shifting positions, the Falcons had other plans, taking control of the game from the first whistle and holding Fayetteville Academy’s dangerous forward in check for the entirety of the first half. The best chances of the half came from the Falcons who had two opportunities from inside Fayetteville Academy’s 18-yard box. The second half started much the same way, with O’Neal’s defense holding strong and the boys feeling good about their chances. About five minutes into the second half though, Fayetteville Academy’s center forward broke free for the only time in the game, and he made it count, putting the Eagles up 1-0. O’Neal kept fighting, and had more near misses, ultimately falling 1-0 at the final whistle. It was a game to be proud of, despite the result, and the growth of the team was apparent.
Varsity Boys Soccer:
O’Neal vs. Freedom Christian: Final Score 3-1, W
The O’Neal Falcons secured a well-deserved 3-1 win over conference rivals, the Freedom Academy Patriots, in a home match that saw the Falcons dominate possession for large stretches of the game. Despite some tense moments, the Falcons' persistence and control ultimately led them to victory.
The Falcons came out strong from the start, dictating the tempo and pressing the Patriots back. Their early dominance paid off when Jack Habets found the back of the net, giving O’Neal a 1-0 lead midway through the first half. The Falcons continued to apply pressure, but despite several opportunities, the score remained 1-0 heading into halftime.
After the break, O’Neal picked up right where they left off, controlling possession and pushing for a second goal. However, ten minutes into the second half, the Patriots caught the Falcons on a swift counterattack and leveled the score at 1-1.
The Falcons didn’t waver, though. They kept up their intensity, continued to dictate play, and soon found their breakthrough. Travis Doody delivered a clinical finish to restore O’Neal's lead at 2-1.
With the game winding down and the Patriots searching for an equalizer, the Falcons kept their foot on the gas. Five minutes from the end of regulation, Doody struck again, bagging his second goal of the match and sealing a 3-1 victory for the Falcons.
It was a hard-fought match, but the Falcons’ control of possession and determination made the difference. With the win, O’Neal continues to build momentum as they head toward the conference play-offs. The Falcons will aim to carry their winning form into next week’s matches, where they face tough competition as they push toward their postseason ambitions.
O’Neal vs. Freedom Christian: Final Score 3-1, W
The O’Neal Falcons secured a well-deserved 3-1 win over conference rivals, the Freedom Academy Patriots, in a home match that saw the Falcons dominate possession for large stretches of the game. Despite some tense moments, the Falcons' persistence and control ultimately led them to victory.
The Falcons came out strong from the start, dictating the tempo and pressing the Patriots back. Their early dominance paid off when Jack Habets found the back of the net, giving O’Neal a 1-0 lead midway through the first half. The Falcons continued to apply pressure, but despite several opportunities, the score remained 1-0 heading into halftime.
After the break, O’Neal picked up right where they left off, controlling possession and pushing for a second goal. However, ten minutes into the second half, the Patriots caught the Falcons on a swift counterattack and leveled the score at 1-1.
The Falcons didn’t waver, though. They kept up their intensity, continued to dictate play, and soon found their breakthrough. Travis Doody delivered a clinical finish to restore O’Neal's lead at 2-1.
With the game winding down and the Patriots searching for an equalizer, the Falcons kept their foot on the gas. Five minutes from the end of regulation, Doody struck again, bagging his second goal of the match and sealing a 3-1 victory for the Falcons.
It was a hard-fought match, but the Falcons’ control of possession and determination made the difference. With the win, O’Neal continues to build momentum as they head toward the conference play-offs. The Falcons will aim to carry their winning form into next week’s matches, where they face tough competition as they push toward their postseason ambitions.
Middle School Cross Country:
Another spirited week this week for the Falcon runners as they showcased their impressive running skills at Berean Baptist Academy in Fayetteville. A concrete jungle, the Berean course was an interesting route through an urban setting that left the runners having to battle both the elements and problematic course layout. Although the case, the Falcon runners gave it their all with Charlie Boreland (14.47), David Risseeuw (14.48) and Hunter Monroe (14.52) all crossing the finish line in record time. With Jacob Koprowski (15.38) and Mathew Arvelo (15.45) following closely behind. For the girls, Abigail Schupp continues to dominate finishing in 16.13 with Lainey Murphy (17.42) and Ava Bozovich (17.48) following. Most Valuable Runner though goes to Matthew Arvelo who has demonstrated his ability to be a caring teammate and going the extra mile both in practice and during meets. Furthermore, upon finishing his practice run, Matthew can be seen running laps on the baseball field and supporting a teammate in need at meets. Next week, the Falcons have their first and only home meet on Monday, September 30th before conference championships in October.
Varsity Cross Country:
Varsity Cross Country (XC) has successfully completed Week 8 of the Season. And WHAT.A.WEEK. Five Falcon Runners raced in The Adidas Invitational at Wake Med Soccer Park last Saturday. This is a highly coveted National Cross-Country Invitational with 127 Schools attending. All five O’Neal runners set a Season Record and improved their time from the 2023 Adidas Invitational. Wake Med is a challenging course with two steep 600 Meter Hills…. One of them leads you to the finish line which is not a FUN way to finish a race. Regardless of the difficult course, The Falcon Runners crushed it! Congratulations go to Sam Schmitz, Malia Stone, Chris O’Melia, Ava Taylor Walker, and Nathan Reifenstahl on their outstanding race.
Varsity Cross Country (XC) has successfully completed Week 8 of the Season. And WHAT.A.WEEK. Five Falcon Runners raced in The Adidas Invitational at Wake Med Soccer Park last Saturday. This is a highly coveted National Cross-Country Invitational with 127 Schools attending. All five O’Neal runners set a Season Record and improved their time from the 2023 Adidas Invitational. Wake Med is a challenging course with two steep 600 Meter Hills…. One of them leads you to the finish line which is not a FUN way to finish a race. Regardless of the difficult course, The Falcon Runners crushed it! Congratulations go to Sam Schmitz, Malia Stone, Chris O’Melia, Ava Taylor Walker, and Nathan Reifenstahl on their outstanding race.
Varsity XC then traveled to Berean Baptist to race in another conference meet on Tuesday. The course provided a fast and flat opportunity to drop significate time. Again, the Falcon Runners completed their mission. The Team had 8 PR’s. Congrats Jace, Haddie, Hudson, Charlotte, Zoe, Chris, Malia, and Ava Taylor.
XC will host a Home Meet on Monday September 30. The team is looking forward to racing our conference competitors on their home trail.
The Falcons hope to see you at the Finish Line.
Girls Tennis:
On Friday, September 20, the Lady Falcons extended their winning streak to 5-0 with a dominant 9-0 victory over Fayetteville Christian School. Several starters were rested to provide younger team members with valuable match-play experience, a strategy the team has employed in previous matches. Singles victories were earned by Charli Bunder, Hannah Claire Nesbit, Natalia Henderson, Vivienne Rhue, Valentina Roberts, and Beth Cordero.
On Friday, September 20, the Lady Falcons extended their winning streak to 5-0 with a dominant 9-0 victory over Fayetteville Christian School. Several starters were rested to provide younger team members with valuable match-play experience, a strategy the team has employed in previous matches. Singles victories were earned by Charli Bunder, Hannah Claire Nesbit, Natalia Henderson, Vivienne Rhue, Valentina Roberts, and Beth Cordero.
On Monday, September 23, the team's winning streak came to an end with a 9-0 loss to Carolina Friends. Senior co-captain and number one player, Charli Bunder, was unable to play due to illness, requiring the rest of the team to step up in the lineup. Despite the absence of their top player, the Lady Falcons displayed great resilience, with many matches going into tiebreakers. Carolina Friends is always a competitive opponent, and the team showed commendable effort in raising their level of play.
Falcon Athletics Next Week 9/30-10/4:
DAY | DATE | OPPONENT | SPORT | H/A | EVENT TIME |
TUE | 9/30/2024 | Freedom Christian Academy | BSOC | AWAY | 5:00PM |
TUE | 9/30/2024 | Freedom Christian Academy | MSBSOC | AWAY | 3:30 PM |
MON | 9/30/2024 | Freedom Christian Academy | VB | AWAY | 4:45 PM |
TUE | 9/30/2024 | Freedom Christian Academy | MSVB | AWAY | 3:30 PM |
MON | 9/30/2024 | Cary Christian, Sandhills Highlanders, SJPII, SCCS, Covenant Prep | MSXC | HOME | 4:00 PM 4:30 PM |
MON | 9/30/2024 | SAC Conf Meet *SENIOR RECOGNITION | XC | HOME | 5:00 PM 5:30 PM |
THU | 10/3/2024 | Berean Baptist *SENIOR RECOGNITION | BSOC | HOME | 5:15 PM |
THU | 10/3/2024 | Fayetteville Academy *SENIOR RECOGNITION | GTN | HOME | 3:30 PM |
THU | 10/3/2024 | Berean Baptist *SENIOR RECOGNITION | VB | HOME | 4:45 PM |
THU | 10/3/2024 | Berean Baptist Academy | MSBSOC | HOME | 3:30 PM |
THU | 10/3/2024 | Berean Baptist Academy | MSVB | HOME | 3:30 PM |
FRI | 10/4/2024 | Trinity Christian | VB | HOME | 4:45 PM |
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.
© The O'Neal School