Falcons Nest-CONFERENCE PLAY LEADS INTO STATE PLAYOFF SEASON

Varsity Cross Country:  
The O'Neal School Cross Country team had an outstanding performance at their latest meet on October 8th, hosted by Fayetteville Christian at the Golf View Golf Course. This race served as a preview for the upcoming conference meet on October 15th, and the athletes took full advantage of the course's gentle, rolling hills, a welcome change from the tough, hilly courses they have faced in recent weeks. The team’s focus going into the race was to push themselves out of their comfort zones from start to finish—and their hard work paid off in a big way, as nearly every single runner set a new lifetime best and all of the Falcon Runners set a season best. 

The team is hitting its stride at just the right time, with medal season fast approaching. The athletes’ determination and discipline have led to major improvements, positioning them well for the conference meet and the state championships to follow. Their coaches are excited about the momentum they’ve built and look forward to seeing how this progress translates in the high-stakes races ahead. 

Girls Tennis: 
On Monday, October 7, the girls tennis team extended their record to 6-1 with a commanding 9-0 victory over Village Christian, securing the Sandhills Athletic Conference title. Singles wins were contributed by Charli Bunder, Ava Taylor Walker, Hannah Claire Nesbit, Natalia Henderson, Sydney Davis, and Vivienne Rhue. Walker displayed remarkable endurance in a three-hour battle, ultimately winning 8-6 in the third set. Her cross-country training undoubtedly helped her go the distance. 

On Wednesday, October 9, the team faced a tough challenge against Carolina Friends, falling 7-2. Charli Bunder earned both team wins with a 6-2, 6-2 singles victory and an 8-6 doubles win alongside Natalia Henderson. The Falcons did not take it easy on the Quakers as they fought hard in their close singles matches! This match marked the first time the entire team—13 girls—traveled for an away match, and every member had the opportunity to compete in singles or doubles. This experience will undoubtedly aid in their growth, both in terms of tennis skills and their desire to improve in the future. 

Looking ahead, the team will advance to the first round of the State Team Tournament on Tuesday, October 16. The opponent and location will be announced on Sunday, October 14.  

Varsity Volleyball:  
O’Neal vs Trinity Christian: Scores – 25-11, 25-8, 25-19 Win  
The O'Neal Volleyball team hosted Trinity Christian School on Friday for their final regular season game, and despite some players being out, the team rose to the occasion. Several players stepped into new positions and did an outstanding job, working together to ensure everyone was in sync and in the right spots. Their teamwork and adaptability paid off, as O'Neal secured a 3-set victory, finishing the season on a high note. This strong performance heading into postseason play highlights the depth and resilience of the team. 

O’Neal vs Fayetteville Christian: Scores - 25-21, 18-25, 25-22, 25-16 Win 
The Falcons kicked off the Sandhills Athletic Conference Quarterfinals with a trip to Fayetteville Christian School, where they finally broke through after two close losses during the regular season. O'Neal claimed victory in four sets, playing with remarkable cohesion and teamwork. Despite missing key players, the team adapted seamlessly, fighting hard, communicating effectively, and showing their true potential. This performance highlighted their resilience and underscored that when they come together and play as a unit, the sky's the limit. It was a well-earned win and a strong statement heading deeper into tournament play. 

Berean Baptist: 12-25, 12-25, 14-25 Loss 
The O'Neal Volleyball team traveled to Berean Baptist for the semifinal game in the Sandhills Athletic Conference tournament, where they faced a tough opponent in the #2 ranked team in the state. Despite playing hard and showing resilience, Berean Baptist proved to be a formidable match. With some players dealing with injuries, the team is looking forward to fall break for some much-needed rest and recovery. They remain determined and ready to make a strong push as they head into next week's state tournament, focused and prepared for the challenges ahead. 

Varsity Boys Soccer:  
O’Neal vs. Village Christian: Final Score 0-2,W 
The O'Neal Falcons Boys Varsity Soccer team faced a tough challenge in the conference semi-final against the Village Christian Knights. The match started in promising fashion for the Falcons, who dominated possession and carved out several attacking opportunities in the opening stages. Their movement and pressure kept the Knights on the defensive for much of the first half, but they struggled to convert their chances into goals. 
However, the momentum shifted dramatically when, with 20 minutes left in the first half, the Knights capitalized on one of the Falcons' few defensive lapses. A long throw-in into the box found a Village Christian player, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net. This goal rattled the Falcons, and from that moment on, they found themselves on the back foot. 

With five minutes left in the half, the Knights struck again. A Village Christian player was left unmarked at the top of the 18-yard box and unleashed a powerful shot that sailed past the Falcons’ goalkeeper, putting the Knights up 2-0 heading into halftime. 

After the break, the Falcons regrouped but struggled to break down a well-organized Knights defense. Despite their best efforts to mount a comeback, the Knights stood firm, frustrating the Falcons’ attack at every turn. Max Pashley and Gavin Natt led the charge, but even their leadership and efforts couldn’t generate the breakthrough O'Neal needed. 

In the end, the Falcons fell 2-0, ending their conference tournament run. Despite the disappointing result, the Falcons had reason to celebrate four players being named to the All-Conference Team: Andrew Pavlovich, Max Pashley, Travis Doody, and Gavin Natt. 

The season isn't over yet for the Falcons, as they now set their sights on the State Playoffs. They'll be hoping for a home game in the first round, with their opponent to be determined on Sunday. The team will be eager to bounce back and make a deep run in the state competition, knowing they have the talent and resilience to do so. 

Contributed.

Photos by Wendy Hodges.

NCISAA Brackets will be released Sunday. Check back to Moore Daily Sports for game times.

This article is sponsored by Southern Pines Youth Rugby.