O’Neal Falcons weekly recap
Varsity Baseball:
O'Neal vs. Freedom Christian Academy FINAL: 1-17, L
The Freedom Christian Patriots spread the ball across the field last Friday, but the Falcons had trouble finding their footing. The Falcons were led by Oliver Gabor who went 1-1 and scored the Falcon's run in the top of the 3rd inning. The Falcons consistently put runners on base, walking a total of 5 times, but could not manage to bring them home during this contest. The Falcons looked to the next challenge and reset against the Village Christian Knights.
O'Neal vs. Village Christian Academy FINAL: 0-9, L
Though O'Neal did not score, the Falcons were led by Jake Shepherd and Joey Wade on the mound. The two upperclassmen only allowed 2 earned runs through 7 total innings while striking out 5. A few errors on the field got the best of O'Neal. They look to start a winning streak Friday 3/21, at home at 4pm against Fayetteville Christian Warriors.
Varsity Track & Field:
The O’Neal upper school track and field athletes hit the Mid-South Relay meet at Pinecrest High School on Saturday, March 15th, with a tight-knit group of eight athletes ready to compete. Even with a lighter squad due to other commitments, our team showed up and showed out! In the 100m dash, both Ashton Coon and freshman Jamaya Hooker crushed it, making it to the finals. Ashton snagged 6th place out of 23, and Jamaya had an awesome first high school meet, taking 7th. The Falcon throwers also had a solid day, with all three competing well and some even hitting new personal bests. Overall, it was a great day of competition, and the Falcons are excited to compete with a full team at Union Pines High School on March 22nd for the Viking Relays.
Varsity Boys Golf:
The Azalea Junior High School Invitational, originally scheduled for March 17, was unfortunately canceled due to weather. With a promising forecast ahead, the team traveled to Cape Fear Country Club in Wilmington, NC, hoping to compete, but the event was ultimately called off after just a few holes.
Despite the setbacks, the team has remained focused and used the week to sharpen their skills. The team practiced at Twenty Fore on Tuesday, March 18, and continued their training at the Southern Pines Golf Club practice area on March 20.
Looking ahead, the team is set to host Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill at Talamore Golf Club on Monday, March 24, with tee times beginning at 1:03 PM.
Varsity Girls Soccer:
O’Neal vs Village Christian Academy FINAL: 5-1, W
After a tough 2-1 loss to Village Christian last week, in which several key players were sidelined due to illness and injury, the O’Neal varsity girls soccer team entered Tuesday’s rematch determined to change the outcome. With a well-thought-out strategy in place, the Falcons took time to settle in during the first half, but once they found their rhythm, they were unstoppable.
The scoring opened when Joelle Cole delivered a precise cross from the right side, connecting with Keelie Bosworth, who capitalized with a strong finish into the back of the net. The Falcons doubled their lead with a near-identical play from the center of the field—this time, Caroline Lee sent forward a perfect ball that Jordin Reed struck cleanly for another goal.
In the second half, Cole drew a hard foul inside the box, earning a penalty kick. Kennedi Hamner stepped up and confidently placed the ball into the right corner, securing the team’s third goal. Moments later, Victoria York sent a beautiful cross into the box where Haddie Habets broke through the defense to beat the keeper. To seal the victory, Habets made a pass in the box to a wide-open Cole who was able to touch and hit to tap in a final cross, capping off an outstanding team performance.
With a dominant display of teamwork and execution, the Falcons proved their resilience and determination, leaving no doubt about their strength moving forward. They will look to stay at the top of the conference on Friday as they face Fayetteville Christian School for the first time this season. The Warriors are also coming off a strong performance, having also defeated Village Christian Academy 5-1, setting the stage for an exciting matchup.
Varsity Boys Tennis:
O’Neal vs Carmel Christian FINAL: 0-9, L
On Wednesday, March 19, the O’Neal boys tennis team traveled to Carmel Christian, facing an incredibly strong opponent and ultimately falling 9-0. Carmel Christian proved to be the toughest competition the Falcons have encountered in recent years, providing a valuable challenge that pushed each player to elevate their game. Despite the final score, the team showed resilience and growth, competing at their highest level.
The Falcons now turn their focus to their next match, as they prepare to host Fayetteville Christian at O’Neal on Friday, March 21.
Contributed, photo by Wendy Hodges.
