Falcons Weekly Recap: April 25

Varsity Girls Soccer  
O’Neal vs Freedom Christian Academy: 2-0, W 
The Falcons took care of business against Freedom Christian Academy in a strong performance that highlighted both senior leadership and attacking efficiency. The breakthrough came when Sydney Davis delivered a perfectly placed ball over the top, and Jordin Reed finished it with a composed chip.  
After having a goal called back on a tight offsides decision, Reed responded the right way, putting away a high corner strike over the keeper’s head that left no doubt.  Defensively and through the midfield, the group stayed organized and disciplined, continuing to build momentum as the postseason approaches.  This match also gave the opportunity to recognize the team's four seniors and the impact they’ve had on the program. 

Hannah Claire Nesbit has been a steady, positive teammate who pushed through self-doubt, kept showing up, and grew into her confidence year after year. Christina Acker has developed into a composed and intelligent player who stayed patient, earned her role, and became someone the team could rely on. 
Jordin Reed has been a relentless competitor who turned raw athleticism into elite production and now stands among the top scorers in 2A. Kennedi Hamner has anchored the defense for years, setting the standard with her coachability and consistent commitment to improvement. 

O’Neal vs Berean Baptist Academy 9-0, W 
Short on numbers due to several players attending a school concert, the Falcons traveled to Berean Baptist Academy with a reshuffled lineup and players stepping into new roles. After about ten minutes of adjusting to the smaller field, the group settled in and took full control on the way to a mercy-rule victory. Haddie Habets opened the scoring with a composed finish to the short corner. Just minutes later, Reed controlled a free kick and sent it over the keeper’s head to double the lead. Jordin added another by pressuring a goal kick and finishing the turnover. The combination play continued as substitute goalkeeper Lily Stanley’s punt found Habets, who flicked it on to Reed for another finish. Davis then threaded a ball through the defense, and Reed calmly handled the one-on-one to add again. 

Left back Beth Cordero played a perfect ball through that set Habets up for a 1v1 finish, extending the lead. One of the best moments of the night followed when Habets found Hannah Claire Nesbit in front of the goal, where she scored her first career goal in the final regular season game of her senior year. Lilly Hobson delivered two excellent corner kicks late, both finished by Reed with well-timed headers to cap off the scoring. It was a complete team performance, with players stepping up in new roles and maintaining a high level throughout. 

Varsity Boys Tennis 
The Varsity Tennis team had a solid week of practice as they prepare for conference playoffs next week.   
In the performance room, players put in strong work focusing on conditioning, stretching, and yoga to stay physically prepared and recover well. Midweek featured a Davis Cup–style team competition, adding a fun and competitive twist to practice. The senior team captains selected sides and set the lineups, leading to energetic matchups across both singles and doubles play. The on-court practice time also focused on serving consistency and sharpening doubles play. 

Thursday was highlighted by Senior Recognition Day, where the program honored two outstanding seniors, Ethan Kim and Nathan Reifenstahl, for their leadership, dedication, and contributions throughout the season. Their scheduled match was won via forfeit of their opponents, and the team was able to have a fun practice to celebrate their seniors. 

Overall, it was a productive and positive week as the team builds momentum heading into postseason play. 

Varsity Boys Baseball 
O'Neal vs. Freedom Christian Academy: 11-0, L 

The energy was high in the contest on Tuesday afternoon against FCA. The Falcons celebrated the 3 seniors on the team for Senior Recognition. Captains: Peter Sundborg, Joey Wade, and Jack Habets all batted at the top of the lineup. Peter Sundborg led the way with a base hit, but the lineup was locked down by opposing pitching. 

The Falcons welcomed a couple of lower school students to practice on Wednesday afternoon in lieu of their regularly scheduled Youth Clinic. The young athletes went through a pregame routine followed by drills led by the varsity athletes. The lower school kids had a blast!  

Conference playoffs start next week followed by State playoffs the week after. Be sure to cheer on your Falcons when the schedule comes out! Thank you for all your support so far this season!

Contributed: Photos by Wendy Hodges/The Pines Media