In a showdown between two teams ranked in the top 10 of the state, O’Neal and Carolina Friends battled to a 1-all draw Tuesday in Durham.

The Falcons, ranked eighth in the state, and Carolina Friends, ranked ninth, played to a scoreless tie in the first half of the nonconference clash between independent schools.

O’Neal started play with passion, said O’Neal coach Ted Hassenfelt, as the Falcons held possession for the first part of the first half with Hannah Sullivan barely missing on two quality opportunities.

The O’Neal defense, consisting of Rebecca Frye, Alessandra Tozzi, Jackie Chamberlain, Teresa Griffin and Alex Quevedo (keeper), held strong during the second part of the first half as Carolina Friends gained momentum.

The second half started with Chamberlain moving from defense to an attacking role, and the benefits were seen immediately. The Falcons opened the half with several quality scoring chances, including a near miss by Chamberlain on a cross by Sullivan.

At the 48-minute mark in the match, Sullivan deposited a left-footed blast over the head of the Carolina Friends keeper, after Chamberlain played her the ball at the top of the 18-yard box.

The O’Neal defense played a solid game, but was unable to keep Carolina Friends off the scoreboard, allowing a goal in the 71st minute of play.

The Falcons are now 4-2-1 on the season. O’Neal is at home today against county rivals North Moore.