The O’Neal School varsity volleyball team defeated Harrell’s Christian in four sets Tuesday in Southern Pines.

According to head coach Kendall Harper, the 25-16, 25-17, 17-25, and 25-11 victory was a major one for her Lady Falcon squad, which improved to 9-6 overall and 4-3 in Cape Fear Independent League action.

“We had previously lost to Harrell’s in three straight games after a week off for school trips,” Harper said. “The team played with harmony — they played so well together.”

Katja Ehlers led the team with 19 kills and also provided 15 digs and three service aces. Sarah D’Annunzio chipped in nine kills, while Taylor Shelton and Avery Schaefer provided four kills each. Scottie McGowan had 30 assists for O’Neal, while Shelton led the Falcons in digs with 16, followed with 10 digs each from Emma Furstien and Scottie McGowan. Shelton also had a team-high nine service aces and one block.

The Falcons finished the week in a match against Fayetteville Christian Thursday. Prior to the varsity affair, the Falcon junior varsity lost in two sets to Harrell’s Christian Academy, 25-11, 25-20.

“Our serve receive passing broke down in set one,” Harper said, “allowing Harrell’s to serve 12 straight points to close out the set. In set two, the girls passed much better and had some exciting rallies. We are working toward staying consistent all match.”

With the loss, the team moved to 5-11 overall and 3-4 in conference play.