There have been many memorable moments for the six Orange women’s basketball seniors. Maura McMurtry, Alexis Stephens, Natalie Roberson, Addison Atkins, Kyla Mehl and Payton Borland were honored on Friday night as the Lady Panthers defeated Durham School of the Arts 61-22. McMurtry, Stephens and sophomore Kassidy Tolliver each had eleven points to lead Orange. Together, these groups of seniors helped Orange defeat Swansboro in the 3A State Playoffs last year. It was Orange’s first state playoff win since 2017. McMurtry has been the Orange point guard for the past three years. She’s going to Division III Carleton College in Northfield, MC to play college basketball next year. For other players, basketball is one of many sports that excel in. Once the spring starts, Roberson and Borland will focus on softball. Mehl is a three-sport athlete who helped the women’s tennis team reach the round of 16 in the 5A State Playoffs last fall for the first time ever. Stephenson and Mehl will head to the pitch this spring for soccer. Stephenson is Orange’s goalkeeper who has committed to play at Division II Shaw University in Raleigh. Atkins has been a four-year member of the varsity team. The Lady Panthers will have a short turnaround. They face Carrboro on Saturday afternoon at 12:30 in Hillsborough.
