The senior class that comprise this year’s Orange women’s soccer team has already accomplished plenty. Last year, they hosted a game in the 3A State Playoffs. The Lady Panthers defeated Southern Nash 7-0 in the opening round behind four goals from Sullivan Gaddy. On Thursday, Orange defeated J.F. Webb 8-0 in Oxford to win its Big 7 Conference opener. Emma Edwards notched two goals for Orange. Senior Kyla Mehl scored a goal and added an assist as the Lady Panthers improved to 2-1-1. Mehl is a three-sport athlete who just finished her final basketball season last month in the second round of the 5A State Playoffs. Mehl and fellow senior Molly Kruse played tennis last fall for head coach Justin Webb. Kruse and Mehl helped the Lady Panthers reach the round of 16 in the 5A State Playoffs. It was the first Orange women’s tennis team to win two state playoff matches. Kruse also scored a goal and registered an assist against Webb. Kruse also assisted on the only goal in Orange’s season-opening 1-1 tie against Southeast Alamance. Sophomore Ella Garrett scored the only tally for the Lady Panthers. Coming up next week, Orange will have three games. They will face perennial power Carrboro on Monday at Jaguars Stadium. On Wednesday, the Lady Panthers will host Carrboro. On Thursday, they will host Cedar Ridge.
