The Orange softball team played its final home game on Tuesday night. The Lady Panthers defeated J.F. Webb 10-7 to reach the second round of the 5A State Playoffs at Orange Softball Field. Senior Natalie Roberson hit two triples, including one in the first inning to score Molly Kate Olson. Roberson would add another triple in the fifth inning. Katie Carden belted a two-run single in a six-run fourth inning to push Orange’s lead to 7-1. Addison Guentensberger had a base hit in her final game. Both Carden and Roberson played softball for Orange since their freshman season. They both played at Orange softball field when they were adolescents and helped the Lady Panthers win four state playoff games in their careers. For Katie, her family has been a part of Orange athletics for over 15 years. Her cousin, Jayden, was a starting first baseman for the 3A State Championship team in 2017. Her sister, Caitlin, played volleyball for Orange. In their sophomore seasons, Roberson and Carden helped Orange reach the round of 16. The Lady Panthers claimed its third victory over the Warriors this season. On Friday, Orange will travel to Haw River to face Mid-Carolina Conference champion Southeast Alamance, the top-seed in the 5A East Region.
