This week’s Orange Panther of the Week is senior volleyball liberto Sadye Porter. After a year away from the Orange volleyball team in 2022, Porter returned to the team for her senior season under new head coach Hope Heverly. Her return has greatly helped the Orange defense with a team-high 342 digs. She also has 35 aces, which is third on the team. Her return has helped Orange to possibly its most successful volleyball season in school history. Last week, Orange secured its first conference championship in 18 years when they defeated Southern Alamance in Hillsborough. After its win over Walter Williams on Wednesday night, Orange has won 18 in a row and secured a 20-win season. In her sophomore season in 2022, Porter led the team with 299 digs. Orange has secured the #1 seed in the CCC Tournament. Orange will receive a bye into the semifinals, where they will face either Western Alamance, Southern Alamance or Eastern Alamance next Tuesday. If Orange wins, they will host the conference tournament championship match next Wednesday. Orange will also host a match in the opening round of the 3A State Tournament on October 21 in Hillsborough. Orange is currently ranked #1 in the 3A East RPI rankings. If the Lady Panthers maintain that ranking, they will have home-court advantage throughout the state playoffs. Orange will try to complete its first undefeated conference season in school history against Eastern Alamance on Thursday in Mebane.