Liberty’s Jimmy Barker wasn’t surprised when his team recently finished second in the PIAA Class 3A state championships at York’s Heritage Hills Golf Resort.

Instead, he anticipated it.

“We had a good season, and we all expected to go far,” said the junior, who has cousins Jordan and Jase on the team. “We had a great team and we were seven deep. We definitely all expected to go this far. We didn’t want to let the city or the school down.”

Liberty finished runner up to Erie Cathedral Prep, and the Hurricanes became only the third District 11 team to achieve the milestone behind Parkland (2008) and Nazareth (2016).

“To be honest, I knew that’s what we had to do,” noted Barker, who shot an 81. “We played that course many times, but it just didn’t go our way.”

Liberty drew to within one stroke of Erie Cathedral Prep on the final hole, but they couldn’t close the deal.

Senior Jordan Barker led the Hurricanes with a one-over 72, but his teammates fell off the pace to close seven strokes off the pace.

“We were right there,” said head coach Steve Bradley. “The kids knew the course, and they played well. These are great kids who have been around each other for a long time.

“It was an amazing ride for them.”

Matt Vital (73), Michael Vital (75) and Jase Barker (82) rounded out their starting five.

Jase Barker, the younger freshman brother of Jordan, is anxious to have another opportunity.

“I’d be lying if I told anyone that I wasn’t disappointed,” said the younger Barker. “I really had high hopes of bringing home the gold. But fortunately, I am only a freshman, so I have three more chances at getting it.

“Even though we didn’t get the gold, the team could chalk it up as a win in the experience column. I am really looking forward to practicing hard and making another solid run next year. I’m working on my game to only get better.”

The Hurricanes will bring back four starters next fall. In addition to losing Jordan Barker, they will lose fellow seniors Ryan Evans, Tyler Markovich, Matt Bilger, and Jack Rothenhaulser, all of whom made the top eight during the season.

“Those guys played a big role for us,” added Bradley. “We have a good core coming back, and they are all looking forward to next season.”