At the end of last season, Liberty girls basketball coach Jarrett Carnes collected his team’s uniforms when he was notified the Hurricanes had, in fact, clinched a berth in district playoffs.

This season, the Hurricanes are hoping to repeat with a little more wiggle room.

Key returners to the squad include Layla Orth, Emma Pukszyn, and Ruby Miller. Also in the mix of impact players will be freshman Ava Kopetskie.

Orth, Pukszyn, and Miller will serve as team captains.

“I expect these three to lead our team with their experience through the highs and lows of the season,” said Coach Carnes, “and keep all our girls on the same page and hold themselves and their teammates accountable.”

Carnes’ assistants are Jordan Young and Jena Auriemma.

“During the offseason, a lot of our girls were in the weight room, in the gym, and playing AAU and summer league to prepare for this upcoming season,” Carnes said. “The Lady ‘Canes will challenge other teams this year by competing at a high level every minute for four quarters, playing tough defense, and putting the ball in the basket.”

Liberty will host Southern Lehigh this Saturday in a nonconference game before traveling to Nazareth for its Eastern Pennsylvania Conference opener on Dec. 6.