Liberty’s ride in the PIAA playoffs came to an end over the weekend, as the Hurricanes dropped a quarterfinal matchup to Central Dauphin in five games 26-28, 20-25, 25-22, 25-16, 8-15.

The ‘Canes end the season at 19-4 overall, but enjoyed one of their most successful campaigns over the last two decades and first-year head coach Fernando Torres couldn’t be happier with what his group was able to accomplish.

“The 2024 season was a beautiful journey,” said Torres. “My first year as the head coach of my alma mater and to be able to work with this incredible team every day and watch their growth was a blessing. To see them reap the rewards of their dedication and hard work and end our 22 year district championship drought brings tears to my eyes.”

Like any year, Liberty will graduate a group of talented players that helped propel them to the type of season they had, but Torres is confident in the players coming back.

“We’re graduating seven seniors but will be returning our starting setter and a few defenders,” he said. “We also have a nice young core that we’re excited about and can’t wait to see their growth as players when we get back in the gym together because we know the hard work they will be putting in this offseason.”

Prepping for next season is always on the mind of coaches, but the Hurricanes have laid a foundation of being one of the upper tier programs in the East Penn Conference over the past five seasons.

Continuing that should be easier after the success they’ve established, but also eclipsed this year by bringing home a district gold medal.

“I think the example our seniors set with regard to their work ethic and drive will have a ripple effect on how hard our younger players work,” Torres said. “When you have one of the MVPs [Bailey Corrigan] of the league on your team and you see her constantly staying late to continue to work on every part of her game, you quickly realize there is no substitute for hard work, discipline and dedication. Talent and potential are nice but it’s the hard work coupled with that talent that create something special, there are no shortcuts. Our seniors set such an incredible example on the type of work ethic needed and the standard by which Liberty Hurricanes are measured.”