Liberty’s girls’ basketball team used its second quarter to spark opening season victories over Stroudsburg and North Pocono on Friday and Monday, respectively.

In the Hurricanes’ 57-49 win over Stroudsburg, Liberty was down 12-3 at the end of the first quarter.

“It was our first game, and we couldn’t get into a good groove. After that, we picked it up,” said Liberty guard, Maddie Capuano, who scored 25 points. “We needed to execute our offense more and do the simple things to get us started.”

The Hurricanes pulled to within six points by halftime and held the Mountaineers to seven points in the third quarter while Liberty scored 15.

In the Hurricanes’ 59-40 win over North Pocono, Liberty was ahead 14-13 at the end of the first quarter. At the start of the second quarter, almost three minutes had gone by, riddled with missed shots, until Jackie Arthur came off the bench, grabbed a rebound, and scored for the Hurricanes.

“I just went in to play defense. I just play like the coach tells me to play,” Arthur said.

Arthur’s basket sparked a run by the Hurricanes as Capuano, Abby Zerbe, Kaylin West, and Torie Zerbe combined for 22 points to end the first half.

West said, “Finally, teamwork is being put into play. We’re definitely sharing the ball this year, and once Maddie starts hitting threes...”

Kristina Polak and Taysia Snead also scored for the Hurricanes against North Pocono.

This Friday, Liberty will travel to Easton, intending to avenge three losses to the Red Rovers last season.

“Both of us have the same teams back,” said Capuano.

Also in the Hurricanes’ sites are the Parkland Trojans, who knocked off Liberty in a summer tournament final.

“No way should we have lost that game,” West said.