Hurricanes Reflect on a Bittersweet Ending to Season

With their eyes moist and red, Huntingtown's Lauren Jeschelnick and Margie Maresca stared in silence across the court and watched another team celebrate another state championship at the Hurricanes' expense.

The pair tried to stay composed as Reservoir's players hugged and danced just moments after their 25-13, 25-22, 25-19 victory over Huntingtown in the Maryland 3A championship game Saturday at the University of Maryland's Ritchie Coliseum.

But minutes later, in the bowels of the arena, tears streamed down the faces of Jeschelnick and Maresca as they rehashed their latest dose of heartache. Huntingtown lost in the last three state championship matches, a bitter fact that was beginning to sink in for them.

"It's frustrating -- very frustrating," Maresca said.

"It's hard to talk about right now," Jeschelnick added.

Huntingtown, which has been open for four years, has experienced quick success in volleyball. The Hurricanes have won four 3A South Region titles and ended this year with a 17-2 record.

The ending to Huntingtown's past three seasons, however, has been a bitter pill.

"It's a little bit frustrating; this being our third time coming all the way to the finals," Hurricanes Coach Shari Turner said. "At the same time, it's important to note that it's still a pretty good finish."

This season, perhaps more than ever, was a testament to the strength of Huntingtown's young program. Five three-year starters from last year's state runner-up team graduated, causing many to dismiss the Hurricanes this season.

Instead of rebuilding, Huntingtown reloaded, cruising through the regular season with only one blemish -- a loss to Northern that the Hurricanes later avenged in the region playoffs.

"When we started this program four years ago, we had a mind-set that we were going to try and establish a good foundation," Turner said. "We've definitely built on it. This is our first full graduating class, and to be able to be a state power is definitely something you wouldn't anticipate from such a young school."

Jeschelnick and Maresca represent the prototypical Huntingtown player -- athletic, versatile and with a bit of swagger. The seniors kept the Hurricanes close in the final but ultimately succumbed to a team with more weapons.

When their tears dried and perspective took over, the pair was able to reflect through positive eyes. "It's been amazing. It's been the time of my life," Maresca said.

"All this -- it's been an amazing experience," Jeschelnick added.