After a loss in the semi-final round of the Region 2A/West tournament and a loss of high scorer Ragan Wiseman to a badly-sprained ankle, the always-determined Lady Buffaloes of Floyd County High School stormed into the gym at Franklin County High School Tuesday to face the Chatham Cavalier and served notice early they were there to win.

The Lady Buffs scored the first 11 points of the game and although the Cavs threatened a few times, never lost the lead and won 52-34 to claim Third Place in the Region and takes momentum into the Virginia State Quarterfinal against Buffalo Gap next Saturday at James Madison University in Harrisonburg.

Wiseman is expected to be ready to play by a week from Saturday’s win.

That win, however, had it moments.  The Lady Buffs struggled at the foul line, hitting just eight of 21 in the first three quarters before they finished the game hitting 81 percent (13 of 18) of the foul shots, highlighted by Ashley Gallimore hitting seven of eight and Natalie Boothe downing five of six.

The difference of the Lady Buffs was control at the beginning of the game and at the end.

The Lady Buffs were set for the state tournament win or lose Saturday but the win add momentum as they jockey next for the final four in Richmond week after next.