STATE EXTRA: Lamneck struggles with fouls

RICHMOND

Even with key player Sara Lamneck on the bench for half of the game, Buffalo Gap still pulled away with a 56-47 win Thursday, sending the Bison into the Group A, Division1 championship game to defend their title.

So what was the reason for Lamneck kicking back on the bench? Foul trouble.

About two minutes into the second quarter Lamneck reached her third foul and coach Chad Coffey made a hasty decision and benched her.

“I think that he just concentrated on not letting me foul out,” Lamneck said. “He was making sure that our inside-out game was still working.”

Sitting out for almost half of the semifinal game was a real killer for Lamneck.

“I was so frustrated,” Lamneck said. “It’s the second time that has happened this year.”

The Bison needn’t fret, though, with players like Courtney Sanderson and Angie Harris to sub in as replacements.

“Courtney and Angie came in and really stepped up,” Lamneck said. “It’s not like the girls are only looking at me inside, so we got the job done.

“It’s good when you have someone that can come in and step up.”

Lamneck reentered the game in the third quarter with 3:31 on the clock — enough time to take back the lead for her fellow Bison. However, moments into the final quarter Lamneck received another foul.

With the score tied at 39, Franklin couldn’t keep Lamneck out of the game for long and she returned to help her team take back the lead, yet again. Every time Lamneck reentered the game, the Bison attained the lead.

“I’m just going to try to stay calm,” Lamneck said about today’s championship game. “Just keep my hands up and play better defense.”