Buford Coach Hadli Daniels said that the Lady Wolves’ serving was what got the volleyball team through to the third round of the Class AAA state tournament as they defeated Islands High in three sets 25-12, 25-18, 25-14 on Tuesday in Savannah.

Maggie Roper led the team on offense with 11 kills, 10 digs and four aces, and Kaitlin Tatum added 24 assists for Buford.

Tori Payton recorded 10 kills and four aces, and McKenna Hicks was the Lady Wolves’ top server, tallying six aces. Mikhayla Riegel strengthened the defense as the libero for Buford, according to Daniels.

“Maggie Roper always comes through on offense,” Daniels said, “Mikhayla Riegel did an excellent job as our libero.”

Going into the match, Buford prepared to face a team of the same caliber as area teams Blessed Trinity and St. Pius X.

“We honestly didn’t know what to expect,” said Daniels. “We served aggressively and everybody was able to get in somewhere.”

Daniels believes that her Buford team was consistent throughout the night, and that practicing for a tough competition helped the team.

She also noted, however, that the Lady Wolves needed to set a faster pace if they plan to see the same successes as they move on in the tournament.

In the next round, teams are reseeded to determine opponents for the state quarterfinals on Saturday.