Berea, KY (Jan. 4, 2010) --- The Milligan College Lady Buffs kicked off the New Year with a 72-59 victory over nonconference foe Berea (Ky.) College on Monday night.

The Lady Buffs fought hard in the opening half as they took a 34-29 lead into the locker room at the half. The second half saw the Lady Buffs pull away from the Lady Mountaineers as they widened their lead to nine points by the midpoint of the second half.

Junior Heather Mandela (Fairfax, Va.) led the way for the Lady Buffs as she recorded her eighth double-double for the season with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Megan Casteel (Greeneville, Tenn.) scored 12 points while Samantha Blevins (Spruce Pine, N.C.) had 11 points.

With the win, the Lady Buffs improve to 10-5 overall and remain at 3-0 in the AAC.

The Lady Buffs return to action when they travel to AAC foe Bryan College (Dayton, Tenn.) on Wednesday, Jan. 6. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.