Athens, Tenn. (Mar. 27, 2011) --- The Milligan College women's tennis program took a large step in their quest for the AAC title as they defeated Tennessee Wesleyan 5-4 on Sunday afternoon in Athens, Tenn., in a match that was postponed a day due to weather. The Milligan men fell 9-0 in their matchup with the Bulldogs.

The women's program trailed Tennessee Wesleyan, who received votes in last week's national poll, 2-1 after doubles as JoLynee Heidt (Kingsport, Tenn.) and Jessie Rose Remegi (Hilton Head, S.C.) recorded the lone doubles victory for Milligan.

However, the Buffaloes fought back in singles action. Albany Kelly (Chattanooga, Tenn.) defeated Megan Whaley 7-5, 7-6 (11-9). Caitlin Conley (Bristol, Tenn.) defeated Zola Euhkbut 6-1, 6-0, and Hallie Winfrey (Fayetteville, Ga.) defeated Allie Smith by the same score. Heidt rounded out singles action with a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Spencer Creekmore.

The Buffaloes also saw Kayla Kelly (Chattanooga, Tenn.) come up short in a tiebreak, and the team of Celeste Carpenter and K. Kelly also fell 9-8 in doubles action.

“I am proud of how we fought back after a slow start to take the victory,” Head Coach Ryan Reynolds said. “Tennessee Wesleyan is a really strong program, and this is a huge win for us.”

On the men's side, the Buffaloes fought hard, but were unable to take the win away from the Bulldogs.

“This was the best NAIA team that our guys will see all year,” Reynolds said. “They are so overwhelming from top to bottom.”

With the win, the women's team improves to 7-3 overall and 1-0 in the AAC, while the men fall to 3-6.

The Buffaloes return to action on Thursday, March 31, when they travel to Bluefield College. Action is slated to begin at 3 p.m.