ANDERSON, S.C. – The Anderson University women's tennis team came within one match, 5-4, of defeating South Atlantic Conference opponent No. 45 Wingate on Tuesday afternoon at the AU Tennis Complex.

With the loss, Anderson drops to 9-3 overall and 2-1 in conference action while Wingate improves to 6-1 overall remain a perfect 5-0 in SAC play.

The Black and Gold took a 2-1 advantage after their solid play during the doubles action. At the No. 1 slot, Laura Dean and Rebecca Bruning (AU) quickly defeated Claudia De Andreis and Oroma Womeodu (WU), 8-0 while Ivey Welborn and Jennifer Holcombe (AU) won, 8-4, over Maria Garcia and Layla Tanik (WU) at the No. 3 position. Wingate's lone double point came from the No. 2 slot with Sydney Homan and Andrea Ternera (WU) defeating Delaney Wiggins and Jacqueline Olivia (AU), 8-0.

In the singles portion, the Trojans picked up two more points with wins by Bruning and Dean. However, Wingate took control of the final four matches setting the final score in its favor, 5-4, to remain undefeated in conference play.

Anderson returns to action on Saturday when it travels to South Atlantic Conference foe Mars Hill. First serve is slated for 2 p.m.

#45 Wingate 5, Anderson University 4

Singles competition

1. Laura Dean (AUWTEN) def. Claudia De Andreis (WU) 6-4, 7-5

2. Rebecca Bruning (AUWTEN) def. Andrea Ternera (WU) 6-4, 6-2

3. Oroma Womeodu (WU) def. Ivey Welborn (AUWTEN) 6-3, 6-4

4. Layla Tanik (WU) def. Delaney Wiggins (AUWTEN) 6-3, 6-2

5. Sydney Homan (WU) def. Jacqueline Olivia (AUWTEN) 6-4, 6-3

6. Marisa Ostoja (WU) def. Jennifer Holcombe (AUWTEN) 6-2, 6-2

Doubles competition

1. Laura Dean/Rebecca Bruning (AUWTEN) def. Claudia De Andreis/Oroma Womeodu (WU) 8-0

2. Sydney Homan/Andrea Ternera (WU) def. Delaney Wiggins/Jacqueline Olivia (AUWTEN) 8-0

3. Ivey Welborn/Jennifer Holcombe (AUWTEN) def. Maria Garcia/Layla Tanik (WU) 8-4

Match Notes:

Wingate (6-1, 4-0 SAC); National ranking #45; Regional ranking #9

Anderson University (9-3, 2-1 SAC)

T-4 hr A-21