ELLISVILLE – When it comes to women's tennis, Jones College has been a dominant force in MACCC and Region 23.
 
Tenth-year head coach Brooks Buffington expects more of the same in 2026.
 
"The outlook is strong," said Buffington, who has guided Jones to an amazing 160-14 record during his time with the Bobcats. "I have high expectations for this team and look forward to seeing what the players can do through the course of the season."
 
The Bobcats have won five consecutive MACCC and Region 23 championships. They have won 83 consecutive conference matches and have not lost since Feb. 14, 2019.
 
Jones returns three players from last year's team that went 17-0.
 
Maria Martinez (Argentina), Theresa Emelio (Australia) and Josie Tullos (Newton County) bring sophomore leadership to the team.
 
"We return Lola (Maria Martinez), Theresa and Josie from last year's squad," Buffington said. "All were starters and now have experience to lead and succeed on the court. I think that first year was huge for Lola and Theresa. I think that they learned a lot and understand how to handle themselves and the situations better. They will play a bigger role for us this year than the last and I think they are ready for it now. 
 
"Josie is such a fierce competitor. You know that she will always bring the energy and intensity. She locked down a big win for us last year in doubles in the regional championship and I expect the same from her this year."
 
Five freshmen join the roster this spring, including Heidi Clayton (New Albany), Camila Piquín (Argentina), Katlin Porcello (Oak Grove), Caroline Kilpatrick (Brookhaven) and Emily Rogers (West Jones). 
 
Buffington said those freshmen will play a big role on the team.
 
"They are a tight group and I have loved seeing the energy and togetherness that they have brought into this program," he said. "Heidi is undoubtedly the best Mississippi player in the league. She had a very good showing at our Fall ITA finishing as the runner up in singles in the top flight and winning the top flight in doubles with Theresa. She is a very good player who keeps improving and has high standards. Camila is our new international addition from Argentina. Since she was not here in the fall, I have only seen her hit one time in person, but it's easy to tell that she has the shots. 
 
"Katlin also had a good showing at the Fall ITA proving herself to be one of the top Mississippi players in the league. She lost in the B flight singles final in a 3.5+ hour match and then won the B flight doubles with Josie. She did this playing on an injured foot that later we learned was a stress fracture. That shows her mental toughness, hunger to win and ability to do whatever it takes to put herself in a position to win. Caroline is another strong Mississippi player who has made a lot of improvement with her consistency and I feel very confident in her ability to win courts for us. Emily stepped in mid-fall and has been a great addition for us. She is an extremely hard worker and a perfectionist. She is one of the most academically driven people that I have coached and all those traits help her on the court. She made a lot of improvement in the month and a half that she was with us and I expect her to continue to get better."
 
Buffington expects a tough conference season slate, but is optimistic about his team's chances.
 
"There are so many teams in our conference this year that had visa issues bringing in players that has made it difficult to judge who will be our toughest competition," he said. "I think if we come out and do what we are supposed to do, we should be the favorite to win it again, but there are a lot of uncertainties that could give us trouble along the way. We will have to prepare for each match and execute."
 
For all the success the Bobcats have enjoyed through his tenure, Buffington gives all the credit to one group – the players.
 
"The players are unquestionably what makes us who we are and brings this program the success that we have had here," he said. "The women that come here are always driven on and off the court, have great personalities and enjoy each other's company. It has been and is special to get to witness the quality of players that have come through here and that are here now. They are a true second family that support each other and love to compete with one another."
 
There is also another reason for added excitement for the 2026 tennis season. The MACCC and Region 23 will be in NJCAA Division II this season as opposed to Division I.
 
So that gives the Bobcats a legitimate shot at winning a national championship, considering that Jones has finished seventh in the NJCAA DI Tournament the past two years.
 
"Now that an NJCAA DII has been created we should be able to truly compete for a national championship this year," Buffington said. "We were short one international girl, but she has arrived on campus so we now have what we need to compete for a conference, regional and national championship."
 
The Bobcats will play at William Carey University in a scrimmage on Jan. 28 and will host Bevill State at home on Jan. 29 in the regular season opener.
 
The Region 23 Tournament will be April 9-11 at the site of the MACCC champion and the NJCAA DII Tournament will be May 2-6 in Sumter, S.C.