UMass is back!

The Minutewomen pulled off one of their biggest victories in recent years when they upset No. 12 Connecticut, 2-1, on Tuesday night in Amherst. The victory was their first over UConn in 12 games and improved their 2006 record to 6-1-0.

Massachusetts and Connecticut were among the first women's collegiate powerhouses. UMass advanced to the final four in five of the first six NCAA women's tournaments. UConn reached the final four in the first three years. But recently, the programs have gone their separate ways. UConn and North Carolina are the only teams to have played in all 24 NCAA women's tournaments. The Minutewomen haven't gone to the Big Dance since 1997.

"We're in new territory here," said veteran coach Jim Rudy after Tuesday's win. "It's an emotional win for so many reasons, and we knew we were up for a fight. We were up against national-caliber players."

Rudy called Jenny Roehrig's gamewinner in the 63rd minute "a phenomenal goal." Minutewoman Britt Canfield and UConn's Megan Schnur scored in the first half.

TUESDAY ROUNDUP-WOMEN

No. 10 Villanova tied a program record with its sixth straight shutout in a 3-0 victory over Colgate. The Wildcats are off to their best start ever. At 9-0-0, Villanova remained one of just seven Division I teams that are unbeaten and untied.