'NORTH DARTMOUTH, MASS.   11/1/03 - The UMass-Dartmouth women's soccer team upset Keene State College 2-1 in the final Little East Conference game of the season for both teams on Saturday.

Already guaranteed the top seed in the upcoming Little East Tournament, Keene State (12-5-2, 5-1-1 LEC) suffered its first conference loss of the season and saw its 14 game unbeaten streak in league play come to an end.  KSC last loss in the LEC regular season came against Eastern Conn. (3-1) in 2001.  The Owls had given up just one goal in LEC action entering the game.

KSC will host the winner of the UMass-Dartmouth/Western Conn. game on Friday (4 p.m.).

Needing the victory to qualify for the LEC tournament, UMass-Dartmouth goes to 6-9-4 and 2-3-2 in the conference.

The Corsais got goals by Kelly Fitts and Elena Gomez early in the second half and hung on for the victory.  Jennifer Ortisi (Allenstown, N.H.) got one goal back for the Owls midway in the second half when she finished off a cross from Kate Bedigian (Northboro, Mass.). Ortisi's goal tied her for the team lead with eight.  KSC could not come up with the equalizer. 

Michelle Mason (Fairport, N.Y.) had eight saves for KSC and Amanda Tavares turns aside 12 shots for UMD.

Receiving a first round bye, KSC will host the semifinal and championships of the LEC tournament on Friday and Saturday.