CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa—Villanova (6-4, 3-0) pulled out a thrilling 2-1 victory over Connecticut on Friday night. Head coach Joanie Milhous earned her 250^th career victory as a Wildcat.

"It feels so great to have our girls experience beating UConn," said Milhous, who snapped a 17-game losing streak to the Huskies. "To have our girls play such a complete game is the best part and the part that makes me really happy. We challenged our defense all week about stepping up and preventing shots on goal. They totally stepped up, they were in intercept mode, they battled for position, they just fought. I am so proud of them and so excited to see their success."

The defense of 5^th years Hannah Barsky, Shannon Drakeley, and freshman Gemma Lysaght held the Huskies in check all night. Reigning BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week Julianna Kratz was held to just two shots on goal. Goalkeeper Emma Leppert had six saves, including her biggest that came with 22 seconds remaining to seal the win.

Freshman Colleen Finnan opened the scoring for the 'Cats in the first quarter by deflecting in the shot by Anne Drabbe. After a scoreless second quarter that saw just one shot the Huskies responded early in the third quarter. Sabine de Ruijter netted the game winner with 55 seconds remaining in the quarter on a perfectly executed penalty corner play. Emma Schwarz inserted to Raina Smolij who knocked it down for Maeve Boston who found de Ruijter on the right side of the area who tucked it in to give the 'Cats the lead.

Smolij came up huge on the offensive end for Villanova. She set up both Villanova goals with key knock downs to give her teammates enough time to execute. De Ruijter's game winner was the seventh of her career. The Huizen, Netherlands native was thrilled for her team and her head coach.

"Since I got here as a freshman our goal was to beat UConn and this year was finally our year," said de Ruijter. "To give Joanie her 250^th win against UConn is just great. We prepared very well this week at practice, and it was a total team win.

The Huskies (4-7, 1-2) were led by Belle Bressler who scored the lone goal. Goalkeeper Natalie Mckenna was credited with five saves in the loss.

The win is the first over UConn since 2007. The Wildcats are 3-0 in conference play for the first time since 2006.

Joanie Milhous began her Villanova career in 1995 after spending four seasons at Cabrini College. Her first win as a Wildcat came on September 10^th, 1995, when they defeated Richmond 3-1. 28 years later she is still coaching with the same fire and determination at her dream destination.

Milhous and the Wildcats return to action Sunday, October 1^st when they take on James Madison. Game time is set for 12p.m.