Willimantic, Conn. (Jan. 3, 2026) — The UMass Boston Beacons women's basketball team opened the 2026 calendar year with their first conference win of the season, defeating Eastern Connecticut State University 74–57 on Saturday afternoon on the road. 

Both teams struggled to find an offensive rhythm early, as the Beacons opened the game 0-for-5 from three-point range and Eastern Connecticut State committed nine turnovers in the first quarter. Despite the slow start, UMass Boston found its stride in the second quarter, outscoring the Warriors 23–16 to take a 36–31 lead into halftime. 

Madison Haggett sparked the Beacons' offense in the second quarter, scoring 11 of her team's 23 points while shooting 3-for-4 from beyond the arc. Tajeiha Madison added seven points on a perfect 3-for-3 shooting in the quarter and recorded her second steal of the game. 

UMass Boston continued to build momentum in the third quarter, extending its lead behind Hialeah Turner-Foster, who scored eight of the team's 21 points in the period while also tallying three steals. 

The Beacons sealed the victory with a strong fourth-quarter performance, closing out the game in a well-rounded 74–57 win. 

Five Beacons finished in double figures, led by Haggett with 15 points. Madison, Ashleigh Lagor, and Jordis Tautalatasi each added 14 points, while Turner-Foster rounded out the group with 10. Tautalatasi also recorded a career-high seven assists and led the team with four steals, while Lagor paced the Beacons on the glass with nine rebounds. 

Up Next 

UMass Boston returns to action on Tuesday, Jan. 6, when they host Western Connecticut State University at home. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m., and admission is free.