The University of South Florida women’s lacrosse team secured its first conference win of the season on March 14 with an 11–10 victory over Temple in Philadelphia. The Bulls rallied in the fourth quarter, scoring six goals to overcome a three-goal deficit and open American Athletic Conference play at 1–0.
The result is significant for South Florida as it marks a strong start to their conference campaign and demonstrates the team’s resilience. The Bulls now hold a 6-2 overall record and will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season.
South Florida began the game with early momentum, taking a 2–0 lead after goals from Ava Uphues and Sofia Chepenik. Temple responded to close the gap, eventually leading 5–4 at halftime. In the third quarter, Temple extended its advantage, but Bailey Morris scored late in the period to keep South Florida within reach at 8–5.
In the final quarter, Maggie Newton scored twice to narrow the margin before Kalina Johnson added two more goals to tie the contest at nine apiece. Elise Grissett then scored twice off assists from Julia Huxtable in the closing minutes, giving South Florida an 11–10 lead that held until the final whistle. Chepenik, Grissett, Newton, Uphues, and Johnson each finished with two goals for South Florida. Goalkeeper Natalie Eastwood made six saves during the match.
The Bulls’ balanced attack saw five players score multiple goals in what was described as a dominant fourth-quarter surge. The team returns home for its next game against James Madison on March 21 at Corbett Stadium in Tampa.
South Florida’s women’s lacrosse program is entering its second season after a historic inaugural year that included setting a state attendance record and finishing as runner-up in the American Conference Championship. Head coach Mindy McCord leads the team with extensive experience and success from her previous tenure at Jacksonville University.
