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By TOM ZEBOLD

USF Senior Writer

TAMPA, DEC. 14, 2014 – Freshman Laura Ferreira led four Bulls in double figures with a career-high 16 points as USF cruised past College of Charleston, 67-47, before a crowd of 1,296 at the Sun Dome on Sunday afternoon.

Ferreira, a forward from Portugal, made a career high four 3-pointers in her second consecutive game in double figures (third overall) to help the Bulls improve to 7-3.

“I think she's been more aggressive offensively,” head coach Jose Fernandez said. “She's been looking to spot up more in transition, and when she catches it being more assertive rather than just being the facilitator all the time.”

Senior guard Tamara Taylor (St. Petersburg) posted her fifth game of the season in double figures with 14 points after knocking down USF's other four 3-pointers. Adding 12 points apiece were junior guard Courtney Williams (Folkston, Ga.) and freshman forward Maria Jespersen (Denmark), who set a new career high while going 3-for-5 from the field and 6-for-7 from the free throw line.

“She's in practice every day getting more comfortable putting the ball down on the floor and attacking and shooting,” said Fernandez of the 6 foot forward.

Sunday's game was a great chance for Fernandez to see what his roster can do in game situations as 14 different Bulls logged in minutes.

“We got some players in that don't usually get minutes, but they work just as hard as everybody on the team,” Fernandez said. “I thought the best thing we did today was we shared the basketball. We made extra passes and got players open.”

USF collected 19 assists and made things difficult on the other end of the floor, forcing a season-high 22 turnovers. College of Charleston (0-8) went 18-for-60 (30 percent) from the field while Erin Hall and Mikaela Hopkins led the Cougars with eight points apiece.

“The last three days we really spent a lot of time just concentrating on us and what we needed to do defensively,” Fernandez said.

Ferreira was well on the way to setting a new career high with 11 points as USF headed into halftime with a 38-20 advantage. Ferreira tied her previous career high with three of Bulls' six 3-pointers in the opening period.

The USF defense also set the tone by forcing 11 turnovers while the Cougars started 8-for-30 (27 percent) from the field.

The Bulls were able to roll to victory without starting forward Katelyn Weber, who was out because of an illness.

“We're looking forward to her getting back,” Fernandez said. “I don't think it's something where we lose her for league play.”

The Bulls look to add to their impressive non-conference start back at the Sun Dome 7 p.m. Wednesday against Northern Colorado. Purchase tickets HERE.