TAMPA, Fla., February 18, 2026 – The University of South Florida women's lacrosse team delivered a historic offensive performance Wednesday afternoon, defeating Stetson University, 25–4, at the Athletic Training Center.
South Florida (2–1) wasted no time taking control, erupting for a program-record 11 goals in the first quarter to build an 11–0 advantage. The outburst broke last season's single-quarter record of 10 goals in one period against East Carolina University.
Kaitlyn Tartaglione opened the scoring just 45 seconds into the contest, sparking a dominant stretch that included multi-goal efforts from Sofia Chepenik and Ava Uphues in the opening frame. Natalie Kelly added a free-position goal during the run as the Bulls closed the quarter firmly in command.
The Bulls continued to press in the second quarter. Elise Grissett scored twice in the period, and her second goal marked her 150th career point. Uphues finished with four goals on the afternoon, while Chepenik added four of her own to pace the attack as USF carried a 16–1 lead into halftime.
South Florida's depth was on full display in the second half. Kadyn Brandt scored twice in the fourth quarter, while Alex Whitecliffe, Avery Graham and Brandt each recorded their first career goals. Graham's late fourth-quarter strike pushed the Bulls to 25 goals, setting a new program record for most goals in a single game and surpassing last year's mark of 23.
Fourteen different players scored for the Bulls, highlighted by Tartaglione (3), Kalina Johnson (2), Grissett (2), Brandt (2), and a balanced supporting effort throughout the lineup. Maggie Newton dished out three assists to lead the team, while Julia Huxtable added two.
USF controlled possession from start to finish, winning 21 draw controls and outshooting Stetson 43–13. Natalie Eastwood earned the win in goal with three first-half saves, and Hailey Darko added three stops in the second half.
Note-A-Bulls:
• Record Breakers – USF set a program record with 25 goals, surpassing last season's high of 23.
• First-Quarter Surge – The Bulls scored a program-record 11 goals in the opening quarter, topping the previous mark of 10 against East Carolina.
• First Career Goals – Alex Whitecliffe, Avery Graham and Kadyn Brandt each scored their first collegiate goals.
UP NEXT
South Florida returns home to face Mercer on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 12:00 p.m. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
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About USF Women's Lacrosse
Entering its second season, the University of South Florida women's lacrosse program builds on a historic inaugural year that quickly established the Bulls as a contender in the American Athletic Conference. South Florida opened its first-ever season on Feb. 7, 2025, with a 19–6 win over Kennesaw State, setting the State of Florida regular-season attendance record as 2,386 fans filled Corbett Stadium. The Bulls went on to finish the 2025 season with a 13–5 record and earned a place in the American Conference Championship in their inaugural season, ultimately finishing as the league's runner-up. South Florida also drew more than 10,000 total fans to Corbett Stadium during the season. USF named Mindy McCord, an eight-time conference coach of the year, as the program's first head coach in May 2022. McCord arrived in Tampa with 240 career wins and a proven record of building successful programs after launching and leading Jacksonville University's women's lacrosse team for its first 13 seasons. During her tenure at JU, she guided the Dolphins to 21 regular-season and conference tournament titles, eight NCAA Tournament appearances, and back-to-back Sweet Sixteen berths while developing 13 All-Americans, 81 all-conference selections, and 13 conference Player of the Year honorees. South Florida plays a fast-paced, high-scoring style influenced by the early 1990s Loyola Marymount men's basketball fast break. That approach ranked among the national leaders in shots, points per game, and scoring margin during McCord's tenure at Jacksonville and continues to shape the Bulls' offensive identity heading into year two.
– #GoBulls –
