TAMPA, Fla., February, 23, 2026 — Following a 2–0 week with victories over Stetson and Mercer, the University of South Florida women's lacrosse team earned three American Conference weekly honors, highlighted by Sofia Chepenik being named Attack Player of the Week, Kali Cleary earning Midfielder of the Week, and Kalina Johnson selected as Freshman of the Week.
 
Chepenik led the Bulls offensively across the two wins, totaling eight goals and one assist for nine points on 14 shots, including 13 on goal. The redshirt junior paced South Florida's attack in a 25–4 road victory at Stetson before helping secure a 15–10 home win over Mercer.
 
Cleary controlled the midfield for the Bulls throughout the week, recording two goals, four ground balls, and 12 draw controls. Her work in the circle helped South Florida establish possession and tempo in both contests, supporting transition play and defensive stability.
 
Johnson made an impact in her freshman season, scoring three goals on five shots with four on goal across the two games. She converted her lone free-position attempt and added two ground balls and a caused turnover, contributing on both ends during the unbeaten stretch.
 
South Florida improved to 3–1 on the season with the pair of wins, including a program-record 25-goal performance at Stetson and a 15–10 victory over Mercer at Corbett Stadium.
 
UP NEXT
South Florida returns to action on Sunday, March 1, as the Bulls host Brown at Corbett Stadium. Opening draw is scheduled for noon on ESPN+.
TICKETS
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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 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.
 
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