TAMPA, Fla., February 7, 2025 – The University of South Florida women's lacrosse team opened its 2026 season in dominant fashion, defeating Niagara, 20–5, on Saturday afternoon at Corbett Stadium.

USF (1-0) wasted no time setting the tone, scoring six goals in the opening quarter behind an aggressive offensive attack and strong defensive pressure. Elise Grissett led the early surge with two goals in the first seven minutes as the Bulls jumped out to a 6–0 lead after the first period.

The Bulls continued to build momentum in the second quarter, adding six more goals to take a 12–4 advantage into halftime. Grissett netted her third goal of the afternoon early in the quarter, while contributions from Ava Uphues, Sofia Chepenik, Julia Huxtable, and Kaitlyn Tartaglione helped maintain separation. Niagara found the net four times in the frame, but USF controlled possession and tempo throughout the half.

South Florida remained in control coming out of the break, holding Niagara to one goal in the third quarter while adding two of its own. Bailey Morris and Grissett found the back of the cage to extend the lead to 14–5 entering the final period.

The Bulls closed the game strong in the fourth, scoring six goals over the final 15 minutes. Grissett recorded three goals in the quarter to complete a six-goal performance, while Uphues added her fourth of the day. Maggie Newton and Madisyn Jokerst also tallied goals as USF sealed the 20–5 victory.

Grissett finished with six goals, tying the program record for goals in a single game. Uphues followed with four goals, while Chepenik and Tartaglione each added two. USF totaled 49 shots and controlled 20 draw controls, creating sustained offensive pressure throughout the contest.

Note-A-Bulls:
• Elise Grissett scored six goals, tying the program record for goals in a single game.
• Ava Uphues recorded four goals, marking her first multi-goal performance of the season.
• Sofia Chepenik and Kaitlyn Tartaglione each added two goals in the win.
• USF outshot Niagara 49–17 and controlled the draw circle, 20–7.

Up Next
South Florida continues its homestand on Sunday as the Bulls host Michigan at Corbett Stadium. Opening draw is scheduled for 1 p.m.
 
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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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