NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 2, 2026 – The University of South Florida Women's Lacrosse (12-5) team fell to James Madison (13-6) by a score of 17-7, in the American Conference Championship game on Saturday in Nashville, Tenn.
The Bulls have competed in the conference title game in each of their first two seasons of NCAA D1 competition — a feat no program in the history of NCAA D1 women's lacrosse has ever accomplished.
South Florida entered today No. 14 in RPI, and no team ranked No. 21 or higher has ever not received an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.
The NCAA women's lacrosse selection show will take place on Sunday, May 3, at 9:00 p.m. ET.
Game Synopsis
The Bulls jumped out to an early 2-1 lead behind a pair of goals from
Sofia Chepenik and one from
Maggie Newton, assisted by
Jena Binkis. The Dukes responded with a five-goal run — two of which came via man-up opportunities off green cards on the Bulls — to close the first quarter leading 6-3.
The Bulls kept pace in the second quarter, pulling within three at 7-4 on a goal from
Ava Uphues, assisted by Chepenik. James Madison answered with a late goal to take an 8-4 advantage into halftime.
The third quarter proved decisive. The Dukes rattled off five unanswered goals in the first 10 minutes — including a man-up conversion off a yellow card on
Elise Grissett — to extend the lead to 13-4 before Grissett cut it to 13-5 off a Chepenik assist with 36 seconds remaining in the period.
American Conf. All-Tournament Team
Four Bulls were recognized on the American Conference All-Tournament Team following the conclusion of play on Saturday:
Sofia Chepenik,
Elise Grissett,
Maggie Newton, and
Jena Binkis. The quartet combined for 13 goals, eight assists, and 21 points across the two-game tournament.
Chepenik led the group with six goals and three assists (nine points) on 19 shots, while Grissett added four goals and one assist across both contests. Newton posted two goals and three assists to go along with four ground balls and five draw controls. Binkis chipped in a goal and an assist while picking up five ground balls.
Note-A-Bulls
- Sofia Chepenik, Elise Grissett, Maggie Newton, and Jena Binkis were each named to the AAC All-Tournament Team
- The four honorees combined for 13 goals, eight assists, and 21 points across the tournament
- Sofia Chepenik led USF with three goals and two assists (five points) against the Dukes
- USF won the draw control battle, 14-12, and matched James Madison with 13 ground balls apiece
- USF competed in the American Conference Championship Game in each of its first two seasons of NCAA D1 competition — the only program in college lacrosse history to do so
Up Next
The Bulls await word from the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee. USF enters the at-large conversation ranked No. 14 in RPI — the highest RPI ranking for any first- or second-year program in NCAA D1 women's lacrosse history.
Tickets
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About USF Women's Lacrosse
Amidst 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.
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