USF women’s lacrosse nabs first win in program history
At long last, women’s lacrosse made its debut at USF.
In its first game in program history, USF defeated Kennesaw State 19-6 at a packed Corbett Stadium Friday night.
Bulls coach Mindy McCord was hired nearly three years ago. Since then, it’s been a constant cycle of recruiting and practice. On Friday, the moment finally came true.
“It was just a surreal moment,” McCord said. “We’ve just been preparing for this for so long, it was so good to take the field.”
USF announced it would be adding women’s lacrosse as a varsity sport in November 2021. Despite having not taken the field yet, the Bulls were picked to finish fifth in the American Athletic Conference this season in the preseason coaches poll.
On Friday, the USF community came in droves.
Related: USF’s Alison Harbaugh’s unique family legacy: ‘Hardest working people I know’
Corbett Stadium was filled to the brim, with those who couldn’t get a seat crowding the railings or grassy berms by the field.
The announced attendance was 2,386 – hundreds more than capacity. Members of the USF football and men’s basketball teams and university president Rhea Law were in attendance.
Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh was in the stands supporting his daughter Alison – who notched a goal and two assists for USF.
McCord said her first game at the helm was an “incredible environment.”
“I think it’s so awesome to see the work our team put into engaging the community and our student body,” McCord said.
Related: USF’s Mindy McCord builds culture of “family and love” into lacrosse
The first score in program history came at the 14:12 minute mark in the first quarter when attacker Juliana George knocked in the first of her three goals.
The Bulls kept their foot on the gas from there, outscoring the Owls 7-1 in the first quarter. Kennesaw State never scored more than two goals in a quarter.
Attacker Sofia Chepenik led the way for USF, scoring four goals and two assists. Midfielder Bailey Morris followed with four goals of her own.
The Bulls etched their names into the history books Friday as a colorful firework display capped off the season opening victory.
They will look to continue that when USF travels to Mercer for the first road trip in program history.
Women’s lacrosse will face Mercer on the road at 3 p.m. Tuesday.
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