USF women’s lacrosse are winners of six straight games after defeating Vanderbilt on Saturday 17-7. 

The Bulls (9-2, 3-0 AAC) have begun American Athletic Conference (AAC) play undefeated through three games. Coach Mindy McCord said she gives the players “all the credit” for the great start.

“Their preparation is top notch,” McCord said. They put in so much work, they truly play together…they want to prove themselves.”

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South Florida’s victory was fueled by a complete game on both sides. On offense, the Bulls had 10 different players score at least one goal in the game.

The Bulls also had three players earn a hat trick versus the Commodores. McCord said the team has a specific philosophy that makes this kind of play possible for the team.

“We always talk about it takes six people to score the goal, and one person to put it in the net,” McCord said. “Just wait for your opportunity, play the ‘game inside the game’, and you see a lot of unselfish play as a result of it.”

Defensively, the Bulls held Vanderbilt under its season scoring average of 13, allowing just seven points on 19 shots. USF has held its last six opponents at 10 points or less.

McCord said the team uses its defense to power its offensive game plan

“The more opportunities we can possess the ball and cause turnovers, the more opportunities we get to get close to 40 shots a game, which is our bread and butter,” McCord said.

The Bulls opened the game on a scoring onslaught, jumping out to an early 7-0 lead. Vanderbilt didn’t score its first goal until under 30 seconds in the 1st quarter. 

Both teams added a pair of goals in the second quarter as the Bulls took a 9-3 lead into halftime.

After the break, the Bulls offense again went full throttle. USF went on a 6-1 run in the third quarter, taking a commanding 15-4 lead entering the game’s final period.

The Bulls scored two more goals in the fourth quarter, while the Commodores pitched in three. However, two of those goals did not come until McCord pulled USF’s starters.

Sophomore attacker Sofia Chepenik exemplified the Bulls excellence in both facets of the game versus Vanderbilt. Chepenik contributed 4 points on offense, in addition to her team-leading nine draw controls.

McCord said Chepenik is an “ultimate competitor,” praising her leadership within the team.

“She wants to be the best at everything she does, and she calls people up to that standard,” McCord said. “She’s a great teammate. She wants others to be able to really work well with our team chemistry.”

The Bulls’ win keeps them in a two-way tie atop the AAC standings with James Madison. The Bulls are slated to play the Dukes on April 19 in Virginia.