TAMPA, Fla. – Sofia Chepenik won the opening draw, the Bulls went on the attack and Julianna George carved out her place in USF athletic history by scoring the first goal in the first lacrosse match.
George’s historic marker, all of 48 seconds in, was the first of many memorable moments in Friday evening’s 19-6 win over Kennesaw State at an energized Corbett Stadium. Between the main seating area and the berm on the facility’s south end, some 2,386 made the cozy confines cozier. And loud.
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“It exceeded my expectations,” said coach Mindy McCord. “Everyone came out ready to help us win and we are so thankful for our Bulls family in helping us start this legacy.”
It was 3-0 after only 2:27 and 6-0 with still 4:40 remaining in an opening quarter the Bulls led 7-1 at its conclusion. They kept pouring it as McCord’s squad led 12-3 at the half thanks in no small part to controlling 11 of 17 draws. They fired off 26 of their 37 shots (29 on goal) in the opening 30 minutes.
“We were ready to go and I hope you are able to see a run-and-gun style of play,” McCord, who would like to see about 40 shots per game. “We talked about our aggressive style of play and that’s exactly what we were able to do. Go cause turnovers and get the ball back on attack.”
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Chepenik, a Jacksonville native and transfer from Clemson where she led all ACC freshmen in goals and assists in 2023, paced the Bulls with four goals and two assists. Redshirt freshman Bailey Morris, an Ohio native, also had four goals. George, who is from Glen Mills, Pa. in the Philly suburbs, had three goals and an assist while Maggie Newton, a redshirt junior who transferred from Mercyhurst, also had three goals.
Between the scoring barrage, the atmosphere, including the Herd of Thunder entertaining fans from the complex’s north side, and Mother Nature delivering ideal weather, a festive feeling prevailed throughout.
“It was surreal and amazing,” said McCord. “It was the best fan environment I could have ever asked for.”
Next for the Bulls is their first road game at Mercer on Tuesday evening.
“There is not a lot of pivot time, but we’re excited to get another game going,” said McCord, as the smoke cleared from a postgame fireworks show that capped a memorable evening.
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