USF women’s lacrosse continued the home stretch of its exhibition schedule this Sunday against The University of Tampa and Rollins college. 

The Bulls secured wins in both games, but the future’s what head coach Mindy McCord is looking forward to. 

“It’s so exciting,” head Coach Mindy McCord said post game. “Two more weeks of fall ball and then the season will be here.” 

The Bulls’ first regular season game will be played against Kennesaw State on Feb. 7 in Corbett Stadium. 

Women’s lacrosse was announced back in 2021 as the 20th varsity sport at USF and was certified last month on Sept. 10. 

Related: USF certifies women’s lacrosse team as 20th varsity sport

The Bulls started their exhibition schedule earlier in October against Florida Southern, Florida and Stetson. 

South Florida is quickly approaching the end of exhibition play after Sunday’s home games. Its exhibition play will end on Oct. 27 in Durham, North Carolina at the Duke Play Day. 

USF beat Tampa early in the day 23-9. A few hours later, USF routed Rollins 24-7. 

Throughout the day, the Bulls showed their chemistry and it paid off with two wins. 

Sophomore Attack Sofia Chepenik said the team feels like a family. During the match against Rollins, the sideline was chanting and jumping around together.

“We love every single one of us,” Chepenik said. “Everyday we try to embody our core values and uphold how we want our culture to look.”

And that’s what McCord has been focused on building.

McCord, who used to coach the Jacksonville Dolphins, was hired in 2022 to coach USF. She led the Dolphins to eight Athletic Sun Conference Championships. 

Related: USF’s Mindy McCord builds culture of “family and love” into lacrosse

The coaching staff’s example trickled down to the players, starting with trust from within the system.

“I was so blown away,” Chepenik said. “The coaching staff had a setout plan to accomplish.” 

Chepenik, a transfer from Clemson, followed the plan on Sunday. She scored the most goals on the team in the two dominant victories.

But Chepenik’s praises went to her teammates after the game.

“Today, my teammates set me up for success,” Chepenik said. “It could be anyone in our offense.” 

The Bulls are looking forward to their debut season knowing that it could be anyone. The team is working together as a cohesive unit, pushing each other as they near the spring. 

“It is so fun,” junior attacker Maggie Newton said. “Just playing with your teammates and your best friends.” 

Newton transferred from Mercyhurst last season after leading the Lakers with 44 goals. As a redshirt junior, she brings experience to a young Bulls team looking to establish themselves in NCAA lacrosse.

For Newton, however, it’s another day playing the sport she loves.

“Not every day is guaranteed,” Newton said. “So we come out here and practice everyday.”

The Bulls have a lot to look forward to after strong exhibition play performances. For now, they prepare for their inaugural season coming up in the spring.

USF will start the season at home in Corbett Stadium on Feb. 7 against Kennesaw State.