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The USF Bulls have officially transitioned from winter training to high-stakes competition. While the baseball team celebrated its season opener yesterday, February 13, the lacrosse and softball programs are already deep into their schedules with high hopes following successful 2025 campaigns.
From record-breaking lacrosse debuts to gritty tournament turnarounds on the diamond, here is the state of the Bulls as we head into a major weekend in Tampa.
Lacrosse: “The Sophomore Surge”
After an inaugural season in 2025 that saw the Bulls reach the conference tournament, the USF Lacrosse team showed zero rust in their 2026 home opener last Saturday.
- The Result: USF dismantled the Niagara Purple Eagles with a commanding 20–5 victory.
- Game Flow: The Bulls erupted for six goals in the first quarter, effectively silencing the Purple Eagles early. While Niagara managed four goals in the second period to keep things respectable at halftime (12–4), the Bulls’ defense took over in the second half, allowing only one goal over the final 30 minutes.
- Standout Performer: Senior attacker Elise Grissett delivered a masterclass in her 2026 debut, netting six goals to lead the offensive onslaught.
Next Up: “Bark at the Park” vs. Michigan
The Bulls face a monumental test this Sunday, February 15, at 1:00 PM when they host the No. 17 Michigan Wolverines. Michigan is arriving in Tampa with massive momentum after upsetting No. 5 Florida 12–10 in Gainesville yesterday. Fans are encouraged to bring their dogs for the “Bark at the Park” festivities as USF looks for its first-ever win over a ranked opponent.
Softball: Resilience at the Fonseca Memorial
USF Softball’s season began with a challenging 2–3 record at the USF-Rawlings Invitational, including tough losses to Illinois State, Michigan, and a 6–1 defeat to No. 6 Florida. However, Coach Ken Eriksen’s squad has found its rhythm this week during the Fonseca Memorial Tournament.
- The Turnaround: Following a midweek doubleheader sweep of the Delaware Blue Hens (winning 7–0 and 8–0), the Bulls opened the Fonseca Memorial with a 4–2 victory over Indiana State.
Yesterday’s Split (Feb 13):
- Game 1 vs. Kansas: Despite two home runs from Alex Wilkes, the Bulls fell 7–2 as the Jayhawks pulled away with a four-run seventh inning.
- Game 2 vs. Yale: USF bounced back immediately behind a masterful performance from McKenna Schroding, who tossed a complete-game shutout in a 5–0 victory. Alex Wilkes continued her hot streak, launching her third home run of the day.
Weekend Slate:
The Bulls (7–5) continue tournament play today with a doubleheader against Boston College and DePaul.
USF Sports Snapshot: Feb 14, 2026
| Sport | Current Record | Last Result | Next Opponent |
| Baseball | 1–0 | W, 12–2 vs. Illinois | Illinois (Today, 2 PM) |
| Softball | 7–5 | W, 5–0 vs. Yale | Boston College (Today, 5 PM) |
| Lacrosse | 1–0 | W, 20–5 vs. Niagara | #17 Michigan (Sunday, 1 PM) |
What is your opinion on USF Bulls Lacrosse and Softball so far in 2026? Leave a comment below.
For all your NCCA lacrosse and softball news, log on to ngscsports.com.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker serves as the Director of Operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a co-host on the P&W Sports Report and hosting The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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