Photo by Gabriel Ballester-Rivera | The Crow’s Nest
By Reagan Haskell
The University of South Florida opened with its first official game of the season, dominating Niagara University 19-5 on Feb. 7.
USF’s head coach, Mindy McCord, runs a gun-style team, with fast-paced games, quick transitions and high offensive plays. This clearly paid off with USF forcing 24 turnovers in comparison to Niagara’s 13.
Photo by Gabriel Ballester-Rivera | The Crow’s Nest
McCord explained that possession of the ball was a key element to winning this game.
“The more possessions you have, the better opportunity you have to score.” McCord said, “Today, we won that possession battle.”
To gain command of the ball, the Bulls played aggressively, committing nine fouls in this game alone.
Many of the games’ fouls violated the new guidelines introduced this season.
Photo by Gabriel Ballester-Rivera | The Crow’s Nest
The rule most frequently broken by both USF and NU was checking to the hand; a player is no longer permitted to strike another’s hand when forcing a turnover. This created a noticeable learning curve for both teams.
Another change the Bulls faced this season was new teammates, including senior attack player Elise Grissett.
Scoring six goals in this game, Grissett has had an immediate impact and has become the player to watch this season.
Photo by Gabriel Ballester-Rivera | The Crow’s Nest
“Whatever I could provide for the team, doing my best on the field is a personal goal,” Grissett said.
According to Grissett, her relationship with the players off the field was her priority and made the transition to the program much smoother.
“I mean, couldn’t have even imagined, this time last year,” Grissett said. That I’d be somewhere else and be so accepted and loved.”
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Written by: Reagan Haskell on February 11, 2026.
Last revised by: Alisha Durosier