News Summary
The University of South Florida women’s basketball team achieved a historic milestone as 9,821 fans attended their Education Day game, marking a new home attendance record. USF defeated their opponents 62-43 while engaging local elementary students from 85 schools in the festivities. Star players like Vittoria Blasigh and Carla Brito contributed significantly to the team’s success, highlighting a strong performance both on and off the court as they prepare for their next matchup against the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Historic Crowd Turns Out for USF Women’s Basketball Education Day Game
In sunny Tampa, the excitement was palpable as the University of South Florida (USF) women’s basketball team achieved a remarkable feat on Education Day. An impressive 9,821 fans packed the gym to witness the Bulls take on their opponents, marking a new home attendance record for the team. This also stood as the second-largest crowd for a regular-season women’s basketball game in the history of Florida!
Bulls Dominate the Court
The Bulls didn’t just set records off the court; they delivered a stellar performance on it too! In a strong showing, USF secured a 62-43 victory, showcasing their commitment to both the game and their loyal fans. With this win, the team improved its non-conference home record to an impressive 63-5 since the 2014-15 season, a testament to their ongoing strength at home.
Star Performers Shine
As the game progressed, standout players shined brightly. Sophomore guard Vittoria Blasigh led the charge with 13 points, hitting five field goals and sinking a three-pointer. Right behind her was Junior forward Carla Brito, who contributed 11 points with five field goals and a free throw.
Other key contributors included Graduate student forward Ines Piper, who netted eight points, while Freshman guard Raina Tomasicka added seven points to the score. A pivotal moment in the game occurred midway through the third quarter when the Bulls executed a remarkable 15-2 run to break away. Brito was particularly impressive during this stretch, scoring seven points, while Graduate guard Mama Dembele helped out with four points and is just one assist away from a career milestone of 500 assists.
A Day for the Students
This special Education Day event wasn’t just about the basketball. Thousands of local elementary students from 85 schools had the chance to attend the game, making it a memorable day filled with excitement. Each student received a gift bag that included fun activity books with a roster of the women’s team, a word search, and a blank page to collect autographs from their favorite players. It was a wonderful way to engage the youth and foster a love for the game.
Looking Forward
As the cheers die down, Coach Jose Fernandez reflected on the success of the event and praised the tireless work of everyone behind the scenes. He acknowledged the importance of adapting game strategies, particularly in terms of speeding up play and maximizing defensive pressure. During this game, the Bulls turned 26 turnovers by their opponents into an astonishing 40 points, capitalizing on every opportunity to extend their lead.
Looking ahead, the Bulls are gearing up to face a challenging matchup. They will take on the defending national champions, the South Carolina Gamecocks, on December 15 in Columbia, South Carolina. Basketball fans can tune in to catch the action live on the SEC Network at 2 p.m.. As the Bulls continue their season, the thrill of the game buzzes in the air, and supporters eagerly await what these talented athletes will accomplish next.
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Additional Resources
- USF Women’s Basketball Coach Mollie Patmore
- Tulane Women’s Basketball Cancels Game
- USF Women’s Basketball Falls in NCAA Tournament
- USF Women’s Basketball Players Earn Academic Honors
- Tennessee Lady Vols Defeat USF in NCAA First Round
- Wikipedia: Women’s College Basketball
- Google Search: USF Women’s Basketball
- Google Scholar: Women’s Basketball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Basketball
- Google News: USF Women’s Basketball
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
