PULLMAN, Wash. — The Washington State women's soccer team (1-1-0) secured a decisive 4-1 victory over the South Florida Bulls (0-2-0) Saturday at Lower Soccer Field. In the first all-time meeting between the programs, WSU tallied three second-half goals to seal the win, after the Bulls equalized early in the second half. The win marked the first of the season for the Cougs and the first victory of Coach Chris Citowicki's tenure at WSU.
The Cougars started on the front foot, battling to control possession and maintain shape. Just over 10 minutes into the contest freshman Delaney Hawkins beat a Bulls' player to the ball in the box, forcing a challenge from behind and a point to the penalty for WSU. At 12:36, Lexi Lee capitalized on the penalty opportunity, converting it to give WSU a 1-0 lead and earn WSU's first goal of the season and Lee's first goal as a Coug and fourth collegiate goal.
South Florida struggled to find their rhythm in the opening stanza, committing several fouls, which culminated in a yellow card for USF's bench prior to the PK. Despite multiple attempts from both teams, the period concluded with WSU maintaining its 1-0 advantage. The day also kicked off WSU's Week of Welcome Saturday with the opening of campus residence halls, amplifying the excitement on campus.
South Florida earned a penalty of their own in the 62nd minute, converting from the spot to equalize in the final half hour. Wazzu seized momentum after the goal. Delaney Hawkins responded swiftly with a goal at 66:35, running on to a long through ball from Emma Widmor, putting the Cougars ahead 2-1. Playing out of the right back, Meg Devall netted her first Wazzu goal, first-timing a clearance at the top of the box into the upper left netting and extending the lead to 3-1 at 71:50.
Makena Smith cemented WSU's win in the 77th minute, heading home a set piece opportunity in the six-yard box, which was squared across the area from Maddie Martin. The service came from Widmor, who earned her second assist and became the first Coug with a multi-assist game since Grayson Lynch delivered three assists on Nov. 9, 2024, against Pacific. The Cougs maintained their lead to close out the period, and the game ended with a decisive 4-1 victory.
Looking ahead, WSU will travel to face South Dakota State Thursday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m. CT (5 p.m. PT) in Brookings, South Dakota. The match will stream live on the Summit League Network.