South Florida and Florida International had it tough last year. The pair were the only competitive DII teams in the state, and even though a healthy rivalry formed between the two, the rest of the season was filled with forfeit wins. Salvation came when Florida decided to form an independent DI separate from the South Independent conference. In order to receive an automatic berth to spring nationals, the league needed five teams, so USF and FIU were invited to join.

“It was unfortunate to be playing in a league where all but one other team was forfeiting, because we were working hard and had the depth,” said USF backs coach Jason Kofender. “So when we were presented with the opportunity for us and FIU to combine with DI, it just made a lot of sense. It was a great opportunity to play at the level we should have been playing.”

During the previous two years, USF had given the DI teams – Central Florida, Florida, Florida State – competitive matches, if not losses. And after Saturday’s 37-14 win over Florida, USF proved that it is a good addition to the league.

UF scored first, and when South Florida began to answer with tries of its own, the closest that the Gators got to retaking the lead was when the game narrowed at 17-14. USF’s senior leadership in the middle of the field prevented a lead change, and helped propel second-half dominance.

Scrumhalf Victoria Koster, flyhalf Robyn Oliveri, and inside center Samantha Norman are all seniors and have been playing together going on four years now. They provide excellent direction to the rest of the backline and are scoring threats to boot. Koster scored two tries, and the trio helped set up outside center Tre Baisden, senior wing Ashley Redington, and freshman wing Dahlia Bumbaca for scores. Bumbaca actually scored a brace of tries and has been a solid addition to the outside attack. The flyer hails from Canada, where she played four years of high school rugby.

“There’s a lot of strength there,” Kofender said of the senior inside backs. “They’re good leaders, but they also work with the other backs and get the chemistry where it needs to be. They’re good communicators, move the ball well, they’re fit, and support each other. They’re really starting to dominate.”

While USF’s strength may be in its backs (in the team’s 51-0 win over Florida Gulf Coast, seven different backs scored), there’s good talent in the forwards as well. No. 8 Hannah Larsen is a prime example. The junior began her career as a center before becoming a flanker, and then a stint in Australia saw the loose forward make the biggest difference at the back of the scrum. She's hungry in the tackle and sets a good example for work rate around the pitch.

Getting that first win in DI was important, but South Florida isn't just inaugurating its first DI season. Central Florida, the traditional leader, awaits this weekend, and USF wants the W.

“It’s a big deal for us to get up to DI and prove that we belong there,” Kofender said. “The girls were thrilled with the win, but they’re excited to get back out to training and prepare for UCF.”

Florida International will play its first DI match this weekend, taking on Florida State.