By KY-SHON HEPBURN

Special to GoUSFBulls.com

TAMPA – USF women’s soccer kicked off the 2012-13 athletic year with a 3-2 win over Florida Gulf Coast University in its first exhibition game of the season.

“We have been working really hard,” said head coach Denise Schilte-Brown. “I felt like we battled.”

The Bulls avoided overtime on a game-winning header by Sharla Passariello delivered by Olivia Chance to put the game away with 2:10 left to play.

“This is where we want her to be, we are excited about Sharla and we know she is a very talented player,” said Schilte-Brown.

The match-up against FGCU set the Bulls up for their final exhibition game on Friday at 6:30 p.m. against Jacksonville at Corbett Soccer Stadium.

“It's a great test and a preparation for the season,” said Schilte-Brown.

Florida Gulf Coast’s sophomore Shannen Wacker scored an unassisted goal in the 10th minute to put the Eagles up 1-0.

Passariello tied the game at 1-1 in the first half on a mistake by FGCU keeper Danielle LeRoy.

The Eagles took a 2-1 lead in the second half when Wacker scored her second goal of the game assisted by Carolyn Richards.

The Bulls were able to tie the game at 2-2 on a goal by Demi Stokes assisted on a cross by Kelly Campbell.

USF took a 3-2 lead in the second half on a goal by Passariello to put the game away for good.  The junior scored her second goal of the game.

“We just said to battle so it was good to get a goal,” said Passariello.

After the final exhibition game on Friday, USF will face UCF in its home season opener 7:30 p.m. Aug. 17 at Corbett Soccer Stadium.