The Florida Tech men's lacrosse team narrowly lost to No. 2 Tampa, finishing the regular season with a record of 11-3. The game ended 6-5 in favor of Tampa, who maintained their undefeated SSC record at 7-0. Despite the loss, the Panthers demonstrated strong defense and made 16 forced turnovers. The match showcased standout performances, including Jax Francisco's 700th career save and two goals by Brooks van Esselstyn, highlighting a competitive spirit throughout. Florida Tech now prepares for the SSC Tournament as the second seed.

By the Numbers
  • Final Score: Florida Tech 5, Tampa 6
  • Shots on goal: Tampa 9, Florida Tech 5 in the third quarter
  • Jax Francisco recorded 13 saves and marked his 700th career save.
  • Brooks van Esselstyn scored 2 goals to lead Florida Tech.
State of Play
  • Florida Tech finished the regular season with a record of 11-3 and secured the second seed in the SSC Tournament.
  • The Panthers will face the winner of the Saint Leo versus Embry-Riddle game on April 22.
  • The team exhibited resilience, making significant defensive plays and forcing 16 turnovers in the match against Tampa.
What's Next

Looking ahead, the Panthers aim to capitalize on their strong defense in the upcoming SSC Tournament, likely needing to maintain their momentum to advance further in postseason play. Their matchup on April 22 will be critical in setting the tone for their tournament run.

Bottom Line

Despite a narrow defeat, Florida Tech demonstrated competitive strength against a top-ranked opponent. The Panthers' strong defensive strategy and key player performances set a solid foundation as they enter the SSC Tournament, where they will seek to leverage their talent and teamwork for success.