The Florida Tech men's lacrosse team suffered a significant defeat against Tampa in the 2026 Sunshine State Championship, with a final score of 17-8. Despite a competitive start, the Panthers struggled to keep pace after the opening quarter, ultimately concluding their season with a 12-4 record. Tampa, securing their first SSC title since 2022, improved to 18-1 overall. Ryan Chancer led Florida Tech with three assists during the match, but the team's defense faltered against Tampa's offensive pressure.

By the Numbers
  • Florida Tech finished the match with 8 goals compared to Tampa's 17.
  • Tampa scored 10 unanswered goals throughout the game.
Yes, But

While Florida Tech struggled defensively, it鈥檚 important to note that they had several scoring opportunities early in the game, indicating that offensive potential still exists within the team.

State of Play
  • Florida Tech will now await the outcome of the NCAA Selection Show on May 3.
  • The team鈥檚 postseason aspirations hinge on their current performance and overall season record.
What's Next

The Panthers are looking to secure a bid for the 2026 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championships. Their next steps will depend on the decisions made during the selection show that follows their season-ending defeat.

Bottom Line

The loss to Tampa not only ends Florida Tech's SSC title run but also puts their NCAA tournament hopes on shaky ground. The team must leverage their strengths and address weaknesses moving into the selection process to improve their chances of postseason play.