PERRY, N.Y. – The Florida Tech men's lacrosse team is ranked No. 18 in the USILA/Nike Lacrosse Division II Preseason Coaches Poll, released on Tuesday.

FIT went 8-7 season in 2017 and made their second Sunshine State Conference Championship game in the last three years.

Joining Florida Tech in the preseason top 20 are fellow SSC members Tampa (No. 6) and Saint Leo (No. 19).

Three other of the Panthers' opponents during the 2018 regular season are featured in the preseason poll – Lenoir Rhyne (No. 7), Mount Olive (No. 12) and Wingate (No. 13).

The Panthers have several key returners back from a season ago, including six of their top 10 scorers and USILA Third Team All-American Addison Abramson. FIT also brings back six All-SSC selections.

Florida Tech opens the 2018 campaign on the road against Wingate on Feb. 9 in Wingate, North Carolina. The Panthers first home game is Feb. 18 versus Young Harris at Panther Stadium.