MELBOURNE, FLA. – The Florida Tech women's soccer team checked in at No. 3 on Wednesday when the Sunshine State Conference coaches' released their annual preseason poll.
 
The 2021 South Region Champions concluded the previous season with a 10-3-9 overall record and a 4-2-4 SSC record. 
 
Tech returns 14 women from last years squad that reached the national quarterfinal round for just the second time in program history. Among the returners is All-South Region defender JoJo Michaels and goalie Maria Sanchez Recuero who finished the season with a .496 GAA and .879 save percentage. Senior May Queiroz returns as a centerpiece of the midfield as she started 21 matches last year. Marem Ndiongue returns as the leading goal scorer with six goals and six assists.
            
The 2021 SSC regular season and tournament champions, Embry-Riddle, are excpected to repeat tallying 97 points with eight first-place votes. Rollins is second with 81 points while Florida Tech collected one first-place vote to take the No. 3 spot with 77 points.
            
Tampa landed just ahead of Nova Southeastern, 71-70, for fourth place. The Spartans also pulled in the remaining two first-place votes. 
            
PBA sits in the middle of the poll (62) and is followed by a time between Barry (44) and Lynn (44). Saint Leo (22), Eckerd (18), and Florida Southern (18) hold the final three positions in the ranking. 
            
Coach Ryan Moon and the Tech women open the 2022 season at home on Aug. 26 when they take on University of Montevallo at Rick Stottler Field. Kick off is set for 7 p.m.
 
For the latest news, updates and information on the Florida Tech women's soccer team, visit FloridaTechSports.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Panthers news by following Florida Tech Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.