MELBOURNE, Fla. - University of Tampa has been voted No. 1 in the 2016 Sunshine State Conference preseason men’s lacrosse coaches poll. The Spartans received 25 total votes and five first place votes. The poll gives a four vote edge to the Spartans over Florida Tech. The Panthers received a total of 21 votes overall and the final first place vote.
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Tampa (15-4, 6-0) won their second consecutive SSC regular season and tournament titles. The Spartans again advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals, and were defeated by Lake Erie, 15-7, in the first round. Tampa ranks No. 8. in Nike / Lacrosse Magazine Division II Men’s preseason Top 15 poll.
Florida Tech (12-4, 3-2) finished as the Sunshine State Conference runner-up in 2015, falling to Tampa 11-8 in the counference tournament championship game. The Panthers begin 2016 ranked No. 13 in the USILA preseason poll.
Sunshine State Conference play opens up on February 28, with Lynn University hosting the University of Tampa. The SSC Tournament will begin April 28th. Regional tournament play begins May 14. NCAA National Championship tournament is set to begin on May 21.
2016 SSC MEN'S LACROSSE PRESEASON COACHES POLL
Rank
1
2
3
4
T5
T5 |
School (FPV)
Tampa (5)
Florida Tech (1)
Lynn
Rollins
Florida Southern
Saint Leo |
Total Votes
25
21
15
13
8
8 |