panthers face reigning Sunshine State Conference champs Rollins in first match
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA –The Florida Tech men’s lacrosse team has announced its 2024 schedule under the direction of head coach Brad MacArthur. The Panthers are scheduled to play 13 games with eight home contests and a seven-game conference schedule this spring.
Florida Tech finished its 2023 campaign with a 7-7 overall record and a 3-4 conference record.
Among returners are top goal scorers Collin Stewart and Zach Rozgonyi and a pair of All-SSC honorees in goalkeeper Jax Francisco and midfielder Nicky Vreeland.
“As always, we want to challenge ourselves in non-conference play as we prepare to face three of the best teams in the country right out of the gate in February,” said MacArthur.
“The Sunshine State Conference keeps getting stronger each year, and we look forward to the tough competition ahead. We had a strong fall and look to build on the foundation that has been laid as we enter 2024.”
The 2024 journey begins with a preseason scrimmage against Keiser at Rick Stottler Field on Saturday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m.
The regular season begins for the Panthers with their home opener on Saturday, Feb. 3, in a non-conference matchup against reigning Sunshine State Conference champions Rollins.
Tech will then head to Gaffney, S.C., to take on Limestone on Saturday, Feb. 10, before returning to the Sunshine State for a weekend matchup with Flagler on Sat., Feb. 7, in Melbourne.
The following weekend (Feb. 24), the Panthers will make their way to Naples, Florida, for the Southwest Florida Shootout. Tech will face SSC rival Tampa at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex.
“We’re very fortunate to have been asked to participate in the Southwest Florida Shootout. The fact that the event is in-state is a bonus. One of our goals is to grow awareness and knowledge about the quality of lacrosse, not only at our program but at the DII level.
“Thanks goes to Tom Rotancz (event operator) and Tampa Coach JB Clarke, both instrumental in making this happen.
“The Paradise Coast Sports Complex is an exceptional facility. We’ve been fortunate enough to have watched other lacrosse events held there. We look forward to welcoming our family, friends, and supporters to Naples in February.”
The Division II event will be followed by the Division I contest of Marquette versus Michigan. Tickets for the doubleheader can be purchased at www.southwestfloridashootout.com.
The Crimson and Grey will return home for a two-game homestand as the team welcomes Concordia-Irvine on March 2 and Westminister on March 9.
Conference action begins for Tech in March with three SSC matchups. The Panthers are on the road Saturday, March 16 heading to Palm Beach Atlantic, return home on Saturday, March 23, to host Saint Leo, and head back on the road Saturday, March 30, to face Rollins.
The Panthers return to the confines of Rick Stottler Field for back-to-back home contests. Tech will honor its seniors on Saturday, April 6, for Senior Day when they host Embry-Riddle, followed by a midweek tilt against Florida Southern on Wednesday, April 10.
Tech rounds out the regular season with a road match at Lynn on Saturday, April 13, and their final home game against Tampa on Wednesday, April 17.
The SSC Tournament is scheduled to begin with the quarterfinal matchups on Saturday, April 20, followed by the semifinals on Wednesday, April 24.
The conference championship will be held on Saturday, April 27. Times and locations will be determined at a later date.
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