Top-Ranked Spartans Face No. 21 Florida Tech in Return to the Sunshine State

MELBOURNE, Fla. - The No. 1 ranked Spartans return victoriously to the state of Florida, stopping in Melbourne at No. 21 Florida Tech before coming home.

The Matchup: No. 1 University of Tampa (5-0, 0-0 SSC) vs. No. 21 Florida Tech (3-3, 0-0 SSC)

Date/Time: Friday, March 7, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

Location: Rick Stottler Field. 3310 Country Club Road, Melbourne, Fl 32901

Series History: While the Spartans and Panthers hold a 5-5 all-time series record, Tampa has won every matchup since 2019 and has outscored Florida Tech 56-14 over the last three meetings.

About the Spartans:

The No. 1-ranked Spartans dominated their recent trip to Tennessee, scoring 50 goals while conceding just 8 in victories over Lincoln Memorial and Lee University. Their offensive dominance has solidified their place atop multiple Sunshine State Conference statistical categories, including goals per game, where they lead with 22—nearly four more than the second-place team. Peyton Howell's seven-goal outing against Lee ranks third-best in a single SSC match, trailing Sarah Engle's eight-goal performance at Rollins earlier this season. On the defensive side, Lexi Waters continues her stellar season, ranking fourth in the SSC in ground balls with 13 and second in caused turnovers with 11. The Spartans now prepare for a challenging stretch, with their next nine matchups featuring nationally ranked opponents, including the start of conference play on March 26.

About the Panthers: The No. 21 ranked Florida Tech Panthers women's lacrosse team is nearing the end of the stretch of home games that began back on February 12 and included matches against 4 ranked teams in No. 15 Embry Riddle, No. 17 Rollins, No. Tampa, and finally No. 18 Seton Hill on March 10. After only receiving 18 total points in the SSC Preseason Coach's Poll and being predicted to finish 7th in the conference, the Panthers sit at 3-3 thus far in their 2025 season. Junior, Sophia Scichilone is currently averaging the second most assists in the SSC with 2.5 a game, as well as the second most points a game with 5.33.