via FIT press release   SPARKS, Md. – The Florida Tech women’s lacrosse team enters the 2018 season ranked No. 8 in the nation by the Nike/US Lacrosse Division II Preseason Top 20, announced by US Lacrosse Magazine. The Crimson and Gray are coming off their best season in program history in 2017. The Panthers posted a 14-4 record, garnered the program’s first bid in the NCAA DII Women’s Lacrosse Tournament and made it to the quarterfinal round. FIT was ranked No. 6 in the final 2017 DII rankings. Joining Florida Tech in the preseason top 20 are fellow Sunshine State Conference members Florida Southern (No. 2) and Rollins (No. 14). Five other of the Panthers’ opponents during the 2018 regular season are featured in the preseason poll – Queens (No. 5), Limestone (No. 13) and Molloy (No. 17) are recognized in the top 20, while McKendree and Pace are receiving votes in the poll. The Panthers return most of their starters from a season ago, including eight of the team’s top 10 scorers and IWLCA All-American Sara Grenier. Florida Tech also brings back five IWLCA All-South Region selections and eight All-SSC players. FIT kicks off the season with a home game against Molloy on Feb. 9 at Florida Tech Panther Stadium. The Panthers will then travel to the Carolinas for a pair of top 15 matchups with Limestone on Feb. 23 and Queens on Feb. 25.