Above – Ryan Bailey is one of twelve seniors on the Panther’s roster this season.

We warned our readers back in October that, “Anyone who takes Florida Tech lightly this year will be doing so at their own peril.” We would like to double down on that warning.  They looked good in October with Daniel Errett, Brian Bacarella, and Zach Wynne comprising the most experienced and talented group of attack Florida Tech has had so far.  They worked well with an aggressive shooting midfield line featuring Zach’s brother Nick and Florida products, Andrew Conley (Boone HS) and Austen Zugelter (Vero Beach.) That midfield line is clearly not afraid to let some rubber fly so why not add a 6’8″ 250 pound middie with a 100+ mph shot?  Enter Coach McAleavey’s mid year transfer Jason Terry.  Terry is from Baltimore’s Calvert Hall and transferred in from UMBC.  Before heading to UMBC he scored over 100 goals as an attackman at Harford Community College.  Coach McAleavey likes the idea of that big shot working on the outside with his midfield.  They should be able to stretch defenses pretty well with that line up.

A couple of good goalies will be battling to get in the cage.  We expect the starter to be 2013 2nd team All-Conference player Eric Biller.  He was forced to red-shirt last year after two games with a season ending injury but should be back in top form this season and ready for a big senior year.  York College transfer, Christian Koch, has also impressed the coaching staff and will keep the pressure on. On close defense they return some solid starters including sophomore Mike Cherry.  He was named 2014 SSC All-Freshman player (2nd team All SSC.)  Cherry should be teaming up with two seniors who started every game last season, Jordan Carlock and Stuart Nostrum.  Carlock set a team record last year with 19 caused turnovers.

The Panthers take their show on the road for the first two games of the season when they travel to Lenior-Rhyne and Mars Hill on February 14th and 16th.  They open at home with a chance at some redemption as they host Mt. Olive.  Mt. Olive seems to have had the Panther’ number the last two years winning in 2014 by a wide margin of 16-5.  Look for Florida Tech to be extra motivated on March 2nd for that one.  A huge Sunshine State Conference game at Tampa has been moved to the last weekend of the regular season.  That’s going to be a must see game and could have some serious play off ramifications. Coach McAleavey is looking forward to coaching his first season with a full senior class on the roster.  “I’m Grateful to these guys who bought in and started this program with me.”  Seven of the twelve seniors are part of that very first recruiting class who took a chance on Florida Tech and Coach McAleavey.  “{Those seniors} Will always hold a special place with me.  I really want to send these guys out on the highest note possible.” Get more info on the Florida Tech lacrosse team at FloridaTechSports.com.