SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo men's lacrosse program was named among a three-way tie for teams predicted to finish second in the 2018 Sunshine State Conference, when the SSC released the coaches preseason poll. Tied with 33 total vote points, Saint Leo shares the number two slot with Florida Southern and Florida Tech. Saint Leo was the only second place team with a first place vote.

The Lions return an experienced roster featuring seven All-SSC members, and a core of 15 seniors. Senior Jake Bye, First-team All-SSC, closed the 2017 season with 26 groundballs and 16 caused turnovers. His 26 groundballs are the second-most in a single season at Saint Leo.

In addition to Bye's leadership, the Lions welcome back Second Team All-SSC members senior Jake Gilmour, senior Kyle Pauwels, senior Anthony Visintin and redshirt junior Thomas Tatarian.

Saint Leo is set for a 12 p.m. start to open the season on Saturday, February 3 at Alabama-Huntsville. The Lions welcome Lincoln Memorial on Saturday, February 10 for the home opener where the face-off is slated for 1 p.m. 
 
2018 SSC MEN'S LACROSSE PRESEASON COACHES POLL
 

Rank 1 T2 T2 T2 5 6 7 8

School (FPV) Tampa (7) Florida Southern Florida Tech Saint Leo (1) Rollins Lynn Palm Beach Atlantic Embry-Riddle

Total Votes 49 33 33 33 29 27 12 8