SPARKS, Md. – Palm Beach Atlantic women's lacrosse came up just short in their bid for their first victory over a Sunshine State Conference school, falling to Florida Tech 8-7.

The Sailfish (1-2) fell behind early in the game as the Panthers took early leads of 2-0 and 4-2. Grace Bartlinski brought the 'Fish within one at the end of the first half as she scored the first of two goals. PBA started the second half with three straight goals to take a 6-4 lead as Lindsey Heffler, Anna Laskaris and Kate LeBlanc all found the back of the net.

The Panthers responded with two goals of their own to tie the game at 6-6 with 6:50 to play. Bartlinski added her second with 5:34 to go to put PBA back on top but it would be the last lead of the game for PBA. Florida Tech scored two straight within 30 seconds of each other to go up 8-7 with 4:17 to play.

The 'Fish had a chance at the end of the game as Kiki Cinotti's final attempt was saved by the Panthers goalie as the clock wound down. The Panthers used two goalies with Madison Fields making five of the team's seven saves. Abigal Nehring made seven stops on her own for PBA.

Laskaris joined Bartlinski and LeBlanc with two goals in the game for PBA with Heffler added the other score. Cinotti led the way with three assists while Chelsea Smith added one. Heffler also led the team with five ground balls with Lauren Kolakowski securing three draw controls.

The 'Fish are back in action on Wednesday as they open their home slate at the RAC at 7 p.m. against Ave Maria.