LAKELAND, Fla. — The Spring Hill College women's soccer team battled Florida Southern College to a 1-1 draw Thursday night at the Barnett Athletic Complex.

The Badgers (0-1-1) fell behind early but answered in the second half, with Felicia Ajayi finding the back of the net in the 65th minute to pull Spring Hill even. Sofia Jimenez Garcia provided the assist on the equalizer.

Florida Southern (1-0-2) struck just 4:31 into the contest when Ellie Dossantos converted a pass from Emily Fowlkes to give the Mocs an early 1-0 advantage.

Spring Hill goalkeeper Ava Bell kept the Badgers within striking distance throughout the opening half, making five saves as Florida Southern registered 12 shots. The Badgers generated three shots in the first 45 minutes, with Ajayi forcing a save from Florida Southern goalkeeper Carly Brodsky and Madison Hitzman striking the woodwork late in the half.

Florida Southern continued to pressure early in the second half, but Bell turned aside several Mocs opportunities to keep the deficit at one.

That persistence paid off in the 65th minute. Jimenez Garcia connected with Ajayi, who scored her first goal of the season to bring the Badgers level at 1-1.

Spring Hill's defense held firm over the final 25 minutes despite continued pressure from the Mocs. Bell finished with nine saves, including several key stops in the second half, while the Badgers limited Florida Southern to just one goal despite the Mocs totaling 25 shots.

Kristina Wilkerson and Ajayi each recorded two shots for Spring Hill, while Hitzman and Karola Quintos Galvan added one apiece. Brodsky made two saves for Florida Southern.

The Mocs held an 11-2 advantage in corner kicks, but the Badgers secured the draw by holding Florida Southern scoreless over the final 85 minutes.

Spring Hill returns to action on Sunday when it travel back to Florida, this time to Boca Raton to take on Lynn University on Sunday, September 6th, at 11:00 AM EST.