ST. AUGUSTINE – Sophomore Abby Austin pushed across the late equalized with 10 minutes remaining in regulation, as the Flagler College women's soccer team opened up its 2015 campaign with 2-2 draw against No. 17 (National Soccer Coaches Association of America) Saint Leo on Thursday night at Saints Field.

"It was a monumental battle. Saint Leo is a fabulous team, they work so hard, they're so strong and they're so physical. After going down 1-nil we showed great character to come back to 1-1, and then right after that we go down 2-1 and we bring it back to 2-2, so I'm very pleased with the performance," said Flagler head coach Ashley Martin. "It's a good way to start the season, a solid foundation, and hopefully we can build from this."

The visiting Lions (0-0-1) got on the board first with a goal from Arielle Kabangu in the 8th minute. Katie Waddell served the ball to Kabungu, who shot the ball low off the post to the back of the net. Less than three minutes later the Saints (0-0-1) capitalized on a foul in the box as Jess Fassnidge scored on a penalty kick to even the score. Both teams fired off five shots in the first half, while Saint Leo took the edge in corner kicks, 5-4.

Saint Leo took the lead again at the 62:10 mark as Lindsay Perkins came off the bench and connected with Waddell's throw in to score the Lions' second goal of the night. Austin had the answer though, as she led the Saints to overtime sending the ball to the top of the box in the 81st minute, tying the score at two goals apiece. Saint Leo held the advantaged on offense, firing off seven shots, while Flagler tallied four shots in the second frame.

There was no scoring done by either squad through two overtimes. The Lions got off two shots in the first overtime, while Flagler took the only shot of the final 10 minutes of play. 

Rachel Cecil made her collegiate debut in goal for the Saints, turning in a complete 110:00 minutes, collecting three saves along the way. Saint Leo started the night with Abby Evans between the pipes, but after the first 11 minutes of action was replaced by Imani Clayton, who took over just before Fassnidge's penalty kick. Clayton recorded 99:41 in goal and grabbed two saves, facing all 10 of Flagler's shots throughout the night.

Fassnidge led the Saints offense with three shots, as Austin and Cassie Fernandez notched two shots apiece. Waddell took a team-best four shots and earned two assists in the outing. Both teams played a physical battle combining for 32 fouls, while the Lions were charged with four yellow cards.

Flagler will return to action on Sunday afternoon as the Saints host instate rival Florida Southern (0-0-1) in a 4 p.m. tilt at Saints Field.