ATLANTA – Austin Peay State University women's soccer team received its first taste of competitive play, Sunday, coming away with a 1-1 draw against Georgia State in an exhibition contest.

Sophomore forward McKenzie Dixon picked up where she left off in 2015 – a year in which she tallied nine goals and claimed All-OVC first team honors. In the 39th minute, the APSU forwards efficiently used quick passes to create space for an opening.

Sophomore Jennifer Smith played a pass off to redshirt freshman Pamela Penaloza, with the Colombian supplying a chip pass to Dixon who made a run towards goal. The Governors second shot of the match found the back of the net, giving Austin Peay the lead briefly.

Two minutes later, the Panthers roared back to earn a corner kick opportunity. With Monique Hundley on to take it, Erin Rhodes met the curling delivery with her head to knot the score at 1-1.

Austin Peay's first good look at goal came in the 32nd minute, following a free kick taken by Mary Ruth Locastro which started the attack. Penaloza corralled the ball, and soon after, flicked it over to Smith whose open shot was saved by the GSU keeper, Brie Haynes.

Junior Lindsey Todd started in net for the Govs, with freshman Mary Parker Powell playing the final 45 minutes. Overall, 19 different players saw time on the pitch, including newcomers Renee Semaan – who started in the midfield – and Melody Fisher, along with Powell.

Junior Kirstin Robertson attempted a game-high four shots, with Dixon totaling three and Smith one.

Austin Peay officially opens the curtains on the 2016 season, 7 p.m., Friday at UAB.