ELLISVILLE – Things looked bleak after 45 minutes Tuesday night.

Jones, which had allowed just four goals to Meridian in their last 12 meetings combined, surrendered four first-half goals and trailed 4-1 before mounting a frantic comeback. 

Mary Grace Batson's first goal of the season, with 32 seconds left, capped four goals in the final 23 minutes as the Bobcats clawed back for a thrilling, 5-4 win.

It was Jones' 26th consecutive win over Meridian dating back to 2010.

Mira Storm scored back-to-back goals for Meridian in a 67-second span to quickly make it 2-0 Eagles 5:36 into the match.

She'd cap off a hat-trick in the 38th minute to make it 3-0 before Sherline King scored 20 seconds later to make it 3-1.  

Cally Lewis responded 1:26 later for Meridian to make it 4-1, with the Eagles scoring on all four shots-on-goal. 

A goalkeeper switch for Jones at the half and a better defensive effort held Meridian without a shot on target the final 45 minutes. 

The final shot tally was 20-5 Jones, including a 14-4 advantage on net. King had a hat-trick and added an assist. 

MCC keeper Lola Smith had nine saves. Neither Bobcat keeper had an assist. 

Jones travels to No. 16 Pearl River on Friday. The Wildcats upset No. 3 Holmes, 2-1, last night. 

Tickets are available through prccathletics.com/tickets and the match will be streamed via prccmedia.com/gold.