BROOKLYN, N.Y. (April 8, 2011) – The Red Flash lacrosse team watched a game-long lead evaporate in the second half as the Long Island Blackbirds rallied to steal a 13-12 victory at LIU Field on Friday afternoon.

Saint Francis led, 9-4, at the 27:51 mark following a goal by Catherine Helming (Canandaigua, N.Y./Canandaigua) before the Blackbirds (1-10, 1-3 NEC) went on a game-clinching 9-2 run. LIU's Annie Kalata led the charge with consecutive tallies before Gina Eberwein converted an unassisted goal at the 19:45 mark to cut the deficit to 9-7.

Saint Francis (4-8, 1-4 NEC) responded with a goal by Helming at the 18:55 mark to momentarily interrupt the decisive drive, but LIU's Kimberly Kovar answered with a goal at the 18:04 mark before Kalata scored again to make it 10-9. Following a goal by Danielle Conwell (Roxbury, N.J./Roxbury), the Blackbirds came back with a run of four straight goals to take the lead.

Helming paced the Flash with four goals and one assist. She added three ground balls. Goalie Danielle Pokusa (Cinnaminson, N.J./Cinnaminson) made 15 saves and had 12 ground balls.

Kalata tallied four goals for LIU to earn a share of the game-lead.

The Red Flash return to action on Sunday when they visit Wagner.