BOX SCORE LORETTO, Pa. (Nov. 17, 2012) – The Saint Francis University women's volleyball lost to the No. 1 seeded LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds in four sets, 30-28, 18-25, 16-25, 14-25 on Saturday in the Northeast Conference Semifinals.
 
The Red Flash (14-16, 10-6) outlasted the Blackbirds (24-7, 16-0) in the first set after a long battle in overtime. LIU Brooklyn had only lost seven sets total since conference play began.
 
SFU carried a 9-4 lead to open the first frame and forced an LIU Brooklyn timeout. The Blackbirds battled back and eventually it was tied at 24 apiece. SFU trailed 28-27 and fired off three consecutive points fueled by an ace from Lauren Wingard (York, Pa./Dallastown Area) to take the set.
 
SFU played the Blackbirds tough, but early leads allowed LIU to take control of the three consecutive sets they won.

"It was an honor to make it to the playoffs this season," head coach Chuck Mullen said. "We played with a lot of heart and fight and I am proud of our team for their effort throughout the year and in this match."
 
Elizabeth Williams (North Bend, Ohio/Saint Ursula) led the Flash with a double-double effort, she recorded 13 kills and 10 digs. Lauren Wingard (York, Pa./Dallastown Area) registered 11 kills and nine digs.
 
Amanda Zahumensky (Sarver, Pa./Freeport Area) chipped in with 10 kills, while Brittany Stambaugh (Leola, Pa./Conestoga Valley) and Kayla Jeckell (Mountaintop, Pa./Crestwood) both recorded double-digit digs with 11 and 10, respectively.
 
Kierstin Kiser (Clarion, Pa./Clarion) added 38 assists and nine digs in the match. Chelsea Easter (Burlington, Ontario, Canada/Notre Dame Roman Catholic) also added six kills.

Following the tournament, Elizabeth Williams (North Bend, Ohio/Saint Ursula) was named to the NEC Tournament All-Conference Team for her play on Saturday.
 
FLASH FACTS
 
-Saint Francis concludes its season with 10 conference wins, the most since the 1997 season.
 
-The playoff berth SFU clinched was the first time since the 2008 season.