NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. - The LIU Brooklyn women's lacrosse team went wire-to-wire in a battle with Iona on Saturday afternoon, but after a pair of 4-0 runs in the second half by the Gaels, the Blackbirds fell, 14-11.

In the final non-conference matchup of the season, junior Jenn Peters led the offensive attack for LIU, registering three goals and an assist. While freshman Rorie Crum also earned hat trick, getting the Blackbirds on the board first with 29:43 on the clock.

Iona responded to Crum's goal just 15 seconds later, after Mary Kate McCormick put the score at 1-1. It would be a back-and-forth battle from there on out, with both teams netting goals at an even pace throughout the matchup.

Peters, Crum, Carlie Robinson, Mary McQueen and Jayde Sains would all find the back of the net during the first half, to send the Blackbirds into halftime up 7-5.

Six Blackbirds contributed goals in the contest, as Tori Shinkowitz was the additional scorer, tallying two in the second half to aid in the Blackbirds' 11 total.

"We asked a lot of our middies today, and I know they can do even more for us as we move into NEC play." head coach Allison Hanley said.

Coming out of halftime with the same momentum, LIU posted a three-goal lead after a Peters' goal at 26:53. The lead was the largest of the day for the Blackbirds.

But the Gaels would answer with two 4-0 runs during the second half, to outscore the Blackbirds 9-4 in the second 30 minutes.

"We are diappointed in the outcome because we had plenty of opportunities to come out the victor today," Hanley said. "But there were extreme bright spots for our team and we can build on some of our momentum going into conference."

Freshman Virginia Gibbons played the entire 60 minutes in the cage, registering 10 saves after facing 14 attempts by the Gaels.

"While we didn't win, we had some stellar play," Hanley said. "I think this group is learning every game and it felt good to compete with Iona today. We are confident and feeling prepared for our second season."

The Blackbirds will begin Northeast Conference competition with a western Pennsylvania trip. The team will face Robert Morris on Friday, April 8 and Saint Francis U. on Sunday, April 10.