In a defensive struggle, the third quarter proved to be the difference as St. Ambrose tipped off the 2024-25 campaign with a 64-49 loss to Siena Heights on the first day of the Lawrence Tech Classic in Southfield, Mich., Friday night.

Neither team shot 40 percent from the floor for the game. SAU hit 17-of-46 attempts to shoot 37 percent overall while SHU was 25-of-65 from the field, good for 38.5 percent.

The Bees led 13-11 after one quarter and trailed just 27-24 at the break. But the contest was decided in the third.

Over those 10 minutes, St. Ambrose was just 2-of-8 from the floor while commiting seven turnovers. Siena Heights took advantage, connecting on 7-of-15 shots, to outscore the Bees 17-7 in the frame. That allowed the Saints to open a 44-31 lead entering the final period.

SAU came to life offensively in the fourth quarter, shooting nearly 54 percent from the field, but was unable to close the gap.

The Bees finished with 18 turnovers which the Saints turned into 19 points. SAU forced just 10 turnovers, leading to a mere six points.

Abby Wolter, who finished 9-of-11 from the line, scored a game-high 19 points. She also grabbed six rebounds.

Caitlyn Thole added 12 points and a game-best 14 rebounds.

Caroline Cool came off the bench to contribute eight points. Payton Calouette added seven points. Olivia Harter (two points) and Kania Starks (one) also scored in the loss.

St. Ambrose will look to bounce back Saturday against host Lawrence Tech.