It was a Homecoming to forget for the Bees. St. Ambrose was outscored 42-0 in the second half in a 55-0 loss to St. Francis (Ill.) Saturday at Jack and Pat Bush Stadium in Davenport, Iowa.

It marked the first shutout loss for the program since a setback to No. 3 Marian during the 2018 season.

St. Ambrose appeared to get off to a great start, forcing a three-and-out on USF's opening possession. But a running-into-the-kicker penalty kept the drive alive and the Fighting Saints capitalized, punching in a touchdown to grab a fast 7-0 lead.

The Bees and Saints went toe to toe throughout the first half with St. Francis kicking a pair of second-quarter field goals to go up 13-0. SAU had a chance to get on the board, but Joe Namio's 30-yard field goal in the closing seconds of the half sailed wide left.

Things got away from the Bees in the second half.

A pick-six ended SAU's first possession of the third quarter and big plays plagued the Bees from there. USF added a 68-yard touchdown pass in the third to go up 27-0.

Then in the fourth, St. Francis (6-2, 2-2 MSFA) scored on passes of 36, 14 and 34 yards before ending the scoring with a 47-yard interception return.

SAU finished with just 149 yards of total offense and converted only 2-of-15 third-down attempts. The Bees were also haunted by nine penalties totaling 137 yards, many coming at inopportune times.

Tom Casey completed 11-of-15 passes for 66 yards. Joey Sprinkle came on in the second half to complete four passes for 20 yards. They combined to throw three interceptions.

Kaden King led three running backs with 42 yards. Calvin Lee finished with 36 yards and Jeffery Elms rushed for 32 yards. Yemi Ward led the receiving corps with six catches for 35 yards. Devan Galant, Kyle Yehling and Elms each had multiple receptions.

Colin Gudella led the defense with nine total tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Max Gourley also had 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks among his seven total tackles. Jake Strater was in on six tackles while D'Mauryon Hunter and Rolando Sepulveda were each credited with four tackles.

The Bees will host No. 17 Saint Xavier next Saturday.