St. Ambrose's best start to a season in 30 years came to a close Saturday at Trinity Christian. The Trolls' Gabby Kreykes scored 40 points, which included hitting three free throws in the final 10 seconds, to hand the Bees their first loss of the year, an 82-78 decision.

The Bees, who had trailed by as many as 14 points in the third quarter and 11 entering the fourth, pulled to within a single point twice in the closing seconds. First, a Jaynee Prestegaard layup cut the deficit to 77-76 with 21 seconds left. Then, after two Kreykes free throws, another Prestegaard lay-in had SAU within 79-78.

Forced to foul, St. Ambrose sent Kreykes back to the line with 10.6 seconds remaining. After hitting the first, she missed the second, but tracked down her own rebound, leading to two more free throws with 7.2 seconds on the clock. This time, Kreykes hit them both to wrap up the 82-78 victory. 

Both teams shot 30-of-61 from the floor. The difference in the game came from the line. Trinity Christian (8-2, 4-1 CCAC) converted 13-of-18 while St. Ambrose made just 11-of-22. Kreykes alone hit 11-of-14 from the line in the fourth quarter. The Bees' issues at the line were highlighted in the second quarter. The team made just 3-of-11 free throws in the frame in getting outscored 29-19.

The loss snapped SAU's six-game winning streak to open the season. It was the program's best start since the 1991-92 team won its first 14 games.

The loss also overshadowed some strong individual performances for the Bees.

Kylie Wroblewski led the way with 21 points and 11 rebounds, her third double-double in the last four games.

Prestegaard, on 6-of-8 shooting, and Shayne Smith each scored 15 points.

Madeline Prestegaard came off the bench to throw in 10 points. Maddy Cash (9 points) and Anna Plumer (8) combined for 17 to round out the SAU scoring.

St. Ambrose, now 6-1 overall and 4-1 in the CCAC, will visit Calumet St. Joseph Tuesday.