CLINTON , Iowa — It was a combination of Peregrine turnovers and St. Ambrose’s success from the 3-point stripe that led to a 104-69 win for the Fighting Bees in the opening day of the two-day Ashford Tourney. The Peregrines (1-6) gave the ball away 19 times in the first half contributing to 20 Fighting Bees points.

St. Ambrose also used its offensive firepower connecting on 8-of-11 shots from the 3-point stripe in the first half, a 72 percent success rate. In its first five wins St. Ambrose University was averaging just under 100 points per game with a forth of its points coming from the 3-point line.

The Peregrines trailed 57-23 at the end of the first half. Senior co-captain Linsey Smith (Lake Central) led the team with eight first half points and finished as the Peregrines leading scorer with 13, including three 3-pointers.

Three freshmen Peregrines finished with 12 points each; point guard Meme Harris (Merrillville) guard Jenny Britton (Lake Central) and forward Chrissy Lobodinski (Merrillville). Harris added five assists and three steals to her totals and Lobodinski tied for team-leading rebounder with six.

Sophomore Sara Keilman (Morton) also grabbed six rebounds and scored seven points in the loss. Junior LaKeisha Hurst (Dover, Del.) finished with 11 points and five rebounds.

The Peregrines face Ashford University in Sunday’s action. The next home game for the Peregrines is Friday at 6 p.m. versus Goshen College, Ind. The game is sponsored by the PUC Counseling Center with the theme “Get a Checkup From the Neck Up.” Stress busters will be given to the first 100 fans.