DAVENPORT, Iowa --Senior guard Anna Sears (Providence Catholic H.S./Mokena, IL) scored a career-high 22 points but it wasn't enough to overcome 20th-ranked NAIA Division II St. Ambrose as the host Bees defeated University of St. Francis, 86-74, in the Saints' season opener on Tuesday evening.

Sears made 7-of-9 shots to lead the Saints' attack. Senior center Kaci Baird (Bartlett H.S./Bartlett, IL) added 14 points for the Saints and senior guard Jacqie Storm (Sandburg H.S./Orland Park, IL) chipped in with 12.

St. Ambrose roared out to a 48-33 halftime lead and only let the Saints get as close as nine points in the second half. USF did not cut the margin to single digits until the final five minutes of the game.

USF's rugged season-opening schedule continues this weekend as the Saints travel to Jackson, Tenn., and play games against NAIA Division I No. 9 Lambuth (TN) and No. 1 and defending national champion Union (TN). The Lambuth contest is slated for Friday at 2 p.m. with the Union game scheduled for Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m.