After a disappointing loss Friday against Calvin, the Belles will need to recover before playing another conference foe - Tri-State.
With a record of 3-3 MIAA conference record (6-10 overall), Tri-State is right behind the Belles in the conference standings at fifth place. The Belles, who have a record of 3-2 in the MIAA and are 10-3 overall, are ready for the challenge.
Senior setter Amanda David had encouraging words for the Belles.
"The team has been working really hard in practice and in games to achieve our high goals," she said. "Every game we always aim to play with no regrets left on the court. This attitude will continue to contribute to our success in the matches we play."
Coach Julie Schroeder-Biek explained what the Belles needed to improve upon for Tri-State.
"We need to re-focus on our goal to finish in the top four of the conference," she said. "And move on determined to always be focused competitors when we step on that court."
The Belles will have some help from this week's MIAA Specialty Player of the Week - senior Anne Cusack.
Cusack received the honor after her strong effort against Kalamazoo and Calvin. Cusack averaged 7.3 digs and 1.2 service aces against the two teams.
It's the second time Cusack has won the award - she also earned the award at the end of the 2005 season. The tri-captain and libero is averaging 7.31 digs a game in conference matches and 5.74 overall.
The Belles take on Tri-State at 7 p.m. in Angela Athletic Center for the first of three conference matchups this week.
"As always, every single match that we play is very important," Schroeder-Biek said. "It is one step at a time toward accomplishing our goals. Tri-State is a good team. In league play, they are right there with us. This will be a good match."
