Saint Mary's played its second conference match of the week - and suffered its second defeat - Thursday at the hands of the Flying Dutch 3-1 (30-14, 30-20, 30-17).
The Belles fell to 1-4 overall and 0-2 in the MIAA Conference.
The tough Hope defense was dominant over the Belles. Junior defensive specialist Meghan Winer led the team with 13 digs. Not far behind was sophomore setter Andrea Helminiak, who contributed 11 digs along with 35 assists.
"We will be working on really coming together as a team and playing for each other," Belles coach Julie Schroeder-Biek said. "In these first few matches of the year, we have had individuals working through trying to find their fit while we are still defining roles; we have had individuals that had some setbacks and are working hard to make up ground."
The Flying Dutch also doubled the Belles in kills, 48 to 23, with 12 from junior outside hitter Nora Slenk.
Sophomore outside hitter Lorna Slupczynski led the Belles in defense and offense with eight kills and 11 digs.
The Belles travel to Hiram, Ohio today for the Hiram College Tournament.
