After defeating MIAA foe Trine for their first conference victory of the season, the Belles move on to face Calvin today at 4 p.m.
"There was no real turnaround," coach Ryan Crabbe said. "Trine is a developing program. They have had four coaches in four years. We won a game we are supposed to win."
So while Saint Mary's (4-7-1, 1-1) was able to rout Trine, they are not likely to have such an easy time with Calvin, who has won the MIAA title each of the last three years and tied with Hope College for the title in 2005.
Crabbe noted that not only is Calvin the best team in the conference but also one of the best teams in the entire country and that the Belles will have to play at a high level to pull off the upset.
In the game against Trine, Saint Mary's was able to jump out to an early lead and hung on for the win as senior Katy Durkin netted two goals, her third and fourth of the season.
"Katy had a good game," Crabbe said. "She finished her two chances well. She has been working hard after coming in a bit behind in pre-season."
After a tough loss in their first conference matchup with Adrian, the Belles were looking to regain momentum heading into the rest of conference play and will need to use it well against Calvin.
Crabbe said while earning the victory over Trine was good, the Belles cannot afford to dwell on their success as Calvin presents an entirely new set of challenge. It will be tough going from playing the worst team in the conference to the best.
Saint Mary's, who has already doubled its win total from last season, will be looking to avoid being shut out for the eighth time already this season.
While their offense has struggled at times, the combination of senior Patty Duffy and freshman Adele Bruggeman has held their opponents to only two goals in the team's four wins this season.
"We can't give up early goals," Crabbe said. "The longer we keep the game close the better our chances. We have had problems falling behind and having to chase the game against quality opponents. Certainly scoring first would be a tremendous way to start the game."
