As the non-conference portion of their schedule is behind them, the Belles turn full attention to conference play, beginning tonight against rival Kalamazoo College.
The Belles head into the contest with a 1-2 MIAA record.
The Belles and Hornets split their two matchups last season, with the home team taking each contest. Both matches were close, as expected based on the competitiveness of this series.
In last year's victory over the Hornets, the Belles made a comeback after falling behind early to eventually defeat their rival. Sophomore Stephanie Bodien was nearly unstoppable. She picked up seven kills in nine attempts for Saint Mary's. Junior leader Danie Brink had 41 assists in the match to lead the Belles.
Beginning with this match, the Belles will play three of their next five matches at home in an important stretch that will determine what teams will be contenders in the MIAA tournament.
Saint Mary's went 1-2 over the weekend and has lost four of its last five games. They defeated Franklin (3-1) Saturday before losing to Purdue North Central (3-0) and Millikin Blue (3-0).
After their match against Kalamazoo College, the Belles will travel to Alma Friday before coming home to face Adrian Saturday. They have a little over a month before the MIAA Championships begin.
The teams will play Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Saint Mary's. Both teams need a win as they move forward in conference play and look to gain high seeds at the MIAA Tournament.
