Saint Mary's will try to rediscover its winning ways as the squad travels to Hope College Wednesday.
After winning two of three in late September, the Belles (2-12, 2-7 MIAA) have fallen into a slump, having lost their last four games, including a tough 6-2 defeat to Marian College on Sunday.
Although they were outplayed in the first half, the Belles outscored Marian 2-1 in the second half, and SMC coach Michael Joyce said that he thinks his squad can carry some of that momentum into Wednesday's game against Hope.
"There is some consolation in a good second half," Joyce said. "We are a young team, so you have to take advantage of game opportunities to build chemistry and improve as a team. We're also a team that never stops working, which I'm very proud of."
Joyce said that the importance of this game against the Flying Dutch is not lost on him or his team.
"Hope is a big game," Joyce said. "If we want to have a shot at the conference playoffs, we need points out of this game. This late in the season, we can't wait for opportunities down the road."
With a record of 3-6-2 (1-2-1 MIAA), the Flying Dutch provide a great opportunity for the Belles to notch their third win of the season. To do so, they must contain Hope senior Courtney Cook, who leads the team in goals and points.
Coach Joyce said that he knows he has to change some things around if the Belles are to have success.
"We might dig into the bench a little more against Hope to try and keep that intensity high with new players coming on the field," Joyce said.
Kickoff is at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Van Andel Soccer Stadium.
