Saint Mary's will face its toughest conference opponent of the year this Saturday when the Belles travel to Calvin College to play in a MIAA grudge match.
Calvin is the best that the MIAA conference has to offer; it currently holds down the top spot with an unblemished 4-0 record (5-1-1 overall). In the four league games, Calvin has netted 24 goals while surrendering a lone tally to Olivet College in the season opener.
During the four-game winning streak, Calvin has come away with victories of 6-1, 7-0, 7-0 and 4-0 over Olivet, Adrian, Tri-State and Kalamazoo, respectively. The Belles' defense will have their hands full as they must deal with the dual Calvin attack of Sarah Weesies and Jill Capel.
The duo has accounted for the majority of Calvin's offense. Weesies has put away all four MIAA game-winning goals.
But Saint Mary's has shown a resiliency against most offensive schemes thrown against it this year, and hopes to contain the Calvin playmakers.
"It is going to be a tough game, since their team has not really changed at all from last year and we have lost a ton of players," attacker Lauren Hinton said.
Last year the Belles dropped both games against Calvin.
"I just think we really need to play as a team and play quicker; just need to talk more," Hinton said. She and the rest of her team are fired up and ready to knock off the best. The Belles are spending a lot of time in preparation, including an extra-long practice on Friday, to make sure they have every obstacle covered.
Saint Mary's may have its hands full on defense, but Calvin will be on its heels as well if the Belles show up with the offense that has dominated their past three opponents. The Belles have outscored opponents 7-1 in their last three games behind the drives of attackers Lauren Hinton, Ashley Hinton and Colleen Courtney.
Carrie Orr has been outstanding at keeping opponents in their own zone, along with Mary Esch and Sarah DuBree on defense.
With a win the Belles would move into a tie for first with Calvin, in the process jumping over twice-beaten Olivet College. The Belles go into action at noon on Saturday playing on Calvin's home-field.
