Though the Belles have struggled of late to gain their footing in a competitive MIAA conference, an opportunity presents itself this weekend.
Saint Mary's (0-4) will take on Hope and Alma in the former's home arena in Holland, Mich., on Saturday. Coming off a pair of difficult losses last weekend to conference powerhouses Calvin and Albion, the team has something to prove.
Saint Mary's closest bout thus far was a highly competitive 107-96 loss to Olivet, a team that last Saturday beat Alma by a mere three points. In the Belles search for a team win, this is not only their best chance, but also their last.
As usual, the team will look to its young trio of sophomores Ellie Watson and Katie Griffin and junior Audrey Dalrymple to lead the way, especially coming off their strong individual performances this past weekend. Watson garnered first-place finishes in the 500-yard and 1,000 freestyle, the latter time giving her sole possession of the third-best time mark in Belles history in the event.
Griffin also took two firsts on Friday, winning the 100 backstroke and 100 butterfly. Meanwhile, Dalrymple had three individual victories, earning first in the 100 breaststroke, 200 breaststroke and the 200 individual medley.
After the upcoming meet, the team will look ahead to the all-important MIAA Championships from Feb. 17-19. The MIAA champion is determined solely on the basis of the results of the title meet.
The Belles look to propel themselves into the championship lanes with a victory on Saturday as they take on Hope and Alma at 1 p.m.
