After falling 4-0 to Alma a month ago, the Belles will play the Scots for a second time at home today.
"Our last game against Alma was probably our worst performance of the year, so we're excited to get another shot at them," Belles coach Michael Joyce said. "Our biggest problem last time around was our intensity level. They're a very good team; we'll have to be ready to go this time around."
The Belles (6-4-3, 4-2-3 MIAA) are on a four-game winning streak, with their last two games reaching overtime. Saint Mary's has played six of its games this season into overtime.
The Belles are currently ranked fifth in the MIAA conference, three spots behind Alma (8-5, 8-2 MIAA), which is in second.
Joyce said the team has grown since its first game against Alma and he hopes to see a better outcome from this game.
"We are a much different team now than we were then," he said. "We were still coming together with our chemistry. I think we're a much tighter unit now. We understand roles and player tendencies on the field better."
Joyce said although the team has improved drastically since the beginning of the season, there are still some things the team needs to work on.
"There are a couple things we need to do better this time around, such as win balls in the air and defend one-on-one better," he said.
Saint Mary's will rely on players like senior Jordan Diffenderfer, who had three shots and one goal last game against Kalamazoo, and sophomore Mollie Valencia, who had six shots on goal.
The Belles have yet to lose at home, posting a record of 5-0-2 at home, and hope to continue their winning streak.
Alma and the Belles will kick-off at 4 p.m. at Saint Mary's.
Contact Meredith Kelly at mkelly29@nd.edu
