The Belles will look for their second win of the season in their first conference match this Friday against conference foe Albion at home.

The Belles (1-4) will be looking to bounce-back from a 1-4 loss against Elmhurst on Sept. 4, while the Britons (1-4) also look to rebound, coming off a 3-0 loss to their first conference opponent, Hope.

“We have been playing very well together this season so far, which is great to see since we have so many new faces on our squad,” Belles coach Toni Kuschel said. “Albion will be tough just like last season. They run a fast offense and they get stronger every year. I think that if we come out strong and play like we have been, we will do well against them on Friday.”

There are indeed some new faces on the Belles team this year, as four of the 13 players are new to the 2010 squad.

Kuschel said defense will be the key to his team’s success.

“Our strength definitely comes from our defense this year,” he said. “They have kept us in every match we have played so far; however, our whole team has contributed to our success this season. If we continue to play as a team we will go far.”

In the Belles’ Sept. 4 victory, senior Meghann Rose had 12 digs. Other valuable contributions in that win came from junior Danie Brink, who had 10 kills, a .692 hitting percentage and 26 digs. Senior Ellen Huelsmann and junior Lindsey Stuss each added six digs.

After the Belles square-off with Albion Friday, they will face another conference opponent, Olivet (4-2) the following day.

Growth will prove to be key to the Belles’ success this season.

“Our team continues to improve every time they step out on the court,” Kuschel said. “That will be vital to our success in conference play this season.”