After a successful preseason, the women’s volleyball team now turns its sights to the Ivy League.

The Bulldogs (6-3, 0-0 Ivy) begin conference play on Friday as they take on Brown in a home-and-home series starting in Providence.

For the Elis, the theme of this season has been consistent improvement through every practice, every point and every match.

But they’re also looking to improve on last season’s finish.

Last year, the Bulldogs finished their Ivy season tied for second with Penn at 10-4, behind undefeated Princeton.

But neither of those teams poses an immediate threat to the Elis. Instead, their first challenge will be the revitalized Bears.

Although Brown finished sixth in the Ivy League last year, their play thus far displays the most noticeable turnaround of any Ivy. The Bears currently have the most wins of any Ivy League team, amassing more victories this season than they had all of last year.

The Bears can attribute their turn around season to a lethal offense. Brown currently leads the league in kills, hitting percentage and opponent hitting percentage.

“Brown is playing really well,” head coach Erin Appleman said. “But we have done almost everything this preseason to get ready for the Ivy League.”

Coach Appleman’s comments speak for her team’s mentality: refusal to let Brown’s momentum intimidate them.

Last weekend, the Bulldogs ended their preseason by winning two of three games at the Albany Invitational. And players said that they’ve come together, and are united behind their goal of championing the Ivy League.

The Bulldogs will return from Rhode Island after Friday night’s game to host the Bears at the John J. Lee Amphitheater on Saturday.