Without Claire Jakubicek, NIU women’s basketball managed to make it to the MAC Women’s Tournament quarterfinals.

But now, the Huskies won’t have the chance to play again with the 2011 MAC Freshman of the Year next season.

NIU spokeswoman Donna Turner confirmed Jakubicek will transfer. Turner didn’t go into specifics on why Jakubicek made her decision to leave NIU.

The Cary, Ill. native lead the Huskies in scoring this season with 11 points per game and also grabbed 5.1 rebounds per game.

Jakubicek’s season was cut short after she suffered a broken foot against Ball State Feb. 16.

“Claire Jakubicek has decided to transfer and we are in the process of handling her request,” said Kathi Bennett, NIU women’s basketball coach in a statement. “In her one season with us, Claire played very well and did great things. She worked very hard and a lot of effort went into her as a player and person. This was her decision to leave. We wish her the best.”

In February, Lauren Wicinski, NIU volleyball player and two-time MAC Player of the Year, requested her release from the program. Wicinski told the Northern Star in an exclusive interview on Feb. 27 she had the desire to play for a bigger school.

Wicinski was eventually granted her release, and committed to play for Michigan State.