The Winter Break was long in more than one way for the NIU women’s basketball team.

The Huskies entered the break with a record of 1-4 and left at 5-9 overall, 2-1 MAC, after suffering through injuries and travel.

“We played some tough competition in our non-conference schedule, but we have a young team that keeps getting better,” NIU coach Carol Hammerle said.

Freshman guard Tara Michels suffered a knee injury in practice, ending her season.

“Losing Tara really effected us because she was our best shooter,” sophomore guard Stephanie Raymond said.

Marshall 71, NIU 58: Despite a 34-27 halftime lead, the Huskies were handed their first MAC loss of the season Saturday. Raymond and Keishonda Williamson each finished with a team-high 14 points.

NIU 63, Toledo 60: Raymond collected her first career double-double in the victory over Toledo in NIU’s second-straight conference win.

NIU 55, Eastern Michigan 53: The Huskies beat the defending MAC champions in their first conference game of the season. NIU was led by sophomore Mary Basic with 13 points and five rebounds.

NIU 55, SIU-Edwardsville 39: With a 39-22 rebounding edge, the Huskies captured their first home win of the season. NIU junior Jamie Wilson led the team with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Notre Dame 73, NIU 49: The No. 6 ranked Fighting Irish held the Huskies under 30 percent from the field in the blow-out victory. Raymond and Kristin Wiener contributed 15 and 14 points respectively.

Texas-El Paso 63, NIU 48: Raymond once again led the Huskies, scoring 21 points in the loss to UTEP.

NIU 67, Saint Louis 54: The Huskies shot a season-high 63.4 percent from the field in their first win of the break. Raymond scored 21 on 8-of-11 from the field.

DePaul 73, NIU 59: No. 21 ranked DePaul ended its two-game skid despite a team-high 11 points from Wiener.

Western Illinois 64, NIU 56: NIU was handed its fourth loss in a row despite a career-high 24 points from Raymond.