Gina Guide failed to play in the NIU volleyball team’s Tuesday night win over Loyola.

The freshman defensive specialist with a bad case of the flu also may have failed one of her exams on Tuesday.

“I had three classes, and I only went to one because I had a test,” said Guide, who watched her team from the bench in a black windbreaker with the sleeves covering her hands most of the game.

The 4-foot-10 Guide is just one NIU player who is facing the adverse affects of the weather and a four-day road trip the team returned from Sunday.

“The whole team for the last month has really been down,” NIU coach Ray Gooden said. “The flu really came down hard for Gina last night.”

Sophomore middle blocker Corinne Walsh and junior middle blocker Megan Markowski also had the flu, Guide said.

Sophomore Megan Sprangers filled in for Guide with a team-leading 12 defensive digs.

A doctor from the NIU Health Services told Guide the best cure would be sleep and not to play in the Huskies’ match.

“I just wanted to get out there and play,” Guide said. “But the doctor said rest and no play.”

Guide said she expects to be ready for this weekend’s matches against Akron and Kent State.