The NIU women’s basketball team will be without the services of Jessica Shattuck, Elizabeth Strobel and Kristen Brown this season.

“I’ve suspended [Shattuck] for breaking team policies,” coach Carol Hammerle said. “I believe it’s in the best interests of Jessica and the team.”

Shattuck blocked 52 shots last season, tied for fifth most in Huskie history. She blocked nine shots against Dayton on Dec. 8 last season to set a school record.

The 6-foot-4 Shattuck was the team’s fourth-leading scorer last year with 7.4 points per game, and the second-leading rebounder with six boards a game.

“She was a force inside, no question,” Hammerle said. “We’re going to miss her, but not just basketball-wise. Jessica is a good person.”

The 6-foot-3 Strobel will medical redshirt this season after having off-season surgery on her left knee. She played in 20 games for the Huskies last season and averaged 3.3 points per game while shooting 46 percent from the floor.

The Merrill, Wis., native will have two years of eligibility remaining when she returns next fall.

“We’re going to miss her as well,” Hammerle said. “She’s a super young lady with a 4.0 GPA.”

Brown struggled with injuries in 2001-02 as she managed 1.3 points per game in 21 contests.

“The doctors told her it was in her best interests not to play,” Hammerle said. “She’s on track as far as graduation.

“She wants to be a coach someday so she’s helping us out in the office. It’s a win-win situation for her.”