Despite being one of the team’s leading scorers, junior center Jessica Shattuck was not pleased with her performance in the NIU women’s basketball team’s 57-55 exhibition loss to the Chicago Challengers.

Shattuck saw her first action as the starting center for the Huskies, as she missed the first exhibition game because she violated team policy. Shattuck finished the game with 11 points — 5-of-9 from the floor — and grabbed eight rebounds.

“I could’ve done a lot better in rebounding,” said the 6-foot-3-inch center. “I’m disappointed in that aspect but I think it’ll come with more games.”

This was the Huskies’ last warm-up before they begin the regular season next Friday night against Milwaukee-Wisconsin.

The same problems occurred for the Huskies in this game as the first exhibition game, although they did come close to pulling it out. NIU committed 28 turnovers and shot only 38 percent from the field. Kristan Knake shot 1-of-10 from the floor, Kim Boeding only 1-of-3 and Monique Davis 1-of-4.

Coach Carol Hammerle believed, however, that there were nice things to build on for next week.

“Overall, I’m pleased, because I thought we took a big step compared to a week ago,” said Hammerle. “If we can keep improving at that rate when we open against Milwaukee hopefully the outcome will be in our favor.”

Jennifer Youngblood led the team in scoring with 12 points in 23 minutes, which was a step up from her 11 minutes in the first exhibition game in which she scored only two points.

NIU recovered from an eight point deficit in the second half to keep the game close. However, in the final seconds NIU had a chance to tie the game but was called for its sixth traveling call of the night to close out the game.

All in all, the Huskies made a much better showing for themselves. Rebounding and positioning will be key for the Huskies as the season approaches a week from now.

“We need to box out,” said Youngblood. “That’s what wins games, and if we’re going to win on Friday that’s what we’re going to need to do.”