Adversity is something that all teams must overcome. The NIU women’s swim team is no exception.

Early season setbacks are expected to play a key role for NIU in today’s meet at Anderson Pool with Big 10 power Wisconsin at 5 p.m.

“We have had a lot of injuries so far this season,” coach Anne Marie Stricklin said.

These injuries will force the team to work together to fill the vacancies. Swimmers that would normally see little or no time in the pool will be expected to pick up where the others left off.

If last season’s improvements carry over to this season, there is much to look forward to.

Katie Liedel and Abby Presley will lead this year’s experienced Huskie squad.

Liedel set a school record last year in the 200 meter breaststroke. Her 12th place finish in the Mid-American Conference Championships complemented her 10th place finish in the 100-meter version that same day.

Presley placed fourth in the 200-meter backstroke, taking home the highest finish of any NIU female swimmer at the MAC Championships.

Junior Andree Dallain also had an impressive meet at last year’s MAC Championships.

The Washington native grabbed a 12th place finish after swimming a school record 4:32.36 in the 400 meter individual medley relay.

“We are looking to improve from week to week,” said Stricklin.