Eleven years ago.

That was the last time the NIU women’s swim team defeated Illinois State.

Though current coach Anne Marie Stricklin was still in high school at the time of the last victory, ending the streak this year seems quite possible.

This season’s meet brings a new sense of optimism to the team.

The Huskies bring a 2-2 record into the contest and are coming off impressive back-to-back performances last week against Western Illinois and UIC.

The Huskies were led in those meets by Andree Dallain and Erica Nielson.

Dallain captured three victories last Saturday against UIC. The junior took first place in the 200-yard butterfly, 500-yard freestyle and 1,000 freestyle, helping NIU to a 131-107 win.

A day before Dallain’s heroics, Erica Nielson won the 500 and 200-yard freestyle with times of 5:17.42 and 1:59.04. Nielson also took second in the 200-yard butterfly with a time of 2:12.02.

Unfortunately for the Huskies, ISU will not be the only foe coming to town Friday. The dual meet also will include the University of Illinois.

Illinois, led by All-Americans Jessica Aveyard and Ilkay Dikmen, should pose a stiff test for the Huskies.

Aveyard, a two-time All-American and U.S. National Team qualifier, will swim the 200- and 500-yard freestyle.

Dikmen, Turkish national record holder in the 50, 100 and 200-yard breaststroke, took part in the 200 Olympic games last summer in Sydney.

“We are going to focus on ISU,” coach Anne Marie Stricklin said. “They have been at the top of their conference for quite a few years.”

The men’s squad has the weekend off and next will see action Nov. 3 at Miami, Ohio.