Although the NIU women’s swimming team had two weeks without a meet, it wasn’t considered a rest period.

Yet, the intense practice during that time still didn’t pay its dividends as NIU suffered a 162-133 loss this weekend to the Redbirds of Illinois State University.

Jeanne Kuipers led the way for NIU in the 200-yard fly with a first-place, season-best time of 2:14.09. She also placed second in the 500-yard freestyle.

Pam Jackson helped in the losing effort with a first place in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle with times of 24.54 and 53.75, respectively.

Freshman Amy Indselberger didn’t seem to lose a step on Friday as she took first place in both the one- and three-meter dive in her first competition since recovering from an illness.