This weekend’s NIU swimming action provides a departure from the coed-meet format.

Today the women’s group (3-6) faces a stiff challenge when it journeys to Normal, Ill., for a 6 p.m. contest with Illinois State (3-9). The Redbirds have been traditionally tough despite their current record which includes meets against Iowa (twice), Illinois and Ball State in the last two weeks.

“We’re going to have a rough time. ISU is really a good team with a lot of quality athletes,” Huskie coach Jeanne Fleck said.

The men’s team (3-4) stays home for a Saturday 1:30 p.m. matchup with Loyola-Chicago at NIU’s Anderson Hall Pool.

“We should get to swim some off-events and gain some depth and experience,” Fleck explained. “We’re looking to use this as preparation for conference.”