The Wayland girls’ basketball team lost a very competitive defensive game at Grand Rapids Christian Friday evening, 36-34.
The Lady Wildcats pretty much stayed even with their hosts, being deadlocked 9-9 at the end of the first quarter and trailing only 18-14 and 26-23 at the end of the second and third periods.
Though the defense was strong, the offense struggled again, particularly at the free throw line, where the ‘Cats managed to sink only 8 of 22 attempts.
Stephanie Ainsworth again led Wayland with nine points and Sara VanderWeide added eight.
The Lady Wildcats, now 3-15 overall, will play Black River Thursday before opening district play Monday, March 4, against undefeated Hamilton at Hudsonville Unity Christian High School. Their non-league game with Hastings, scheduled for Tuesday, has been canceled.