The up and down Wayland girls’ basketball team was on the upside Tuesday night in a very competitive 55-50 loss at undefeated South Christian, which is ranked No. 4 in the latest state-wide Class B Associated Press poll.

The Wildcats got off to a great start leading 5–0 after the first couple of minutes but South then hit three straight threes to take a 9 to 7 lead. The Lady Wildcats were able to retake the lead by 17-16 at the close of the first quarter.

Wayland scored only five points and the Sailors six in the second period and the two O-K Gold Conference rivals were knotted at 22 at intermission.

The Wildcats managed to take a five-point lead early in the third quarter and maintained that lead until the start of the final eight minutes. South was able to close that deficit in the fourth and took a four-point lead. The Wildcats had to foul down the stretch after closing to within two, 47-45, with 1:30 to go.

South Christian made 10 of 11 free throws down the stretch to win the game.

The Wildcats had three players score in double figures. Ali Martus led the way with 15 points, Hope Dollarhide had 11 and Karli Warning had 10.

The loss dropped Wayland’s overall season record to 6-6 and its O-K Gold Conference record now is 1-3. Three of its six losses this season have been to state-ranked teams, South Christian, Grand Rapids Catholic Central and Caledonia.

PHOTO: Ali Martus scored 15 points for Wayland Tuesday evening.