The Wayland varsity softball team Thursday lost 4-1 to Division 1 state-ranked Byron Center in a non-conference matchup.

The contest was knotted at 1-1 for six innings until the Bulldogs rallied for three runs in the top of the seventh.

Southpaw senior Abby Merice pitched a complete game, allowing eight hits while striking out 10 batters.

Leading the Wildcats offensively were Chloe Coughlin, with two doubles, Merice with a solo home run and Sydney Urben with one hit.

The Lady Wildcats now are 10-5 for the season overall.