The Wayland girls’ varsity basketball was able to hang in there against an opponent some regard as the best in the state, regardless of class.

The Lady Wildcats were dealt a 53-44 defeat at the hands of Grand Rapids Catholic Central, which is ranked No. 1 in the latest Class B state-wide poll and features two juniors who have committed to NCAA Division I programs after they graduate.

Wayland fell behind in the opening quarter when the Cougars were able to nail a trio of threes en route to going up by six, 16-10 in the first quarter.

But the Lady Wildcats battled back with a couple of threes of their own. Wayland was able to outscore the Cougars in the second period and trailed by just four at halftime. This, against a team that held one opponent to just 10 points.

In the third the Wildcats kept their momentum going and took the lead by one halfway through the third. The Cougars responded with a run of their own and Wayland trailed by eight after the third. Wayland got as close as six with just under two minutes to go in the fourth but had to foul and Catholic sealed the deal by making four free throws down the stretch.

Hope Dollarhide was the only Wayland player to score in double figures, as she dropped in 11 points. Both Karli Warning and Ali Cutler chipped in nine points.

Wayland’s overall season record now is 5-4.

PHOTO: Hope Dollarhide (left) netted 11 points and Karli Warning scored nine Friday night against Catholic Central.