The Wayland girls’ varsity bowling team finally absorbed a dual match defeat in O-K Gold Conference play Monday.

The Lady Wildcats were defeated by Middleville Thornapple Kellogg at the Hastings Bowl.

Coach Eric Bottrall tried to find a silver lining in the defeat, which left the team’s league record at 11-1, and 13-2 overall.

“Our ladies never gave up today and didn’t have their best,” he said. “The above ball returns definitely can intimidate anyone who doesn’t bowl by them on a regular basis.”

High games were turned in by Julia 102, Brianna Hyde 112, Haven 135, Bella Harnish 193 and Kadence Bottrall 201.

The coach told his team members, “Shake it off, ladies, and learn from today. One loss doesn’t define you but use it as motivation to come back stronger tomorrow!”

The Wayland boys’ team, three varsity bowlers short again, also was short in scoring against the best team in the league, suffering a 26.5 to 3.5 loss.

“We did fight hard with a 184 Baker game two to tie,” said coach Sherry Miklusicak.

Carson Beck took his point in match one with a 163 and was high game for Wayland. Kyle VanEss worked hard as well to tie with a high game of 173.