The Wayland girls’ varsity basketball team lost 61-43 to Forest Hills Northern in the opening round Monday of the Cornerstone University Holiday Tournament.

The Wildcats, winless at 0-4 overall thus far in a rebuilding season under new coach Wes Hudson, battled Forest Hills almost evenly during the first half. They were down only 15-13 at the end of the first quarter and 31-26 at intermission.

The Huskies held Wayland to just six points in the third quarter and took control the rest of the way.

Junior center Sam Nieuwkoop had a monster offensive game for the Lady Wildcats, scoring 24 points. She made 10 of 13 field goal attempts and four of six free throws. She also came down with 11 rebounds.

The Wildcats had a 36-29 edge in team rebounding.

Abby Omness contributed six points and eight rebounds to the efforts and Chloe Coughlin came up with seven rebounds, five points and seven assists.

Nadia Colbert scored 16 points for Forest Hills and Alexis Hill had 15.

The Wayland girls will play in the second round of the tourney at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday against Zeeland East.

PHOTO: Sam Nieuwkoop: 24 points and 11 rebounds