The Wayland girls’ basketball team pulled out a big non-league victory Tuesday night by edging Forest Hills Northern, 59-56.

The Wildcats, plagued by stern competition thus far this season, improved their overall record to 3-4, by finally taking the lead for good near the very end. Forest Hills Northern, meanwhile, came into the contest with a 5-1 mark, losing only to South Christian.

Junior inside player Harmony Laker had her biggest offensive performance of the season, scoring 25 points, including three, three-point field goals.

Freshman Marissa Ainsworth, younger cousin of former ace Wildcat center Stephanie Ainsworth, came up big offensively as well, contributing 14 points, including a three. Reese Coughlin scored 10 points, Addy Sikorsky had six and Taylor Wolf nailed a three.

Wayland will open its defense of the O-K Gold Conference title Friday evening at Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills.