It’s a difficult realization to swallow, but the Wayland girls’ varsity basketball team very definitely struggles without star 6-2 junior pivot Stephanie Ainsworth.

The Lady Wildcats were on the short end of a 38-17 score Friday night against non-conference opponent Lowell, lowering their overall season record to 9-5. They have lost five of their last six contests after an 8-0 start.

Ainsworth suffered an injury to the face on the first play of the game Tuesday against Grand Rapids Christian and sat out the remainder of the ballgame. She did not play Friday night at Lowell.

The Lady Wildcats scored only two points in the first period and two more in the second. By the end of the third quarter they trailed 17-9.

Junior guard Parrish Hudson scored seven points. Freshman Mady Terry and Katy Anderson both swished a three.

Meanwhile, the boys’ team fell to 0-12 overall with a 62-39 defeat at the hands of Lowell.

The Wayland boys will play Tuesday at Forest Hills Northern and both the boys’ and girls’ squads will be at home next Friday vs. Middleville Thornapple Kellogg in a special “Coaches vs. Cancer” night.