The Wayland girls’ varsity cross-country team took fourth place in the first O-K Gold Conference jamboree Wednesday.

The Lady Wildcats, fresh from two invitational titles earlier this season, had 94 points as a team. Grand Rapids South Christian won the meet with 31 points, Middleville Thornapple Kellogg had 46 and Grand Rapids Catholic Central 63. Hastings was fifth with 128 and Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills does not field a team.

Wayland was hindered by the absence of three of its regulars, including senior Mackenzy Kasper and sophomore Maggie Whitney, both of whom are consistently among the top five.

First year runner sophomore Kaitlyn Paul led the lady Wildcats, followed by freshman Zoe Antel and Payton Sidebotham.

PHOTO: Kaitlyn Paul (Courtesy Raymond Antel III)