The Fruitport girls basketball team has been struggling in conference play, and some of the scores have been pretty one-sided lately.

That’s why the Trojans, who started the season 5-1 before running into very tough opponents in the O-K Blue conference, were encouraged by their performance on Monday.

Fruitport fell to Hudsonville Unity Christian 51-31 after keeping pace with the visitors tbroughout the first half.

Fruitport’s Kenzie Pate (23) heads toward the basket while defenders prepare for her. Photo/Jeremy Clark

The Trojans only trailed 12-9 after one quarter and 23-17 at halftime.

The difference came in the second half, when Unity Christian had a 13-6 advantage in the third quarter and a 15-8 edge in the fourth.

“We played hard all night,” said Fruitport Coach Brian Packard. “We battled and battled. It’s the best I’ve seen our team play in the last few weeks. Yes we lost, but we definitely made a step in the right direction again.”

Fruitport’s Izzy Hanson-Wilbur goes for a layup. Photo/Jeremy Clark

Fruitport freshman Izzy Hanson-Wilbur had a very good night with 14 points, six rebounds, two steals and one assist. Grace Sweet chipped in 10 points, three steals and two rebounds.

Jorja Blackmer had four assists and three rebounds while Rhiannon Raleigh snagged three boards.

The Trojans, now 5-8 overall and 0-7 in the conference, will host rival Spring Lake on Friday night.eddie