BATTLE CREEK – Foul trouble plagued the Niles varsity girls’ basketball team Tuesday night in its 59-46 Big 16 Conference non-divisional loss at Battle Creek Lakeview.

The Vikings (2-1) were outscored 32-18 in the second half as Lakeview picked up the victory.

Niles had three players foul out, including leading scorer Nichole Sly. Also sent to the sidelines with their fifth fouls were Maureen Craig and Savannah Wolnik.

The Vikings were whistled for 22 fouls in the contest, a season high. Lakeview was called for 17 fouls and had Katie Atkinson foul out in a closely called game.

Lakeview grabbed a 13-8 first quarter lead on the Vikings and held a 27-24 advantage at halftime.

Lakeview broke open the contest in the pivotal third quarter, outscoring the Vikings 18-6 and opening up a 45-30 advantage.

Sly finished with 13 points, while Jenna Grannell and Craig scored nine and eight points respectively. Alex McIntee finished with six points.

Atkinson scored a game-high 21 points before fouling out. Erin Riley also reached double digits with 18 points.

Niles is back in action on Friday night as it plays its first girl-boy doubleheader at St. Joseph.

The tip-off for the girls’ game is scheduled for 5:45 p.m.

NILES 46
Savannah Wolnik 3, Alex McIntee 6, Lindsey Lucero 4, Gabby Ezell 2, Maureen Craig 8, Nichole Sly 13, Whitney Ellis 1, Jenna Grannell 9. TOTALS: 14 16-21 46
LAKEVIEW 59
Rachel Burnham 5, Christine Vanoosten 7, Nicole Bentz 3, Erin Riley 18, Grace Labrecque 5, Katie Atkinson 21. TOTALS: 21 14-19 59

Niles 8 24 30 46
Lakeview 13 27 45 59
3-point baskets: Niles 2 (Craig 2), Lakeview 5 (Vanoosten 1, Bentz 1, Riley 3). Total fouls: Niles 22, Lakeview 17. Fouled out: Wolnik (N), Sly (N), Craig (N), Atkinson (L). Varsity record: Niles 2-1