Meredith Schaefer pumped in 12 first-quarter points, the Effingham Lady Hearts built a big early lead and then rolled to a 62-16 win over Newton in an opening-round game of the Bob Kerans Thanksgiving Tournament in Newton.

Schaefer knocked down a pair of three-pointers and Ella Niebrugge added another, helping the Lady Hearts race to a 23-2 lead after the opening eight minutes. Effingham then outscored the Lady Eagles 15-6 in the second quarter to take a comfortable 38-8 advantage to the locker room at halftime.

Effingham extended its lead to 57-13 after three quarters and costed to the 46-point decision.

Schaefer finished with a game-high 18 points and Niebrugge, who finished with three baskets from long range, added 12.

The Lady Hearts, now 2-0 on the young season, will return to tournament action today (Tuesday). They will face Vandalia at 6 p.m. Effingham will also play Wednesday, facing Flora at 6:30 p.m.