There were a couple occasions in the second half where it looked like Mt. Vernon might pull away. A three-pointer by Ashlyn Childers and a bucket by Claire Heinzman gave the Lady Rams their first double-digit advantage, 21-11. But Meredith Schaefer drilled a three and score seven points to help EHS to get within 27-22 heading into the final quarter.

Ella Niebrugge then helped keep the Lady Hearts close. The junior guard connected from behind the arc, added another bucket plus a pair of foul shots that answered what Mt. Vernon was doing on its offensive end. Following Niebrugge’s two free throws, EHS was within four points, 33-29, at 5:21 mark.

The Lady Rams got a three-point play from Heinzman and a short jumper from Jacie Dees to make it a nine-point spread, but Madison Mapes hit a deep three and Sawyer Althoff turned a Mt. Vernon turnover into a three-point play. With 1:30 still remaining, Effingham had it down to a single possession, 38-35.

And after another turnover by the Lady Rams, the Lady Hearts had a shot to tie. That shot, however, was off-target, and Mt. Vernon was able to secure the victory in the final 74 seconds.

“These girls are like boxers,” Schafer noted. “They may get knocked down, but they get back up and keep coming back. I am so proud of them.”

It’s hard to win any game, much less one in the postseason, by shooting 22 percent. But that was the case for the Lady Hearts. They finished 10-for-45 overall. They were 4-for-17 from the three-point range and 13-for-16 at the foul line.

Althoff and Schaefer led Effingham with 11 points each.

Mt. Vernon, which improved to 24-5 overall, got 11 points from Dees. The Lady Rams now advance to the Bethalto (Civic Memorial) Sectional. They will play host Civic Memorial at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Mattoon and Troy Triad also advanced and will face each other at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

The Lady Hearts finished their season with a 21-11 record.

Coach Schafer now says goodbye to four seniors – Meredith Schaefer, Sawyer Althoff, Coralin Ohnesorge and Krista Phillips.

“Sawyer has been the heart and soul of our team, but all four seniors have qualities you want the younger kids in your program to emulate,” Schafer said. “They have improved so much in their careers. They are great kids and I will miss them.”

Despite the loss, the veteran coach was extremely pleased with the season.

“These kids are so coachable,” Schafer explained. “This team just might be the most coachable group I’ve ever had. They were so good at taking the game plan and actually doing it in the game. I just appreciate this group so much. They are so much fun. They make my job a blast. I’m already looking forward to next year.”