The Effingham Lady Hearts used a big second quarter to gain a lead they never relinquished, en route to a 53-43 season-opening victory Friday night at Dieterich.

The Lady Maroons held a slim 12-10 lead after the first eight minutes, but the Lady Hearts then went on a 21-10 scoring spree in the second period to take a 31-22 advantage to the locker room at intermission. Bria Beals knocked down a three-pointer and scored seven points, and Averie Wolfe and Sidney Donaldson both added four in that second period.

EHS maintained the lead throughout the second half. The Lady Hearts led 41-30 after three periods and then went 10-for-16 at the free throw line in the final quarter to finish with the 10-point decision. Overall, Effingham was 24-for-37 from the foul line.

Beals led three Lady Hearts in double figures, finishing with a game-high 17 points. Madison Mapes scored 11 and Donaldson added 10. Kady Tegeler and Cortney Brummer both scored 12 for Dieterich.

The EHS girls will now play in the Bob Kerans Thanksgiving Tournament in Newton. The Lady Hearts will play Newton tonight (Monday) at 7:30 p.m. Effingham will then face Flora at 6 p.m. Wednesday and complete tournament play against Altamont at 1:30 p.m. Monday.