Back-to-back threes by Mapes and Niebrugge increased the lead to 48-23 just 90 seconds into the final quarter. But that’s when Mt. Vernon began its surge.

Kamaree Pollard, Justice Malone and Tiara Johnson sparked an 11-4 run that got the guests to within eight, 52-44, at the 5:17 mark.

Two buckets by Althoff and another three plus two free throws from Mapes re-established the double-digit margin, 61-50, with 3:15 still left.

But the Lady Rams went on one final surge. A three-pointer from Macey Prosise got them within five points, 64-59, with 47 seconds to go. But Mapes then connected on three foul shots and Niebrugge added a pair in the final 43 seconds to secure the victory.

“This was a good win for us,” Schafer said. “I’m very pleased with how we played overall.”

Early on, the Lady Hearts had difficulty finding the range. They made just 3-of-22 shots in the opening quarter, but still managed to stay close. After a basket by Johnson with 32 seconds remaining, Mt. Vernon had a 12-9 lead.

“We had good looks in that first quarter,” Schafer said. “There were a couple shots we rushed a little, but our defense held it together. I told the girls to keep shooting the ball. Then we went on a nice little run.”

“Nice little run” might be an understatement. When Mapes grabbed an offensive rebound and scored right before the end of the first period, it ignited what proved to be a 19-0 scoring spree. After shooting so poorly in the opening eight minutes, EHS went 7-for-9 in the second period, including 3-of-4 from behind the arc.

And scoring 15 of those points was some of that youth. Beals drained two from long range and tallied eight points, while Wolfe added a three and scored seven, helping the Lady Hearts turn that early deficit into a 28-12 lead with 3:13 left in the first half.

It was still a 15-point bulge, 30-15, at intermission.

“I would have liked to have finished the second quarter a little better,” Schafer said. “A couple more quality possessions and that lead would have been even greater. I thought Bria and Averie were phenomenal during that stretch. It was the first time Averie faced that type of defensive pressure at the varsity level and she handled it very well.”

That combination of Beals, Althoff and Wolfe combined for 28 points and 16 rebounds.

The Lady Hearts had three players in double figures. Mapes led the way with 23 points, while Niebrugge and Beals both finished with 14. Effingham shot 39 percent overall, connecting on 21-of-53 attempts. They were 8-for-20 from three-point range and 19-for-29 from the line. EHS turned the ball over 16 times – but only once in the fourth quarter – and held a 35-28 rebounding edge. Marissa Allie led with eight rebounds.

The Lady Hearts are now 5-1 on the season. They will return to action Saturday at home against North Clay. The varsity game will start at approximately 1:40 p.m.