The Mascoutah Lady Indians grabbed an early lead and maintained it throughout, finishing with a 50-39 victory Saturday afternoon over the Effingham Lady Hearts in the championship game of the Vandalia Mid-Winter Tournament.

Mascoutah led 15-11 after the first eight minutes, but extended it to 32-23 at halftime. It was a 12-point margin after three periods, 45-33.

Sophia Loden led Mascoutah and all scorers with 20 points. Annelise Beck added 12 points for the Lady Indians, who improved to 14-6 on the season.

 Bria Beals led Effingham with 11 points, while Madison Mapes and Ella Niebrugge both had seven.

The Lady Hearts dropped to 16-7 overall. They will return to action Thursday with a home game against Mattoon.