The Effingham Lady Hearts built a double-digit lead and then hung on to post a 50-46 victory at home Thursday night over Mattoon.

Ella Niebrugge knocked down a pair of three-pointers and scored eight points, helping Effingham jump out to a 12-2 lead after the first eight minutes. The Lady Hearts expanded their advantage to 18-7 at halftime and led by 14 points, 32-18, going into the fourth period.

But the Lady Green Wave made a furious comeback. Emily Maple made three shots from behind the arc and scored 14 points, and Lily Ghere scored nine more, as Mattoon outscored EHS 28-18. The Lady Hearts went 12-for-17 from the foul line in the fourth period, which was enough to secure the victory.

Niebrugge led the Effingham scoring attack with 18 points. Saige Althoff had nine and Madison Mapes, Bria Beals and Marissa Allie all added seven.

The Lady Hearts improved to 17-7 overall and are now 4-4 in the Apollo Conference. They will return to action tonight (Friday) at Teutopolis and will then play at home Saturday against Mahomet-Seymour.