The Effingham Lady Hearts rebounded from an early double-digit deficit and then used a big third quarter to surge ahead, en route to a 53-33 victory Wednesday night at Olney (Richland County).

The host Lady Tigers built a 22-11 lead midway through the second period. The Lady Hearts got three-pointers from Bria Beals and Averie Wolfe to get within 26-22 at halftime and then exploded in the third quarter.

Madison Mapes connected on three shots from behind the arc to spark a 19-4 scoring surge. Ella Niebrugge also had a three, as EHS built a 41-30 lead heading into the final eight minutes. The Lady Hearts continued to pull further ahead down the stretch, finishing with a 31-7 scoring advantage in the second half and a 20-point win.

Mapes finished with five three-pointers and a game-high 20 points. Alyssa Martin and Niebrugge both added seven.

The Lady Hearts improved to 19-10 on the season. They will be back in action tonight (Thursday) with a home game against Mt. Zion.