It took the Effingham Lady Hearts a little while to get going.

But once they did, everything was fine.

After falling behind 9-0 to start the game, the Lady Hearts battled their way back, turned in a strong second half and posted a 60-53 season-opening victory Monday night at Robinson.

Marisa Zane scored nine points of her game-high 24 points in the opening eight minutes, helping the Lady Maroons build the quick, early lead. After scoring the first nine points of the game, the hosts were still on top, 21-13, at the end of the first period.

But Effingham began narrowing the gap in the second quarter. Alyssa Martin scored seven points and Saige Althoff added four more, helping the Lady Hearts get within 30-28 at intermission.

EHS had a slim 41-39 lead heading into the final period and then outscored Robinson 19-14 in the final eight minutes to finish with the seven-point win.

“We got a big lift from Saige,” EHS coach Jeff Schafer said. “She kept us afloat that first half.

“After the first four minutes, we played really well,” Schafer added. “We beat a very good team. We showed a lot of poise and played a great second half. Alyssa had an outstanding game for us.”

Martin led the Lady Hearts in scoring with 17 points. Althoff and Averie Wolfe also reached double figures with 11 and 10 points respectively. Althoff, who had 10 of her points in the first half, also grabbed seven rebounds, while Bella Austin had five steals.

Effingham will return to action at home Friday night against Dieterich and will then compete next week in the Bob Kerans Thanksgiving Tournament in Newton.