The Effingham Lady Hearts faced a tough road challenge Thursday night, but brought home a victory.

In a close game throughout, Effingham got a balanced scoring attack, plus hit enough free throws down the stretch to earn a 65-63 win at Mt. Vernon.

EHS trailed 18-16 after the opening eight minutes, but came back to take a 35-33 lead into the locker room at intermission. Sidney Donaldson scored seven points and Averie Wolfe knocked down a pair of three-pointers in the second quarter.

The Lady Hearts increased their lead to 51-45 after three periods and then converted 8-of-14 free throws in the final quarter to secure the win.

Donaldson finished with a team-high 17 points, while Wolfe scored 14 and Bria Beals added 11. Mt. Vernon’s Melaina Zedalis led all scorers with 20 points.

Effingham, now 6-1, will play Saturday at North Clay.