The Effingham Lady Hearts battled back from a double-digit deficit and even led in the fourth period, but suffered their first loss of the season, dropping a 53-50 decision at home Thursday night to a talented Mt. Vernon team.

Unfortunately, the loss came on the same day Effingham found out it was ranked No. 1 in the first AP Class 3A poll of the season.

Effingham trailed by as many as 13 points in the second half, and were behind 42-31 entering the fourth quarter. But with Alyssa Martin scoring 13 points, the Lady Hearts came roaring back and even led on two occasions. But the Lady Rams were able to make enough plays down the stretch to pull out the win.

Josie Shirley knocked down three shots from long range in the first quarter, helping Mt. Vernon grab a 17-11 lead. The Lady Hearts, who struggled with their three-point shooting the entire game, got within 26-21 at halftime. The Lady Rams outscored EHS 16-10 in the third period to build the double-digit gap.

Kamaree Pollard scored a game-high 21 points for Mt. Vernon, who improved to 5-1 on the season. Melaina Zedalis added 14 and Shirley finished with 10.

Sydney Donaldson had a strong game for Effingham, finishing with 20 points. Martin added 16. The team made just 3-of-17 shots from three-point range.

The Lady Hearts, now 6-1, will host North Clay on Saturday.