The Effingham Lady Hearts maintained their grip on the Apollo Conference race with a 46-42 victory Saturday at Mt. Zion.

But it didn’t come easily.

The Lady Braves held a 33-32 lead entering the fourth period. Averie Wolfe then knocked down a three-pointer and scored eight points, helping the Lady Hearts outscore the hosts 14-9 and rally for the win.

The game was close throughout.

Effingham led 11-8 after the opening eight minutes, but the game was tied 20-20 at halftime.

Ava Anderson had 11 points for the Lady Braves, who dropped to 9-11 overall and 1-3 in league play.

Wolfe led all scorers with 19 points, while Alyssa Martin added 11.

The Lady Hearts improved to 15-3 for the season and remained unbeaten in the Apollo Conference at 5-0. They will play another key conference game Tuesday night at Taylorville.