The Effingham Lady Hearts trailed most of the game and were behind by nine points late in the third period.

But when they scored the final point of that quarter and then rattled off seven more to open the final period, they were within a single point and had the momentum.

That’s when Mt. Vernon showed why it was the top seed and considered the team to beat in the sectional.

The Lady Rams responded with eight straight points to regain control and went on to post a 47-38 victory Tuesday night in a semifinal game of the Class 3A Bethalto (Civic Memorial) Sectional.

Mt. Vernon will now face Marion for the sectional championship Thursday night.

As the third quarter was winding down, a three-pointer by Laniyah Shelby had the Lady Rams on top, 26-17. A free throw by Alyssa Martin got EHS to within 26-18 heading into the final eight minutes.

Bella Austin then hit a short jumper, followed by a three-pointer, and Martin converted a Mt. Vernon turnover into a bucket. Just 90 seconds into the fourth period, the Lady Hearts were within one, 26-25.

But Autumn Rudd made a basket and Josie Shirley and Arwyn Wilkey both connected on three-pointers, helping the Lady Rams regain their nine-point advantage, 34-25. Twice the Lady hearts got within six points, but were unable to get any closer.

Another three by Shelby, a bucket by Kamaree Pollard and a free throw from Melaina Zedalis, expanded Mt. Vernon’s lead to double digits, 42-30. The Lady Rams then made 5-of-8 free throws in the final minute and a half to secure the win.

The first half was a low-scoring affair as neither team shot well. Effingham made just 4-of-19 attempts and trailed 13-8 at intermission.

Pollard scored a game-high 16 points to pace Mt. Vernon, who improved to 28-3 for the season. Zedalis was also in double figures with 10.

Austin led Effingham with 10 points, while Averie Wolfe added nine.

The Lady Hearts finished their season at 25-8.

They will say goodbye to eight seniors – Bria Beals, Hannah Thompson, Saige Althoff, Korina Hecht, Jerzie Bierman, Sidney Donaldson, Mya Harvey and Bella Austin.