What a difference a few days can make.

And a better start.

After falling behind by double digits early in the contest and dropping a 53-51 overtime decision to Vandalia on Monday in the opening round of the Effingham Round Robin, the Lady Hearts got off to a much better start Friday night and that proved successful.

Effingham jumped out to a 16-9 lead and led throughout, finishing with a 49-43 victory at Vandalia.

The Lady Hearts were on top 30-22 at intermission and 34-27 heading into the final eight minutes. EHS made 10-of-14 foul shots in the fourth quarter to maintain its lead and secure the win.

Freshman Annie Frost led the scoring attack with 17 points, while Hayley Diveley added 10. Diveley had seven of her points in the final period. Sawyer Althoff was 4-for-4 from the foul line and Ella Niebrugge connected on a pair to help the Lady Hearts keep their lead down the stretch.

Effingham improved to 10-12 on the season. The Lady Hearts will play Monday at Taylorville.