The Effingham Lady Hearts returned to the win column Thursday night, traveling to Mt. Zion and coming home with a 49-47 Apollo Conference victory.

The game was close throughout. The Lady Braves led 15-11 after the opening eight minutes, but Effingham got seven points from Taylor Armstrong in the second period to take a slim 23-21 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Ella Niebrugge connected on a three-pointer and scored five points and Annie Frost added a couple buckets, as the Lady Hearts increased their lead to 37-33 heading into the fourth period.

Mt. Zion freshman Denver Anderson poured in 12 of her game-high 25 points in the final eight minutes, but EHS was able to hang on and come away with the two-point win.

The Lady Hearts placed three players in double figures. Armstrong led the way with 17 points, while Niebrugge finished with 14 and Frost added 11.

The Lady Hearts improved to 3-5 overall and 3-4 in league play. They are scheduled to play at home Monday night against Taylorville.