The Effingham Lady Hearts opened their volleyball season in impressive fashion Thursday night, posting a two-game victory at home over Newton.

The scores were 25-13, 25-19.

For EHS, Taylor O’Dell had 2 assists; Hayley Dively 1 kill, 14 assists, 3 aces, 5 digs; Alexis Chrappa 2 kills, 6 digs, 1 block; Kennedy Sowell 6 kills, 1 dig, 1 block; Sam Urch 6 kills, 1 ace, 1 block; Jacy Boatman 5 kills, 1 ace, 8 digs; Callie Feldhake 1 kill, 2 assists, 2 digs; and Olivia Martin 2 assists, 6 digs.

“We hit really well in the varsity game,” said EHS coach Laurie Bohnhoff. “This was a great start to the season. Newton has a really solid team. We didn't miss any serves and kept the momentum throughout.”

The Effingham JV team lost two games by scores of 10-25 and 12-25.

For the Lady Hearts, Brueklyn Belcher had 3 kills, 1 dig, 2 blocks; Tori Budde 2 assists, 1 dig; Sawyer Althoff 1 kill, 1 block; Evelyn Reynolds 1 assist, 1 dig; Morgan Hagler 1 kill, 1 ace, 6 digs; Mattie Angel 1 kill, 4 assists, 4 digs; Savannah Morrissey 2 kills, 1 assist; Katie Carie 2 kills, 2 digs; Leah Hanfland 1 dig; Krista Phillips 2 kills; and Megan Ballman 1 ace, 4 kills.

The EHS freshmen were defeated in three games. The scores were 26-24, 22-25, 10-12.

Effingham will return to action Tuesday at St. Anthony. It will be Pink Out Night.