PELHAM – The result was the same as last year: Isabella falling in the first round of the Elite 8 state volleyball tournament.

But this appearance for IHS felt much different.

The Mustangs (35-12) had their season ended with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-22) loss to Pleasant Valley on Wednesday at the Pelham Civic Complex, but Isabella coach Glen Graham still told the team afterward how proud he was.

“I told them they better not ever go in that place with their heads down,” Graham said of his post-match speech. “We fought the whole way.”

Indeed they did, having a chance to win each set before fading late. The first set was tied as late as 15-15, the second set at 18 and the third set at 22.

From the start, Isabella seemed more comfortable than last year, which was the first state tournament appearance for most of the players that made a return trip this year.

The Mustangs returned serves well—something Graham said would be critical—and competed for balls around the net, and Pleasant Valley helped Isabella’s cause with numerous missed serves.

Senior Amber Wyatt twice blocked Pleasant Valley shots on a long, crucial rally in the final set that brought IHS to within one point of the lead, at 23-22.

But PVHS setter Ashley Bryant pushed the ball over the net past Isabella’s blockers but in front of the rest of the defense on the next point, and Isabella was sunk.

Wyatt finished with 12 kills and six blocks; Allison Mims had 11 digs.