Isabella lost just its second match of the season on Thursday, but it was an important match: against new area foe Prattville Christian.

Visiting Prattville Christian won 3-2 (23-25, 25-18, 25-8, 26-28, 15-10).

The Mustangs will see more of PCHS (4-7) this season, and IHS coach Glen Graham said he hopes his team is more consistent the next time around.

“At times we played the best we have all season,” Graham said about Thursday’s match. “Prattville Christian should be in the top 10, and I think they will be next week. We’re still trying to work through our inconsistencies.”

Graham doesn’t talk like the coach of a team that is 8-2 so far and ranked No. 6 in Class 2A in the Alabama Sports Writers Association poll.

Isabella showed glimpses of its potential Thursday. Khadijah Craig recorded a career-high 16 kills. She also had five blocks and three aces.

Erika Brascome had eight kills, seven blocks and four aces; and Heather Posey had 21 assists. Misha Carroll tallied 20 digs, and Valerie Mitchell had 16 digs.

The Mustangs continue play Saturday as they host the Isabella Invitational tournament. Akron, Billingsley, Marbury and Shelby County will compete in the event.

For the hosts, a team with 10 seniors but without a ton of experience, it will be an opportunity to improve and perhaps become the caliber squad that can extend the program’s streak of appearances in the Elite 8 state tournament to four years.

“We’ve just got to be willing to totally sacrifice. We’re going to keep working.”