The Pelham girls volleyball season lasted one match longer than recent years. Thanks to a three-win campaign, the Pythons earned a playoff berth before falling to undefeated top seed Hollis- Brookline in straight sets on Thursday, Oct. 29.

Pelham was overmatched by the Cavaliers from the start, falling 25-14, 25-11 and 25-18.

While the Pythons’ efforts didn’t pay off on the scoreboard, extended points on many occasions thanks to diving efforts and digs on hardhit shots.

Alex Hall led the Pythons with 16 digs, while Kathryn Mostone managed eight digs and seven blocks. Roxanne Lapierre chipped in six digs as well.

“For us, our defense is always a mark of what we’re doing well,” said Pelham head coach Jen Nugent. “Our defense has been much improved. It’s gotten better with every match.”

The team secured its postseason berth on Oct. 19 with a 3-1 road victory over John Stark, thanks in large part to 10 kills and 17 blocks by Jacqui Perry. Mostone also had a solid match, contributing 16 digs and 14 blocks.

Nugent had only one bench player during her team’s playoff match, making it difficult for the Pythons to keep up with the Hollis-Brookline’s high-octane attack.

Pelham hung close early in the first game, trimming the deficit to 11-8 before the home team pulled away.

The Cavaliers controlled the second game, but in the third frame Pelham grabbed its first lead of the match, 4- 1, with Kelsey Kenney at the service line.

Kenney led the Pythons with 11 service points and an ace.

The Cavaliers recaptured an 11-10 edge, and although Pelham took a 14-13 lead, Hollis-Brookline dominated the remainder of the match to proceed to the Division II quarterfinals.

Nugent said her team was excited to have gained the No. 16 seed.

“We have a lot of girls interested in being on the team, but it’s just about getting them to buy into playing year-round to continue to improve,” said Nugent. “It’s my goal to get them to love it so much, they don’t want to stop.”