Old Oregon’s volleyball district isn’t very patient.

After Joseph High School’s team lost three consecutive matches, the Lady Eagles were determined to improve. They traveled Oct. 10 to Halfway and beat Pine Eagle High in four games. But the next day, an angry team from Imbler High came to Sather Court in Joseph. The previous day at Cove, Imbler had suffered its first loss to a league rival. Looking to restore their dominion, the previously unbeaten Panthers made short work of the local girls. Imbler finished them off in three.

“They’re a really good team,” Joseph senior outside hitter Claire Ogren said. “We let little things get to us. When we get ahead, we have a habit of losing focus. We just talked about how we weren’t playing with our heads. It’s really a mental game.”

The loss to Imbler dropped Joseph’s record to 2-5 against district teams. The Eagles’ athletic front line had its moments. Senior middle blocker BoDean Warnock made six blocks, while junior Anna Bird had five. Warnock also helped with 16 digs. Bird hit six kills. Senior Paige Bailey set teammates up with five assists.

The Panthers quickly took control. In the first game, they tallied the first four points. Joseph rallied. Ogren scored a couple of kills, Bailey made one and Bird smacked another. Warnock served an ace. They narrowed Imbler’s lead, but the Panthers countered with six unanswered points. Imbler continued to pull away, cruising into a 25-16 victory.

However, the Eagles nearly upset the Panthers in the second game. Senior Olivia Williams and Bird each turned two blocks into points for Joseph. Bailey served an ace. They mounted a 23-19 lead as Imbler called time out. Out of the pause, the Panthers battled back. The Eagles added another point and stood one short of a win, but the Panthers forced an extra serve and claimed a 26-24 decision.

Then Imbler closed the match after three games with another win, 25-17. Bailey served an ace, Warnock scored with a block and Bird made another kill for Joseph.

The previous day at Pine Eagle High, the Eagles finally ended their three-match losing skid, earning a convincing win over the Spartans. They easily took the first game 25-13. The Spartans came back to win a tight margin, 27-25. But Joseph concluded the match with a 25-20 win, followed by 25-17. Coach Anna Yost said the Eagles stressed improving communication and keeping everyone involved.

Junior Amanda Smith moved up to varsity and often played the opposing serves to get the Eagles started. Bailey totaled 14 kills and 17 digs. Warnock had 10 and 15. Bird added another eight kills, while senior setter Shelby Harshman made 16 assists.

After snapping a rough string of matches, the Eagles wanted to build on the positives from their recent victory. But Imbler had other intentions.

For most of this season, the Lady Eagles have driven around the region, but they will stay home this week. Powder Valley comes to Sather Court on Oct. 17. The next day, Pine Eagle hits Joseph for a rematch.

Contact reporter Hector del Castillo at 426-4567, or by e-mail at hdelcastillo@wallowa.com.