Festus Volleyball Swings into Action

Logo Courtesy of the School

(Festus) The Festus Tigers are looking to take a step forward on the volleyball court this season. Going winless in their first 8 matches left Festus trying to make up ground in 2021. Tigers head coach Stephanie Whitehead says what they learned from those struggles is how important it is to close out games in the back-half sets.

While Festus does lose all-conference outside hitter Kinsey Benack, the Tigers do have a deep core of front-row players. Gabbi Burkard led the team with 250 kills last season and added 37 blocks. Audrey Jackson and Claire Martin combined for almost 200 kills and 55 blocks in reserve roles last year, and senior Kali Oshia is back to build on 109 kills and a team-high 55 blocks. Whitehead says she expects her team to be great at the net, both offensively and defensively.

But it won’t just be offensive firepower that the Tigers hope to sport. Jersey Moonier (MOOn-yur), Delaney Willis and Ella Shy return to lead the Festus defense after each posting 220 digs last year. Whitehead says it’s crucial that they make an impact in order for the team to reach the heights they’re shooting for.