Red Game Lives Up To Hype As Festus Beats Jefferson In Three Sets

(FESTUS) The Festus Tigers and Jefferson Blue Jays went the distance on the volleyball court Thursday night with the Tigers winning set 1, 25-23, Jefferson taking set 2, 27-25, and Festus prevailing with a 25-18 third set win.

In a game labeled the “Red Game,” designed to raise awareness for heart disease in honor of Blue Jays head coach Ashleigh Nagel who survived a July 16th heart attack, two of the best teams in Jefferson County did not disappoint. The Tigers came in at 16-1-1 and the Blue Jays at 20-2. Bria Garmon’s kill at the net provided Festus with the 1st set win.

The 2nd set was a marathon of long rallies with Festus actually leading 23-22 late. Soon after, the Blue Jays had two chances to force a decisive third set. The final point of the 2nd set all started with Jefferson’s Maddie Fuller.

With the match on the line, Garmon pulled through for Festus with a strong right hand.

The victory now puts Festus at 17-1-1 and drops Jefferson to 20-3. Blue Jays acting head coach Tara Fish shares her post-game message to her girls.

Festus head coach Karen Biehle felt like the match was up for grabs.

Also during the Red Game pregame ceremony, Scott Schuessler of Elite Physical Therapy who administered CPR to coach Nagel until the paramedics arrived, and the paramedics from the Metro West Fire Protection District were recognized by District 115 Representative Elaine Gannon for their heroics. Video of that as well as coach Nagel speaking in front of the crowd can be found here.

Full Karen Biehle Interview