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Ellie Shannon and Payton Smith have been a formidable duo during their three varsity seasons on the Sacred Heart Prep girls' volleyball squad. Their excellent efforts, both on the court and in the classroom, have been rewarded with respective opportunities to play volleyball next season in the Ivy League.

With Shannon on the outside and Smith anchoring the middle, the Gators have been among the best Division IV squads in the state. Both were instrumental in SHP's successful CCS and NorCal championships in both 2010 and 2012 -- resulting in trips to the CIF Division IV state finals.

Shannon was a two-time WBAL all-league recipient and this season led the Gators in kills and was second on the team in blocks. She'll be heading off to Princeton University in the fall of 2013 to play for the Tigers.

Smith was also a two-time WBAL all-league selection and led this year's Gators' squad in blocks and serving aces. She'll be playing next season for the Brown University Bears.

"Ellie and Payton have had a huge influence on the success recognized by our girls' volleyball program these past three years," said SHP Athletic Director Frank Rodriguez. "They both are terrific leaders and teammates. We're very proud of their accomplishments and wish them the best of everything moving forward."

— Palo Alto Online Sports/Sacred Heart Prep Athletics

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