Monica Sheaffer has had a front row seat for the evolution of the Palmyra girls’ volleyball program. And in many ways Sheaffer has grown up right along with the Cougars.

But much more than a casual bystander, Sheaffer has been a very active participant.

On Tuesday evening inside the gymnasium of Palmyra High School, Sheaffer, a 6-0 front-row hitter and blocker, actively participated in the Cougars’ 3-0 Mid-Penn Colonial Division sweep of nemesis Trinity. Sheaffer was seemingly everywhere, including providing an intimidating presence at the net, as Palmyra dismissed the Shamrocks 25-13, 25-20 and 25-23.

During the competition, Sheaffer registered ten kills, four blocks and two aces. For the season, the hard-hitting Sheaffer has recorded 134 kills.

The triumph was Palmyra’s 34th in its last 36 matches, dating back to 2013. The victory also kept the Cougars unbeaten in the Colonial, in their drive to a second straight division crown.

During Sheaffer’s career at Palmyra, the Cougars’ v-ball program has displayed steady, and sometimes even remarkable, improvement, to the point where it now resides among the elite in Class AAA in District Three. Sheaffer’s contributions towards that success has been invaluable.

 – Jeff Falk