Allegany-Limestone Resets Around Senior Core, Summer Work

Overview

• Coach Tara Bottone enters her fourth season as Allegany-Limestone's head coach and said the Gators are rebuilding after losing five starting seniors.
• Senior Summer Rhow is expected to be a key outside hitter and defensive specialist after a 2025-26 season with 77 kills, 139 digs, 21 aces and 9 blocks.
• Senior Mya Hayes gives Allegany-Limestone a blocking presence after recording 50 blocks and 41 kills in 2025-26.
• Avery Gonzalez and Bailey Schultz enter the season as the two setters working together to run the offense.
• Allegany-Limestone will celebrate former coach Geraldine Lacney on Oct. 1, when Ellicottville visits.

Gators Build From A New Starting Point

Allegany-Limestone enters the 2026 girls volleyball season with a different look and a clear theme from coach Tara Bottone: the Gators have work to do, but they have already invested in it.

"We lost 5 starting seniors so in some ways this is a rebuilding year but these girls have worked hard during summer league and travel ball in the winter and are ready to do great things this season," Bottone said.

Bottone is entering her fourth season as Allegany-Limestone's head coach and has been with the program for six years. She also runs the club volleyball teams for Allegany-Limestone.

The returning foundation starts with senior Summer Rhow, who Bottone identified as a key outside hitter and defensive specialist. Rhow had 77 kills, 139 digs, 21 aces and 9 blocks as a junior in 2025-26, giving the Gators a player with production on defense and in attack.

Senior Mya Hayes is another central piece, especially at the net. Hayes had 50 blocks and 41 kills in 2025-26, and Bottone pointed to her defense with blocks as an important part of the team's outlook.

Junior Leora Dreher is another player Bottone expects readers to watch as an outside hitter, while the offense will be directed by a two-setter group of senior Avery Gonzalez and junior Bailey Schultz.

"We have 2 setters who work together to run the offense, senior Avery Gonzalez and junior Bailey Schultz," Bottone said.

Bottone named Rhow, Hayes and Gonzalez as captains. Her stated goal for the season is for Allegany-Limestone to have a winning record, stay healthy and give its seniors a strong final season.

Positivity, Passing And Schedule Landmarks

Bottone said the team's biggest strength is that "They stay positive and always work as a team encouraging each other." The development point is just as direct: Allegany-Limestone needs solid passing and setting as the season progresses.

The Gators open Sept. 4 at Cuba, then travel to Ellicottville on Sept. 8 before their Sept. 10 home opener against Randolph. September also includes home matches against West Valley/Franklinville, Catt-Little Valley, Gowanda, Southwestern and Genesee Valley.

One of the season's notable program dates comes Oct. 1, when Allegany-Limestone hosts Ellicottville and celebrates former coach Geraldine Lacney.

The October stretch continues with matches against Randolph, Salamanca, West Valley/Franklinville, Catt-Little Valley and Gowanda. Fans can watch Allegany-Limestone matches on HUDL.