Olean enters 2026 volleyball season with returning core and another postseason goal

Overview

• Olean City Schools returns setter Ariana Finch, outside hitters Haylie Bednarski and Alyx Henzel, opposite Elizabeth Bailey and defensive specialist Emma Veno from last season's group.
• Acierno said the team graduated three seniors from its starting lineup, creating room for younger players to take on larger front-row roles.
• The 2025-26 statistical core included Bednarski with 143 kills and 193 digs, Bailey with 113 kills and 120 digs, Henzel with 109 kills and 73 aces, and Finch with 568 assists and 80 aces.
• Seniors Emma Veno and Carly O'Connor will serve as captains, while Acierno identifies Delaney Shay as a defensive player to watch.

Olean Girls Volleyball Pre-season Preview

Michelle Acierno enters her fifth season as Olean's varsity coach with a roster that has both turnover and experienced returners.

"We graduated 3 seniors from our starting line-up, but I'm optimistic that our younger players have been working hard and will be ready to fill those shoes," Acierno said. "This group, although young, has a lot of experience and I'm excited to see what the future holds for them."

The foundation starts with Ariana Finch, who Acierno said returns as the team's starting setter. Finch's 2025-26 season included 568 assists, 145 digs and 80 aces, giving Olean a proven organizer for its offense.

Around her, Olean brings back multiple players with established production. Haylie Bednarski, identified by Acierno as a primary point scorer to watch, had 143 kills, 193 digs and 28 aces in 2025-26. Elizabeth Bailey added 113 kills, 120 digs, 38 aces and 13 assists, while Alyx Henzel finished with 109 kills, 113 digs and 73 aces as a ninth-grader.

Acierno named Henzel as a returning player who could take a significant step forward. She also pointed to Delaney Shay as a player who could become an important contributor and impact the defense, while seniors Emma Veno and Carly O'Connor will serve as captains.

Olean's next challenge is replacing production at the net after losing two key hitters and blockers from last year's lineup.

"Our challenge will be for the younger players to step up and fill those roles and be aggressive at the net," Acierno said.

Acierno wants this group to be defined by "integrity, being good teammates to each other, and having solid fundamentals that transfer to game play." She also said the team's strength should come from its confidence, volleyball IQ and chemistry.

"We have high expectations and we stay true to ourselves, and our style of play, regardless of opponents," Acierno said. "My players have high volleyball IQ and they play well together."

Olean finished 16-6 in 2025-26, and Acierno said the team won the Section 6 Class B championship. The goal this season is direct: keep improving and push for another strong postseason run.

Olean's schedule opens Sept. 1 against Rush Henrietta and includes September matchups with Portville, Dunkirk, Falconer, Jamestown, Ellicottville, Fredonia and Southwestern. The second half of the regular season includes return dates with Portville, Dunkirk, Falconer, Jamestown, Fredonia and Southwestern.

Fans can stream matches on Hudl and follow Olean Athletics, Olean HS Volleyball, @official.olean.athletics and @oleanvolleyball.