Sandner and Kunard capture All-Conference honors

By Robert Galbreath, rgalbreath@pinedaleroundup.com
Posted 11/17/22

Pinedale High School seniors Haylen Sandner and Sara Kunard both earned 3A West All-Conference honors. Kunard also snagged 3A All-State recognition.

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Sandner and Kunard capture All-Conference honors

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PINEDALE – The Wyoming Coaches Association released its postseason awards for volleyball last week, recognizing athletes for their talent and contributions over an eventful season.

Pinedale High School seniors Haylen Sandner and Sara Kunard both earned 3A West All-Conference honors. Kunard also snagged 3A All-State recognition.

Sandner played a ferocious offense, keeping her opponents on their toes as they attempted to defend the court against Sandner’s arsenal of hits.

Sandner slammed one powerful kill over the net after another, resulting in multiple points for the Lady Wranglers at each game. The senior spiked 14 kills against Worland during the 3A West Regional Tournament.

Sandner totaled 12 kills at the Oct. 21 home game against Lander. Additional season highlights for Sandner included scoring 11 kills at both homecoming games against Cokeville on Sept. 29 and Rawlins on Oct. 1.

Earlier in the season, Sandner whipped up 10 kills against 4A Sheridan at the Riverton Invitational on Aug. 27.

Sandner also made a statement defending the net, making multiple blocks throughout the season. She tallied two blocks against Powell at Regionals on Oct. 28 and again during the game against Thermopolis at the 3A West Conference Duels in Lander on Oct. 8.

“Haylen is very deserving of this award,” said Head Volleyball Coach Tamara Currah. “She worked hard in the off-season and in-season. She was a leader on and off the court. We looked to Haylen a lot on the court and she was able to get us a lot of points with her kills. She also contributed to the team by her blocks and defense. Haylen is an amazing individual and it was an honor to be her coach.”

Kunard excelled as libero, diving for digs and racing across the court to keep the ball alive. She exhibited determination in pursuing the ball and fearlessly responded to powerful serves and spikes from opponents.

Kunard achieved 26 digs against Worland at the 3A West Conference Duels in Lander on Oct. 7. She totaled 19 digs during the Homecoming Game versus Cokeville on Sept. 29 and again when the Lady Wranglers hosted Mountain View on Oct. 14. Kunard made 18 digs against Worland at the Regional Tournament on Oct. 29.

Kunard delivered a powerful punch from the service line, acing five serves against both Thermopolis and Powell at the 3A West Conference Duels.

“Sara is very deserving of All-Conference and All-State and did an amazing job for us as libero,” said Currah. “She was everywhere on the court. Sara did a nice job reading the hitter and adjusting accordingly. She also contributed to the team with her passing and has a killer serve that gained us points. Sara also put in a lot of time in the off-season and in-season. She is a great individual and it was an honor to be her coach.”