Athletes of the Week
Island Coast sophomore Dana Ruff’s strong, accurate serve played a pivotal role for the Gators last Thursday in a four-set volleyball victory over Cape Coral High.
When not at the serving line, the 5-foot-4 Ruff made some spectacular diving saves on defense and a few key hits/blocks at the net.
At the LCAC Golf Championship last Monday, Cape High junior Tyler Doyle continued his rapid progression by taking the individual title with an even-par 71 at Shell Point Country Club.
Those performances earned Ruff and Doyle the Daily Breeze Female and Male Athlete of the Week awards.
On the volleyball court, the Gators are an inexperienced team without a single senior. They’re in their first season of varsity competition.
In addition, the Gators are not a tall team, which places an emphasis on versatile players who can play both front and back row effectively.
Despite being only her third year of volleyball, Ruff is one player the Gators count on to fill multiple roles. Coach Cheryl Stauffer has confidence in Ruff in the front or back – or at the serving line – because of her athletic ability and attitude.
“She’s just an all-around player,” Stauffer said. “I can play her anywhere and I know she’ll get the job done. Plus, I know her serves are going to go over.
“She picks up the team pretty good and motivates them,” Stauffer added.
It was during a back-and-forth first set against Cape when Ruff emerged as a difference maker. With the score tied 9-9, she reeled off nine straight service points, including three aces, giving the Gators a comfortable lead.
Ruff finished that match with seven aces, and contributed defensively with 18 digs, including 11 in the opening set.
Ruff, who also pounded three aces in a four-set victory over Dunbar last Tuesday, said she takes a simple approach to serving.
“I try to hit it where they’re not at – and kind of hard,” she said.
Ruff is becoming more comfortable this season on the court. She started playing in eighth grade at Diplomat Middle School.
Like many of her teammates, this season has served as a learning experience trying to compete with more established varsity teams.
Still, the Gators (5-14) have managed to earn some hard-fought wins, and become a more cohesive group, Ruff said.
“We have a lot of improvements we need to make, but for the most part we’ve come together,” she said.
Along with her contributions to volleyball, Ruff is a member of the softball team at Island Coast. She’s played softball since age 4, including several years at Cape Softball’s Burton Field.
The Gators played a mixed JV/varsity softball schedule last season, but won all four varsity contests with Ruff recording two complete games on the mound.
Honorable mentions:
Christina Todd, senior, Cape Coral swimming – Todd notched wins in the 200 individual medley and 100 butterfly events to help the Seahawks defeat Fort Myers.
Kali Nordquist, sophomore, Ida Baker volleyball – Nordquist’s 22 assists keyed Baker’s victory over Port Charlotte in the championship match of the Triton Invitational.
Cape High golf coach Charlie Pease wasn’t sure if Doyle would put in the necessary time and effort to improve his game, at least not enough to shoot below par.
Last season as a sophomore, just shortly after Doyle took up the game, he was scoring around 47. Pease challenged him to get to even par or below.
Doyle met the challenge when he shot a 2-under-par 34 through nine holes at Palmetto Pine earlier this season, and even-par 71 to win the LCAC Championship last Monday.
The Seahawks had a strong showing, collectively, with three players shooting 77 or below at LCAC.
“This year (Doyle) kept improving,” Pease said. “Then three, four weeks ago he shot 34 at Palmetto Pine … I really didn’t think he would put in the time, but he has the drive and determination. I’ve never seen anyone improve as quickly as he has improved.”
Doyle started playing in the summer just prior to his sophomore year. He continued to see improvements, but had a difficult time scoring in the top six last season.
After the season, he continued playing and going to the driving range, particularly this summer.
Doyle said he averaged about 200 yards off the tee as a sophomore, but is around 280 this year. Pease, who coaches the Seahawks along with Dave Fortner, said the improvements are evident in other areas.
“His iron game is really good. It’s almost at a professional level,” Pease said. “If he can improve on his short game, he can potentially go a long way with golf.”
Doyle helped solidify the Seahawks this season. They proved to be strong at the top three spots with senior H Halverson and freshman Anthony Myers often recording solid scores to push Doyle.
Doyle’s goal is to continue to work on his game and improve his grades so he has an opportunity to play in college.
Honorable mentions:
Jaylen Watkins, senior, Cape Coral football – Watkins passed for 187 yards and three touchdowns in the Seahawks’ 32-0 win over Island Coast.
Ryan Williams, senior, Ida Baker swimming – Williams swam to victories in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke events in a dual meet win over North Fort Myers.