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Prep Report: Hawks, Gators finish tuneups

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YUNET HOLMES Island Coast’s Valentina Ihde (left) moves in to defend Lehigh’s Julie Parales Wednesday in their preseason soccer match at Cape High. The Gators opens the regular season part of their schedule Tuesday at Cypress Lake.
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YUNET HOLMES Island Coast’s Amanda Willis settles the ball during the second quarter of Wednesday’s preseason game against Lehigh Acres at Cape High.
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YUNET HOLMES Island Coast’s Jasmin Sykes tries to maintain ball possession away from Lehigh’s Julie Parales during the Gators’ 5-1 preseason victory Wednesday.

The girls’ soccer preseason came to a quiet conclusion Wednesday night at Cape High’s Dave Warkentin Stadium.

The Island Coast Gators sauntered away with a 5-1 victory over Lehigh while the host Seahawks played the Gateway Charter Griffins to a scoreless tie.

Cape goalkeeper Amanda Kopale made nine saves and Jamie Smith commanded midfield.

Island Coast opens the regular season Tuesday at Cypress Lake and Cape High hosts Ida Baker Wednesday.

The Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida recently announced the Al Oerter Trophy recipients for 2009.

Katie Russo of Fort Myers High and Erick Montoya of Estero received their award at a ceremony last week and the trophies were presented by Cathy Oerter and Gabrielle Oerter.

The award recognizes athletes for their excellence in an individual sport, excellence in the classroom, service to the community, high level of personal character and a commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.

Russo is on the Green Wave cross country, track & field and soccer teams. She is team captain for cross country and track, and has been named most valuable runner for the past three years. She has been a conference champion in numerous events for the past three years, and was named an all-area runner for the past three years. She also is a member of the National Honor Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and has participated in mission trips to Nicaragua and Ecuador.

Montoya is a member of Estero’s cross country, track and swimming teams. He’s a five-time MVP in cross country and is a three-time state runner up in cross country and track. He is a member of the 3D Running Club, JROTC Drill Team and is Rifle & Raider Team Commander. He volunteers for the Autism Walk-A-Thon, Relay for Life, Canned Food Drive, and is a blood donor.