Just like the Cabrillo baseball team, the softball squad has been forced to deal with a late offseason coaching change. Also like baseball, it’s a familiar face taking over.
Girls’ athletic director Denise Sarno returned to be the interim coach three weeks before the season. She was the coach for the first seven seasons of the program starting in 1999.
“So far, so good,” senior center fielder Mariah Ramirez (pictured) said. “We’ve had (Coach Sarno) before and we know how she works. I’m pretty sure we’ll do great this season.”
Ramirez will play in the outfield and be one of a few pitchers who will see time in the circle. Outfielder Emily Rodriguez, middle infielder Rayleen Morales, pitcher Rosaleen Morales and first baseman Amyah Brackman are also key returners for Sarno.
“I want our team to learn from our mistakes and always play like the score is 0-0,” said Sarno.
Catcher Soleil Valentin, third baseman Leilani Pineda and pitcher Estrella Ceja will be important newcomers who could be the core group going forward for the next head coach.
Ramirez said she really likes the way her teammates treat each other.
“We joke and laugh a lot,” Ramirez said. “There’s just joy all around my team… for us to win it’s about putting the ball in play and the bad overthrows. It’s the simple things.”
The Moore League games against Jordan (March 24, April 23) will be a barometer for the Jaguars, who are in CIF-SS Division 7.
