The562’s season previews for the 2022-23 school year are sponsored by Vertical Raise, the official team fundraising partner of The562.
The562’s high school softball coverage for the 2023 season is sponsored by Long Beach City Councilwoman Megan Kerr.
The562’s coverage of Cabrillo Athletics is sponsored by the Cohn Family.
The Cabrillo Jaguars are ready to keep improving under the guidance of a familiar face
Gabe Tablada has been teaching at Cabrillo for 22 years, and this is the third time he’s taken over the softball program. He was coach in 2011 and 2019 when the team needed a coach, and Tablada had one stipulation this time.
“I told (Cabrillo athletics director Denise Sarno) I wouldn’t come back unless it was to coach a good group of kids, and this is a really good group of kids who get along and do well in the classroom,” Tablada said. “When they come out to practice they are really intent on learning.”
Sophomore Sophia Fabrigas thinks the program is headed for brighter days under the tutelage of Tablada.
“He’s just an amazing coach overall who has helped us get our spark, building each other up and giving us our confidence,” Fabrigas said.
The Jaguars roster is also full of new players in new positions, and Fabrigas has been impressed with her fellow underclassmen who have joined the team.
“It’s amazing how they’re willing to put in the effort to learn about the sport, they’re really filled with positivity and energy,” she said. “Whatever our season is going to be I feel like we’re always going to have some fun in the end.”
Andrea Salvatierra will be the ace of the pitching staff while Fabrigas and Viviana Valenzuela fill in the middle infield positions behind her.
Leilani Coyazo will also be key up the middle as a center fielder and backup catcher.
Elizabeth Brooks is one of the few returners at first base who is a natural athlete and can also play multiple positions.
“We’re more defuse minded right now, and the hitting will come around,” Tablada said. “If we’re going to win ball games we have to get those outs. Even if we only score one run we can still win ball games. It’s about communication and trying to think a play ahead.”
