Cabrillo is trying to break into the top four this season under fourth-year coach Jerry Zavala, who is coaching his daughter, Naomi Zavala, for the second year.
“Coaching the daughter is one of the hardest parts,” Zavala said. “We leave it on the field. It’s just like work. Your boss gets on you, and you don’t like it, but as soon as you leave it’s over with.”
Zavala will be joined by returning starters Janeth Rodriguez, Jayden Patterson, Nylah Tardy and Toni Osuna among others. Seniors Rodriguez and Patterson will play in the heart of the defense in Zavala’s 3-2-4-1 formation. He said the duo could also play the two defensive midfield positions because of their natural aggressiveness.
“Our formation is a little different because we just do not get back to defend, especially in the middle,” Zavala said. “With two in front I think that will help out.”
