MOSES LAKE – The Mavericks softball team (15-7) was shut out at home by the Eastmont Wildcats (16-6) 12-0. Head coach Mike Hofheins made no excuses for the outcome of the district championship game.  

“We got beaten in all phases, offense, defense, pitching – they came out and played and they put one on us, and we didn't respond,” he said.  

The Mavericks started off on the right foot in the first inning, only allowing one run and throwing Eastmont out with bases loaded. From there, the opportunity to take control of the game was there, but they were unsuccessful.  

“You load the bases with no outs, and they only scored one run in the first and then the second inning, they didn't score any, so we're right there,” Hofheins said.  

In the top of the third inning, Eastmont exploded for seven runs, including a home run play that accounted for three scores. Mavs pitcher Paige Richardson pitched the entire game, throwing 125 times.  

“We came out a little bit flat, I don't think we had as much energy as we should have, and I mean they were on me, I got out-pitched, we got out-hit,” Richardson said.  

Richardson and Lila Johnson were the only Mavericks able to get on base before being thrown out by Eastmont. The errors were piling up and Eastmont capitalized by mounting runs.  

“They put it to us, and they kept piling on, and we didn't fight back,” Hofheins said, “We know we can play clean. We've played clean a lot, and when we do, we usually are pretty successful.” 

The Eastmont Wildcats have taken home the league title and secured their spot in the state tournament. Meanwhile, MLHS will have one more shot to punch their ticket to state in a crossover game. In a post-game huddle with his team, Hofheins made it clear to his team what was at stake.  

“We just have to respond better, our kids are resilient, it's not our first loss, so we're going to get some work in tomorrow and be ready to battle on Saturday, whomever we play,” Hofheins said.  

Richardson was right there with her coach on the focus for Saturday and knowing what is on the line.  

“I'm excited for Saturday because that gives us another chance. Of course, we want to make it to the state tournament as seniors,” she said.  

Moses Lake will host the crossover game at home Saturday. An opponent was not determined as of press time.

    Alina Lopez steps up to the plate for the Mavericks. This was one of two at bats Lopez had against Eastmont.
  

    The Mavericks dugout chanting as their teammates stepped up to bat for them. Despite the loss, the Mavericks were constantly picking each other up throughout the game.
  

    Paige Richardson sprints to first base after striking the ball to the outfield. Richardson was one of two players to get on base against Eastmont.
  

    Hayden Morris takes off for first base before the ball is caught in the outfield and called out. The Mavericks had many players get a hit but were thrown out before getting on base.
  

    Amelia Avalos takes a swing at the ball for the Mavericks offense. One of two at bats for Avalos against Eastmont.