MOSES LAKE – On Thursday, Mavs slowpitch (16-1) defeated the Eastmont Wildcats 13-3 to become the 4A District Champions and punched their ticket to the state tournament. After splitting a doubleheader to end their season, Head Coach Mike Hofheins said they were on a mission.   

“We had three really good days of practice. They were focused. They knew that the second game, they didn't play like we can play. I think they were kind of on a mission to come out and play their best softball,” Hofheins said.   

The Mavericks fell behind early, down 3-2 heading into the bottom of the third inning. However, they found their spark after Hayden Morris hit a home run past left field to tie the game. From there, Mya Martinez hit a double that scored Addi Reffett and Alina Lopez. Martinez got home before the end of the inning to help the Mavs take a 6-3 lead.   

After Anisa Valdez and the Mavs defense held Eastmont scoreless at the top of the fourth, they went back to the plate looking to add to their score. Reffett singled on a line drive that scored Lila Johnson and Morris to increase their lead to 8-3.   

The Mavericks held Eastmont scoreless once again at the top of the fifth inning. They were determined to put the game away as they scored five runs to secure the 13-3 win and the district title. Hofheins said this is where they expected themselves to be from the start of the season.   

“From day one, we thought we had a chance to get there. Coming off a good game, playing clean, we're in a good spot. If we play like that, I think we're going to be tough to beat,” Hofheins said.   

Hofheins said they played well as a team against Eastmont. Their clean play, clutch hitting and scoring ability even when they had two outs, pushed them to victory. Throughout the game, the Mavs had several hits hanging in the air that still slipped through Eastmont's gloves, which allowed them to get on base or score more runs.   

Hofheins said while he prefers his players to hit line drives more often, he was pleased when those plays went their way.   

“Momentum is a big part of that. The momentum train started to roll, and that's how this game works. It's hard, especially, I feel like it's almost worse in slowpitch than fastpitch. Those were huge,” he said.   

The Mavericks' defense played a key role in their win on Thursday, led by strong pitching in all five innings by Valdez. They were quick with their passes to tag out Eastmont runners before they could ever build enough momentum for a comeback.

“Anisa pitched probably one of the best games of the season for her,” Hofheins said. “We played solid defense, if you can keep an average of only five played appearances per inning, or maybe six, then you're going to be in good shape, and we did that.”  

On offense, Morris continued to shine with two home runs, four hits on four at-bats and two RBIs. Samantha Kling, Reffett and Martinez all finished with three RBIs. Kling, Lopez, Martinez and Morris all recorded double plays. Hofheins said everyone contributed to their district title win Thursday.   

As they prepare for another go at the state tournament, the Mavericks are determined to make it further than the semifinals this season. Hofheins said his team rostered enough players who experienced last season's tournament appearance and feels that will benefit them. As long as they play loose and clean, Hofheins said the Mavericks will be ready for any team they face.   

“There's going to be a lot of good teams at state,” he said. “It's a team that plays clean and plays well and is consistent, that's going to come out on top. Hopefully, we can have a good week of practice and go in there, just kind of rolling on all cylinders.”  

The slowpitch state championship tournament will take place from Oct. 24 to Oct. 25 at Kiwanis Fields in Yakima. At the time of press, the full bracket was not yet available.   

BOX SCORE:   

ESTM: 1-2-0-0-0: 3
MAVS: 2-0-4-2-5: 13 

    The Mavs’ Alina Lopez (20) hypes up the dugout after reaching second base. Lopez recorded a double play and got on base four times for the Mavericks.
  

    Samantha Kling, left, Hayden Morris, middle, and Mya Martinez, right, celebrate a big defensive play against Eastmont. The Mavericks defense only allowed three runs from Eastmont in the district championship game.
  

    Alina Lopez (20) eyes the ball as she prepares to take a swing against Eastmont on Thursday.
  

    Anisa Valdez (32) pitches to the Eastmont batter in the district championship game on Thursday. Head Coach Mike Hofheins said Valdez pitched one of her best games of the season.