MLHS softball coach excited for deep talent in 2025

MOSES LAKE — Mavericks head softball coach Mike Hofheins has a problem other coaches would love to have. 

“We have a lot of girls that are super versatile and can play multiple positions,” Hofheins said Friday. “We're trying to figure out where the puzzle pieces fit to make our team the best, because so many girls can play two and three and four positions. (They’re) probably more versatile than I've ever had.” 

The Mavericks graduated seven seniors last year, Hofheins said, but because youth softball is so big in Moses Lake, even the newer girls are coming in with a lot of experience. 

The Mavs’ not-so-secret weapon is Paige Richardson, who pitched her way to being named league MVP last year. Now a senior, Richardson has been pitching for Moses Lake High School all through her high school years. 

“She's just an outstanding pitcher, outstanding competitor, outstanding leader, and we're going to ride that horse as long as we can ride it,” Hofheins said. “She’s a crafty pitcher and since her freshman year, she’s really gained confidence and got a little swagger to her when she’s in the circle and all those things as she’s matured. That’s been really fun to watch.” 

Richardson echoed Hofheins’ thoughts on the challenge of too many versatile players. 

“I think it’s just trying to fill positions,” she said.  

Senior Erin Eckenberg agreed. 

“(It’s) seeing new faces and having to fill new spots that we didn’t have last year, seeing where everyone fits in the puzzle,” she said. 

Turning those new players into a cohesive team is going to take a little time, senior Jennika Balderas said. 

“We have the skill level,” Balderas said. “We just need some teamwork and learning how to work together … I wouldn’t say it’s a challenge, but it takes time learning how all our plays fit together.” 

Teamwork is an issue for some teams where conflicts and egos can get in the way, but Hofheins said he’s seen none of that. 

“They've been really awesome,” he said. “Our practices have been super spirited. I sent an email last night to the kids and the parents that said, this is the best first week of practice I can remember. We've had great weather, the attitudes, the hustle, it’s just been great.” 

Moses Lake High School softball schedule 

March 13 at Walla Walla High School, 5 p.m. 

March 14 at Mt. Spokane High School, 4 p.m. 

March 26 vs. Richland High School, 4 p.m. 

March 28 at Sunnyside High School, 3 p.m./4:30 p.m. 

March 31 at Southridge High School, 4 p.m. 

April 4 vs. Eisenhower High School, 3:30 p.m./5 p.m. 

April 8 vs. Jackson High School – Varsity, 11 a.m. 

April 17 at Wenatchee High School, 4 p.m./6 p.m. 

April 21 vs. Cheney High School, 4 p.m. 

April 22 at Mount Si High School, 5 p.m. 

April 25 vs. AC Davis High School, 3:30 p.m./5 p.m. 

April 29 vs. Hanford High School – Varsity, 5 p.m. 

May 2 at West Valley High School (Yakima), 4 p.m./6 p.m. 

May 5 vs. Othello High School, 5 p.m. 

May 9 vs. Eastmont High School, 3:30 p.m./5 p.m. 

    The Moses Lake High School Mavericks will be hitting the softball diamond again soon. Coaches say the team is looking solid with a lot of talent.
  

    Eryn Eckenberg, right, makes contact with the ball while catcher Hayden Morris holds up her glove in vain at a Moses Lake High School softball practice Friday.
  

    Caitlin Decubber, right, is safe at home despite the best efforts of first baseman Jayylinn Villareal.