MLHS softball falls to Richland

Samantha Kling took a pitch to the head in the bottom of the sixth inning allowing her to get a free walk to first. Kling is okay and finished the game with her team.
CALEB PEREZ/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD

Addisyn Reffett makes a dive for the ball securing a third out in the top of the fourth inning.

Paige Richardson was the Mavs’ main pitcher in their game against Richland.

Hayden Morris readies herself for a high ball that she caught for an easy out.

Junior Caitlin Decubber played in the outfield and ensured the ball got back to the diamond.

by CALEB PEREZ
Staff Writer | March 28, 2025 2:55 AM

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks softball team fell to Richland 3-8 Wednesday evening.

“Overall, as a team, I think we have a lot to work on, but I think we’re going places,” said junior Samantha Kling. “Everybody as a team works together and I think if we put some more work into our bats that we’re going to go places.”

Coach Mike Hofheins said that it was impressive that players were able to battle hard and keep their head in the game all the way up until the end.

“Even when we substituted, we had girls come in and really battle and give a quality at bat,” said Hofheins.

Going into this game the Mavs were familiar with Richland, having played the Bombers in the past. The problem they faced was giving the opponent a lot of leeway with extra outs and extra bases and not getting clutch hits when needed, Hofheins said.

“When you play a team that’s that good you can’t make that many mistakes and expect to stay in the games,” said the coach. “We have got to play cleaner to have a chance against them and we didn’t play clean enough.”

Moving forward the Mavs will use what they learned here as motivation as they look towards their first league game tonight. Players will put some focus on cleaning up their defense but overall will work on strengthening what they already do well, he said.

“We have some girls that are getting their first varsity action in some spots, so we just have to work on getting better,” he said. “I think we’re heading in the right direction.”

The Mavs will play their first league game at Sunnyside this afternoon at 3 p.m.

Mavs Softball Roster

Name, Jersey, Grade

Hayden Morris, 2, 11

Jenika Balderas, 3, 12

Samantha Kling, 4, 11

Lila Johnson, 7, 11

Caitlin Decubber, 8, 11

Paige Richardson, 14, 12

Amilia Borchert, 16, 11

Eryn Eckenberg, 18, 12

Alina Lopez, 20, 11