Pitman High softball stars Ella Underwood and Rylee Reeves will officially be playing at the next level after the two signed their National Letters of Intent on Thursday evening in a joint ceremony. Underwood, a corner infielder, will be heading to Menlo College in Atherton while Reeves, a middle infielder, will go to UC Davis next fall.

Underwood and Reeves shared that the cultures and coaching staffs at each program played significant roles in their respective decisions.

“Location was definitely important to me and being close to my family,” said Reeves, who plans on studying psychology. “When I went there and when I had my Zoom calls, it just felt right. I’m excited to be able to meet new people and make new experiences. Definitely excited to play against the best of the best and compete.”

Underwood, meanwhile, plans on studying sports management at Menlo, a school she described as a great fit.

“It’s a small school, but it’s just a perfect fit for me to continue playing and for my education,” she said. “They are super welcoming… I knew going there, I wouldn’t feel so lost or away from home. It’s just been a joy to see all the work I’ve put in these past 10 years turn into where I am today signing with Menlo.”

Last season, Reeves was amongst team leaders, slashing .485/.557/.848/1.405 with 32 hits, four home runs and 29 RBI in 66 at-bats. Meanwhile, Underwood batted .356/.420/.493/.913 with 26 hits, 10 doubles and 10 RBI.

Both will look to end their high school careers on a high note when the 2024 season gets underway next spring.