EPHRATA — The next level is warming up in the bullpen for Ephrata standouts Madison Martin and Zac Berryman, who both signed a letter of intent to play at Walla Walla Community College this fall.

Martin, a 5-foot-11 middle blocker, who finished up her volleyball career with 172 kills in 69 sets with a hitting percentage of .273 and 50 blocks, will join Warriors head coach Chelsie Speer’s roster next fall.

Berryman, a hard-hitting, right-handed third baseman, who hit .413 for Tigers and .403 for River Dogs Senior Babe Ruth team last summer, is on his way to the next level to play for Walla Walla coach Dave Meliah after he finishes up his Ephrata career this spring.

“My (high school) coach (Brittney MacLeod) played down there, so I talked to her about it,” Martin said. “I also had a chance to see them play in the NWAC Tournament this year. It’s a good quality program and I really liked what I saw during my visit.”

For Berryman, Walla Walla was his only visit. He liked what he saw and he's committed to Warrior baseball.

“I liked it from Day 1. It’s a really nice community and they’re one of the top baseball programs on the east side of the state,” said Berryman. “It’s a good team with a good coach. He really knows what he’s doing and he’s got things going down there. They were third last year and they’ve been to the (NWAC) tournament every year he’s been there.”

Berryman on baseball

The Warriors have played in the Super Regional Tournament for the past eight years. Last season, they advanced to the North Super Regional championship game. In 2015, they advanced to the NWAC Championship Tournament after hosting and winning the Super Regional Tournament.

Berryman said he’s all in to play for a program that’s won 172 games over the past six years.

“I’d like to be a part of that,” said Berryman, who played in the Senior Babe Ruth World Series the past couple of summers. “I can play anywhere they need me. I’ve been at third base the past couple of years, but I’ve played multiple positions and that’s one of the things they liked.

“They liked my athleticism. They liked my hitting. I know I’m going to have to work for (my playing time) and I will. It’s bunch of guys that believe in the same thing and that’s why they’re such a good team.”

Berryman intends to get his associate’s degree with the idea of moving on to a four-year institution.

“Walla Walla has sent a lot of players on to different programs and I’d like to continue to play after my two years at Walla Walla,” he said.

Martin on volleyball

Martin is coming off an outstanding senior season, which was capped off with a 2A all-state honorable mention by the Washington State Volleyball Coaches Association. She’s ready to test her game on a team that was the NWAC East Region co-champions and finished fourth at the NWAC tournament last year.

“They watched my game film and told me they’re really impressed. (Chelsie Speer) said once I get there and workout, they’ll decide if I stay in the middle or move somewhere else,” said Martin, who intends to pursue a career as a dental hygienist. “It’s definitely going to be a challenge and I’m going to have to be more disciplined and work hard.

“I’d like to think I’m coachable and open to new ideas. I’m definitely looking forward to learning new things and getting better.”

Rodney Harwood is a sports writer for the Columbia Basin Herald and can be reached at rharwood@columbiabasinherald.com