Two Ex-Knights Powering Otters' Softball Success

Ellie Escalante and Nevaeh Martinez, former battery mates at Soquel High, now lead Cal State Monterey Bay's nationally ranked softball team.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:37pm

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Once teammates at Soquel High, Ellie Escalante and Nevaeh Martinez have reunited at Cal State University Monterey Bay, where they are leading the Otters' nationally ranked NCAA Division II softball team to a successful season. Escalante, a senior outfielder, and Martinez, a sophomore corner infielder, have both been key contributors at the plate, with Martinez providing power and Escalante bringing a disciplined, gap-hitting approach.

Why it matters

The success of Escalante and Martinez, both former Soquel High standouts, highlights the talent pipeline from Santa Cruz County to the Monterey Bay region's top college softball program. Their leadership and production have been crucial in propelling CSUMB to a strong start in the California Collegiate Athletic Association standings.

The details

Escalante, a catcher in high school, has transitioned seamlessly to the outfield for the Otters, using her strong arm to throw out runners at the plate. Martinez, who pitched for Soquel as a freshman, has also adapted well to her new role, splitting time between first base and third base. Together, the former Knights have provided a potent one-two punch in the Otters' lineup, with Martinez leading the team in home runs and RBIs, while Escalante is batting .375 and has been a threat on the basepaths.

  • Escalante and Martinez were battery mates at Soquel High.
  • Martinez tore her ACL near the end of her junior year at Soquel but has since recovered to reach the NCAA Division II level.
  • As of this writing, CSUMB was ranked 25th in the nation and fifth in the CCAA standings.

The players

Ellie Escalante

A senior outfielder for Cal State University Monterey Bay's softball team, Escalante was a catcher at Soquel High and is now using her strong arm to throw out runners from the outfield.

Nevaeh Martinez

A sophomore corner infielder for Cal State University Monterey Bay, Martinez pitched for Soquel High as a freshman before transitioning to a power-hitting role for the Otters, leading the team in home runs and RBIs.

Emily Montanez

The head coach of the Cal State University Monterey Bay softball team, Montanez has praised Escalante and Martinez for their leadership, maturity, and high softball IQ.

Sofie Seese

A former Soquel High teammate of Escalante and Martinez, Seese later transferred to Scotts Valley High and is now a freshman relief pitcher at the University of Nevada Reno.

Abreanna Alba

A junior center fielder for Cal State University Monterey Bay, Alba is a Watsonville High graduate who is also having a strong season for the Otters.

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What they’re saying

“Her arm strength is very high. She can throw the distance from the fence.”

— Emily Montanez, Head Coach, Cal State University Monterey Bay

“She's moved over seamlessly. She's handled it incredibly well because she's so mature. She's got such a high-level softball IQ that anything I ask her to do is easy for her.”

— Emily Montanez, Head Coach, Cal State University Monterey Bay

“I've always enjoyed covering a lot of ground, diving and all that stuff.”

— Ellie Escalante

“Me and her, our friendship shows on the field. Our personalities complement each other.”

— Nevaeh Martinez

“She works really hard in the weight room to gain strength. Her mindset when she gets into the (batter's) box is to hit everything hard.”

— Emily Montanez, Head Coach, Cal State University Monterey Bay

What’s next

The Otters will face a crucial four-game series against Cal Poly Humboldt this week as they look to solidify their position in the CCAA standings.

The takeaway

The success of Escalante and Martinez, two former Soquel High standouts, demonstrates the strong pipeline of talent from Santa Cruz County to the Monterey Bay region's top college softball program. Their leadership and production have been instrumental in CSUMB's rise to national prominence in NCAA Division II.