** During the month of July, EIUPanthers.com will take a look back at 14 events, moments and players that helped shape the 2023-24 academic year. **
Eastern Illinois softball put together a second straight memorable season as the Panthers tied a school record for wins at the NCAA Division I level while winning the program's third OVC regular season title.
EIU finished the year with a 40-17 record including a 22-5 record in the OVC.
The Panthers opened the year with a 5-0 record at the Mardi Gras Mambo with pitcher McKenzie Oslanzi winning OVC Pitcher of the Week honors. Oslanzi would go on to have a dominant freshman season earning OVC Freshman of the Year, first team All-OVC, Freshman All-American, second team All-Region and NFCA/TUCCI Freshman Top 25 honors. She posted a 21-5 record with a 1.70 ERA.
In the field the Panthers were led by Kendall Grover who earned OVC co-Player of the Year honors and was named a third team All-Region selection. Grover was among the league leaders in every offensive category.
EIU added first team All-OVC performances from Jadin Justman and Rachel Kaufman. Justman would go on to earn second team All-Region honors. Karson Davey was named to the All-OVC second team.
EIU advanced to the OVC Tournament championship game for the second straight year before having their season come to an end.
Head coach Tara Archibald was named the OVC Coach of the Year.
2023-24 Year In Review
No. 14 –
EIU Welcomes New Head Coaches
No. 13 –
Former Panthers Make Major League Debut
No. 12 –
Freshmen Make A National Splash
No. 11 –
Ramsey Hunt Earns All-American Honors
No. 10 –
Giovana Larregui Lopez Named OVC Female Athlete Of The Year
No. 9 –
Men's Cross Country Wins Fourth Straight OVC Title
No. 8 – Women's Cross Country Gives EIU Distance Title Sweep
No. 7 – Volleyball Wins OVC Title, Makes NCAA Tournament
