The Eastern Illinois softball team won its first ever Ohio Valley Conference softball championship Saturday afternoon at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Ala.

The Panthers defeated the SIUE Cougars in a 2-0 win with a diving catch from third baseman Kendall Grover to get the final out.

The Panthers acquired two RBI’s from Jaylen Prichard and Amber Cieplinski.

The Panthers’ win gives them an automatic spot in the NCAA Softball Tournament that will be held in Oklahoma City, Okla. The tournament is set to begin May 19. The selection show for the tournament bracket will be held Sunday at 6 p.m.

Aniya Holt, Kendall Grover, Amber Cieplinski, and Olivia Price were awarded All-Tournament Team Honors.

Price was also awarded OVC Championship MVP, along with her previous award of OVC Pitcher of the Year for her performance throughout the season and tournament.

Han Byer can be reached at deneic@gmail.com.