Eastern Illinois University’s women’s basketball program has announced its non‑conference schedule for the 2026‑27 season, a slate that blends early‑season tests against Power‑Five opponents with a series of road trips that will take the Panthers across the Midwest.
Head coach Marqus McGlothan said the schedule was designed to challenge the team early and build momentum heading into Ohio Valley Conference play, which will be released in early August.
Exhibition openers at home
The Panthers will open with two home exhibition contests before the regular season begins. A home game against Quincy is set for October 22, followed by a matchup with Illinois Wesleyan on October 27 at Groniger Arena.
The regular season kicks off with four straight road games, beginning at Drake University, then heading to the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. Those early road contests will test the squad’s depth and resilience.
After a series of away games, the Panthers will return to Champaign for their first home opener on November 14 against the University of Evansville. The home schedule will feature four non‑conference games at Groniger Arena before the team shifts focus to conference play.
Power‑Conference showdowns in December
December’s schedule brings a marquee set of games against some of the nation’s top programs. Eastern Illinois will travel to face Missouri, Purdue, DePaul, and Northwestern, all members of Power Conferences, providing the team with high‑profile exposure and a chance to measure its progress against elite competition.
Returning players give the Panthers a solid core. Seven athletes from last season’s roster are back, including standout guard Ava Stoller, forward Clara Glad, and versatile forward Meioshe Mason. Center Abbie Boutilier appeared in 12 games last year with six starts before an injury, and will look to contribute inside the paint.
Additional returnees Adriana Arroyo, Nyah Hardy, and Alanna Phillipo are expected to add depth and experience. Their presence, combined with the incoming freshmen, should give Coach McGlothan a versatile lineup as the team navigates a demanding road slate.
The non‑conference schedule also includes home matchups against Oakland University, Illinois State University, Indiana State University, Southern Illinois University, Murray State University, and University of Wisconsin‑Green Bay, rounding out a diverse set of opponents before the OVC slate begins.
Overall, the 2026‑27 non‑conference schedule is designed to test Eastern Illinois’s mettle, showcase the program on national stages, and prepare the Panthers for a competitive conference season. Fans can look forward to a mix of home excitement and challenging away games that promise to shape the team’s identity early in the year.