Historic Season For Labat Comes To An End At NCAA Championship

FORT WORTH, Texas – Sophomore Angelica Labat represented Illinois State as the first gymnast to ever compete at the NCAA Gymnastics Championship on Friday, as she posted a score of 9.7375 on vault to cap off a historic sophomore campaign inside Dickies Arena in Fort Worth Texas.

"Angelica had a good vault, but I know she wanted to land it stronger today," ISU head coach Bob Conkling said. "I'm so happy for her and how well she represented Redbird Gymnastics at the very top level of our sport."

Labat, who was rotating with Cal gymnasts during the first Semifinal session, patiently waited her turn until it was time to head to the vault during the second rotation of the day. Following six vaults by the Cal Bears, Labat stepped up and took her turn while officially writing her name in the ISU gymnastics history books. 

"I had hopes of repeating the same vault that I competed at regionals, but I still gave my all in Forth Worth," Labat stated. "I'm looking forward to getting back in the gym and perfecting my skills for next season. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to represent ISU and make history. Special shout-out to my coaches, teammates, family and everyone else who has supported me during my first Regional and National Championship appearances."

The Chesapeake, Virginia, native wrapped up her second season in a Redbird leotard as the 2021 Midwest Independent Conference Gymnast of the Year following a stellar freshman campaign that saw her earn MIC Newcomer of the Year honors. A multiple-time first-team All-MIC performer, Labat certainly has a bright future ahead of her in her two remaining seasons in Normal.

The NCAA Championships wrap up tomorrow, with the finals set to be broadcast live on ABC beginning at 2:30 p.m. CT.

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