SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Senior Elizabeth Price added another honor to her list of accomplishments on Saturday by being named "Regional Gymnast of the Year."
Competing with No. 26 Stanford at the Salt Lake City-NCAA Regional Championships, she tied for first in two events and earned seconds in two others. Although the Cardinal finished fifth in the six-team meet and failed to advance, Price qualified for the NCAA Championships, April 20-21 in St. Louis, as an all-around performer.
"I'm really excited for Elizabeth to compete and challenge for an NCAA title," said head coach Tabitha Yim. "She's been a star all season."
Backed by a raucous crowd of 8,403 at the Huntsman Center, host Utah won the regional with a score of 197.475, while Cal claimed second at 196.725. Both teams move on to St. Louis.
Auburn placed third (196.525), followed by BYU (196.300), Stanford (195.600) and Southern Utah (194.600).
After a rough start on the uneven bars and balance beam, the Cardinal sizzled in the floor exercise with score of 49.450 to match its season-high. Price led the way with a 9.950 that had many fans pleading with the judges for a 10, while freshman Rachael Flam tied her career-best with a 9.875. Junior Kaylee Cole and freshman Lauren Navarro posted 9.850s to equal season-highs.
Kyla Bryant, one of six freshmen on the 13-player roster, had an outstanding meet. She tied for third on the balance beam (9.900), tied for fourth on floor (9.925), and finished eighth in the all-around (39.375). Bryant's totals on beam and floor matched her career-highs, and she nearly equaled her best all-around score (39.475).
"We have a young team and they showed a lot of tenacity and determination coming back and ending the meet strong," Yim said. "The future is bright."
As she has been all season, the dynamic and polished Price was unflappable, scoring 9.900 or higher in three of four routines. Recently selected Pac-12 Gymnast of the Year for the second time (2016), she shared first place on floor (9.950) and bars (9.900), tied for second on vault (9.900), and captured second in the all-around (39.375).
Price previously won regional titles on bars in 2016 and 2017, and also prevailed in floor exercise and all-around in 2016.
In 12 meets this season, Price has racked up 32 firsts and recorded 9.900 or higher 32 times.
This marks her fourth consecutive trip to the NCAA Championships. In 2015, Price earned a national title on the vault.
NCAA Championships, April 20-21 in St. Louis.
