OBSERVER Staff Report

LOCKPORT — The Fredonia Hillbillies have been one of the most successful high school wrestling teams in Western New York this season, highlighted by the fact that three wrestlers are heading to the state championships in Albany.

On Saturday, however, it was another member of the Hillbillies that stepped into the spotlight — senior captain Maggie Mignoli, who captured the 132-pound girls championship at the inaugural Girls Invitational high school girls wrestling tournament at Niagara County Community College on Saturday afternoon.

Mignoli won both of her matches without her opponent registering a point. In the first match, Mignoli won by pinfall in 3:28 over a competitor from Section V, while in the second match, Mignoli won 11-0. Sections 2-6 from upstate New York were represented at the event, which many hope will be a step toward creating a sanctioned, unified girls state championship.

“(Mignoli) wrestled really well. I’m extremely pleased with her showing,” said Fredonia coach Joe Santilli. “She didn’t even give up a point in either match.”

Santilli said that Mignoli was especially proud to be the first champion at the inaugural event.

“It’s pretty exciting to be a pioneer, to be the first in part of a movement,” said Santilli.

All three Fredonia state participants — Ceric Kristan, Gio Russo and Dalton Gardner — made it over to support Mignoli in her final match.

“She’s a leader and they all respect that,” said Santilli.