Half Hollow Hills East's Sophia Boggio earns Long Island girls wrestling title in her first season
Hills East's Sophia Boggio has her hand raised after defeating Harborfield's Kaitlyn Costa in the 165 pound weight class on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024. Credit: George A Faella
Before Sophia Boggio could stand with her hand raised underneath the spotlight, she knew she needed to help her opponent off the mat and engulf her in a hug.
In the thrilling 165-pound final between Boggio of Half Hollow Hills East and Kaitlyn Costa of Harborfields at the third annual Long Island girls wrestling championships at Rocky Point on Sunday, Boggio earned a 4-2 decision in overtime to win her first Long Island title.
The wrestlers remained scoreless through the second period, and just as Boggio took the lead with a reversal at the start of the third period, Costa countered with a reversal to tie the score at 2.
It would take less than 30 seconds into the overtime period for Boggio to counter a Costa shot, earning a takedown to capture the championship.
As Costa lay on the mat, Boggio immediately helped her to her feet. Though they had never wrestled one another before, they embraced like lifelong friends.
“We were talking the whole time. We honestly became friends on the mat,” Boggio said. “I wanted her to know that she worked hard, too.”
It was Boggio’s first season wrestling, as she was a part of the Hills East boys team.
“It feels amazing to be here,” Boggio said. “This is the first time I’ve ever done something this big. I’m one of two girls on the boys team, so it’s not often that we get to do this and I’m grateful for today. I truly feel like this is my passion now. I love it.”
Maragioglio reaches goal
Though wrestling is not a new sport for Bellport’s Caitlin Maragioglio, it has always been her goal to end the season at the top of the podium.
The freshman faced Rocky Point’s Ava Capogna, an opponent she lost to twice this year, for the 132-pound title. Earlier in the season, Capogna pinned Maragioglio and won by a 2-1 decision just a few weeks later.
This time, Maragioglio knew exactly what she needed to do to win.
“I was just trying to focus on what I can do to win instead of going out there scared,” she said. “I went out there believing in myself and knowing that I could defeat her after the past two times we met.”
Capogna, who won the 118-pound title last year, opened the scoring with a reversal before Maragioglio scored an escape to end the first period. Maragioglio’s takedown in the second period helped earn a 3-2 decision.
“This taught me how well I can control a match and that I can never give up,” Maragioglio said. “It feels great knowing that this is the first time I’m standing at the top of the podium and to end the season like this . . . I couldn’t ask for anything better.”
Ten others win LI titles
Bianca Awerman of Commack defeated Clover Van Der Velden of Rocky Point via 7-6 decision at 100 pounds; Zoe Edmorin of Copiague pinned Jamie Wilson of Rocky Point in 5:57 at 107 pounds; Julianna Hernandez of Rocky Point pinned Reese Adams of Calhoun in 3:04 at 114 pounds; Katie Porcelli of St. Anthony’s pinned Mariza Catalan Hernandez of Whitman in 1:50 at 120 pounds; Taylor Aiello of Glenn pinned Melania Turano of Bay Shore in 1:46 at 126 pounds; Talia Robles of Mepham pinned Julia Zuchowska of Rocky Point in 1:05 at 138 pounds; Mia Marchitto of Sachem East pinned Aylin Davila Chitay of Huntington in 1:35 at 145 pounds; Kaitlynn Carrion of Harborfields defeated Aaliyah Morrow of Bellport in overtime via 2-0 decision at 152 pounds; Ashley Vasquez Malatesta of Bay Shore pinned Melody Medina of Bay Shore in 4:36 at 185 pounds; and Sydney Fisher of Bay Shore pinned Arly Moreira Portillo of Huntington in 0:39 at 235 pounds.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story misidentified the first and second place finishers at 145 pounds.
