COLLINGSWOOD (N.J.) - The Collingswood High School wrestling team hadn't lost a match in nearly two weeks since their setback to West Deptford on January 12.
Collingswood's Nick Miraglia, pictured, won via technical fall to take a 28-27 lead over Audubon as his team would never look back winning 40-27 at Collingswood High School on January 25, 2023. Chris Baker/D2 Sports Network
The Panthers looked to continue their streak against Colonial Conference rival Audubon and were successful in the effort. The Green Wave held a 27-13 lead before Collingswood flexed its resiliency and climbed back to secure a 40-27 victory on Wednesday night.
Audubon grabbed wins early on as Taylor Donnelly (157) started the night off with a victory via forfeit. Pins for Audubon came from Sam Myers (190), Scott Lynch (285), and Rocco Monteferrante (106), while Lucas Stinger (113) grabbed the lone decision with a 5-0 match result.
Collingswood's wins came in an abundance of decisions as Vincenzo Angelucci (175) grabbed four points in a 14-4 major decision and Geremia VanZandt (215), Nate Plotts (126), Nate Eife (144), and Justin Pilla (150) capped the match with victories. Eife's 8-7 decision clinched the match for Collingswood making it a 37-27 score with one bout to go.
There was no shortage of pins for the Colls. Chris Leek (165), Isaiah Townsend (120), Nick Miraglia (132), and Matt Malinowski (138) all notched six points each.
"I always tell my kids every match is about matchups," Collingswood coach Dechlin Moody said. "I knew this would be a rollercoaster match since they're really talented at the heavier weight classes, so I tried to give us the best chance to win possible with tonight's lineup."
The match to put Collingswood in the driver seat was Miraglia's pin over Audubon's Giovanni Patti at 132 pounds.
"It's great," Miraglia said. "Becoming a senior is awesome getting to help lead my team to victory."
Both Audubon and Collingswood consider each other bitter rivals as the two schools are separated by only 1.89 miles.
"It's big for us," Miraglia said. "They beat West Deptford who beat us so this match proves that we can beat anyone. Also, beating Audubon is always a great feeling in any sport."
"Coach Moody hasn't lost to Audubon since he's been here, so we wanted to keep that streak alive," VanZandt added. "We all know each other and they're our neighboring town so taking care of business tonight was our top priority."
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