Senior Lexi Mazzella continues to add more highlights to her stellar athletic career at Bordentown Regional High School.
Mazzella rewrote the history books yet again during the NJSIAA South Region girls wrestling tournament on Feb. 12 at Kingsway Regional High School in Woolwich Township, becoming a two-state qualifier by placing third in the 132-pound bracket at the tournament
It was just last year that Mazzella made history as the first female wrestler from the Bordentown wrestling program to qualify for the state tournament, and went on to take home a third-place state medal in the 135-pound weight class.
“It feels really good,” Mazzella said of becoming a two-time state qualifier. “It was super exciting to compete in matches and have a full season. I’m excited to compete in the state tournament.”
Since joining the Bordentown wrestling program as a sophomore during the 2019-20 season, Mazzella has blossomed on the mat and has become one the top female wrestlers in her weight class across the state.
Mazzella has a career record of 33-12 and is currently 13-5 during her senior campaign this winter.
“It definitely shows her consistency and the hard work she puts in during practice,” Bordentown wrestling Coach Jimmy Gill said of Mazzella’s success. “Her success and being a role model for the other wrestlers has been exciting for the entire program.”
It was thanks to her brother, Sammy, that Mazzella decided to try wrestling two years ago.
Mazzella had already made a name for herself on the pitch as part of the Bordentown girls soccer program.
This past fall, Mazzella finished out her soccer career for the Scotties with a stellar senior campaign, scoring a team-high 15 goals with seven assists.
Mazzella tallied a total of 61 goals in her four years at Bordentown and will continue to play soccer at the collegiate level next fall as part of the Shaw University women’s soccer team.
Following the advice of her brother, Mazzella decided to give wrestling a shot and has not looked back, falling in love with the sport just like him.
Sammy was a Region VI qualifier during his time with the Scotties and currently wrestles at York College.
The sport of wrestling has become an activity the two siblings have been able to bond over the last few years and are each other’s support system when wrestling season comes around.
“We both push each other,” Mazzella said. “We talk all the time about wrestling and try to help each other out.”
Her “never give up” and “relentless” mentality on the pitch is what Mazzella has used to help her be successful on the mat.
“They’re two different environments that are competitive and fun to compete in at the same time,” Mazzella said of playing soccer and wrestling.
Not only has Mazzella developed into a two-time state qualifier on the mat for the Bordentown wrestling program, she has also become a leader for both the boys and the girls squads.
Mazzella made it her mission to help grow the girls wrestling program at Bordentown this season, getting nine female wrestlers to come out for the team at the beginning of the season.
Bordentown had a record five female wrestlers competing at the South Region tournament last weekend.
“She’s a role model for the girls wrestling in our program,” Gill said of Mazzella. “She works hard. Her attitude in general is something we want as a leader. She’s become one of the top leaders on our team.”
There was some adversity that Mazzella had to overcome during the regional tournament to become a two-time state qualifier. She was pinned by Timber Creek’s Olivia Palmer in the semifinals, making the next match a must win for Mazzella to earn a top-four placement and qualify for the state tournament.
Admittedly mad at herself after the semifinal loss, Mazzella didn’t let the loss affect her going forward. She instead used it as fuel and motivation to rebound in her next match that she won by a 6-2 decision to clinch her spot in the state tournament.
Mazzella finished out regions by winning her third-place match against Pemberton’s Jalekia Hernandez by an 8-0 major decision for a bronze medal. She took home a silver medal at the South Region championships last year.
“Losing in the semifinals really pushed me to win my next two matches,” Mazzella said. “I knew I had to get myself refocused and shoot for the highest placement that was still possible.”
Mazzella will be one of eight female wrestlers competing in the 132-pound bracket of the NJSIAA girls state wrestling championships that will be held on Feb. 20 at Phillipsburg High School.
By the end of the day, Mazzella is hoping to have her hand raised high after competing in the championship bout and becoming the first female wrestler in Bordentown history to win a state championship.
It would be the ultimate ending to the storied athletic career Mazzella has had at Bordentown and one she can’t wait to experience with her entire family.
“I’m really excited to get back out there and get after it,” she added.