By BRIAN TORTELLA
Correspondent
The Stolarick sisters have had their fair share of success leading the Haddonfield High girls lacrosse program.
The senior captain duo — Stella and Lena — led Haddonfield to the NJSIAA Group 1 state title in their freshman and sophomore seasons in 2021 and 2022, and fell just short last to Summit in the Group 2 state final after bumping up a level of competition.
Now one game into their final season, the sisters are more determined than ever to help Haddonfield reclaim its status as state champion and capture the Bulldawgs’ third state title in four years.
“This year our team has all of the right tools and pieces to make it to the state final game,” Stella said. “We still need to work hard and continue to improve, but I believe with the right attitude we can become state champions.”
Stella has been the team’s leading scorer the past two seasons, compiling 137 goals in her career. Lena, however, is the dominant defensive power with a team-high 61 forced turnovers the past three seasons. One’s “weakness” is another’s strength, and that’s exactly how they play so well off each other.
“We have a special bond that helps us excel on the field,” Lena said. “I’m so excited to (play) at Delaware in the fall with my sister. We understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and our chemistry just clicks. It’s a combination of trust, communication, and lots of practice.”
Their dedication and love for the whole team shine through every time they step on the field. Coach Jessica Blake says the competitive spirit and energy that they bring have left a lasting impact on the program for the past four years. They boast a 53-10 career win/loss record.
“Being a captain on the lacrosse team means embracing a leadership role where energy and effort are key,” Blake said. “As two of the three captains, Stella and Lena do that every day. Stella, a standout attacker, and Lena, causing turnovers on defense, have been influential members of the varsity team for four years.”
Haddonfield was victorious in a tilt with Group 3 state runner-up, Shawnee, 12-6, in its season opener on Tuesday. Stella had another four goals, while Lena had an exceptional defensive performance in the winning effort. Grace Farrell and Chloe Gwaku each added three goals for Haddonfield while Mackenzie Borbi and Abby Davidson each netted a pair for Shawnee.
With a challenging schedule ahead that features several playoff teams, (five of which made it to at least a sectional final) and two out-of-state Pennsylvania playoff teams, the Bulldawgs certainly will be prepared for yet another run come tournament time.
Both sisters are committed to the University of Delaware where they plan to continue their lacrosse careers together.
And together is just how they like it.
“It has been so amazing to be able to play with Lena,” Stella said. “She pushes me every day and holds me accountable in practice and in games. I really have loved playing together with her and I am excited to see how our season goes this year! I couldn’t imagine playing without her.”
WHAT’S NEXT: Haddonfield hosts Morristown on Thursday at 11 a.m. Shawnee travels to Rancocas Valley on Thursday at 10 a.m.
Brian Tortella is a correspondent for South Jersey Glory Day. Follow him on X @tortreports.
