One of the oldest and fastest sports in history, the Irish people enjoyed playing hurling some 3,300 years ago on lush, green fields with a curved stick (“caman” in Gaelic) and a leather ball (“sliotar” in Gaelic).
Communities and clans would gather together on game day as hundreds of players participated in matches that could last several days, according to ancient written references dating back to 1272 BC and mentions in the Brehon Laws establishing rules for compensating injured players.
The sport is still extremely popular in Ireland, and Croke Park was packed with fans when Limerick defeated Galway for the 2026 All-Ireland Senior Hurling national championship.
The modern game of field hockey evolved from hurling in the 19th century, and in 1909 Bess Taylor started the first women’s interscholastic program in New Jersey at Haddonfield Memorial High School. In 1972 the first NJSIAA state championship playoffs in the growing sport of field hockey were played.
On Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 28, the Gloucester City Lions and Cinnaminson Pirates teams faced off against each to play a game with roots that date back more than three millennia.
Both teams played great defense in the first half, challenging every loose ball. Gloucester City had several good chances to score but two shots went just outside the post, causing the Lions fans in the stadium to shrug in disappointment.
The visiting Pirates also set up some scoring chances but were repelled by the Lions fullbacks and goalie Ella Kirschner, who finished the game with nine amazing saves.
After adjustments made by Coach Sara Skvir at halftime, the Cinnaminson offense started to click and created more opportunities. Cashing in with goals were Gabriella Pacetti and Izabella Orlik – with a great assist from Pacettti – for a 2-0 victory.
With help from the defense, Pirates goalie Paige Sorino made six quality saves to earn the shutout. Throughout the game, both defenses were strong.
The Pirates are now 10-7-1, and hosted Cedar Creek on Tuesday, Nov. 3, in the first round of the South Jersey Group 2 playoffs. (This story was sent to press before the game, but results can be found online).
Players on this year’s team include Lillian Davies, Charlotte Fried, Renee Scouler, Haden Byrne, Madison Yodis, Claire Salvo, Shea Gulbin, Addison Buckley, Avva Smith, Gabriella Pacetti, Izabella Orlik, Madelyn Byrne, Cassidy Friebel, Kimberly Danowski, Meghan Donelson, Angelina Cunningham, Charlotte Leetz, Sydney Szczepanek, Rachael Hutchcraft, Phoebe Kershaw, Veronica Segrest, Abbigail Hagan, Paige Hall, Amy Pacetti, Sophia Vargas and Paige Sorino.
All these young athletes have learned to play a team game with lots of chemistry, where no role is too big or too small and there is a lot of communication on the field. They displayed these traits in the win over Gloucester City, and look to carry the momentum into the playoffs, just like the ancient athletes did during hurling playoffs between rival clans back in 1272 BC.
All smiles coming back onto the field in the second quarter are senior Gabriella Pacetti (left to right) and sophomore Rachael Hutchcraft, with Junior Claire Salvo looking the other way.
