For Christine Sammon, of Oaklyn, the New Jersey State Little League tournament was an opportunity to do what she loved at one of the highest levels in recreational sports.

Decked in a baby blue polo, slate gray pants and protected from head to toe, Sammon made her way behind home plate for the first pitch between the Swedesboro-Woolwich and Wayne Little League on Thursday night.

Once it was delivered, she became the first female umpire to call a New Jersey State Little League tournament game.

"I didn't think so much about that part," Sammon said. "I just love it and it's such an honor to be chosen to do this.

"I'm still learning, I'm still getting better. I'm being taken seriously out there, which is awesome because you have to prove yourself out there."

Sammon learned the ropes from her brother, Paul, who, in addition to little league, also umpires high school and college games in South Jersey.

She took her lumps on Thursday night and a ribbing from the coaches, as well, during Swedesboro's 5-0 victory over Wayne.

When Sammon took a foul ball to her left knee in the fourth inning, the playful quips came from both of the dugouts.

"Don't rub it!" one manager shouted. "We don't have any ice."

Sammon will never forget her moment on Slack's field in Hampton on Thursday night. It proved that her eight-year journey as an umpire was worth it.

"I used to play and I missed being out on the field while my kids were playing," Sammon said. "I started volunteering, and it's been an awesome journey. Every year, I learn something new and I meet new people. It's just been awesome."