They’re winning more than they’re losing, and they’re having fun.

That makes for a successful season of summer softball.

The Tomah VFW 18-and-under girls softball squad stayed above the .500 mark with a split against DeSoto Wednesday at Gerke Field. Tomah won the first game, 7-6, in six innings, before losing the second game, 10-1, in the scheduled five innings.

Tomah emerged from the doubleheader with a 7-3 record.

“I just enjoy seeing everyone coming out here and having a good time,” coach Michelle McDaniel said. “I’m having a good time.”

Tomah nearly endured the heartbreak of blowing a five-run lead in the first game but managed to salvage a win in extra innings.

In the first inning, Tomah grabbed a 3-0 lead thanks to two errors, three wild pitches and an RBI double by Maggie Ruedy.

DeSoto cut the lead to 3-1 in the top of the third, but Tomah came back with three runs in the bottom of the frame. Brooke Von Haden led off with a double, Emilee Burkhalter followed with a single and Brittany Swanson loaded the bases after getting hit by a pitch.

Von Haden scored on a wild pitch, and Ruedy reloaded the bases with a walk before Lindsey Betthauser capped the rally with a two-run single.

Betthauser’s hit would prove crucial when DeSoto erupted with five runs in the top of the fourth to deadlock the game at 6-6. DeSoto was poised to take the lead in the top of the sixth after its first two runners reached base. However, Tomah pitcher Ali Van Havermaet struck out the next two batters, and Tomah catcher Von Haden picked off a DeSoto runner at first base for the third out.

Tomah wasted no time finishing the game in the bottom of the sixth. Leah Rezin and Michelle Luebke led off with back-to-back walks, Von Haden loaded the bases with a single, and Burkhalter laced a line drive to left field to score Rezin with the winning run.

Van Havermaet pitched a complete game and got the win. She struck out eight.

Tomah was the home team in the second game, and the offense appeared ready for another productive outing. Luebke and Von Haden led off the game with back-to-back walks, and Ruedy loaded the bases with another walk after one out. However, Swanson lined into a double play, and the Tomah offense struggled after that. Three straight walks in the third inning and a sacrifice fly by Ruedy accounted for Tomah’s only run, and Tomah didn’t get a runner past second base in either the fourth or fifth inning.

McDaniel said it has been a productive summer for the girls who will make up Tomah’s varsity and varsity reserve squads next spring. In addition to the Wednesday doubleheaders, the girls practice on Tuesday.

“They’re honing their skills, and we have a chance to work with the girls one-on-one,” McDaniel said. “The numbers have dwindled a bit from the first game -- we had 19 for the first one -- but never we have to worry about getting enough girls to play.”

Tomah hosts the La Crosse Red Raiders Wednesday in a 5:30 p.m. doubleheader at Gerke Field.