When girls preparing to enter the first and second grades participate in the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department’s Rookie Softball league, the score of the game is usually an afterthought, if anyone even keeps track of it.

That certainly was the case Thursday at Youth Sports Inc., when the Winners took on the Firehawks.

Firehawks player Betsy Smoot runs to first base during a game against the Winners on Thursday at Holcom. The two teams play in the Rookie Softball League.

“Our theme is we all won because we all had fun,” Winners coach Mark Crabtree said.

Fun was definitely on the agenda on the balmy evening at the ballpark.

Players, spectators and even the umpire couldn’t help but enjoy themselves.

“It’s hard calling them out,” umpire Jessy Knudsen said. “It’s fun watching them play and teaching them the rules.”

The game was played well, as the players showed good command of the challenging rules.

“The two teams that I’m watching tonight seem to be well-coached,” spectator Mary Lou Roberts said. “It looks like good sportsmanship, and I think that’s what they should learn at this age. Not to mention that this is a great facility.”

Roberts’ daughter Michelle Freeman, sat next to her mother in the stands. The two were there to watch Freeman’s daughter, Alexis, who plays for the Winners.

Michelle Freeman told a story about her other daughter, Mackenzie Freeman, who also plays in the Parks and Rec league and is learning sign language.

“The last time at the game, she caught the ball to make an out and she looked at me and made the “I love you” sign,” Freeman said.

Betsy Smoot, Kassidi Norris, Madison Norris, Lauren Schultheis, Madison Engnehl-Thomas, Alyssa Karasek and Emma Bentzinger all scored runs for the Firehawks.

The Winners did their share of scoring as well.

Alice Kelsey, Aubrey Goscha, Kathryn Gaito, Sierra Weber, Aimee Neilsen, Laura Crabtree and Freeman all crossed the plate for the team in white.

In fact, every player on both teams scored a run

For those keeping tabs on outcome, the Firehawks did score more runs than the Winners, “winning” the game, 15-10.

After the game, players on both teams enjoyed post-game refreshments. The overwhelming sentiment was that it had indeed been a good game.

“A lot of hits, a lot of runs,” said Firehawks coach Bill Schultheis. “A lot of smiles because everyone gets a snack.”