The Cawood Trojanettes took a significant step toward grabbing the district's No. 2 seed as they defeated visiting Bell County 3-2 in eight innings in the first game of a doubleheader Monday.

The game was locked in a 2-2 tie in the fourth inning when it was suspended by rain at Bell on April 7. Monday's continuation played out as a pitcher's duel, with neither team able to break the stalemate in regulation.

Cawood finally went ahead in the top of the eighth with the aid of two Bell County miscues. Courtney Bolin opened the frame with a single and advanced to second when Richelle Johnson drew a walk.

Bolin advanced to third when Bell pitcher Tracy Laws dropped a throw from catcher Katie Dixon after a pitch. Later, Dixon tried to pick Bolin off at third, but the throw was bobbled and Bolin crossed the plate with the go-ahead run.

Bell threatened in the bottom of the inning, getting a runner to second base, but senior Erica Pennington held on for the win.

Pennington (4-3) struck out seven and walked three in a complete-game five-hitter.

Denna Burkhart led the Trojanettes at the plate with a double and a single. Bolin, Brandi Hensley and Heather Posey each singled.

Dixon, Rachel Blank, Angel Turner, Amber Taylor and Sydney McAninch each singled for Bell.

Cawood took an early five-run lead and held on for a 6-4 victory in the nightcap.

Eighth-grader Courtney Lewis (2-4) surrendered six hits while fanning three and walking four as she earned the win.

Burkhart, Pennington and Taylor Curtis doubled for Cawood, and Lewis, Hensley, Johnson and Posey each singled.

Bell was led by Tiffanie Oliver with a pair of singles. Dixon doubled, and Kacy Denny, Kristen Baker and Blank added a single apiece.

Cawood (6-7 overall, 5-1 district) improved to 3-1 in games that determine district tournament seeding. The Trojanettes will play host to Harlan tonight.

Bell County (14-15, 0-6) fell to 0-4 in seeding games. The Lady Bobcats will play host to Clay County tonight.

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Cawood 100 100 01 - 3 5 2

Bell County 002 000 00 - 2 5 2

Pennington and Hensley; Laws and Dixon. W-Pennington (4-3). L-Laws.

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Bell County 100 010 2 - 4 6 1

Cawood 231 000 x - 6 7 1

Laws, Taylor (4) and Dixon; Lewis and Hensley. W-Lewis (2-4). L-Laws.