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The Bulldogs scored three in the sixth to break a 1-1 tie and send the Panthers home disappointed with a 4-1 loss. Kiki McKenna drove in Kelly Shea | who had pinch run for Beth Cullen | to account for Beverly's run while Elise Perron pitched six innings and allowed just three hits while striking out five.

Errors doomed the Panthers as four of the Patriots' nine runs were unearned in a 9-8 loss. Beth Cullen hit a two-run homer in the seventh as Beverly scored five times in the final frame but couldn't push the tying run across. It was the second homer of the game for Cullen, who finished 3 for 3 with three runs and five RBI. Monica Casola drove in three runs for Beverly.

Freshman Marykate Helas knocked in Tawny Palmieri to break a 4-4 tie in the ninth inning as the Tanners (9-3) walked off with a 5-4 extra innings win over Beverly. Peabody had rallied to knot the score in the sixth after Beverly (3-9) went ahead 4-3 on a two-run double by Courtney Brennan.

Earlier, Peabody's Michelle Grifoni hit a two-run bomb to get things started and Beverly's Jess Gagnon responded with a two-run double soon after. Nicole Wilson threw all nine innings for the Tanners and earned the win.

Senior second baseman Beth Cullen brings energy and enthusiasm to the Beverly High softball team.

The 18-year-old Cullen has a bubbly personality and a sense of humor that helps keep her team loose. She's also one of the captains and is hitting .594 with a team-high 16 RBIs, giving her considerable credibility and respect.

The Panthers snapped a four-game losing streak as junior right-hander Kristen Lojko scattered six hits, struck out five and walked no one. The win lifted Beverly to 3-7.

Beverly got the only run it would need in the bottom of the first. Daryl Powell doubled, Beth Cullen moved her to third with a ground ball and then sophomore shortstop Kiki McKenna singled to plate the run.

Samantha Norman had never played third base at the varsity level before. But with her teammate, Northeastern Conference all-star Ashley White, out sick yesterday, Marblehead High softball coach Johnny Gold called on Norman, his junior left fielder, to take her place.

Any coach loves to have an impact freshman on his team. The freshman making the biggest impact so far is Peabody High's MaryKate Helas.

Helas, who is the designated player for the Tanners, had her second straight big game yesterday, finishing 3-for-4 with a run scored and two RBIs as Peabody defeated Beverly, 6-3. Last week Helas went 4-for-5 with a grand slam homer against Everett, so she is 7-for-9 for the season.

Last year's record: 16-7  

Coach: Megan Sudak (1st season)

Returning players: Beth Cullen, Sr., 2B; Jayne Spiridigliozzi, Sr., 3B/OF; Jess Gagnon, Sr., SS; Christy Nichols, Sr., OF; Daryl Powell, Jr., 3B/C; Kiki McKenna, So., SS; Elise Perron, Sr., P; Kristen Lojko, Jr., P; Courtney Chalifour, Jr., C/2B