RallyNorth.net

PEABODY | The situation was just what the Peabody High softball team was hoping for.

The end result, however, was not.

Despite loading the bases in the final inning, the Tanners couldn't push the tying run across and fell to visiting Methuen, 5-4, in the Division 1 North quarterfinals at Kiley Field.

PEABODY | The Gloucester softball team was hoping history would repeat itself in Saturday's Division 1 North first-round matchup against Peabody.

No. 19 Gloucester had previously beaten the third-seeded Tanners in the regular season and were hoping to send them home early in the postseason. But unfortunately for the Fishermen, the Tanners had other plans.

BEVERLY | Peabody High's softball team has had its share of tough games this season, but nothing is more difficult for the Tanners than holding down their emotion at the Courtney Marie Corning Memorial Tournament.

PEABODY | Robin Helas drove her black Nissan XTerra to Kiley Field yesterday to watch her daughter, freshman MaryKate Helas, play for the Peabody High softball team. MaryKate Helas then drove Peabody's biggest homer of the season over the fence in left field, smacking the family car.

PEABODY | The Marblehead High softball team had visions of beating powerful Peabody twice in a span of a week.

It didn't work out either time.

The Magicians were in the process of blowing out Peabody last Thursday when it started raining, causing a cancellation. They had to start the game from scratch here yesterday.

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.

Freshman Marykate Helas belted a two-run triple and finished 3 for 4 with four RBI as the Tanners (8-2) brushed aside Saugus 6-3. Junior Kellie Multner stepped in at third base and had a crucial RBI while Sam Terenzoni had two hits. Nicole Wilson shined on the hill with five strikeouts and no earned runs allowed as all three Sachem scores were unearned.

DANVERS | Nicole Wilson delivered a message that should resonate throughout Northeastern Conference circles yesterday: she and her Peabody High teammates are a power to be reckoned with.

The sophomore used an array of pitches to keep Danvers hitters off balance all afternoon, striking out a dozen while scattering just four hits as the Tanners bested the host Falcons, 7-3, at windy Great Oak Field.

Peabody High softball coach Butch Melanaphy scheduled a pizza party for the varsity, JV and freshman teams yesterday at Bertucci's. He did it for bonding purposes, but the Tanners already seem to have it together.

Nicole Wilson spun a complete-game, three-hit gem and Michelle Grifoni went 3 for 4 with two RBIs to lift Peabody to a 5-0 start. Wilson struck out 13 and walked one, while surrendering an unearned run in the fifth inning. Kenia McKeon added one hit and two RBIs.