---
title: "Piper Cavanaugh leads trio of northern Michigan softball teams into quarterfinals"
description: "Traverse City Central, Bellaire, and Boyne City are the last three northwest Michigan teams standing in the spring playoffs."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/three-quarters-softball-leads-way-with-3-teams-left-in-fina-e3eef60b
published: 2026-06-16T06:33:48+00:00
updated: 2026-06-16T06:33:48+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["football"]
---

# Piper Cavanaugh leads trio of northern Michigan softball teams into quarterfinals

> Traverse City Central, Bellaire, and Boyne City are the last three northwest Michigan teams standing in the spring playoffs.

Three high school softball teams from northwest Lower Michigan remain alive in the state playoffs, an improbable run that defies the region's reputation as a hockey stronghold.

Piper Cavanaugh, the Gatorade Player of the Year for Michigan softball, leads the charge.

Traverse City Central (35-3), ranked No. 5 in Division 1, faces No. 6 Grand Haven on Tuesday at Central Michigan University.

Senior pitcher Piper Cavanaugh has been nearly untouchable with a 0.359 ERA, 272 strikeouts, and only five walks this season.

The Trojans secured their first regional title with a 1-0 extra-inning thriller, capped by Anika Peterson's game-winning single.

Bellaire (34-5), ranked No. 5 in Division 4, takes on No. 8 Fowler at 1 p.m. at CMU.

Boyne City (29-10), No. 8 in Division 3, faces undefeated No. 1 Evart (41-0) at Ferris State University.

This marks the deepest playoff run for any sport in the region this spring.

The run highlights the depth of talent in a region long dominated by winter sports.

Cavanaugh's dominance—opponents bat under .100 against her—and the Trojans' first regional title add stakes to the final week of the season.

What's next: All three teams play quarterfinals on Tuesday.

The winners advance to the state semifinals Friday at Michigan State's Secchia Stadium.

For Boyne City, a date with undefeated Evart looms as the ultimate test.

## Why this matters

This article spotlights elite high school softball in a traditionally hockey-heavy region, with three teams still alive—a testament to the depth of talent. Piper Cavanaugh’s historic season (sub-.100 opponent batting average) and the Trojans’ first regional title add stakes to the final week.

## Frequently asked

### Who is Piper Cavanaugh?

Piper Cavanaugh is a senior pitcher for Traverse City Central and the 2024 Gatorade Player of the Year for Michigan softball. She has a 0.359 ERA, 272 strikeouts, and only five walks this season.

### What are the quarterfinal matchups?

Traverse City Central vs. Grand Haven at CMU; Bellaire vs. Fowler at 1 p.m. at CMU; Boyne City vs. Evart at Ferris State.

### When and where are the games?

All three quarterfinals are Tuesday. Central and Bellaire play at Central Michigan University; Boyne City plays at Ferris State University.

### Why is this run significant for northern Michigan?

It marks the deepest playoff run in any sport this spring for the region, which is traditionally known for hockey. The trio of teams showcases growing softball depth.

## Sources & Citations

- [Three quarters: Softball leads way with 3 teams left in final week](https://www.record-eagle.com/sports/three-quarters-softball-leads-way-with-3-teams-left-in-final-week/article_4d4347ed-c457-42fe-aa2f-c9736e7368ba.html) — NewsData.io (2026-06-08)

---

Cite: Piper Cavanaugh leads trio of northern Michigan softball teams into quarterfinals. Sportopod, 2026-06-16. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/three-quarters-softball-leads-way-with-3-teams-left-in-fina-e3eef60b