Cassi Laberdee is feeling no pain these days, and after what she's been through, that is a very good thing.

Clay's senior right-hander suffered a torn labrum lifting weights prior to her sophomore season and had shoulder surgery followed by months of rehab.

“I had surgery on Oct. 9, 2008 and it was a long recovery,” Laberdee recalled. “Probably six months. It was horrible. I couldn't do anything. I was just so out of shape. I was behind (Clay pitchers) Kasey Graham and Erin Screptock and it was just a really bad time for me.”

Missing time on the mound was difficult for the 5-foot-6 Laberdee, who plays first base when she isn't pitching. Laberdee was a second-team All-City League selection last year behind her senior teammate, Graham, who was voted CL Pitcher of the Year.

“Cassi is extremely competitive,” Clay coach Brenda Radabaugh said. “When given a challenge, she will work her butt off to achieve the goal. She is positive with her teammates, but very hard on herself. I'm proud of the way she has matured as a player. She has worked hard on the mental part of the game and has improved immensely at keeping her emotions in check.”

Laberdee made the Eagles' varsity squad as a sophomore but didn't see much action. She said she got a medical release to play about halfway through the 2009 season.

“I had to stay for practice every day and do this whole routine to get back in the swing of things,” Laberdee said. “I pitched a couple games just to get back into it.”

Her confidence returned last season and she played a big role in Clay's run to the CL title.

“That summer (of 2009) is when I really started getting back into things,” Laberdee said. “I had a lot more confidence. Knowing I was behind Kasey was kind of rough. My sophomore year she and I were both on jayvee and we split time. We've always been right there together, neck and neck. After my surgery, she surpassed me.”

Laberdee has taken over the “staff ace” role previously held by Graham, who is now pitching at Owens Community College.

“I was kind of prepared for it,” said Laberdee, who is 4-1 with a 1.65 ERA this season for the Eagles (7-2, 3-1 CL). I knew I had some big shoes to fill and I kind of wanted to make a name for myself. I wanted to prove to everyone that we would be able to compete without Kasey.

“I'm starting to do better. I started out a little bit rough. Against Notre Dame, I could have pitched a better game. My accuracy wasn't there. It's been a long winter but I'm starting to come through now. I'm excited to start playing Whitmer and St. Ursula.”

Laberdee, who bats fourth in the lineup, threw a one-hit shutout against Central Catholic on April 12. She said her pitching coach for almost two years has been former Clay pitcher Brandy Holmes, the older sister of current Eagles outfielder/shortstop Danielle Holmes.

“I've played with Danielle since I was 12, in travel ball,” Laberdee said. “I've always been close with her family. Her sister is a really good pitcher. I kind of throw like her. I admire her and I really wanted her as my pitching coach.”

Laberdee said she rarely feels any pain in her throwing shoulder, and yet no matter how well she throws or feels, it's rarely good enough. Her competitive nature usually shows up.

“I always want to do my best, the best I can do,” Laberdee said. “I've been like that since I started pitching at 10. When I don't do my best, it's kind of hard to grasp because I've never been one to settle for less than my best. I get that from my mom (Lisa), for sure.”

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