Providing back-to-back memorable runs inside Treadway Gymnasium, the Elizabethton High School Lady Cyclone program knows how to put up a stalwart defense.
Just ask Mary Beth Biggs.
The junior libero player recently earned top honors as the Three Rivers Conference Defensive Specialist of the Year for 2016 after the Lady Cyclones wrapped up their second straight berth into the regional tournament.
“Mary Beth is just a go-getter,” Lady Cyclone head coach Leslee Bradley said. “She started out her freshman year as a setter. The setter is in charge of the offense, the libero is in charge of the defense so Mary Beth has been able to fill both roles for us. She’s great at reading the game and making good decisions. She can read what the other team can do and I’m just super proud of her being recognized for her accomplishment.”
When news broke, a bit of surprise overtook the Lady Cyclone.
“Being the defensive specialist throughout the entire conference is just shocking to me,” Biggs said with a smile. “I just want to give all the glory to God. He’s helped my out throughout this entire season. He’s the one that gave me the ability to play a sport I love since the sixth grade.
“I also want to give all the glory to my coaches and teammates,” she continued. “I couldn’t anything without them. They’ve given me a lot of encouragement, along with my family and friends that support us by coming to the games.”
Elizabethton High School made history during the 2015 campaign by clinching their first berth into the regional tournament. And with 2016 reaping the same rewards, Bradley, who earned the Three Rivers Conference Coach of the Year honor, credited her team’s dedication.
“We’ve had two great runs in the postseason, back-to-back years,” Bradley said. “Your upperclassmen provide that for you. The last two senior classes have brought different things to the table for us. They have been real good competitors and have really just gone after it and been real dedicated to the sport.”
Biggs falls into the category, Bradley added, as she prepares for her senior campaign.
And while the season is at its end, the excitement is already brewing for 2017, Biggs said.
“The progress over the past two years has been amazing,” she said. “We’ve had a real strong team last year. This year … we all worked together and came together like family. It was a fun experience.
“I think next year, we’ll have a great team,” she continued. “With all the underclassmen coming up … we had a great freshman team this year, too. I think with all the freshmen coming up, they’ll step up and I think we’ll have a good varsity team.”