Molly Huberty never has to look far to see how her younger sister is doing.
She only has to glance one court over.
Molly and Bridget Huberty have claimed neighboring spots in the Monticello girls tennis lineup this fall, with freshman Molly playing No. 3 singles and eighth grader Bridget holding down the No. 4 position.
Together, the sisters are making their mark on a young Magic team that has raced to a 13-3 record, including a 5-0 start in Mississippi 8 Conference play.
Monticello freshman Molly Huberty delivers a backhand for the Magic in an August match.
Photo by Erin Holker
“We’re doing pretty well,” Molly said. “We’ve got no seniors on varsity, and I’m very surprised at how well we’ve done.”
Molly, the older of the two, joined the varsity team last season. Her growing love for tennis eventually drew Bridget to the sport, putting the sisters on the same team once again.
They were already accustomed to playing alongside each other after growing up on the same lacrosse and soccer teams. When Bridget decided to try out for tennis, she had an experienced practice partner and guide waiting for her.
“She’s helped me with practicing and working up my confidence,” Bridget said.
The sisters bring contrasting styles to the court. Molly plays left-handed, while Bridget is right-handed. They also rely on different strengths during matches, making each a difficult opponent in her own way.
The decision to put both sisters in the singles lineup has paid off for Monticello.
Sisters Bridget Huberty, left, and Molly Huberty have helped the young Magic girls tennis team race to a 13-3 record, including a 5-0 start in Mississippi 8 Conference play. The sisters each won 15 of their first 16 matches.
Photo by Zane Douglas
Molly played 15 of her first 16 matches at No. 3 singles and won all 15. Her only loss came while playing doubles against Delano. One of Molly’s singles wins came by forfeit when Fridley did not field an opponent at No. 3 singles.
Molly has dropped only one singles set all season. After losing the opening set to Alexandria’s Bentley Kriel, she rallied to win the next two and preserve her undefeated singles record.
That sustained success has come from Molly’s ability to remain patient and outlast opponents. Earlier this season, she won a 36-shot rally — a fitting example of the persistence she brings to the court.
Her first serve is another strength, while she continues to work on improving her second serve and approach shots.
Bridget has enjoyed similar success during her first varsity season, compiling a 15-1 record at No. 4 singles.
Her lone loss came against Litchfield’s Tayah Damerow in a three-set match decided by a 10-point tiebreaker. Damerow prevailed 10-8 in the final frame.
Bridget’s game is built around defense and effort. Monticello coach Jill Kedrowski said the eighth grader hustles after every ball, consistently keeps points alive and uses a strong serve to gain an advantage.
Bridget also does a good job of driving the ball deep into the court. Kedrowski believes she can reach another level as she becomes stronger and adds more pace to her shots.
“They’re very competitive off the court and on the court in any drill,” Kedrowski said. “They’re super competitive girls, and it’s great to have them as teammates.”
That competitive streak extends beyond organized practices and matches.
The sisters have a built-in practice partner at home and regularly hit together outside of team activities. Kedrowski said they will sometimes ride their scooters to the courts to practice.
“The most amazing thing about the Hubertys is they come to the courts a lot of times, they ride their scooters together, they’re always out hitting,” Kedrowski said.
Monticello’s No. 4 singles player Bridget Huberty hits a backhand in a match against Chisago Lakes. Huberty won 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 to earn a point for the Magic in a 4-3 team win.
Photo by Jared Hines
When the sisters face each other, Molly usually holds the advantage. Bridget, however, is never far behind.
Their development reflects the youth throughout Monticello’s varsity lineup. Bridget is the youngest player on the team. Molly and doubles player Hope Vergin are both freshmen.
The Magic do not have a senior on the roster, meaning much of the team could remain together for several seasons.
Molly and Bridget still have areas of their games they want to improve, but time is on their side. Molly has three more high school seasons remaining after this year, while Bridget has four.
They are already giving Monticello an advantage at No. 3 and No. 4 singles. In 14 of the Magic’s first 16 matches, both sisters won, giving the team two points from their singles positions.
With their family cheering from the sidelines and one another competing just a court away, the Huberty sisters are growing into key pieces of Monticello’s present and future.