This wasn’t the start first-year head coach Kim Johnson had envisioned for her defending section champion team, but the United South Central girls tennis team took a big step in righting the ship Saturday with a third place finish at the New Prague Invitation.

The Rebels have stumbled out of the blocks to a 0-2 start and Friday Johnson discussed the state of affairs with her team. The pep talk paid off as several players picked up their games during the invitation Saturday against some stiff competition. The invitational featured Minnetonka, New London-Spicer, Glencoe, Faribault, Orono, Roseau, and New Prague. Minnetonka won the competition with 38 points and Orono was second with 26. USC finished third with 21.5 points.

The third place finish was an encouraging sign for Johnson.

“It felt good to finally get third place,” Johnson said. “I think everyone played really well, they were more relaxed than they had been.”

At No. 2 singles Taylor Allis put together a solid day to take home third place after dropping her first two matches of the year to Austin and Albert Lea.

“Taylor Allis finally got some wins,” Johnson said. “She’s had two matches and that was good to see her take a win. Her loss was to Minnetonka, and she came out saying that was a lot of fun because the girl was really good.”

Kellie Robbins and Molly Yokiel continued their strong start at No. 1 doubles as they won three straight matches to win No. 1 doubles spot in the tournament. Robbins and Yokiel won their first match 7-5, 6-2 against New London-Spicer and then defeated Roseau 6-3, 6-0. Against Minnetonka in the final Robbins and Yokiel went 6-4, 6-4 to clinch the win.

USC picked up three consolation wins at the invitational. The No. 3 doubles team of Megan Allis and Dani Roberts won the consolation championship for USC and Katie Lorenz also won the consolation championship at No. 4 singles. Ali Ramsely won in the consolation bracket to finish fifth on the day at No. 3 singles.

The weekend tournament was a good break for the Rebels who needed some regain their composure after a rough week. The break is short-lived, however, as USC faces Owatonna today in Wells.

“It’s not shocking but it’s hard to lose two,” Johnson said. “We have to look forward not behind.”