WELLS — Set to defend its Gopher Valley Conference title, the United South Central girls’ tennis team won its league opener Thursday 6-1 over LeCenter-Cleveland-Montgomery-Lonsdale in Wells.

“We got off to a slow start, but the Rebels demonstrated patience and persistence to turn things around and serve up success,” Rebels coach Jill Bailey said. “It was an exciting win for the Rebels since we had plenty of fans there to support us for fan night.”

The Rebels came from behind to win three 3-set matches. At No. 2 singles, Robin Staloch dropped her first set 6-4 before winning 6-2, 6-2. The Rebels’ fourth singles player Linsey Thisius fell behind in a 6-3 loss before rattling off 6-3 and 7-5 set wins, and the No. 1 doubles team of Monica Bye and Kia Legred lost their opening set 7-5 before winning 6-2, 6-2.

The Rebels’ chance at a shutout came when the No. 2 singles tandem of Joyce Rubio and Deanna Shellen lost 7-5, 3-6, 7-6.

Bailey said following the match eight players were recognized as part of the Total Tennis Club for their commitment to tennis during the summer. Members of the 50-hour club are Kia Legred, Wendy Martinez, Kelly Neubauer and Adriana Soto, and members of the 100-hour club are Monica Bye, Claire Christian, Julia Stenzel and Linsey Thisius.

The Rebels (4-5, 1-0 Gopher Valley) play again at 4:30 p.m. Monday against Martin County West in Wells.