When bracket play began Saturday at the Subway Classic Tournament in Marshall, the United South Central volleyball team found new life.

The Rebels were 0-2 in pool play on Friday after being swept by Windom and Westbrook-Walnut Grove.

However, USC bounced back the next day in bracket play with 2-1 wins over Springfield (11-15 overall, 2-4 Tomahawk Conference) and Hibbing (4-12 overall, 1-3 Iron Range Conference) to qualify for the tournament championship match against Renville County West (7-13-2 overall, 2-7 Camden Conference).

After losing Game 1 against Springfield, the Rebels were on the brink of elimination with a 20-11 deficit in Game 2. However, USC coach Amy Anderson said her team rallied to win with a 15-4 run to force Game 3. The Rebels won the match with a 15-10 victory in Game 3.

“Saturday was a good day for us to pick up momentum and realize we can produce some wins,” said Anderson.

After Renville County West won 25-11 in Game 1, USC bounced back by winning 25-14 in Game 2. The Jaguars won the match and the tournament with a 15-11 victory in Game 3.

During bracket play, the Rebels were led by Anissa Janzig, who had 29 kills and 18 blocks. Kendall Stenzel posted a team-high 19 assists, and Taylor Steckelberg added 29 digs and eight kills.

Next, USC (5-13-1 overall, 1-4 Gopher Conference) will play at 7:15 today at St. Clair (8-10 overall, 5-3 Valley Conference).