A 1-2 mark is how the Hays Rebels closed their hosting duties at the annual Rebel Cup tournament, which signaled the start of the program’s 2018 season.

The Rebels started tournament play Jan. 4 with a hard-fought 4-3 win over the Akins Eagles.

The game stayed tight for the first half, ending with the Rebels trailing at halftime 2-1.

The deficit was beneficial for the Rebels, as it gave them an early dose of adversity to kick off the season. Sophomore Gerardo Rodriguez responded and put the t...