High School Extra/ GI lax opens with win

The skills that made Andy LaLonde a standout in football and wrestling are serving him well in lacrosse. The Grand Island senior had three goals as the Vikings opened Tuesday with an 8-6 win at St. Joe's .

LaLonde was a Connolly Cup finalist in football and a Niagara Frontier League all-star at 152 pounds in wrestling. Among his responsibilities in lacrosse is taking faceoffs. "Usually for faceoffs you need someone with good hands, who's quick with good balance," said coach Steve Steck, "He's got a lot of stick-to-ness. A lot of great faceoff men are also great wrestlers. He's a good athlete, a tough kid."

GI jumped out to a 4-0 lead, and led, 5-2, at halftime. The Vikings held a three-goal margin most of the game before St. Joe's closed within two goals with 42 seconds left.