Gananda opened its lacrosse season with a solid win against Gates Chili, claiming a 20-11 victory in a non-league game held at R Mann Elementary on Friday evening. Leading the charge for Gananda was sophomore Jase Smith, who contributed eleven goals and five assists, supported by Brody Daciw with five goals and three assists, and Mason Groh with two goals and five assists. Goalie Nick Falso played a steady game, saving fifty-four percent of shots faced (thirteen saves on eleven goals allowed).

Gates Chili`s standout performer was Michael Alley, who tallied six goals and one assist, while teammates Jayden Maryjanowski (two goals, two assists) and sophomore attackman Joshua Yakowitz (three goals) contributed to the team's efforts. Yakowitz celebrated a milestone, scoring his first Varsity goal during the match.

Gananda dominated the offensive stats, with thirty-five total shots, thirty on target, and thirteen assists, compared to Gates Chili's eighteen combined goals and assists. Alex Galka proved invaluable in faceoffs for Gananda, winning twenty-two and losing only seven. Despite the difference in score, Gates Chili showed resilience with a close fisrt quarter effort. The series history is close, now at four wins for Gananda and three for Gates Chili.

Gananda’s attack was bolstered by a well-rounded performance from its players, including Alex Galka (one goal), Jacob Wynne (one goal), and contributions in ground balls and faceoffs from Braeden Caviness, Daciw, and Galka. For Gates Chili, assists came from Colin Mancuso, Callaway Phommachanh, Gianni Salandy, and Demar Williams.

Gananda will face Livonia-Avon-Geneseo on Monday, while Gates Chili prepares to host Brockport on Tuesday. [ BOX SCORE]    - - Check out the images in the photo gallery.