Despite a promising beginning to the game, Saint-Clet-born wheelchair basketball player Rosalie Lalonde and her teammates ultimately lost to China 70-65 at the start of the Paralympic Games in Paris on Thursday.

Canada led 55-53 heading into the fourth quarter, but was outscored 17-10 in the final period. Team Canada made 50 per cent of its shots from the field, while China made 31 of 57.

Over the course of the game, Rosalie Lalonde tallied no fewer than 18 points, five rebounds and three assists.

“First of all, the atmosphere was electric and it's a special environment to train and play in,” said head coach Michele Sung. “I was really happy with our preparations; we stuck to the game plan. If this was our starting point, I'm really excited - we certainly have a lot to build on from this game.”

Rosalie Lalonde and her team will be back on the pitch this Saturday when they take on Great Britain.

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