To call it a must-win for Penn State might have been a bit extreme. It was more of a probably-should-win this early in the season.

But the Nittany Lions dispelled some of their doubters Saturday, avoiding a 1-4 start by defeating then-No. 5 Yale 10-6 at Panzer Stadium. It took a complete defensive effort, but it was Aleric Fyock who stole the show with 21 saves. He held Yale to one second-half goal to earn USA Lacrosse Magazine Division I Men’s Player of the Week honors.

Other than a two-save outing in a season-opening win over Lafayette (a game in which he was pulled), Fyock has been steady. He’s posted 13, 15, 15 and 21 saves in his last four games, respectively.

Jordan Johnson of Blaxers Blog, in a content partnership with USA Lacrosse Magazine, featured Fyock and his family in November.

PREVIOUS WINNERS

• Feb. 8: Griffin McGinley, Mount St. Mary’s

• Feb. 15: Patrick Daly, Villanova

• Feb. 22: Jack Myers, Ohio State