It was an all-too-familiar beginning that finished with an unfamiliar ending.

Down by two goals at the end of a lackluster first quarter, the Penn State men's lacrosse team (2-4, 1-1 ECAC) scored six straight goals before halftime, ultimately defeating No. 12 Fairfield (5-1, 1-1), 10-7, for its first win over a ranked opponent this year.

"We knew it was going to be a physical and scrappy game," Penn State head coach Glenn Thiel said. "Those last three quarters were as competitive, physical and productive of the ones we've had, that's for sure. We didn't give them any big runs like we've given other teams. It was a great effort, great win."

Fairfield was ranked in the top 20 in six statistical categories entering the game, including a fifth-ranked average of 12.8 goals per game. Focusing on Fairfield attackers Mike Bocklet, who is ranked fourth in the nation with 5.0 goals per game, and Travis Nelson, who was ranked fifth with 4.8 goals per game, the Penn State defense prevented any serious offensive threat from the Stags. Bocklet and Nelson were held to one goal each.

The game was also a test of the Nittany Lions' physical strength. A total of 19 penalties were called, but Penn State's intensity didn't weaken. The defense prevented the Stags from making any late-game rallies, as they allowed opponents to do in losses to Loyola and Notre Dame.

"[Fairfield's] a very good offensive team. They move the ball well," Thiel said.

"We kept the shooters more on the perimeter because when they can bang it and get it on the doorstep, they can finish."

Rather, it was Penn State's offense that dominated. The Lions scored a single-game high 10 goals, behind Gil Pearsall's three goals and two assists. Pearsall returned to his usual position in the midfield with the return of attacker Max VanArsdale. Attacker Brian Boyle, returning from a concussion, added two goals of his own. Players back in their normal places, combined with good ball control, was vital to the offensive surge.

"Our line is starting to get back to where we were in the fall," Boyle said. "The guys just mesh well playing in our normal positions. The fact that we're spending more time in practice concentrating on catching, throwing, taking care of the ball results in goals."

The return of Boyle and VanArsdale, although neither are 100 percent healthy, help the team not only on the field, but the duo also improves confidence. As the Lions move into the second half of the season, having everyone healthy will undoubtedly help as the team tries to continue its winning ways.

"It's great having nobody on the bench [injured]," defender Devin Kennedy said. "Having everyone back, we're able to keep more players fresh. It's obviously boosted morale as well."