Lansing Sun

Michigan State University's goalkeeper, Lyra Gavino, has been recognized as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week. This accolade was announced on October 28, following her impressive performances in recent matches.

Gavino played a crucial role in Michigan State's 2-1 overtime win against Iowa last Friday by making ten saves. She then equaled her career-best with 17 saves in a match against Northwestern on Sunday. During the first half against Northwestern, she made 11 saves to maintain a scoreless game despite facing 43 shot attempts overall.

The sophomore goalkeeper leads all Big Ten keepers in shots faced (252) and saves (97), and ranks second in minutes played (997). In conference games, Gavino's 67 saves are nearly double those of Annabel Skubisz from Northwestern, who is second with 38. Her save percentage of .779 in conference play ranks third, while she has faced more shots (155) than any other keeper, surpassing Iowa's Mia Magnotta who has faced 105.

This season, Gavino has recorded four double-digit save performances. She set her career-high of 17 saves last Sunday during an overtime loss at Penn State and had previously made ten saves against both Iowa and Miami.

Michigan State will conclude its regular season with an away game at Indiana this Friday.