Of the rookies, Wojcik says, “they’ve all come in from day one and really competed to raise the level of talent on the team, but also for playing time and roles on the team,

he adds. “We have high expectations for them, and we expect them to be major contributors over the course of their four years.”

Early on in the season, the rookies are simply trying to learn as much as they can.

“It’s different coming through high school,” Jahelka explains. “As a senior, you’ve been there four years, you’re kind of more of a teacher. When you get to college, you’re back to being a student....The game’s a lot quicker; everything is a lot faster. You have to comprehend more things on the fly. I’m like a sponge trying to absorb all the tips and tricks of the trade.”

As a whole, the talented group of freshmen has the Crimson poised to finally get back to the NCAA tournament after having its bubble popped following a loss in the Ivy title game last season.

“Everyone in that locker room wants to win a national championship,” Jahelka says. “All the little things add up to that goal of playing Memorial Day weekend.”

—Staff writer Scott A. Sherman can be reached at ssherman13@college.harvard.edu.