Unfortunately, the men fell to Luther 7-2 the following day.

Men’s competition in the MIAC is incredibly even early in the season. While many teams boast returning starters and rely on experience, St. Olaf has adopted a different tactic.

With two starting first years, Curran and Brandenburg, already starting for St. Olaf in their debut collegiate season, the Oles rely on a combination of fresh talent and experience to compete.

“We have a really young team,” head coach Scott Nesbit said.

To help his young players develop and acclimate to collegiate competition, and help his seasoned veterans develop their game, Nesbit reorganized practices to emphasize drills and match play.

“You need both,” Nesbit said. “You need drills to develop skills, and you can’t improve without playing matches, so we’ve emphasized both this season.”

The St. Olaf men will see just how effective those practice sessions are when then host Hamline March 5 at 11 a.m.

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