The Hobart College squash team will host Colgate for its first match of the 2011-12 season on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 12:30 p.m. at the Smith Squash Center. Head Coach Tim Riskie begins his first season at the helm of the squash program.

The Statesmen wrapped up the 2010-11 season earning a second place finish in the Conroy Cup, the “D” Division of the College Squash Association Team Championships. Hobart returns 10 players from last season's roster, and lost four seniors, Luke Esselen, Grant Palermo, Carl Ranieri and Dan Sills, to graduation.

This year's six seniors, Grant Becari, Henry Buck, Corey Kabot, Oliver Katz, Kevin Kent and Willis Stephens will be an important factor in the Statesmen's success this season.

“We will focus on keeping energy levels high, staying focused and staying competitive,” Riskie said. “I'll really be looking to the six seniors for their leadership and experience. It will be important for them to help us work through these challenges throughout the season.”

Kabot, one of Hobart's three captains, will return after spending last semester studying abroad in Rome. He played six matches at the No. 1 spot in the 2010 fall semester, and will look to lead the Statesmen at the top spot this season.

Kent, a tri-captain, will also return. He garnered All-Liberty honorable mention and led Hobart last winter with 10 victories. He posted a 10-10 record, including a 7-5 mark at No. 7. Junior tri-captain and first team All-Liberty League selection, Daniel Pelaez, will also be a strong force for the Statesmen. He played 14 matches at the top spot and six at No. 2 last season.

Junior Edgardo Gonzalez and sophomore William Boyle bring even more experience to the court for Hobart. Gonzalez played in all 20 matches last year, including 12 at the No. 6 spot. Boyle recorded a solid first season on the team, playing in all 20 matches. He picked up seven wins at No. 8.

Juniors Jose Alvarez, Eric DeRose and Julian Snider will also bring depth to the Statesmen lineup. First-years McGee O'Neil and Cesar Peralta have been working hard in preseason and will be fighting for a starting nod.

After taking on the Raiders, the Statesmen will compete in the 2011 Navy Round Robin in Annapolis, Md., Nov. 12-13. Hobart will also travel to Canton, N.Y., to compete in the 2011 Liberty League Championship tournament Nov. 19-20. The Statesmen will round out the fall semester, taking part in the Wesleyan Round Robin Dec. 3-4.