SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.- The Hobart College tennis team was defeated by 22nd-ranked Skidmore 7-2 in its Liberty League opener this afternoon.  The loss drops the Statesmen to 6-4 and 0-1 in the Liberty League, while the Thoroughbreds improve to 7-5 and 5-0 in conference play.
 
Skidmore took control of the contest, winning two of the three doubles matches. Junior Harry Nichols and sophomore Jonathan Atwater defeated Nils Akesson and Travis Leaf 8-2 at No. 3.
 
The Thoroughbreds won five of the six singles matches in straight sets. First-year Alan Dubrovsky defeated Lucas Pickering 7-6 (9-7), 6-4 to earn a point for the Statesmen at No. 3. Dubrovsky is on a four-match win streak and is a team-best 12-4 this year in singles play.
 
Hobart will be back in action tomorrow when it hosts St. Lawrence. The Liberty League match is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the HWS Tennis Center.