GENEVA, N.Y.-The Hobart College squash team dropped a pair of matches to nationally ranked opponents at the Smith Squash Center this past weekend. The Statesmen were defeated by 12th-ranked Western Ontario and 17th-ranked Franklin & Marshall 8-0. Hobart, which is ranked 27th in the country is now 4-7 overall this season.
 
On Saturday, Jan. 12, the Statesmen took on Western Ontario. The Mustangs won 3-0 in six of the eight matches. First-year Mohamed Abdelhafez and sophomore Quinn Udy forced four games at No. 1 and No. 2. Abdelhafez was bested 11-4, 10-12, 11-2, 11-9 and Udy was topped 11-8, 12-10, 10-12, 11-5.
 
The next day, Franklin & Marshall cruised past the Statesmen winning all eight matches 3-0. For the second straight day, Abdelhafez put up a strong fight in the No. 1 spot, but was bested 11-9, 11-3, 11-7.
 
Hobart will be back in action Jan. 26 when it travels to South Hadley, Mass., for a pair of matches against NESCAC opponents. The Statesmen will take on Bates and Tufts.