NORTHHAMPTON, Mass. - The Haverford College men's squash team gave 26th-ranked Hobart College a battle before falling 9-0 Friday on the opening day of the Pioneer Valley Invitational.

The Fords (2-9) received tremendous efforts across the board from several players in defeat. Junior Peter Boal at No.7, facing a 2-1 hole, pushed opponent Grant Bercari to the limit with a game four victory, 11-8, before dropping game five.

Two juniors put up good fights against the Statesmen (9-9) as Chris Tyson, at No.4, rallied from a 2-0 deficit to earn a hard-fought win in game three, 12-10, before falling in a tight game four, 11-8. Classmate Andy McComas, playing at No.2, dug deep to win game one by a 12-10 score before also losing in four games.

Freshman Jonathan Nguyen, playing in the No. 8 spot, dropped the first game but responded with an 11-4 game two victory to extend the match to four games in defeat.

No.42 Haverford faces a myriad of tough challenges throughout the weekend as the Invitational continues with matches slated against No. 19 Wesleyan University, No.20 Colby College, and No.21 Connecticut College.