HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - The Delta State University men's golf team teed off this morning at the Hot Springs Golf and Country Club with one thing in mind - returning the Gulf South Conference Championship to Cleveland.  The Statesmen haven't won the title since 2005, but solid play over the past three tournaments has put the green-and-white into contention at this year's event.  The two-day tournament will conclude on Tuesday, April 20. 

"We're excited about our chances this week," head coach Sam Dunning stated.  "We've lowered our scores in the last few outings and I believe our guys can make a run at this thing."

Chase Smith, a junior from Vicksburg, will lead the charge for the Statesmen.  Smith claimed Individual Medalist honors at the UNA Spring Invitational after taking home the tournament title with a 69 in the final round.  He helped the Statesmen to second place overall against some of the top competition in the South Region. 

Monday's action got under way at 8 a.m. Results from each day's round will be available on GoStatesmen.com and on the official website for the GSC - www.gulfsouthconference.org.