FLORENCE, S.C.--- Chattanooga got off to a great start and then held on to defend its 2007 title at the Southern Conference Men's Golf Championship at the Country Club of South Carolina in Florence.  The Mocs shot a final round 294 (+6) to finish at 865 (+1), eight strokes ahead of runner-up College of Charleston.

“It was not the prettiest win, but I'll take it,” said Head Coach Mark Guhne.  “We got off to a good start and then held on.  It was not easy, but golf seldom is.  I'm proud of the effort.

“Anytime you are considered the best in your conference, it is a great statement about your program,” added Guhne.

UTC was five-under par on its round after nine holes with a 12-shot lead.  Then the wind and rain settled in making scoring tougher, but the Mocs held on for the championship.  The win is the Mocs fifth title on the season, a new school record.

“It was a goal of ours coming into the season,” added Guhne.  “Now, it's on to regionals to try to accomplish another goal.”

Ben Rickett entered the day with a one-shot lead for medalist honors.  A final round 74 (+2) left him four shots shy of winning the tournament as he finished 215 (-1) behind repeat winner Matt Cook (-5/211) of Western Carolina.

The Mocs place four players in the top 10, and a fifth in the top 15.  Derek Rende (72 today), J.T. Clendenin (74) and Fredrik Qvicker (75) each finished at two-over par 218, tied for seventh.  Jonathan Hodge carded a 74 to complete the championship tied for 14th with a total of 220 (+4).

The Mocs receive the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Regionals.  UTC hosts the East Regional at Council Fire Golf Club May 15-17.

NOTES

>Mark Guhne and Jonathan Hodge repeat as conference Coach and Player of the Year.  Joining Hodge on the all-conference team are Derek Rende (repeat), Fredrik Qvicker and Ben Rickett.

>There were just three sub-par rounds in the final round in the 50-player field.  UTC had four in the second round alone. 

>Ben Rickett (-2) led the field in scoring on par fours.  J.T. Clendenin (-7) tied for first in scoring on the par fives.

>TOURNAMENT FIELD (Golfweek/Sagarin Ratings Index):  (12) CHATTANOOGA, (71) Western Carolina, (90) Furman, (96) Georgia Southern, (97) College of Charleston, (124) Elon, (136) UNC Greensboro, (177) Wofford, (193) Appalachian State, (220) Davidson (Golfweek/Sagarin Ratings - 4/13).

>TOP RANKED PLAYERS IN THE FIELD (Golfweek/Sagarin Ratings Index):  (27) JONATHAN HODGE, CHATTANOOGA, (68) DEREK RENDE, CHATTANOOGA, (85) FREDRIK QVICKER, CHATTANOOGA