Colette Murray has the kind of problem that coaches dream about but also gives them nightmares.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga women’s golf coach has six players primed for the Southern Conference tournament that starts Sunday.
But only five can participate.
“I don’t know what I’ll do yet,” Murray said Tuesday after collecting the inaugural Chattanooga Classic team trophy. “Everyone played pretty well.”
Junior Isabella Loza played the best for UTC. She shot a 3-over-par 219 for the 54-hole tournament, which included at least 18 holes in miserable conditions Monday.
Loza placed fourth behind medalist Morgan Ransom of Vanderbilt — who played as an individual and shot a 2-under 214 — Melania Bajo Geijo of Jacksonville State and Irina Gabasa of Vanderbilt.
“It was just a combination of everything,” said Loza, who shot an even-par 72 at Council Fire Golf Club on Tuesday. “This tournament was preparation for conference. So we all wanted to play well and be in a good place. I think we’re good.”
Junior Emily McLennan tied for fifth at 220, and senior Agathe Sauzon tied for ninth at 8 over. Freshman Cristina Perez shot a 228 playing for the team, and junior individual Sarah Dolmovich shot 227, including a 73 on Tuesday.
“Sarah has been in and out of the lineup and fighting to get back in it,” Murray said. “I really like the five I played this week and I’m confident with my five. But she just handed me a 73.
“I’ve got some thinking to do. I know somebody is going to be hurt.”
The Mocs cruised in their SoCon tuneup on one of their home courses. UTC shot an 887, which beat runner-up Central Arkansas by 15 strokes. Lee University placed fifth and Dalton State placed 10th.
“It was great of Colette to have us play,” Lee coach John Maupin said. “We have (Gulf South) conference in a couple weeks, so maybe that will now seem a little less challenging.”
Ransom, the medalist, hopes to be playing in the Southeastern Conference tournament. Winning goes a long way toward getting into a lineup, or at least into a qualifier.
“I had hurt my wrist last Tuesday and hadn’t hit a ball for a week,” said Ransom, who won for the first time in her college career. “I walked the course, took notes and chipped and putted. I also came out here with a positive attitude.”
Murray has a positive problem.
Contact David Uchiyama at duchiyama@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6484. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/UchiyamaCTFP.