NATCHEZ &045; No champion enjoys falling short of being able to defend their title.

But the round 2002 Mississippi Women’s Golf Association State Amateur winner Amanda Mathis saw in her semifinal match from opponent Alexis Rather was worth the defeat.

&uot;We’ve butted heads in matches a couple times, and I’m glad she played so well,&uot; said Mathis, who lost 3 and 2. &uot;I was hitting the ball the same, just as good. I had some unlucky shots, but (Rather) was awesome.&uot;

Chances are, though, this isn’t the end of the friendly rivalry between Mathis and Rather. Both will play in the Southeastern Conference next year with Mathis headed to Starkville and Mississippi State, and Rather destined for LSU.

&uot;I’ve had a good year leading into college,&uot; said Mathis, who won the Girls State Junior in Meridian last week. &uot;I feel my game is ready to compete in the SEC I’m glad I got beat by someone who was playing so awesome.

&uot;I told her I’d see her in October or November, and we’ll match up there. I enjoyed my junior career competing against Alexis.&uot;

RAIN RAIN, GO AWAY &045; When asked whether or not the rain shower that came out of nowhere, and left in a hurry, affected their respective championship flight semifinal matches, the golfers response was a resounding, &uot;Ugh!&uot;

Alexis Rather was putting together a gaudy round when the air horn sounded, interrupting play for more than half-an-hour.

&uot;I was kind of put out. It happened because I was 2-under going into five, and I didn’t want to stop,&uot; Rather said. &uot;But I guess I did go back out there a little more focused.&uot;

Rather came back and three of the last four holes, including Nos. 8 and 9, to go up three on Amanda Mathis.

FEDEX DELIVERY &045; Nine-time State Am winner Cissye Gallagher didn’t want to leave Natchez late Wednesday due to a loss in the championship flight semifinal match to Renee Chastain.

However, the earlier-than-expected dismissal meant she could make husband Jim Gallagher Jr.’s tee time at the FedEx St. Jude Classic on the PGA Tour in Memphis, Tenn., today.

&uot;It’s been wonderful. The chance to be with him and our kids during his career has meant a lot to both of us,&uot; said Cissye Gallagher. &uot;My golf game has probably suffered a little bit, but that’s OK.&uot;

The couple, who met through Jim’s sister that played golf with Cissye at LSU, has children ages 3, 6, 9 and 11, but only the oldest Mary Langdon has taken up golf recently

&uot;I let (Mary Langdon Gallagher) go to the state juniors last week (in Meridian) where she played good,&uot; Cissye Gallagher said. &uot;She?s a good little player. We just don?t want any of our kids to hate (golf).&uot;