NATCHEZ &045; Some folks spell relief: R-O-L-A-I-D-S.

Alexis Rather had it in the form of fellow Mississippi Women’s Golf Association State Amateur competitor Niki Peel.

Peel, who lost to Renee Chastain in the quarters Wednesday before Chastain beat Rather Thursday, was Rather’s high school golf coach her freshman and sophomore years.

&uot;We’ve known each other for a long time,&uot; Rather, 18, said of Peel. &uot;She played well here and made it to the quarters. She kept me calm throughout the round, and my head in the game.&uot;

Peel said she didn’t have to do much. Rather has played in a lot of tournaments and knows how to remain on an even keel from tee to green for 18 holes, Peel said.

&uot;I think she handled herself great,&uot; she added. &uot;I don’t think I said anything to help her. Hopefully, I gave her the support she needed at any time.&uot;

Peel, who played golf in the early 1990s at Ole Miss, said the soon-to-be LSU product is playing some of her best golf.

It was obvious to everyone how much winning a State Am championship means to Rather when afterward, her throat trembled with complimentary and appreciative words.

&uot;It means a lot to any female golfer in the state. It’s been a long week from the qualifying round to here,&uot; Peel said. &uot;Once you get there, win or lose, (emotions) catch up with you. Anybody playing this game in the state wants this title.&uot;

QUOTE OF THE TOURNAMENT &045; Championship consolation flight winner Lou Hart had this to say about the hospitality everyone received at Beau Pr: &uot;You know you’re wanted at a place when there are only two restrooms, both have ‘Ladies’ written on them and the men are using the port-a-potty out back.&uot;