CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. (Jan. 4, 2009) -- Alexis Thompson is fast becoming the women's amateur golfer to watch, despite the fact she is only 14 years old. Last year she became second-youngest winner of the U.S. Girls' Junior at 13 years, 5 months, and was the runner-up for the American Junior Golf Association's Rolex Player of the Year title.

This year, Thompson got her 2009 off to a strong start by making a run at winning her second straight Dixie Women's Amateur in her hometown of Coral Springs, Fla., only to be turned back by a stroke by Auburn University junior Candace Schepperle.

Schepperle, a Birmingham native, entered the final day at Heron Bay Golf Club with a five-stroke lead after three consecutive rounds in the 60's, but could only manage a 70 on the final day of play.

Thompson made her move with a 6-under 66 final round, but fell one stroke short.

Schepperle finished at 14-under-par 274 (69-66-69-70) while Thompson finished at 13-under 275 (73-67-69-66).

"I’m very happy, it has been a while since I have won and I am very excited to have that under my belt," Schepperle told WHNT Huntsville. "I have been in that situation a lot, so it is nice to come out on top.

"This whole week was simple for me, I can’t really pinpoint too many thoughts that went through my head. I just tried to get back into the swing of things, back into golfing and playing tournaments."

Both golfers finished 2008 tied for the 19th in the amateurgolf.com - Bridgestone Golf Women's Player of the Year race, tallying 1400 points.

Carlie Yadloczky of Casselberry, Fla., took third at 11-under 277, while Kristina Wong and Annie Park tied for fourth at 9-under 279.

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