The Nansemond-Suffolk Academy golf team narrowly lost the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools tournament to Cape Henry Collegiate School by the score of 304-305 at Kiskiack Golf Club in Williamsburg on Monday.

NSA head coach Katie Murphy was looking at the big picture after the match. She noted that the 2012 Saints team that went on to win the state championship not only lost the TCIS tourney, but actually placed third.

She knew that her players were disappointed to miss by a shot, but she said, “There’s nothing to be ashamed about it.”

Nansemond-Suffolk, playing in Division II, will not have to face Cape Henry at the state level since it is a Division I school. Its main competition will likely be Greenbrier Christian Academy, which placed third on Monday with a score of 316.

“I was very happy that they played well against Greenbrier,” Murphy said.

The Saints will play in the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association state tournament on Monday at the Lake Chesdin Golf Club in Richmond.