The Nansemond-Suffolk Academy golf team had a first-time experience this season on Tuesday — it lost.

The Saints had racked up 12 consecutive wins this season going into Tuesday’s showdown with Norfolk Academy at Elizabeth Manor Golf and Country Club, but the Bulldogs prevailed 148-156.

“We were up halfway through the match,” NSA coach Katie Murphy said.

But she said Nansemond-Suffolk senior Will Comer fell to his knees with back pain during the match, and his injury limited the Saints’ potency on the links.

Despite the loss, NSA junior Thomas Meyers finished as co-medalist with Naomi Mitchell of Norfolk Academy; both of them shot an even-par 35 during the nine-hole match.

“Thomas is playing really well for a junior,” Murphy said. “He’s just very even-keeled.”

She said he got it done at the state tournament last year, which the Saints won, and the team “couldn’t do without him right now.”

As for Tuesday’s loss, she said, “I’m not too worried about it,” remaining confident in her golfers.

The team returns Meyers and seniors Keith Cooper, Zach Roberts and Comer from last year’s team that won the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division II state championship.

The Saints have a chance to repeat this year.

“They know how special this season could be,” Murphy said. “In the first poll from the VISAA, they were ranked No. 1 in Division II.”

The position of No. 1 golfer on the team this year has rotated between Comer, Cooper and Meyers.

Murphy said Cooper brings strong leadership to the team, while Comer has stepped up his game to a new mental level.

Showing special promise for the future is sophomore Robert Joyner.

“Robert is definitely going to be a crucial part of this team next year,” Murphy said. “I fully expect him to be probably the No. 2 to Thomas’s (No.) 1 next year.”

Nansemond-Suffolk (12-1, 4-1) hosts Cape Henry Collegiate School on Friday afternoon.