The Nansemond-Suffolk Academy girls’ basketball season came to an end with a state semifinals loss to Miller School Friday afternoon.

The Lady Saints fell one game short of making it to another state championship game after a 48-43 loss to Miller School. As the No. 6 seed in the tournament, NSA had a shot at another upset but ultimately fell short.

Miller has played in the last five state title games. In fact, NSA has lost to them twice in state championship games.

“The girls played really, really hard,” Coach Kim Aston said. “It was a hard way to lose after we had been battling back and forth all day long. But the girls worked extremely hard, and I’m proud of them.”

NSA started off the game with an impressive 12-2 lead after one quarter of play. In the second quarter, however, they were unable to keep up, only putting in five points while Miller put up 13. At halftime, NSA held a 17-15 lead.

In the third quarter, both teams battled it out as NSA went into the fourth with a 31-30 lead. After a couple of key makes and crucial turnovers from NSA, Miller was able to capitalize with an 18-point effort in the fourth that sealed the game.

“It’s a tough loss, because we were right there,” Aston said. “Alivia was a monster out there for us. I think they were stunned at how close we played them. The girls just played so hard, but overall it was a great season.”

Alivia Giles finished with what was arguably her best game of the season, pouring in 23 points and 20 rebounds to lead the way for the Lady Saints.

NSA finished the season with an 18-9 record.

Miller 48, NSA 43

M—Hunter 18, Wagner 15, Otero 6, Thompson 3, Johnson 2, Braxton 2, Woodard 2

NSA—Giles 23, Waddy 7, Reid 7, Council 6