The Nansemond-Suffolk Academy golf team experienced the agony of defeat in Monday’s Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division II state championship at The Manor Golf Club in Farmville.

Last year, the Saints won the state title by a single stroke, and this year, they were on the opposite end of the same margin.

“It was very, very tough, physically, emotionally, mentally,” NSA coach Katie Murphy said on Tuesday. “It was a long day yesterday, pace of play was quite slow.”

The six-hour round ended with Carlisle School producing a score of 329, while NSA shot a 330.

“We just didn’t get it done,” Murphy said.

And Carlisle got it done in some of the most epic proportions imaginable on the links. While its No. 4 player produced a score of 98, which would have left it well behind the Saints, its No. 5 player hit a hole-in-one on No. 16, helping him finish with an 85. It was just enough to clinch the state title.

“What a great memory for him,” Murphy said of the hole-in-one hitter. “I have nothing but respect for Carlisle School.”

Though her players were very disappointed, Murphy said, “I was very impressed and happy with how well they handled themselves yesterday. Their sportsmanship is second-to-none.”

For Nansemond-Suffolk, junior Thomas Meyers shot a six-over-par 78, senior Keith Cooper shot a 79, senior Will Comer shot an 82 and senior Zach Roberts shot a 91.

Murphy said she was sad for her seniors, but noted that in the last four years at states, the Saints have placed first twice.

In terms of what the seniors leave behind, “I don’t think anybody in their right mind is going to question the legacy,” Murphy said.

NSA finished with a 14-3 regular season record this year and took third in the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools championship.