Vineyard seniors say goodbye to their teammates on senior night against Marshfield on Saturday. —Nicholas Vukota

The Martha’s Vineyard High School girls hockey team celebrated their seniors at home on Saturday before facing off against the Marshfield High School Rams. Despite a gritty effort, the Vineyarders fell 2-1 in a down-to-the-wire matchup.

Prior to the puck drop, MVRHS Head Coach Mallory Watts delivered a heartfelt message to the seniors and their families as the senior players made their way down a line of teammates and friends, hugging and saying farewell.

On the ice, the Vineyarders fought with a will. After going down 1-0 in the first, Mackenna Metell, No. 9, tied the game with a goal assisted by Hannah Wansiewicz, No. 24, and Abigail Geary, No. 14, late in the second period. However, Marshfield capitalized on a power-play opportunity, scoring with 51 seconds left in the second to take a 2-1 lead.

Goaltender Alyssa Viera, No. 1, had a standout performance, stopping some key Marshfield scoring opportunities to keep the game within reach. In the final moments, the Vineyarders pulled their goalie to create a six-on-five advantage, pressing for an equalizer, but Marshfield held on for the win.

The Vineyarders will have a chance to bounce back when they travel to face Marshfield again on Wednesday for a 5:20 pm puck drop in Kingston.