The Martha’s Vineyard boys varsity hockey team lost to Nantucket 1-4 at Sunday’s game on home ice.

“I thought the boys actually played a really good game. It’s just mistakes get magnified against better teams,” said assistant coach Jack McGroarty.

Nantucket scored in the first period with a goal by Riley Williams, assisted by Cosmo Tedeschi. The Vineyard was caught on the defensive for the first period but stayed in the game thanks to four saves by Vineyard goalie Oliver Lively.

After the Zamboni cleared the ice for the second period, the Vineyard was called for cross-checking giving Nantucket a power play score by Williams, with an assist from Hudson Perry.

The second period proved even more harrowing for the Vineyard as Nantucket notched two follow-up goals: Hunter Strojny with an assist by Mike Culkins, and Cole Evans with another assist by Tedeschi.

By the end of the second period, it was 0-4 in favor of the Whalers.

During the third period, the Vineyard caught a break with a goal by Will Bruguiere, assisted by Nick BenDavid.

“In five-on-five situations, I think we need to do a better job taking care of the puck. Sometimes we’re in a rush to get it off our sticks,” Coach McGroarty said.

Coach McGroarty added that the team has been working on their power plays and special teams during practice.

The team heads off-Island after Christmas for the Heuchling & Swift Memorial Classic Tournament at the University of New Hampshire on Dec. 26 to Dec. 29.

The girls hockey team was also scheduled to play last weekend but the game had to be canceled due to an outbreak of Covid for the away team. Next up for the girls team is an away game against Barnstable on Dec. 22 at 5 p.m.

The varsity boys basketball team won their opener against Falmouth but lost to Old Rochester. The next home game is Dec. 30 against Dover-Sherborn High School.

The girls’ varsity basketball team lost their first game against Falmouth High School. Next up is a home game against Nauset Regional High School on Wed., Dec. 22 at 4:30 p.m.