Field Hockey: Ridley’s late surge falls short as Leydig, Garnet Valley hold on

CONCORD — Garnet Valley came out flying, then had to grind late to escape with a 2-1 win over Ridley in Tuesday’s Central League opener.

The Jaguars were the better team in the first quarter, controlling possession and generating corners at will. The constant pressure paid off with 4:01 left in the frame when All-Delco senior Regan Leydig jammed home a goal past Ridley’s outstanding goalkeeper, Elise Martin. At that point it looked like Garnet Valley (3-1) might spend the afternoon camped in the circle, piling on goals.

Ridley (3-1) had other ideas. True to form under head coach Mara Schnellenbach, the Green Raiders shook off what Schnellenbach admitted was an “intimidated” first quarter and battled back, turning what could have been a blowout into a nail-biter.

Leydig’s goal and a thir