Patton’s hat trick helps Raiders avenge loss from last season, shut out Eagles in home opener

QUINCY — Makayla Patton believes passing, persistence and patience are going to lead to scoring opportunities for the Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team.

“It’s what we’re doing really well so far this season,” the sophomore forward said.

Tuesday, in the home opener at Advance Physical Therapy Field, the Raiders also added precision to mix. Patton scored a hat trick, giving the Raiders the lead in the 16th minute and netting two goals in the second half to finish off a 4-0 victory over Orchard Farm.

“I think we did really well passing and playing together,” Patton said.

Patton scored her first goal after collecting a loose ball about 40 yards out and beat the defense for a 1-0 lead. Sophie Gramke made it 2-0 in the 30th minute when Lia Quintero swung a ball over the top of the Orchard Farm, which Gramke ran onto and finished.

Patton scored twice in the second half, the last coming off a Gramke assist.

“The runs I made, the passes from everybody and just playing together set up my goals,” Patton said. “It worked well.”

It avenged a 2-0 loss to the Eagles last season.

“After that first goal, I knew we just had to keep working to get more,” Patton said. “Everybody worked hard.”

The Raiders (3-0) are scheduled to travel to Jefferson City (Mo.) Helias on Wednesday before playing in the Quincy High School tournament on Friday and Saturday.