photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence senior Patrick Sandefur battles for the ball in a 4-1 win over Topeka on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in Topeka.

Last year, Patrick Sandefur had a slower-than-expected start to the boys soccer season. As one of the team’s best strikers, his job was to score goals, and that wasn’t happening.

Sandefur’s senior season, however, started exactly how he hoped. In Tuesday’s season-opening win over Topeka, Sandefur recorded the first hat trick of the season, scoring three consecutive goals to turn a one-goal deficit into a 4-1 win.

“I have high standards going into the season, and let’s just say that set the tone right,” Sandefur said.

Sandefur and the Lawrence offense came to life in the second half of the season opener. The offense slowed down and allowed plays to develop, which gave Sandefur the opportunity to finish plays. Sandefur said the team took their offense to “another gear,” leading to the four goals.

As a striker, finishing plays is what Sandefur does best. To succeed, Sandefur says he brings a hungry mentality. He’s spent over 15 years playing the sport, and he knows that when he’s scoring, it’s because he’s attacking and not being timid. The balance, however, is knowing when to let plays develop and not get overzealous.

“He’s an unbelievable finisher — he’s a great striker,” Lawrence coach Joe Comparato said. “He’s a four-year starter. He’s another kid who is not out of his head. If he settles into his game and lets it come to him, then he’s dangerous.”

For Sandefur’s three goals, he chose his opportunities to strike wisely. He waited for the goalie to make a move or for the ball to bounce from a block.

Comparato said Sandefur is skilled at playing with his back to the net. Even as a goal-scoring striker, Sandefur is capable of taking the ball and distributing it to teammates to create better shots on goal.

Leadership on and off the field is important for Sandefur this year. The Lions have more youth on their roster than a season ago, which makes the leadership of seniors like Sandefur critical. Sandefur’s experience playing at Lawrence in the Sunflower League and also with his club team has helped him be a vocal leader on the team.

“I try to be vocal as much as possible but also lead by example,” Sandefur said. “We’ve seen the trend of offseason improvement a lot recently, and I think these underclassmen are special. As upperclassmen, what we can do is provide experience and insight and try to keep them on track (so) that when we’re gone, they’re still developing and leading the next class.”

After Tuesday’s win, Comparato said it’s important for the Lions to start the season strong before the Sunflower League games begin. A fast start builds confidence, and Comparato believes confidence allows a team to win any given game.

Sandefur’s hat trick season-opening performance was a confidence boost for the offense overall. And for Sandefur, as he works to finish his Lawrence career on a high note, it was a strong first performance that he hopes can now become a regular occurrence.

“It’s good to get out strong and help put the team in a good spot going forward,” Sandefur said.