BROADALBIN - Near the end of the 2009 season, Broadalbin-Perth coach Rob Klug rewarded Katie Herba, then an eighth-grader on the Lady Patriots junior varsity, by calling her up to be on the varsity during sectionals.
She played in that first game, beginning her varsity career at B-P. In that first contest, Herba connected for her first goal. It was the first of many for Herba, who scored four times Tuesday to push her career total to 101.
"It was against Gloversville, too" Herba said of her first tally. "I was in eighth grade and pulled up for sectionals and it was my first game. I was playing right striker. I forget who crossed it, but I was right there and finished it in the goal."
Klug remembers the play.
"It was her first touch on the ball as a varsity player," he said of the goal.
The senior striker connected for four goals Tuesday, including the milestone score in the 44th minute of play, to lead the Lady Patriots for a 4-1 Foothills Council win over Gloversville.
"I was really excited," Herba said of her 100th goal. "I felt so happy, accomplished and relieved all at the same time."
Klug applauded her from the sidelines and later greeted her with a handshake as she walked off the pitch.
"It was a great feeling seeing her get it," Klug said. "I was excited for her to reach that accomplishment. I have watched her growing up since she was in fourth grade as a player and I have coached her for the last five years. She deserves it. If anyone deserves it, it's her. She works hard and is a great player.?She's a great team player and a leader both on and off the field. I couldn't be happier for her."
Gloversville coach Mike Hallenbeck also was happy for Herba reaching her milestone.
"Thank goodness," he said with a smile when asked about playing against her for the last time. "She is a great kid and a heck of a soccer player, but I'm glad it's the last time I get to see her."
