Junior Erin Kerner (Erie, Pa.) scored a career-high 33 points to lead Quinnipiac to a ­72-66 win over Northeast Conference opponent Robert Morris University Saturday at the TD Banknorth Sports Center in Hamden, Conn. The win improves the Bobcats to 10-2 this season and 2-0 in the NEC, while the loss drops the Colonials to 5-8 overall and 1-1 in conference play.

Kerner added six rebounds and five assists for the Bobcats, while senior Monique Lee (Lynn, Mass.) picked up her fourth double-double of the season with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Junior Sade Logan scored 31 in the loss for Robert Morris.

The Colonials jumped out to an early lead, but the Bobcats were able to get back into the game, tying the score at 15 with just under 10 minutes to play in the first half. Lee and Kerner scored the Bobcats’ first 17 points before junior Kathleen Neyens (Jaffrey, N.H.) hit a jump-shot from the top of the key.

The Colonials were led early on by Logan, who scored 10 of her team’s first 19 points.

Sophomore Courtney Kaminski’s (Dudley, Mass.) mid-range jumper brought Quinnipiac back within two, 27-25, after Robert Morris had put together a run of 10 points including a Kendra Williams lay up underneath amongst several Bobcat defenders.

Kerner’s step-back three-pointer with three minutes left in the first half was the lift the Bobcats needed as they stopped the Colonials on the next two trips down the floor. On the subsequent offensive possessions, the Bobcats received two more threes from Brianna Rooney (Guilford, Conn.) and Mandy Pennewell (West Chester, Pa.) capping a nine point run, 34-29.

The first half ended with Quinnipiac leading Robert Morris, 36-33. Kerner led the Bobcats at the half with ten points and three assists, while grabbing a team-leading four rebounds. The Colonials were led by Logan with 12 points.

Kerner started the second half the way she ended the first by hitting a three from the left side in transition.

Robert Morris cut into the lead when senior Psyche Butler made two consecutive baskets, including a three to bring the Colonials within six, 47-41. However, Kerner’s fourth three-pointer of the game put the Bobcats back on top by nine.

The Colonials would claw their way back into the game, 58-53, on the strength of offensive rebounds and second chance points.

The Bobcats continued to score from the perimeter when Kerner hit a 20-footer from the right side to extend the Bobcats’ lead with under two minutes remaining, 68-62. Her jump shot with 40 seconds left in regulation gave her a new career-high with 31 points. Her previous high was 30, set against Robert Morris in a game played last season.

Coach Tricia Fabbri said, “I’m really proud of this team’s effort today. This game will have huge ramifications for our team down the stretch this season for seeding of the conference tournament and it’s great to get a win here.”

The Bobcats will return to action in Loretto, Pa. on Monday January 7, when they travel to play NEC opponent St. Francis (Pa).

Box Score

Season Stats