The undefeated Carroll College women's basketball team has a way of racheting up the noise level at home games at the PE Center. About the only thing that can quiet the fans quicker than a loss n which they have yet to experience this year n is an injury. And in their last home game, a win over Dickinson State, the crowd went suddenly silent on two separate occasions.

The first one occurred when senior post Shannon Bosley went down in the opening half, and then again late in the game when senior guard Danielle Maloney was felled.

Maloney was on a roll against the Blue Hawks, accounting for 13 points and five assists, when on the defensive end of the court she was leveled by a charge. She landed hard right above her tailbone. While Maloney was lying on the court, a hush came over the gym that was so quiet the only noises heard was the radio commentary of broadcasters John Lagerquist and Lowell Peterson.

After several tense minutes, a pair of trainers carried Maloney to the locker room. She was taken to the hospital for some tests, where it was learned that she had sustained a deep contusion to her lower back. It took the feisty cager a couple days of rest in bed before she was able to get up and start walking around.

Maloney was a three-sport athlete at Twin Falls, Idaho earning 10 letters in basketball, volleyball and track. She was a two-time all-conference spiker, and ran the relays and the 800 in track. A three-time all-state hoopster, Danielle earned first team All-Region IX as a senior, averaging 17 points per game.

Two years ago for the Hilltoppers, the 5-foot-9 Maloney canned 20 points in a win over the University of Great Falls, and 19 in a victory over Brandon College. In a triumph over Lethbridge, she was the top rebounder with 10 boards.

Maloney was forced to red-shirt last year after undergoing knee surgery. Prior to her latest injury, this season she was the second-leading scorer on the team, averaging 12.38 points per game. Danielle was tops on the Saints with 26 free throws, and was second in free throw percentage at 86.9 percent. She was also No. 2 on the list in assists, averaging 3.88 per contest.

Maloney, who carries a 3.3 GPA in the classroom, is double majoring in community health and sport management, with a minor in business.

"Danielle brings a lot of speed and athleticism to our team, as well as the ability to score off the dribble and get to the foul line," CC coach Shawn Nelson said. "She's very versatile and can play all three positions. And she is becoming a more consistent outside shooter and really excels in the open court."

Q 1. How's your back?

AMaloney: It's very sore and painful, but it's getting better.

Q2. Any idea when you'll play again?

AMaloney: I hope to play in two weeks. I'm taking a lot of physical therapy right now to try and speed up the healing process. I'll be wearing a protective device when I do come back.

Q3. How do you like Helena?

AMaloney: I like it a lot, it's a great place to go to college. I'm going to miss it when I leave, but I'll definitely come back to visit.

Q4. What is the highlight of your career?

AMaloney: All the friendships and relationships with my teammates. I'll never forget all the experiences we've shared together.

Q5. Do you know what you want to do after college?

AMaloney: I'm looking into coaching, but am leaving my options open. We'll see what comes up after basketball.