Sarah Feeney is coming back to North Dakota.

But she won't be stopping in the Capital City, and her stay will be brief.

Feeney will be going to the Fargodome when the University of Denver women's basketball team plays North Dakota State.

Feeney, a 6-foot-2 guard for the Denver Pioneers, has received playing time as a true freshman.

Denver and NDSU match up at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Denver is a member of the NCAA Division I Sun Belt Conference.

"I'm definitely excited to get back to North Dakota because I know I'll have some friends and family at the game," Feeney said. "But the fact that it's North Dakota State isn't significant, because I'm a role player this year, and I just want to contribute as much as I can to help my team get a road win, no matter who the opponent is."

Feeney helped Bismarck High win a Class A state championship last season and was named the MVP of the state tournament.

Through two games this season, Feeney has averaged 13.0 minutes a game for the 1-1 Pioneers. Feeney is averaging 3.5 points and 2.0 rebounds a contest.

"The level of play is definitely much faster and a lot more intense," Feeney said. "The coaches are great, and through them and the ladies on the team, I've been able to improve a lot but there are many, many things I still have to work on. Getting stronger is one of my goals, and it's definitely something I need to compete at this level."

LaFrance done

with basketball

Former Century star Andrea LaFrance's basketball career has ended prematurely.

The guard spent the past two seasons playing for UND, but declined to play this season because of injuries.

LaFrance completely tore ligaments in both ankles in both her seasons.

She then sustained an injury in her left knee last January.

"I have always had pain in both knees, but this pain was intolerable," LaFrance said.

Doctors determined that LaFrance's cartilage under her kneecap was wearing down. It's currently at a Grade 3, and Grade 4 is bone on bone.

LaFrance has endured therapy for the last nine months in hopes of continuing playing. She went through arthroscopic surgery, Synvisc injections, cortisone injections and countless doctor visits.

"Since then, there has been little to no improvement in my condition," she said. "I have yet to run or play since my last game on Jan. 24. After speaking with several different doctors, my parents, and coach (Gene) Roebuck, I have decided that it would be in my best interest to be done with basketball. It was one of the hardest things I have had to do."

LaFrance has thrown herself into her studies. She's double majoring in business management and Chinese studies with minors in economics and international business. She intends to pursue a law degree outside the Midwest and concentrate in corporate and/or international law.

"It has been an incredible experience to play in front of two great communities like Bismarck and Grand Forks," LaFrance said. "Foremost, I want to acknowledge all of my teammates and the memories I have had with them over the years. I would not be where I am today without them."

Another Century graduate is playing for the Sioux, who got their first win Monday.

Whitney Ledger is averaging 6.5 points and 6.5 rebounds a game. She also has eight steals in four games for 1-3 UND.

Boedeker back at it

Even though the Dickinson State women's basketball team suffered back-to-back losses last week, the Blue Hawks still received a shot in the arm.

Point guard Kelsey Boedeker returned to the lineup this past week. The 5-7 junior from Sheridan, Wyo., was sidelined with a heart condition but has been cleared by her doctor to resume playing.

"She did a good job of coming back," DSU coach Andre Goldberg said. "She's starting to get her wind back. We're working her back in slow so she can get comfortable. "

Boedeker dumped in 14 points and handed out five assists against Montana-Western - her first game back.

She scored three and dished out four assists against Carroll College.

"In some instances, she picked up right where she left off as far as being aggressive offensively and distributing the ball," Goldberg said. "But you can tell it's been awhile with the speed of the game and having different defenses thrown at her."