Mercury's Hartley tears ACL in right knee, out for season

Posted August 31, 2020 7:00 am

The Associated Press

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) - Phoenix guard Bria Hartley is out for the season after tearing the ACL in her right knee, the Mercury announced Monday night.

Hartley suffered the injury in the first quarter of the Mercury's game against Washington on Friday night.

'œReally unfortunate,'ť Phoenix coach Sandy Brondello said. 'œShe means so much to this team. She's been playing great. Everyone is seeing what she is capable of. It's been really a joy coaching her. Hopefully, she can have a speedy recovery and get back on the court with us next year.'ť

Hartley was averaging 14.6 points and 4.5 assists in her first season with the Mercury after signing as a free agent. She's in her seventh season overall after graduating from UConn.

The Mercury were able to win Friday after Hartley went down and also on Sunday without Hartley, beating the Minnesota Lynx while only having eight players suit up.

Brittney Griner left the bubble a few weeks ago, Nia Coffey is out with a hand injury and Jessica Breland has missed the year after getting a medical exemption.

The Mercury (9-7) face the Aces on Tuesday night. Phoenix is currently in sixth place in the standings.

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