Sky top scorer Jackson done for season with torn ACL

The Sky is off to a great start but shared some disappointing news Tuesday morning:

Leading scorer Rickea Jackson has a torn ACL in her left knee, will have surgery and miss the remainder of the WNBA season. The injury happened during Sunday's game at Minnesota.

Jackson, 25, is a 6-foot-2 forward, acquired in a trade before the season from the Los Angeles Sparks. In the first three games, Jackson averaged 22 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks, then was limited to 11 minutes against Minnesota.

“We’re devastated that Rickea suffered this injury, but we are confident she will make a full recovery,” Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a team news release. “Rickea was playing at an all-star and all-defensive level early in the season. We are certain she was primed for a career year. Our world-class medical staff will work hard with Rickea, who is one of the toughest players in the league, to get her back on the court.”

The Sky is off to a 3-1 start, while playing its first four games on the road and with three key players — Courtney Vandersloot (knee), Azura Stevens (knee) and DiJonai Carrington (foot) — sidelined by injury.

The Sky still has four players averaging in double figures, now led by rookie Gabriela Jaquez at 12.5 points per game. Skylar Diggins, who missed Sunday's win with an eye injury, and center Kamilla Cardoso are at 12.0 points, and guard Jacy Sheldon 10.8.

The home opener at Wintrust Arena is set for Wednesday against Dallas, the start of a four-game homestand.