LOS ANGELES, CA - Championship Sunday at the Veolia LA Open presented by Deep Eddy Vodka action began with something we don’t see at every tournament: a first-time champion.

Brooke Buckner defeated Lauren Stratman 11-8, 11-0 in women’s singles to earn her first gold medal on the PPA Tour.

Buckner was locked in right from the start, hitting powerful drives that kept Stratman on defense. That relentless, attacking brand of pickleball helped the former University of Michigan tennis star secure her first PPA title and second singles medal of 2024.

Just a few months removed from giving birth to her third child back in November, Buckner credits her support system back in North Carolina for giving her the opportunity to compete week in and week out.

“I’m just grateful for the support I have at home that allows me to do this,” she said.

Kaitlyn Christian took down Lacy Schneemann 11-5, 11-3 to bring home the bronze medal.