OVERLAND PARK, KS - Brooke Buckner defeated No. 31 seed Kate Fahey 11-5, 4-11, 11-8 to claim the women’s singles title in Championship Sunday’s first match.

It was a gold medal matchup that no one could have predicted, pitting the No. 5 seed Buckner against the rising star Fahey, who had to win two qualifying matches just to make the main draw.

The two players showcased similar playstyles, relying on strong drives on each wing to earn points on serve.

That checks out, since both Buckner and Fahey played collegiate tennis at the University of Michigan.

The former Wolverines proved to be of equal skill in ball striking as they split the first two games nearly evenly, but Buckner’s experience won out in the decider as she clinched an 11-8 triumph.

This is Buckner’s second gold of the season after also earning the title at the LA Open back in April. With this run, which included wins over Judit Castillo and Kaitlyn Christian, she keeps progressing into the uppermost echelon of the women’s singles game.

No. 30 seed Mari Humberg—another qualifier—defeated Christian in the bronze medal match 12-10, 11-7 to claim her first PPA singles medal.