LOS ANGELES, CA - We saw one first-time finalist last week in Houston when Samantha Parker made a surprise run to Championship Sunday.

This week in California, we’ll have two first-time finalists going for gold in women’s singles: Lauren Stratman and Brooke Buckner.

Stratman’s day nearly ended in the Round of 16 against Emilia Schmidt, where she rallied after being down 0-7 in Game 3.

The No. 3 seed didn’t drop another game from there, though, picking up wins over Christine Maddox and Kaitlyn Christian en route to her first singles final on the PPA Tour.

The tour veteran was quick to acknowledge the role her father has had in her success.

“I’ve been having my dad travel with me. He’s been coaching me, and it’s just been helping me so much,” she shared. “I’m so happy and can’t wait to play on Sunday.”

Stratman’s next opponent, Brooke Buckner, will also be going for her first PPA singles gold this weekend on Humana Championship Court.

In fact, Sunday will mark Buckner’s first Championship Sunday appearance in any event.

The No. 5 seed dropped her first game of the day against Trang Huynh-McClain but found smooth sailing from there. She earned straight-game victories over Liz Truluck, Layne Sleeth, and Lacy Schneemann to earn her spot in the final.