The Heights Casino Open returned to Brooklyn for its fourth edition as a $15,000 women’s event, once again delivering high-level squash and a lively atmosphere. World No. 1 Kayley Leonard and Maria Elena Ubina led the draw as top seeds, while defending champion Georgina Stoker, seeking her third consecutive title, teamed up with Lauren West. The two pairs renewed their rivalry after Stoker and West’s recent win over Leonard and Ubina at the Philadelphia Open.
As always, The Heights Casino proved the perfect stage for professional doubles, with its passionate members packing the gallery and bringing an unmistakable energy to the weekend. The draw featured two familiar faces to the Brooklyn faithful, Dana Betts, making a welcome return to the tour alongside former PSA World No. 3 Madeline Perry, and Meredeth Quick, a longtime member, teaming up with Fernanda Rocha. Betts, a product of the Casino’s junior program, and Quick both drew strong hometown support, adding to the vibrant atmosphere that defines the Heights every year.
The final featured the two top teams and lived up to expectations. Leonard and Ubina stormed out to an 8–1 lead in the opening game before Stoker and West reeled off twelve consecutive points to take a 13–8 advantage, fueled by West’s aggressive shot-making and relentless retrievals. They closed out the first game 15–14 and carried that momentum into the second, edging ahead 14–12. Leonard and Ubina, however, dug deep to save two game balls and level the match, taking it 15–14 in a mirror image of their narrow losses in Philadelphia.
The drama continued as Stoker and West again held a late lead in the third, only for Leonard and Ubina to turn the tables and steal it 15–14. The top seeds then seized control in the fourth, racing ahead 5–1 and never looking back as they sealed the victory and the 2025 Heights Casino Open title.
The weekend was a tremendous success both on and off the court, highlighted by packed crowds and enthusiastic participation from juniors in the ProAm, many experiencing the excitement of professional doubles for the first time. With the Heights Casino Open marking the final women’s event of 2025, the tour now pauses before resuming with the MFS Boston ProAm in early January.
Photograph L-R. Jim Bamber (Head Squash Professional), Maria Elena Ubina, Kayley Leonard, Lauren West, Georgina Stoker, Justin Lungstrum (Club President).