Petro Gazz import Lindsey Vander Weide welcomes the challenge of new teams and rising stars in her PVL return, saying the league’s expanded field will make every match more exciting.
Petro Gazz import Lindsey Vander Weide couldn’t hide her excitement to be back in the PVL.
More than being back in the Philippines, the American spiker is even more excited about how much the competition has grown since her last stint in 2022.
Vander Weide, who helped the Angels capture the Reinforced Conference crown three years ago, said the league’s expansion to 12 teams has injected a new level of competitiveness, talent, and unpredictability into the tournament.
“I’m excited to see more of the teams play. When I was here, it was just eight teams,” Vander Weide shared. “I’m looking forward to seeing the depth. Brooke [Van Sickle] has said there are big hitters in the league now, new girls, young girls, so I’m just excited to get to play against these new teams.”
First matchup in the conference
One of the matchups she was most looking forward to was against Galeries Tower, a club that wasn’t around when she last played in the PVL.
In her first match back, Vander Weide put up 13 markers to lead the Angels past the Highrisers in straight sets, 25-21, 25-19, 25-14, at the City of Dasmariñas Arena on Thursday, October 9.
“Galeries is a new team and I saw that import three years ago, it’s fun to play against her again,” she added. “But yeah, I’m excited to get in the mix with all 12 teams this year.”
Depth makes Petro Gazz even stronger
Vander Weide also highlighted how this year’s Petro Gazz roster gives them more options and confidence in every rotation.
Petro Gazz rotated its players during their straight-sets win against Galeries Tower in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. | Photo: PVL
This was noticeable in their first match against Galeries Tower, where new head coach Gary Van Sickle fielded different players throughout the match.
“I think we have a lot of depth this year. As you saw, the players coming in, anybody can step on the court and make a difference,” she said. “That makes me really comfortable playing with them. I know everybody around me is gonna do their job. That showed tonight because it was really a team win.”
[ALSO READ: Petro Gazz coach Gary Van Sickle soaks in first PVL victory: ‘Any win is a good win’]
Petro Gazz’s first big test will come early as they face the defending champion Creamline Cool Smashers next on Tuesday, October 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.