Lindsey Vander Weide shines in Petro Gazz return, welcomes tougher PVL field

The Petro Gazz Angels made a major splash ahead of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference by bringing back a familiar and formidable force—Lindsey Vander Weide.

Vander Weide, who powered Petro Gazz to the Reinforced Conference championship in 2022 and earned Best Import honors that season, returns with unfinished business and high expectations. Now 27, the outside hitter is eager to compete in a more dynamic and expanded league.

“I’m excited to see more of the teams play. When I was here, it was just nine teams,” said Vander Weide. “I’m looking forward to seeing the depth. Brooke [Van Sickle] mentioned there are big hitters in the league now—new girls, young girls—so I’m just excited to play against these new teams.”

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Lindsey Vander Weide: I love Petro Gazz. I love all the girls #PVL2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ

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— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) October 10, 2025

She wasted no time making an impact in her return, leading Petro Gazz to a dominant straight-sets victory over the Galeries Tower Highrisers, 25-21, 25-19, 25-14, at the City of Dasmarinas Arena on Thursday, October 9.

Vander Weide tallied 13 points and eight excellent receptions, seamlessly syncing with her teammates—especially fellow star import Brooke Van Sickle, who added 14 points and six digs. MJ Phillips anchored the net with 12 points, including four blocks, while Jonah Sabete and Djanel Cheng contributed eight and four points, respectively.

“I think we have a lot of depth this year,” Vander Weide added. “Anybody can step on the court and make a difference. That makes me really comfortable playing with them. I know everybody around me is going to do their job. That showed tonight because it was really a team win.”

With the PVL now expanded to 12 teams—up from nine in 2022 despite two franchises folding—the level of competition has never been higher. Petro Gazz, a perennial contender, will face their first major test of the season when they go up against the powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers on Tuesday, October 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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