ALL GAZZED UP
DASMARIÑAS, Cavite—Three years have passed, and very little has changed for Lindsey Vander Weide.
The talented import returned to the PVL with a bang, delivering 13 points to lead Petro Gazz past Galeries, 25-21, 25-19, 25-14, in the 2025 Reinforced Conference on Thursday at Dasmariñas Arena.
The 2022 Reinforced Conference Best Import and Finals MVP looked right at home, reunited with her former Petro Gazz teammates.
“Coming back with this team, I definitely had that comfort level,” Vander Weide told the Inquirer. “I’ve hit off these setters before, I’ve passed next to these liberos, so it’s just a really comfortable feeling. And it’s fun to play with this team.”
“I love Petro Gazz, I love all the girls, and we always bring the fire. So I’m excited for this team for the rest of the season.”
Vander Weide is embracing her second PVL stint, noting the league’s growth since her last appearance in 2022. Now featuring 12 teams and stronger local talent, the competition is tougher—and she’s here for it.
“I’m excited to see more of the teams play. When I was here, it was just eight teams. I’m looking forward to seeing the depth,” she said. “Brooke [Van Sickle] mentioned there are big hitters now—new girls, young girls—so I’m excited to play against these teams.”
“Galeries is a new team, and I’ve seen their import before, three years ago. It’s fun to play against her again. I’m excited to get in the mix with all 12 teams this year.”
Those new squads and new faces represent the changes that took place in her absence, but full-circle moments have added to the thrill of her return.
Vander Weide reunited with former Oregon teammate Brooke Van Sickle, who paced the Angels with 14 points and handed her father, Gary Van Sickle, a winning debut as Petro Gazz’s new head coach.
“It’s definitely helpful,” Vander Weide said of playing alongside Van Sickle. “If I’m not passing well, Brooke can cover more of the court. If I’m not having my best attacking game, Brooke can get 20 kills. It’s great to have another big hitter and ball control player I’m already comfortable with.”
Vander Weide said she had always wanted to return to Petro Gazz, but her schedule didn’t align with last year’s Reinforced Conference.
“I love playing in the Philippines. The fans are so crazy—in a good way—so it’s just fun to be here,” she said. “I love the style of play, the crossing patterns, how tricky it is. It’s just a different kind of volleyball.”
Petro Gazz faces an early test when it takes on defending champion Creamline on Tuesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I remember in 2022, Creamline was really good, and I’ve heard they’re still really good,” Vander Weide said. “So I’m excited for a high-level matchup. I like going at it with other players—that should be fun.”
