DASMARIÑAS, CAVITE — Lindsey Vander Weide is no stranger to the Premier Volleyball League, having powered Petro Gazz to the 2022 Reinforced Conference championship.
But in her second tour of duty with the Angels in the 2025 Reinforced Conference, the league she once dominated looks entirely different — now featuring 12 teams, with no clear favorites as unpredictability has become the defining theme of the PVL in recent years.
Back in 2022, the PVL had only nine teams. Since then, Capital1, ZUS Coffee, Nxled, Farm Fresh, and Galeries Tower have joined the fold, while Army and F2 Logistics have disbanded, shaping the current 12-team lineup.
“I’m excited to see more of the teams play. When I was here, it was just nine teams. I’m looking forward to seeing the depth. Brooke 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,” said Vander Weide.
Her second stint with Petro Gazz got off to a strong start as the Angels swept Galeries Tower, 25-21, 25-19, 25-14, on Thursday at the Dasmariñas Arena here.
The American outside hitter didn’t need to unleash her full power just yet, finishing with 13 points and eight excellent receptions — modest numbers compared to the high standard she set three years ago.
(C) PVL Images
But that, according to Vander Weide, is exactly what makes the Angels stronger this time around — their ability to rely on any attacker on the floor, all of whom can confidently deliver when called upon.
Brooke Van Sickle led the Angels with 14 points, while MJ Phillips added 12, built on four blocks. Jonah Sabete chipped in eight points, and setter Djanel Cheng also scored four in the 87-minute victory.
“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. That makes me really comfortable playing with them,” said Vander Weide.
“I know everybody around me is gonna do their job. That showed tonight because it was really a team win.”
Petro Gazz’s mettle will be tested immediately, as the Angels face defending champion Creamline on Tuesday at 6:30 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
