Petro Gazz Starts Hot, Sweeps Galeries Tower to Open Another Possible 'Three-Year Magic' Run

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by Misha Cruz

Petro Gazz opened its 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference stint with a bang, crushing Galeries Tower in straight sets.
Petro Gazz opened its 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference stint with a bang, crushing Galeries Tower in straight sets. Photo: PVL Images.

The three-year magic might just be real for Petro Gazz. 

The Angels opened their 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference campaign with a statement win, dominating the Galeries Tower Highrisers in straight sets, 25-21, 25-19, 25-14, Thursday night at the Dasmariñas Arena.

For a team that seems to peak every three years (2019, 2022… and now?), the sweep felt like déjà vu and a warning shot to the rest of the league.

Filipino-American Brooke Van Sickle looked like she never left, dropping 14 points and six digs, while American import Lindsey Vander Weide was all business with 13 markers and eight receptions.

Petro Gazz outside hitter Brook Van Sickle.
Petro Gazz outside hitter Brook Van Sickle. Photo: PVL images.

Vander Weide, of course, is no stranger to PVL dominance as she powered the Angels to the 2022 crown and took home both Best Import and Finals MVP honors. Now, she’s back under the coaching guidance of her parents, Gary and Lisa Van Sickle, and clearly loving every moment.

“I’m just grateful to be here again, playing for my parents and with this team,” Vander Weide said. “We’ve got depth this year, anyone can step up anytime.”

That depth was on full display. Djanel Cheng orchestrated Petro Gazz’s offense to perfection, tallying 14 excellent sets and four sneaky points off quick plays. Her chemistry with the team made their attacks unpredictable, outgunning Galeries 46-32 in spikes.

Petro Gazz setter Djanel Cheng was named Player of the Game.
Petro Gazz setter Djanel Cheng was named Player of the Game. Photo: PVL Images.

The Angels started steady in the first set, tightened up in the second, then completely took over in the third — jumping to an 18-12 lead and never looking back. Head coach Gary Van Sickle praised the group’s teamwork but reminded everyone that consistency remains the goal.

“There are still routines to fix, but a win is always a good start,” he said.

For longtime PVL fans, this feels like the start of something familiar — and thrilling. Petro Gazz first ruled in 2019 with Janisa Johnson and Wilma Salas, then struck gold again in 2022 with Vander Weide leading a retooled roster. Now in 2025, the Angels are once again soaring early, chasing a third Reinforced crown in that magical three-year rhythm.

Petro Gazz import Lindsey Vander Weide.
Petro Gazz import Lindsey Vander Weide. Photo: PVL Images.

Next up? A massive showdown against archrival Creamline Cool Smashers on October 14 at the Big Dome — a match that could very well set the tone for another championship run.