PVL: Lindsey Vander Weide would like to return to Petro Gazz after a “fun” first stint at PH
Petrogazz imports Lindsey Vander Weide in the Finals MVP. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Lindsey Vander Weide would love to return to help Petro Gazz in his quest for the “three rounds” in the Premier Volleyball League’s strengthened conference.
Moments after finishing the Angels’ title defense in the import-laden tournament, the American forward expressed her desire to restart it in the 2023 season, saying her best overseas experience so far was in the Phillippines.
“I’d love to come back here. I’m going home a little bit first, really looking forward to seeing my family. But I’d love to come back here, 100%. It’s by far the most fun I’ve had. had a long time playing volleyball,” Vander Weide said after scoring 19 points to finish Petro Gazz’s series sweep of Cignal, 25-17, 22-25, 25-12, 25-22, in Game 2 of the final on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.
When Vander Weide was asked about his return, Petro Gazz coach Rald Ricafort said ‘yes’ as the league plans to hold the strengthened conference as a season opener in 2023.
The 25-year-old spiker had an incredible experience in her first PVL tournament as she proved to be the missing piece for the Angels, who settled for the money in the open conference and missed the Invitationals semifinals.
“It’s just amazing. I had no idea what was in store for me, playing in the Philippines. It’s my first season, I just heard about it, and it’s amazing,” he said. she declared. “They were a great team, clearly, and I think I fit in perfectly. I was a perfect puzzle piece with that team, so it worked really well.
“Filipino fans are crazy. I have never experienced anything like this in my entire life. It’s crazy. I think that’s the way volleyball fans should be, so I really appreciate them for being there and supporting them all the time,” she added.
The first player to win the award for the best foreign player and Finals MVP at the same time attributed their success to his hardworking teammates, under the banner of Djanel Cheng, Myla Pablo, Remy Palma and MJ Phillips.
“I’m so happy to do it with this team, it’s one of the hardest working teams I’ve ever been on, and I think we really showed that on our way to the final,” said she declared. “I’ve never seen us so focused, until this moment, which is the most important. And we took it out and got the championship. So I’m so ecstatic and I’m so happy to do it with this team. , one more time.
As the second former Oregon Duck to win a title in the Philippines after Alaina Bergsma led Petron to a Philippine Superliga Grand Prix in 2014, Vander Weide hopes to see his classmates bring their talents to the PVL.
“I love Alaina Bergsma. I mean, Oregon Ducks, we’ve had great coaches, to be honest. And they’ve had amazing players coming in and out of Oregon,” Vander Weide said. We’re a ton in the pros right now, so I mean, I’m not surprised it’s happened before, to be honest.”
“I know I have some really good teammates coming out of college right now, graduating. It’s by far my favorite place I’ve played overseas, so I’ll definitely recommend it to my teammates,” she added.
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