FIVB: Leo Ordiales shines bright with explosive outing in Alas' historic win vs. Egypt

The young guns shining on the big stage was exactly what Alas Pilipinas Men needed. 

That's what Leo Ordiales did as he shook off his previous struggles and came through when it mattered most, erupting for an explosive outing to help in Alas’ historic victory over Egypt in the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship on Tuesday. 

"Gusto ko lang talaga ma-redeem po 'yung sarili ko kasi last game wala akong masyadong nagawa e," Ordiales told GMA News Online. 

"Nu'ng last game medyo nag-struggle po ako e, hindi ko nalaro 'yung laro ko. [Ngayong game] binalikan ko lang talaga lahat ng mga tinuro po sa'kin ni coach pati ng mga seniors ko."

[I just wanted to redeem myself because last game, I wasn't able to do much... I struggled last game. I wasn't able to play my game. I just went back to all of the things my coach and seniors taught me.]

Ordiales was hardly felt in Alas' opening day game against Tunisia last Friday as he was held to just two points en route to the Philippines' 13-25, 17-25, 23-25 loss to the world no. 40 squad. 

In their three-day break, Ordiales took to heart past lessons, including trusting in himself amid the huge pressure that comes with playing at the big stage. 

And true enough, the National University standout made the most of his playing time and dropped 21 points to provide the help to usual suspects Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo. 

"Sa akin lang naman, kumbaga ginampanan ko lang kung ano 'yung binigay sa 'kin na role. Siyempre kumukuha rin naman ako ng mga idea sa [kanila]," he added.

"Iniisip ko lang na kailangan ko din silang tulungan kasi hindi rin nila kaya na parang dalawa lang sila, 'yun lang iniisip ko lagi."

[For me, I just played the role that was given to me. Of course, I was taking ideas from them also... I was just thinking that I needed to help them because they can't do it just the two of them. That's what I'm always thinking.]

With Ordiales shining, the Philippines was able to grab its first-ever win in the FIVB World Championship level. But they are hungry for more as they take on Iran on Thursday for a Round of 16 spot. 

—JMB, GMA Integrated News