Leo Ordiales stood out for Alas Pilipinas Men in an otherwise challenging start to their 2025 AVC Men’s Nations Cup campaign, as the team suffered a four-set loss to Pakistan, 18-25, 12-25, 25-18, 22-25, on Tuesday at the Isa Bin Rashed Hall in Manama, Bahrain.
The defeat to last year’s runners-up dealt a major blow to the Philippines’ quarterfinal hopes, placing them in a must-win situation against Chinese Taipei tomorrow at 7:00 PM to stay in contention.
The team had a sluggish start in the first two sets, alongside the early exit of team captain Marck Espejo due to an awkward landing at the end of the opening set.
Then Ordiales provided a much-needed spark in the third frame, igniting a spirited rally to keep the squad’s hopes alive.
The National University standout exploded for 10 points in the third set, leading the Philippines to a 21-15 advantage. With support from Lloyd Josafat and a critical Pakistan error, the team closed out the set and forced a fourth frame.
Ordiales, along with Peng Taguibolos and Josafat, continued the momentum in the fourth, powering an early 5-0 run. However, Pakistan quickly responded with a blistering 9-2 counterattack to take a 9-7 lead, which they maintained for most of the set.
The Philippines trailed 18-22 late in the fourth before Ordiales, Taguibolos, and Buds Buddin sparked a 4-1 run that trimmed the deficit to just one, 22-23. But a clutch kill by Musawer Khan, followed by a successful challenge on Buddin’s attack — which was ruled out — sealed the victory for Pakistan.
Setter Kasif Naveed masterfully orchestrated Pakistan’s offense, establishing a rhythm that enabled a well-balanced attack led by Afaq Khan, Musawer Khan, and Murad Jehan. The trio exposed gaps in the Philippine defense and took control in the early sets.
Pakistan jumped out to an 18-11 lead in the opening frame, but Ordiales sparked a 6-1 run off the bench with three quick points, cutting the deficit to 17-19. However, that was the closest Alas Pilipinas would get, as Pakistan responded with a strong 6-1 finish to take the set and then dominated the second to build a commanding 2-0 lead.
Looking for answers, head coach Angiolino Frigoni shuffled his rotation in the third set, inserting a new unit led by Ordiales and composed of Eco Adajar, Buddin, Jackson Reed, Jack Kalingking, and Josafat. The switch paid dividends, as the Philippines managed to shift the momentum and claim a set.
Still, the Pakistanis regrouped in time for the fourth set, leaning once again on their offensive core to close out the match.
Murad Khan, Afaq Khan, and Musawer Khan led Pakistan with 14 points each, while Murad Jehan and Abdul Zaheer added nine and six markers, respectively, in their debut win.
On the other side, Ordiales put on a stellar performance, finishing with 22 points on 15 attacks, five blocks, and two aces, along with four excellent digs.
Steven Rotter and Buddin contributed 10 points apiece, while Taguibolos and Josafat chipped in five each.
Espejo, who did not return after the opening set due to injury, was limited to just one point.
