Leo Ordiales admitted that the opposition was stronger than expected after struggling in Alas Pilipinas’ FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship debut on Friday night.
Stepping into the starting lineup in place of Steven Rotter, Ordiales struggled to find his rhythm throughout the game as the Philippines fell to Tunisia in straight sets, 13-25, 17-25, 23-25, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Ayun, isa rin ‘yun. Kumbaga, kailangan dapat maganda ‘yung laro ko. ‘Yun ‘yung pressure na hindi ko agad na-overcome,” said the 22-year-old opposite spiker, admitting that Rotter’s absence added pressure on him to perform.
It was a tough night for Ordiales, who finished with just two points and a -42.86% efficiency rating, unable to provide the impact and scoring the team desperately needed.
The 6-foot-6 standout from National University acknowledged his importance to the team and vowed to rebuild his confidence and minimize mistakes in their upcoming games against Egypt and Iran.
“Siguro sa kumpyansa lang sa sarili. Kailangan talaga ng confidence sa saka mindset lang,” admitted the 6-foot-6 spiker from Silay City, who plays for National University.
“Siguro kanina nadala lang ng kaba din syempre first time eh. Kumbaga, first time ko makaapak dun sa ganung kalaking stage. Siguro hindi ko na-overcome agad ‘yung pressure kasi hindi na basta-basta ‘to eh.“
Ordiales said he is leaving the experience behind, instead focusing on learning from it to come back stronger.
“Sobrang malaking pressure pero ‘yun nga, sabi nga ng mga teammates at kuya ko, nangyayari talaga ‘yun. Buti nangyari na ngayon, para at least sa second game ma-overcome ko na at alam ko na ‘yung mga dapat kong gawin,” he said.
“Ang masasabi ko lang, kailangan ko makabuo ng kumpyansa agad for the next game. Tatrabahuhin ‘yung mga mali ko kanina, ita-try ko bumawi. Babawi talaga ako.”
#WATCH: Leo Ordiales admits he felt the nerves, knowing his role grew bigger with Steve Rotter out — but he vows to bounce back stronger next game 🏐🇵🇭
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times#MWCH2025 #Sambansa pic.twitter.com/pUMv89pqTd
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 12, 2025
