Leo Ordiales powered Alas Pilipinas Men to a dominant 25-17, 25-23, 25-19 sweep of Vietnam, kickstarting their 2025 SEA V.League campaign on a high note Wednesday afternoon at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.
Despite the absence of key players Marck Espejo (ankle sprain), Louie Ramirez (college graduation at the University of Perpetual Help-Dalta), and Owa Retamar (illness), Ordiales stepped up with an explosive 20-point performance to lead the Nationals.
The win marked the Philippines’ third consecutive SEA V.League victory over Vietnam, following back-to-back wins in both legs of the 2024 edition.
With the victory, the Philippines joined Thailand at the top of the standings in the five-nation tournament, both sporting identical 1-0 records.
The Nationals now turn their focus to a much-anticipated rematch against Thailand — set for tomorrow at 6:00 PM — a team they split results with in the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals and the 2025 AVC Nations Cup.
“I’m very happy for my performance because I showed my talent to the people watching here. I’m very happy for the win… We improved a lot, we improved on our defense, serve, blocking and our communication,” Ordiales said postgame.
Trailing 18-19 in the third set, Alas responded with a pivotal 5-0 run, sparked by an Ordiales attack, a Buds Buddin block, a Lloyd Josafat service ace, and two Vietnam errors, pushing them ahead 23-19.
Buddin then delivered back-to-back points — an attack followed by a block — to seal the straight-set victory and give the Philippines an early boost in the five-day tournament.
Buddin poured in 16 points on 12 attacks and four blocks, while Jade Disquitado provided nine points on seven attacks and two blocks.
Taguibolos rounded out the Nationals’ balanced attack with seven points on three attacks, two blocks, and two aces.
In the second set, Vietnam tied the frame at 23-all with a powerful hit from Ngoc Thuan Nguyen, but Ordiales again delivered in the clutch, scoring two straight attacks to give the Nationals a commanding two-set lead.
The first set was all Alas Pilipinas, opening with a blazing 19-12 start.
Buddin made his presence felt early with an attack and a block, while Peng Taguibolos added a quick hit to help the Filipinos establish control and take the opener with ease.
Earlier in the day, defending champions Thailand — who swept both legs of the 2024 SEA V.League — overcame a slow start to defeat Indonesia in four sets, 22-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-20.
Thungkham Chaiwat led the charge with 22 points, built on 20 attacks and two blocks. Team captain Amornthep Khonhan contributed 19 points on 16 attacks and three blocks, along with seven excellent digs and three excellent receptions.
Boy Arnez Arabi paced Indonesia with 13 points and four digs, while Farhan Halim added 12 points, including 10 attacks and two blocks.
