Youngster Leo Ordiales bounced back in spectacular fashion on Tuesday night, delivering the performance of a lifetime to carry Alas Pilipinas to its first-ever victory on the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship stage.
After a disappointing three-point outing in their opening loss to Tunisia, Ordiales redeemed himself with a masterful showing.
His performance propelled the World No.89 Philippines past No.21 Egypt, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, keeping their Round of 16 hopes alive at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Sa’kin po, after that game (Tunisia), reset lang ulit ako. Kumbaga mindset lang ulit na, ‘yun lang din kailangan ko siguro,” said the National University standout moments following the emotional match.
Ordiales erupted for 21 points on 19 attacks and two aces, while contributing eight excellent digs on floor defense, capping off a performance that turned heartbreak into redemption.
The 22-year-old opposite spiker’s night was one of vindication. After struggling in his debut with nine errors in 12 attempts, he fired a blistering 19-of-31 attack clip against the Pharaohs, proving his doubters wrong.
“Sobrang saya ko talaga, wala ‘kong masabi. Ayun lang, kasi na-redeem ‘yung sarili ko, at the same time nakakuha pa kami ng panalo. Hindi lang ako nakapag-contribute, nanalo pa kami. Doble-doble po saya kasi may chance pa kami maka-Round of 16,” he said.
Ordiales’ breakout performance also eased the burden on star hitters Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, giving Alas Pilipinas another reliable scoring option as they aim for another upset to secure a Round of 16 berth.
“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]. Iniisip ko lang na kailangan ko din silang tulungan kasi hindi rin nila kaya na parang dalawa lang sila, ‘yun lang iniisip ko lagi,” he added.
With the historic win secured, Ordiales and the rest of Alas Pilipinas now shift focus to recovery and preparation, knowing a taller challenge awaits against perennial Asian powerhouse Iran on Thursday.
“Reset lang ulit, isipin ko lang kung paano ako maglaro, at i-enjoy ko lang ‘yung game.”
#WATCH: LEO BOUNCE BACK!
Leo Ordiales: “Sobrang saya ko lang po na hindi lang bounce-back na performance para sa akin kundi panalo para sa Pilipinas!” 🇵🇭🏐#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/j8ShPtoAQA
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times#MWCH2025 #Sambansa pic.twitter.com/7EHYY8KryA
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 16, 2025
