By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Leo Ordiales is one of the 12 players in the Alas Pilipinas national men’s volleyball team that will compete in the first leg of the SEA V.League at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium beginning tonight.

Ordiales, a native of Negros Occidental’s Talisay City and a member of the National University Bulldogs, has been chosen for the squad to be handled by Italian mentor Angiolino Frigoni.

Aside from Ordiales, also part of the roster are Bryan Bagunas, Josh Ybañez, Vince Patrick Lorenzo, Jade Disquitado, Kim Malabunga, JP Bugaoan, Noel Kampton, Gabriel Casaña, Ave Joshua Retamar, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Lloyd Josafat, Louie Ramirez, and Michaelo Buddin

Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said he expects Alas Pilipinas men to showcase better performance under the guidance of the 70-year-old Frigioni.

“Playing against quality teams in Southeast Asia is a great test for our Philippine men’s team with new men’s coach Angiolino Frigoni,” Suzara said.

“We are excited to see our team compete,” he said.

Suzara added that their participation in the two-leg event is part of the national men’s volleyball team’s buildup for the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship next year.

The coaching staff of Frigoni include Dante Alinsunurin, Matteo Antonucci, Odjie Mamon, trainer Dexter Clamor, physiotherapist Yuichi Akaba, and team manager Jerome Guhit.

Alas Pilipinas men will open their campaign against Vietnam today, followed by their match against Indonesia on Saturday, August 17, and Thailand on Sunday, August 18.

All the Alas games are scheduled at 6:00 p.m./ASC, WDJ