By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Alas Pilipinas men leaned on the explosive performance of Leo Ordiales to sweep Vietnam, 25-17, 25-23, 25-19, and open their 2025 SEA V.League campaign on a high note at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur on Wednesday night, July 9.

The Negrense Ordiales tallied 20 points to lead the national squad, which played without key players Marck Espejo (ankle sprain), Louie Ramirez (college graduation at the University of Perpetual Help-Dalta), and Owa Retamar (illness).

This marked the Philippines’ third straight win over Vietnam in the SEA V.League, following back-to-back straight-set victories in the 2024 edition.

In the third set, after Vietnam took a slim 19-18 lead, the Philippines responded with a crucial 5-0 run sparked by an Ordiales attack, a block by Buds Buddin, a service ace from Lloyd Josafat, and two Vietnam errors to surge ahead 23-19.

Buddin then sealed the victory with back-to-back plays — a powerful spike and a solid block — to close out the match and give the Philippines a strong start in the five-day tournament.

With the win, the Philippines joined Thailand at the top of the standings in the five-nation tournament with identical 1-0 records.

In the first game, defending champion Thailand overcame Indonesia in four sets, 22-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-20./ASC, WDJ