By ADRIAN STEWART CO

While Alas Pilipinas men settled for a fourth-place finish in the opening leg of the 2025 Southeast Asia (SEA) V.League, it was Negrense Leo Ordiales who emerged as one of the biggest revelations of the tournament.

The National University Bulldogs star stepped up in a major way during the five-day event held at the Candon City Arena, where the Philippines finished in fourth place among five teams.

The 22-year-old opposite hitter proved he belonged on the international stage, finishing as the tournament’s fourth-best scorer with 64 points (60 attacks, two blocks and two service aces).

“First time kong magka-award sa international,” Ordiales said in a post-tournament interview.

“Siguro, dagdag din ng boost ng confidence para [magkaroon] ng rason na pag-igihan pa lalo,” he added.

Ordiales said he was so happy for his award.

“I think [the award] also boosts my confidence and gives me more reason to keep improving,” the Negrense said in a post-game interview.

“I just need to keep improving because I know they’ll be back, but in case they’re not, I’ll be ready to step up, help my teammates, and represent the Philippines,” he added.

His standout performance came during the Philippines’ five-set battle against Cambodia, where he scored 22 points built on 20 attacks, one block and one ace.

The second leg of the SEA V.League will take place in Jakarta, Indonesia from July 16 to 20./ASC, WDJ