By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Leo Ordiales delivered a breakout performance as the Alas Pilipinas men stunned Egypt, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, to record its first-ever victory in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Tuesday night, September 16.

The 23-year-old spiker from Negros Occidental’s Talisay City scored 21 points on a mix of powerful attacks and timely plays that kept the Filipinos afloat in crucial stretches.

“I am super happy that we got the win, but I am also happy that I played well,” Ordiales said in his postgame interview.

“After our loss to Tunisia, we bonded as a team, we talked about our errors. After that, we practiced, and we executed well,” he added.

Bryan Bagunas top-scored for the Philippines with 24 points built on 22 kills and two blocks, while Marck Espejo added 19 markers in the historic triumph.

The opening set proved to be the turning point, as Egypt reached set point at 27-26 before Bagunas, Kim Malabunga and Ordiales strung together three straight points to complete the comeback, 29-27.

After yielding the second set, Alas Pilipinas roared back behind the offensive trio of Bagunas, Ordiales and Espejo to capture the next two frames and seal the milestone win.

The victory gave the Filipinos a 1-1 record in Pool A, matching Egypt’s slate and marking a memorable debut on the world stage.

On the other end, Seifeldin Hassan Aly scored 15 points, while Mohamed Osman Elhaddad chipped in 14 for the Egyptians./ASC, WDJ