Leaning on the clutch performance of National University standouts Jade Disquitado and Leo Ordiales, the Philippines outlasted Cambodia in four sets, 25-23, 25-22, 23-25, 25-18, to secure their breakthrough win in the second leg of the 2025 Southeast Asia V.League on Friday night at the Jakarta International Velodrome in Indonesia.
The victory gave the Nationals a 1-1 record in the five-nation tournament, bouncing back from a painful five-set loss to host Indonesia in their opener and tying Vietnam for third place in the standings.
After requiring five sets to dispatch the same Cambodian side last weekend in Candon, Ilocos Sur, Alas Pilipinas showed noticeable poise and polish this time around. Disquitado and Ordiales, who both played crucial roles in NU’s UAAP Season 86 campaign, delivered when it mattered most.
Cambodia kept it close early, rallying from a 10-6 hole to tie the first set at 14-all. But Disquitado — a former D’Navigators player, joined by middle blocker Peng Taguibolos, sparked a critical 7-2 run that opened up a four-point cushion. A service ace from Taguibolos, a swift running attack, and a set-clinching block by veteran Kim Malabunga wrapped up the frame for the Philippines.
The second set followed a similar narrative, with the score locked at 14-all before the Filipinos pulled ahead behind a 6-3 run ignited by Disquitado and Ordiales. A handful of late miscues by Cambodia sealed the set, allowing the Nationals to build a commanding 2-0 lead.
But just when it looked like the match would end in straight sets, Cambodia came alive.
Alas Pilipinas struggled with consistency in the third, falling behind by as much as eight, 8-16. Still, the never-say-die spirit of the Nationals emerged, as Ordiales and Louie Ramirez engineered a spirited rally to close the gap to just one, 22-23. However, a key off-the-block hit from Mom Kuon and a service error from Ramirez gave Cambodia the third set and a lifeline.
Not letting momentum slip further, the Philippines regrouped in the fourth. Disquitado and Ordiales continued to pressure the Cambodian floor defense, while Buds Buddin provided steady support from the opposite wing. Malabunga and Taguibolos anchored the front line with well-timed blocks, helping the Nationals pull away for good and seal the match.
Malabunga, the Criss Cross blocker who had a quiet game against Indonesia, delivered key defensive stops late in the match, proving his veteran presence still matters on the international stage.
The win is a timely confidence boost for Alas Pilipinas, who are gearing up for a crucial clash against three-time defending champions Thailand tomorrow, Saturday, at 5 p.m.
On the other hand, Cambodia, now 0-3 in the standings, remains winless in the second leg. After earning promotion to the SEA V.League by topping last year’s SEA V.League Challenge tournament, the Southeast Asian squad is still adjusting to the level of competition. They will try to avoid a winless campaign when they face hosts Indonesia on Saturday at 7 p.m.
