Leo Ordiales ignited a blazing start to Alas Pilipinas Men’s 2025 Southeast Asia V.League campaign, delivering a sensational 20-point outing to spearhead the home squad’s commanding 25-17, 25-23, 25-19 sweep of Vietnam on Wednesday afternoon at the Candon City Arena.
Even without key cogs Marck Espejo (ankle sprain), Louie Ramirez (college graduation), and Owa Retamar (illness), the Nationals showed poise and firepower behind Ordiales’ stellar performance, asserting dominance over a familiar foe they’ve now swept in three straight V.League meetings dating back to last year’s edition.
The victory boosted the Philippines to a 1-0 record alongside defending champions Thailand in the five-nation tournament, setting up a highly anticipated clash between the two powerhouses tomorrow at 6 p.m.
Down 18-19 in the third set, Alas Pilipinas flipped the switch and uncorked a decisive 5-0 run to seize control. Ordiales jumpstarted the rally with a booming attack, followed by a Buds Buddin block, a Lloyd Josafat service ace, and two crucial errors by Vietnam that gave the Filipinos a 23-19 edge.
Buddin capped the comeback with an emphatic crosscourt kill and a roof block to shut the door on Vietnam and seal the match in straight sets, giving the Philippines an early edge in the compressed five-day meet.
Buddin finished with 16 points built on 12 attacks and four blocks, while Jade Disquitado chipped in nine markers, including two blocks and a handful of steady attacks. Peng Taguibolos also played a key role, tallying seven points highlighted by three attacks, two aces, and two blocks.
Vietnam tried to fight back in the second set, knotting it at 23-all after a power hit from Ngoc Thuan Nguyen. But just like in the third, it was Ordiales who answered the call, delivering back-to-back hammer shots to lift the home squad to a 2-0 set lead.
The opening set saw Alas Pilipinas set the tone early with a fiery 19-12 lead. Taguibolos sparked the run with a quick hit down the middle, followed by Buddin’s offensive and defensive combo that overwhelmed the Vietnamese.
The Filipinos never looked back, taking the first frame with authority and setting the tone for the rest of the match.
Earlier in the day, Thailand overcame a slow start to turn back Indonesia in four sets, 22-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-20, as Thungkham Chaiwat erupted for 22 points on 20 attacks and two blocks. Team captain Amornthep Khonhan added 19 markers on 16 kills and three blocks, along with seven excellent digs and three receptions.
Boy Arnez Arabi led Indonesia with 13 points and four digs, while Farhan Halim contributed 12 points built on 10 attacks and two blocks.
Photo from AVC
