When Leo Ordiales got a call-up for a rebuilding Philippine men’s volleyball team two years ago, he hardly saw action in their fifth-place finish in the Cambodia Southeast Asian Games.
From a limited role in his debut, Ordiales is now among the players expected to carry Alas Pilipinas’ fight in the upcoming SEA Games in Thailand after his impressive showing in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. The 22-year-old Ordiales, one of the top opposite spikers in the country, is ready to embrace the major role and bigger challenge for Alas in the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand starting next week.
‘I think I’ve become more mature in how I play – and better at handling pressure,’ Ordiales told reporters in Filipino in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) sendoff on Saturday.
Ordiales started his year steering National University to a historic ‘five-peat’ in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament last May, followed by several international training camps and competitions with Alas Pilipinas.
The 6-foot-6 Bulldog then, overcame a jittery World Championship debut, redeeming himself with a strong 21-point explosion in Alas’ historic win over Egypt. He also stepped up big time to help Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo in their heartbreaking loss to Iran in five sets, narrowly missing the round of 16.
Ordiales remains focused on his growth under coach Angiolino Frigoni and the national program as they try to return to the podium after a magical silver medal run in the 2019 SEA Games.
‘For me, I just try to stay calm. I don’t want to pressure myself too much. I’m still building how I’ll handle that kind of pressure,’ he said. ‘ I’m preparing myself for tough and crucial games, thinking about the mindset I need. Like if the game starts badly, how I’ll adjust, how I’ll get my game back right away. Those are the things I’m working on.’
Ordiales was pleased with their two-week camp in Taiwan, as they will be joined by captain and flagbearer Bagunas, fresh from Japan SV.League in Thailand.
‘Everything’s okay. Things are still going well, and my confidence is there,’ said Ordiales. ‘ Our tune-up results were solid, and our chemistry on the court is coming back. We’re just waiting for Kuya Bry so we can be at 100 percent.’
The Filipinos are in Pool B and will open their campaign against Myanmar on December 13 before clashing with defending champion Indonesia on December 16.