Leo Ordiales ends breakout year with SEA Games bronze for Alas

Leo Ordiales and Alas Pilipinas during a game against Vietnam in the SEA Games 2025 men’s volleyball bronze medal match. –SAVA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Leo Ordiales ended his breakout year for Alas Pilipinas with a bronze medal in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games men’s volleyball.

Ordiales dropped 20 points to conspire with Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas and complete Alas Piipinas’ epic comeback from two sets down against Vietnam, 23-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-22, 16-14, for the bronze medal on Friday at Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok.

READ: Alas Pilipinas men return to SEA Games podium with bronze

“Of course, we’re happy. Even if it’s just bronze, it’s still the podium. It’s not the result we were aiming for, but at least we still finished on the podium,” said Ordiales in Filipino.

The second-time SEA Games campaigner, who had a major role this year as the main opposite spiker, had 25 points in a heartbreaking loss to eventual champion Thailand in the semifinal.

They struggled to find their groove early against Vietnam, but Ordiales and the Filipino Spikers refused to give up.

READ: Lloyd Josafat caps Alas’ historic year with bronze-winning serve

“We just kept telling each other to fight. No one gives up because the game wasn’t over yet. We really wanted to win, so we held on,” he said.

The 22-year-old Ordiales said he is grateful for his growth under the national team, especially after a historic stint in the FIVB Men’s World Championship last September.

“It’s a good experience again, and there are a lot of lessons. We’ll keep collecting those until we become more mature in our game,” he said

Ordiales shifts his focus to National University in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament next February, but he vows to continue playing for the flag.