CANDON CITY — Alas Pilipinas’ Leo Ordiales was feted as the best opposite hitter in Leg 1 of the 2025 SEA V.League.
Ordiales, 22, was a revelation for the Alas side all tournament long, finishing with a total of 64 points.
Overall, the National U winger finished third overall in scoring in their home leg.
It becomes only his second-ever individual award and first in international play.
He previously won the same nod in the 2023 Spikers Turf Invitational Conference.
"Sobrang saya kasi first time ko magka-award sa international. Dagdag din ng boost ng confidence para [magkaroon] ng rason na pag-igihan pa lalo," Ordiales said.
"[Nag-improve talaga] yung decision making, yung mga ganung bagay. Kasi parang mas nacocontrol ko yung mga errors ko, at saka unti-unti nagiging matured na rin sa paglalaro.
"Kailangan pa namin iimprove yung pasa namin, communication sa loob, sa pagdepensa. Kinapos lang pero asahan niyo, babawi kami sa second leg."
Sans injured star spikers Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas, Ordiales isn't letting himself yield to the pressure of filling the huge gaps left by the multi-awarded duo.
"Patuloy lang sa pag-iimprove kasi alam ko babalik naman sila pero kung sakali man na hindi, ready naman ako para magperform at para tulungan yung mga teammates ko, tulungan yung Pilipinas."
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