Leo Ordiales admitted nerves got the better of him in his FIVB World Championship debut against Tunisia, vowing to bounce back stronger and regain confidence for Alas Pilipinas’ next match.
Leo Ordiales admitted he struggled to overcome the pressure of the moment in his first-ever World Championship start.
Thrust into the starting lineup in place of Steven Rotter, the 22-year-old opposite hitter found it difficult to settle into rhythm as Alas Pilipinas absorbed a straight-set defeat to world No. 43 Tunisia, 13-25, 17-25, 23-25, at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday night, September 12.
Ordiales managed just two points and finished with a -42.86% spiking efficiency, unable to provide the offensive spark the team had hoped for.
“Isa rin ‘yun, kumbaga, kailangan dapat maganda ‘yung laro ko. ‘Yun ‘yung pressure na hindi ko agad na-overcome,” Ordiales admitted after the match. “Siguro sa kumpyansa lang sa sarili. Kailangan talaga ng confidence saka mindset lang.”
Bounce back incoming
The 22-year-old opposite hitter shared that nerves got the best of him under the bright lights of the world stage.
Leo Ordiales spikes the ball during Alas Pilipinas' straight-sets loss to Tunisia. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
“First time ko makaapak dun sa ganung kalaking stage. Siguro hindi ko na-overcome agad ‘yung pressure kasi hindi na basta-basta ‘to eh,” the NU standout said.
“Sobrang malaking pressure pero ‘yun nga, sabi nga ng mga teammates at kuya ko, nangyayari talaga ‘yun. Buti nangyari na ngayon, para at least sa second game ma-overcome ko na at alam ko na ‘yung mga dapat kong gawin.”
[ALSO READ: Leo Ordiales relishes being part of Alas Pilipinas pool for FIVB World Championship]
Despite the disappointing debut, Ordiales is determined to turn things around in their next Pool A match against Egypt on Tuesday, September 16.
“Ang masasabi ko lang, kailangan ko makabuo ng kumpyansa agad for the next game. Tatrabahuhin ‘yung mga mali ko kanina, ita-try ko bumawi. Babawi talaga ako,” said Ordiales.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | Alas Pilipinas debut at 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship]—
Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.