Leo Ordiales acknowledges the high expectations for the six-peat chasing NU Bulldogs in UAAP Season 88 men's volleyball, and shares how they are handling it.
Leo Ordiales and the rest of the NU Bulldogs head into UAAP Season 88 fully aware of the target on their backs.
Coming off a historic stint with Alas Pilipinas Men, Ordiales shared his excitement about returning to the collegiate stage with the Bulldogs as they shoot for a legendary six-peat.
Ordiales was part of the national team pool alongside fellow Bulldogs Buds Buddin and Jade Disquitado, an experience he believes has raised their collective level.
"Excited ako kasi madami kaming natutunan sa Alas," Ordiales told One Sports.
"In-a-apply namin 'yon sa NU, tapos tinuturo rin namin sa mga teammates namin para tumaas pa 'yong level namin."
[ALSO READ: Josh Ybañez banks on Alas learnings as he leads UST in UAAP Season 88]
Ordiales played a key role for Alas Men on the biggest stage, delivering double-digit performances against world No. 27 Egypt and world no. 16 Iran during the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship.
With the Bulldogs keen on staying on the throne, the 23-year-old opposite hitter acknowledged the pressure that comes with defending the title, knowing that the team is prepared to handle it.
"May pressure, siyempre, kasi mag-de-defend kami ng title," Ordiales shared.
"Pero focus pa rin sa goal. Nandiyan talaga 'yong pressure, kaya kung paano mo na lang i-handle."
[ALSO READ: Sam Cantada ready to make mark as NU's prized rookie in UAAP Season 88]
Rather than looking too far ahead, Ordiales stressed that NU is staying grounded in the present.
"One game at a time lang," he said.
"Lahat ng teams, malalakas at competitive. So kailangan talaga, mag-focus lang hanggang makarating kami sa gusto naming mangyari."
The NU Bulldogs during the UAAP Season 88 Content Day | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Just in his second year, Ordiales is bringing a more mature approach to adversity as the Bulldogs aim to stay on top of the UAAP men’s volleyball.
"'Yong pagiging matured sa paglalaro at consistency," Ordiales added.
"Hindi naman araw-araw maganda 'yong journey. Kaya ang mahalaga, kung paano mo i-manage 'yong mga bagay-bagay."
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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.