UAAP: Leo Ordiales shows wares in NU title win

Leo Ordiales, previously left out of National University's (NU) men’s volleyball roster for two years, seized his opportunity in UAAP Season 87, delivering a team-high 13 points in Game 3 of the Finals to help NU secure its fifth consecutive title with a 25-16, 28-26, 25-23 sweep over Far Eastern University (FEU). The victory, witnessed by 14,517 fans at Mall of Asia Arena, marked his breakout performance.

Ordiales expressed pride in proving his capabilities, stating, “I’m just really happy that I was able to show the whole country what I’m capable of... I can actually compete at this level.” His contributions were pivotal throughout the playoffs, including a 20-point effort in the Final Four to defeat University of Santo Tomas (UST) and secure NU’s 10th straight Finals appearance.

Despite NU’s Game 1 meltdown in the Finals, Ordiales collaborated with teammates Buds Buddin and Leo Aringo to rally past FEU. He credited coach Dante Alinsunurin’s winning culture and emphasized mindset and discipline as keys to success: “You need to have the proper mentality.”

Looking ahead, Ordiales aims to improve his consistency and leadership for NU next season. He also plans to vie for a spot in Alas Pilipinas ahead of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in September, stating, “I’ll work on being more consistent and keep improving.”