MANILA, Philippines — Left out of the stacked final roster of National University in the past two years, Leo Ordiales’ time to shine finally came in Season 87 and he proved his worth.

Ordiales dropped a team-high 13 points to help continue the Bulldogs’ winning legacy with a fifth consecutive men’s volleyball crown on Saturday.

READ: UAAP Finals: NU Bulldogs fulfill ‘five-peat’ dream, overcome FEU

Leo Ordiales after proving his worth this #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/xmHIwqBDQw

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 18, 2025

“I’m just really happy that I was able to show the whole country what I’m capable of. I was able to showcase my talent and prove to those who doubted me that I can actually compete at this level,” Ordiales told Inquirer Sports after a 25-16, 28-26, 25-23 sweep of Far Eastern University in a winner-take-all Game 3 in front of 14,517 fans at Mall of Asia Arena.

Backed against the wall in the Final Four, Ordiales unleashed 20 points to stave off the Josh Ybañez-led University of Santo Tomas for their 10th straight finals appearance.

The Bulldogs played through another tough series after a five-set meltdown in Game 1, but Ordiales never gave up and conspired with his fellow wing hitter Buds Buddin and Leo Aringo to complete a series comeback against the hard-fighting Tamaraws.

Ordiales, who averaged 16.3 points in the finals, said the winning culture of coach Dante Alinsunurin made him patient until he finally got his opportunity this season.

READ: UAAP: Leo Ordiales proves worth by leading NU back to finals

“Mindset and discipline are the biggest keys to becoming a champion. You really have to take care of yourself and you need to have the proper mentality,” he said.

Ordiales remains hungry for more, seeking to be a better player and leader for NU next year.

“I’ll keep doing my role, same as before—but now I’ll give even more. I’ll work on being more consistent and keep improving,” he said. 

Ordiales seeks to go back to work right after a short rest as he tries to Earn a spot at Alas Pilipinas ahead of the country’s hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in September.