(2ND UPDATE) The Philippines swept Malaysia, 25-14, 25-20, 25-15, to open its campaign in the Southeast Asian Games women's volleyball tournament at the Dai Yen Arena in Quang Ninh, Vietnam on Friday.

After a strong showing by Malaysia in Set 2, the Philippines asserted its dominance in the third, capping the set with a forced error and a spike.

The Filipinas dominated the opening set and were ahead 8-1 in the second frame, before Malaysia rallied to take a 17-14 advantage.

Malaysia had no answer for the power-spiking trio of Alyssa Valdez, Jaja Santiago, and Kat Tolentino, however. They helped the Philippines win six of the next eight points and regain control of the set.

It was all Philippines from there as they cruised in the third set.

Santiago led the way for the Filipinas with 15 points, including five kill blocks. Ces Molina added 12 points, and Valdez and Ria Meneses each contributed seven markers. Mylene Paat had nine points on eight kills.

The Philippines gave away just 13 points and had 22 points off Malaysia's errors. They also had a 38-27 advantage in kills and a 7-2 lead in service aces.

The Philippines will play defending champion Thailand on Saturday at 3 p.m. The Filipinas will need to finish in the top two in pool play to qualify for the gold medal match.