Capital1's Rachel Austero. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA — Rachel Austero has finally found the squad she could call "home."
Austero, who just joined Capital1 this June, is finally gaining her footing, escaping the shadows of former teammates in PLDT and Chery Tiggo.
Previously, the Benilde product had to compete for playing time in the middle blocker rotation with the likes of Jaja Santiago and Maika Ortiz in the Crossovers nest, and the likes of Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes, and Dell Palomata in the High Speed Hitters squad.
But now, she found the team where she belongs—and she's grateful for it.
READ: Bella Belen nostalgic in MOA Arena return: 'Home court ko raw'
"Actually, coming from another team. Siyempre, may mga veterans and ates ko dun," said Austero. "It's so nice to gain their trust, coach Jorge's trust. Ang saya lang na parang included ka, so I found a home here, and it's so nice. People here are so welcoming. Ang dami ko pang natutunan."
Capital1, with the help of Austero, who poured in eight points and excellent digs, found the back-to-back sweep wins — just their third straight-set win in franchise history — to clinch No. 3 in Pool A.
They swept Choco Mucho, 25-23, 26-24, 25-19, in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
READ: PVL: Capital1 edges out Choco Mucho, finishes third in Pool A
Austero had to exit the latter part of the game due to a minor injury after a bad fall, but she wasn't worried as the Solar Spikers, paced by Sasha Bytsenko and powered by camaraderie, found the closeout against the Flying Titans.
"I mean, words can't explain yung excitement. Siguro yung naramdaman ko, emotions ko ngayon. Halo-halo because yun, yung na-cut actually yung shin ko and everything. Pero 'yung papunta kami sa dulo, naikita ko yung fighting spirit and yung camaraderie ng lahat," she said.
"As in, like, ang sarap, ang sarap na part ganun. And also, if you really trust the process and trust yung system ni coach, andale, dumadali yung buong laro."
RELATED VIDEO: