Rachel Austero expressed gratitude for finding a new home with the Capital1 Solar Spikers, helping her squad close the first round of the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference on a high note.
Rachel Austero made the most of her starting opportunity, helping Capital1 Solar Spikers sweep the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 25-23, 26-24, 25-19, in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday, November 4, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Austero finished with eight points and six digs, playing a steady role on both ends as the Solar Spikers picked up a key victory to end the first round of the tournament.
After the match, Austero shared how grateful she was to be trusted with a starting role and to play a leadership part for her team.
“Words can’t explain ‘yung excitement,” she said during the post-game press conference. “Halo-halo ‘yung emotions ko because na-cut actually ‘yung shin ko pero papunta kami sa dulo, nakikita ko 'yung fighting spirit and camaraderie ng lahat. Ang sarap maging part nun.”
Finding a new home
Austero joined Capital1 during the offseason in hopes of getting more minutes after her time with PLDT, which featured a deep pool of middle blockers such as Majoy Baron, Dell Palomata, and Mika Reyes.
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Now in a fresh environment and a bigger role, Austero admitted that earning the trust and confidence of her teammates and coaches has been one of the most fulfilling parts of her journey with Capital1.
“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,” she expressed.
Leading with experience
As one of the veterans in the lineup, Austero takes pride in guiding her younger teammates while continuing to learn from them at the same time.
“As an ate, kailangan ko rin talaga i-guide sila,” she said. “Pero ang gaan kasi hindi lang ako ‘yung magtuturo sa kanila. Kasi sila rin, may natututunan ako, especially kina Bella [Belen] and all the veterans. Ang saya lang. Ang gaan maglaro.”
Capital1 celebrates after winning over Choco Mucho in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. | Photo: PVL
With the win, Austero and the Solar Spikers look to carry their momentum into the second round as they aim for a quarterfinal berth.
Capital1 returns to action on Tuesday, November 11, against the Chery Tiggo Crossovers at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
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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.