When Congolese student-spiker Margot Mutshima first arrived to National University three years ago, she hardly spoke any English.
Everyone knew she was good, since the 6-foot-2 open spiker had already played in the 2017 Women’s Volleyball African Championship despite being part of the Under-18 squad. But communication is a big factor — especially in the game of volleyball.
“Marunong siya na easy-easy words.
“Sa training, sinasabi ko lang sa kanya lagi, ‘Margot, smile. Happy-happy. You look at me.’ Mga ganun lang tinuturo ko sa kanya,” shared Lady Bulldogs skipper Risa Sato.
One of the first Lady Bulldogs players to try and break the ice with her was libero Jennifer Nierva — the glue that binds NU together.
“Before, nagta-try ako mag-aral ng basic French, ta’s lagi ko siyang gini-greet, ‘Margot, bonjour.’ Sabi niya, parang, ‘You know French ha.’ ‘Yun na,” shared Nierva.
“In English, barok English. It’s like this, ‘Margot, understand. Margot, you spike hard, like that.’ Ganun po talaga.”
Three years later, the wait for the now-20-year-old Mutshima was worth it.
After dragging University of Santo Tomas to the deep waters in their UAAP Season 82 debut, Mutshima did not waste the chance. The towering spiker fired five of her game-high 23 points in the deciding set, lifting her squad to a 22-25, 25-23, 20-25, 25-20, 15-13 victory to open their campaign.
“I am very happy because we got the win,” said Mutshima, who is still getting used to the glitz of the UAAP.
But if Nierva is to be believed, Mitsushima’s debut was just it — a start. The best is yet to come.
“Sa tingin niyo po very good game na ‘yan, pero madami pa po siyang ipapakita. Very happy ako sa game niya today, pero madami pa ‘yan,” said the sophomore defensive specialist.
“Magugulat na lang kayo.”
