Oct. 22, 2006

The Broncos had the "three amigos" of Mark Jackson, Vance Johnson and Ricky Nattiel at wide receiver. The Redskins checked in during the 80s with their own version of "the three amigos" with Art Monk, Ricky Sanders and Gary Clark.

The nickname was based on a 1986 comedy movie starring Steve Martin, Martin Short and Chevy Chase called "The Three Amigos." The three characters travel to Mexico to find a new opportunity.

20 years later, the 2006 version of "The Three Amigos" has been anything but a silly comedy. Thais Hollerbach, Isabela Lachowski and Tamy Leipelt have been nothing to laugh at this season for the 33-6 NJC volleyball team. They are finding opportunity to shine in the Bank of Colorado Center in Sterling which is one entire hemisphere away from home for them.

The three standouts share more than just winning volleyball. NJC's "three amigas" hail from South America and the Portuguese-speaking country of Brazil.

"I'm OK being on campus," Hollerbach said with a translation assist from Leipelt. "I prefer bigger cities so when I first got here I may have been in a little bit of shock. But it has always been my dream to experience a new country."

Hollerbach, a freshman from Porto Alegre, leads the team in three offensive categories. Going into last weekend she was first in kills (411), attempts (965), and aces (82).

She had 375 digs, second on the team to defensive specialist Jenny Andresen. And standing at just 5'7, Hollerbach often surprises hitters at the net with her ability to get vertical and finish kills with power.

She's also notched a respectable 58 total blocks with 22 solo blocks.

Hollerbach's play on the court has helped her adjust to life across the world from the culture she knows. It also helps to have two people on the team who speak the same language and can help translate.

The outside hitter showed she does know enough English to give Leipelt a hard time.

"Bela helps me a lot, but Tamy doesn't help at all," Hollerbach said as the "three amigas" share a good laugh because the soft-spoken Hollerbach jokingly pops off to Leipelt.

Leipelt knew better than to take the comment seriously. As a lifetime friend and volleyball teammate of Hollerbach, Leipelt has enjoyed her time in Sterling learning the ropes.

"I like Sterling because it's a small town," Leipelt said. "I prefer small towns because of the way people treat you."

Both players are striving to take their NJC volleyball experience to the best outdoor volleyball spot in the United States.

"It's my dream to play volleyball in Hawaii," Leipelt said as Hollerbach quickly agreed with an authoritative nod and smile.

Hollerbach and Leipelt are quick to credit their Brazilian club coach, "Osmar," for getting them to the states to showcase their talent.

"He sent in a tape," Leipelt said. "Marci and Robby viewed the tape."

Such simplicity has resulted in tremendous production on the court for Head Coach Marci Henry and her assistant, Robby Haley.

Leipelt, a freshman from Porto Alegre, has given Henry's team a versatile option. Leipelt is third on the team in kills (265) behind Hollerbach and Addi Radke.

Her 63 aces put her in second on the team behind Hollerbach. But she's also kept her defense sharp with 90 digs and 86 total blocks. Leipelt notched 23 solo blocks going into last weekend, third on the team behind Radke (26) and Lachowski (25).

Leipelt is improving academically because of the help she receives from the NJC faculty.

"The teachers are very patient," she said in reference to the language barrier she and Hollerbach are battling to overcome.

The key factor in Leipelt and Hollerbach's success on and off the court may be the help of the third "amiga," Lachowski. Leipelt, like Hollerbach, is quick to recognize Lachowski as a mentor.

"Bela helps us a lot," Leipelt said. "She helps us study and translate tests."

In her second year in the NJC program, Lachowski brings the necessary inside presence to the NJC defense at 6'3. At the net this season, the Curitiba PR native has stoned offensive hitters to the tune of 110 blocks. She's also contributed 80 kills in 188 attempts.

Lachowski also provides a much-needed translator and a personal guide to her two young understudies.

"The biggest thing I had to adjust to was the amount of unhealthy food available," Lachowski said. "I warned them that they have to be careful because I ate less healthy when I got here."

"I enjoy helping them," Lachowski said. "They're wonderful people and nice friends. They're funny. We're always joking and laughing...plus they're good players."

Lachowski has improved as a linguist with more translation experience.

And she's dealt with the pressure of making sure Hollerbach and Leipelt don't fall behind in their assignments or tests...sometimes to the brink of language overload.

"Sometimes when I had to translate fast, I felt like my head was going to explode going English to Portuguese, Portuguese to English," she said.

As the veteran of the group, Lachowski said she's been able to settle in and enjoy her NJC experience.

"I love the chemistry of the team," she said. "I enjoy the coaches and the community."

With all the excitement and success surrounding "the three amigas," they know they still have one goal to accomplish this season. They have their sights set on Operation White-Out night in the Event Center against No. 1 Western Nebraska.

"We need to win that game," Hollerbach said.

Lachowski said the team should focus on the game plan even though the stands will be packed and the atmosphere will have a little more juice to it.

"We have to focus and do what we have been doing," Lachowski said about the No. 16 Plainswomen. "We've got what we need. I'm going to do my part which is to block."

Leipelt admits she'll be "a little nervous" with a packed Bank ofColorado Event Center with fans wearing white t-shirts. "I would love to see a lot of fans," she said. "It would be cool."

Leipelt has been around volleyball enough to know that to be No. 1, you have to beat No. 1. Her NJC goal is loud and clear.

"A national championship." And she said it in perfect English.