The Chattanooga Mocs volleyball team travels to Macon, Ga., Thursday to square off with Mercer at 6:00 p.m. UTC is 18-4 and 7-2 in Southern Conference action.

"We're looking to be really solid on our side and not be distracted by anything outside of what we can control," head coach Travis Filar stated. "We are playing really sharp at home, but sometimes there are less distractions away so you hope to be just as sharp. We have to find a way to do that. "

Chattanooga is coming off a five-set loss at UNCG Friday.

"It's important for us to stay on the attack," Filar said. "We got a little away from that against UNCG. We need to get back to our offense driving us, remembering what's given us success and being mindful of playing to our strengths."

The previous weekend, the Mocs posted wins over ETSU (3-1) and Samford (3-0). The squad has won 14 of its last 16 matches and leads the conference in assists per set (13.33) and hitting percentage (.272).

Senior Sarah Batterton (Colbert, Wash.) has proven her diversity. She recorded 15 kills with a .393 hitting percentage at UNCG and 16 over ETSU at a .520 clip. In addition, Batterton marked five blocks against ETSU and four facing Samford.

"Sarah has really been focused on her discipline at the net as a blocker," explained Filar. "We're tough to score on when she is setting up a good block, and we're solid behind her defensively. Attacking-wise, she's very steady and consistent. You know what you're going to get from her."

Sophomore Lauren Greenspoon (Houston, Texas) marked 58 assists over the Spartans. She ranks No. 10 nationally for assists per set (11.61). Senior Catherine Chason (Alpharetta, Ga.) posted her eighth 20-plus dig performance at UNCG. She is 50th nationally in digs per set (4.77).

UTC beat the Bears 3-1 in Maclellan Gym on Oct. 2. The Mocs lead the all-time series 12-9.

Mercer is 9-13 and 4-6 in league play. It had a four-match winning streak snapped recently. After a 3-1 win over Samford, the Bears lost 3-1 to Furman and 3-2 at Wofford. They pace the SoCon in aces per set at 1.78.

Two of their student-athletes are nationally-ranked in that category. Junior libero Tori Penrod and sophomore outside hitter Morgan McGilvary both average 0.40 aces per set. Penrod also boasts 345 digs (4.73/set). Freshman middle blocker Paige Alsten rates No. 43 nationally and second in the conference for blocks per set (1.26).

Live stats and video links can be found on the volleyball schedule page at GoMocs.com.

UTC returns home for a matchup against Wofford on Saturday at Noon in Maclellan Gym.