During their previous matchups against Georgetown and Thomas More, the volleyball program at Shawnee State University showed the type of talent that is available at its disposal by taking both programs to five sets in well-played affairs on both ends of the court.

With another big week ahead of it -- and a chance to close the gap on the middle of the pack in the Mid-South Conference standings -- the Bears enter this week's matchups with an opportunity to cash in.

However, as has been the case all year, consistency will be the biggest key to Shawnee State's success.

"We have had our ups and downs this season, and have played some great matches," SSU head coach Susan Shelton said. "We continue to work on consistency and playing aggressively. It is important that we remain positive as we finish up the regular season."

In their early season matchups against both opponents, defense was not the issue as Shawnee State edged both opponents in the digs department by three digs apiece in their tight five-set losses (66 to 63 against Thomas More and 102 to 99 against Georgetown). However, both teams' length proved to be a major issue in both contests, as Thomas More and Georgetown combined for 22 blocks against the Bears in their five-set victories. SSU, meanwhile, posted only seven blocks in both games as the Saints and the Tigers proved to be lethal with their size advantage around the net.

Additionally, both offensive attacks, from a hitting standpoint, were also lethal. Emily Mohs and Jenna Mummert combined for 39 kills while hitting at least .250 or better for the match on Thomas More's behalf, while Jessica Tapp, McKala Bozman and Ashton Meckle each collected at least 12 kills and a .265 hitting percentage for Georgetown. Four of those five players are six-footers and none of the five are shorter than 5-10.

"In order for us to beat both Georgetown and Thomas More, we have to shut down their offense," Shelton said. "Our blocking has to be strong. We have to control the pace of the match and play our game. We need to execute and finish."

In Macie Rhoads and Alissa Kefauver, Shawnee State has two attack hitters who have being doing just that on a consistent basis. Rhoads collected 40 kills between the two matches and hit .200 or better in each of them -- including a 23-kill, .340 attack percentage mark against Georgetown -- and Kefauver, who obtained 11 kills against Thomas More, posted a rare triple-double by obtaining 23 assists, 23 digs, and 12 kills while hitting .333 against the Tigers. The latter hit over .310 just last week, and her improvement as a freshman figures to play a huge role in Shawnee State's improvement down the stretch of the season.

Their improvements, along with more consistent play from Bella Gill on the frontline, could prove to be huge if Shawnee State makes the late-season run it hopes to make.

"Alissa has played great the last few matches," Shelton said. "She looks really good right now and she is playing aggressively. It is key for us to have a balanced attack. Alissa and Bella have added to the offense which helps take the pressure off of Macie. Maria continues to run a good offense and is quickly learning to vary our attack. Our hitters are connecting better with her which is allowing Maria to feel more confident."

For more information on SSU Bears Athletics, visit www.ssubears.com or visit the Twitter and Facebook pages at https://twitter.com/SSUBears and https://www.facebook.com/SSUBears.