The stretch run of the volleyball regular season is bringing plenty of significance for Bethlehem’s three EPC programs.

Liberty enters the week at 11-1, Bethlehem Catholic is 12-1, and Freedom sits at 7-6 while trying to strengthen its position for a District 11 playoff berth.

The biggest matchup comes when Liberty and Bethlehem Catholic meet this week in a battle between two of the area’s top teams.

The match takes place after Press deadlines, however.

Bethlehem Catholic coach Jess Attieh said the match will provide her team with an important test as it prepares for the postseason.

“The Liberty match is a big one for us,” Attieh said. “They’re a strong team with talented players and a quality coaching staff. We know it’s going to be a competitive match that will challenge us in a lot of different ways.”

Attieh said a victory would provide confidence, but the Golden Hawks are more interested in how they handle the pressure of the matchup.

“More importantly, it’s about how we compete, stay disciplined, and execute under pressure,” she said. “These are the kinds of matches that help prepare us for the postseason, and I’m excited to see how our girls rise to the challenge.”

For Liberty head coach Fernando Torres, it’s another opportunity for his program to prove themselves.

“This group has high aspirations, and as competitors they really look forward to playing in meaningful matches like this one,” Torres said. “As we near postseason play, we want to challenge ourselves against great competition, so we can continue to sharpen the things that will matter most when the stakes get even higher.

“We have a tremendous amount of respect for Bethlehem Catholic’s players and coaches. We know they’re going to bring their best, and we wouldn’t want it any other way. “

Liberty will have another challenging matchup against Easton in addition to its meeting with Bethlehem Catholic.

Bethlehem Catholic, meanwhile, will also face Nazareth this week along with Liberty. Both teams are also battling for EPC playoff positioning for one of the top seeds, so this week’s matchup could be a tiebreaker when the regular season closes out on October 14.

Freedom enters the week with a different objective. At 7-6, the Patriots are fighting to keep their District 11 playoff hopes alive and will face Easton, Stroudsburg and Northampton.