BETHLEHEM — Pleasant Valley didn’t back down.

Facing one of the top teams in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference — and District 11 — the Bears pushed Freedom to the brink in all three sets before the Patriots held on for a 25-16, 25-22, 25-23 victory in Saturday’s league quarterfinal matchup.

“This is a really good team they have at Freedom,” said Pleasant Valley head coach Drew Dymond. “This is our third time playing them this season, so both teams are familiar with each other, and yeah, I’m proud of the effort the girls put forth.

“We were close, but hats off to them — they made the plays when it counted.”

Pleasant Valley, the No. 6 seed, showed that fight throughout the afternoon. After trailing 16-4 in the first set, the Bears battled back to within 21-14 before No. 3 Freedom was able to close it out.

The Bears carried that energy into the second, controlling play early and forcing the Patriots to play from behind. Pleasant Valley led for much of the first half of the set before Freedom finally went ahead 12-11 — its first lead since 1-0.

The Bears quickly responded to regain the advantage at 18-17, but Freedom used a 5-0 run to go up 22-18 and close out the set for a 2-0 lead in the match.

Pleasant Valley continued to battle, taking control early in the third set after Freedom opened with a 2-1 edge. The Bears led throughout and were in position to extend the match, going up 23-20 before the Patriots finished with a 5-0 run to secure the sweep.

The Bears’ effort was consistent with the steady climb they’ve made throughout the second half of the season.

“Halfway through the season, we were kind of out of sorts a little bit here and there, but to see them come together, put forth this effort, and have a great second half to the season, it’s been really rewarding,” said Dymond, now in his second year guiding the program.

Pleasant Valley entered the postseason on a roll, winning five straight and eight of its last nine matches — with its only loss in that stretch also coming against Freedom on Sept. 23.

Freedom head coach Lori Guman said she wasn’t surprised Pleasant Valley continued to push her team to the limit.

“To see our girls show that fight, to be able to come back after going down like we did — that was nice to see,” Guman said. “Pleasant Valley really pushed us, especially in that third set. They play so well together.”

Freedom, the top-ranked team in District 11 Class 4A, was led by senior Landry Guman, the coach’s daughter, who entered the postseason with a team-high 232 kills. Guman’s consistent presence, along with a deep and balanced supporting cast, helped the Patriots weather every push from Pleasant Valley.

Stellar senior Rylee Ruggiero led the Bears with 12 kills, 10 digs, three aces and two blocks, while continuing to show her leadership on and off the court for a dynamic and developing Bears’ squad.

“The other teams are definitely aware of Rylee Ruggiero, and even knowing that, she still does a great job,” Dymond said. “But it opens up other possibilities. One of our other players who’s really come along this season is Isabella Slizewski, our sophomore. She’s gotten so much better and has done such a great job.

“And our setter, Kira Hnat, has stepped up tremendously. Once she gained confidence, you could see how it lifted everyone else.”

With districts next, the Bears are hoping their late-season surge leads to even more success.

“We just talked about turning the page and getting ready for districts,” Dymond said. “It looks like we could possibly be at home, which would be great. I think it’s been a while since we’ve won a district game, so this is a great opportunity — and we’re going to keep pushing for that.”

MOVING ON ... Freedom advances to Tuesday’s EPC semifinals at Northampton.

Freedom 3, Pleasant Valley 0

Pleasant Valley 16 22 23

Freedom 25 25 25

Stat leaders: Pleasant Valley - Rylee Ruggiero 12 kills, 10 digs, 3 aces, 2 blocks; Kira Hnat 13 assists, 9 digs; Lila Borger 8 digs; Isabella Slizewski 3 kills, 2 aces, 2 digs, 1 assist, 1 block; Emmerson DeLuna 4 digs, 2 assists; Sasha Slozina 4 kills, 3 assists; Mya Williams 2 digs, 1 ace; Emma Weber 2 blocks, 1 kill.

Records: Freedom (16-3); Pleasant Valley (11-6).