In a thrilling CIF NorCal Open Division championship match, Rocklin High School claimed its first title by defeating Archbishop Mitty, led by former coach Bret Almazan-Cezar. The match took place on November 18, 2025, at Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, where Almazan-Cezar had previously enjoyed a successful two-decade tenure.
Rocklin faced an uphill battle after losing the first set 25-21, but demonstrated resilience by winning the fourth set 25-21 and sealing the victory in the fifth set with a score of 15-10. This marked a historic achievement for Rocklin, which had never before won a CIF Open title.
Mitty, entering the match as the No. 7 team in the nation and boasting a record of 33-4, initially struggled against Rocklin’s aggressive play. “It makes it hard when you’re playing from behind against a good offensive team,” said Jake Spain, the new head coach for Mitty. The Monarchs managed to shift momentum by winning the second and third sets 25-16, showcasing the skills of standout players Makenna Crosson and Chayce Courtney.
Yet, Rocklin was undeterred and rallied in the fourth set, taking an early lead and maintaining it throughout. The Thunder’s strong performance continued into the decisive fifth set, where they surged ahead 2-0 and ultimately secured the championship with a final kill from middle blocker Rylee Heinz.
Almazan-Cezar, reflecting on the match, acknowledged the significance of the win for his team. “I made sure when they took our pictures, they got the banners in there too,” he said, emphasizing the pride of achieving this milestone on the same court where he had previously celebrated many victories with Mitty.
For Mitty, the loss was a disappointing end to a season that had shown great promise. Spain expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about the future of the program. “It’s heartbreaking,” he said, acknowledging the effort and dedication of his senior players. “This place is amazing. I hope to continue the honor that someone like Bret put in 20 years creating.”
Crosson, in her final high school match before heading to the University of Minnesota, delivered an impressive performance with a game-high 25 kills. Courtney, a sophomore, contributed significantly with 22 kills, positioning herself as a key player for the next season.
The defeat has implications for Mitty, which had hoped to break its recent streak of losses in CIF Open state championship games. Instead, they now face the challenge of regrouping as they look ahead to the next season, with a new coach at the helm and a talented roster poised for future success. Rocklin’s victory not only highlights their potential but also marks a significant moment in high school volleyball history.
