UPDATE: In a stunning upset, former Archbishop Mitty coach Bret Almazan-Cezar led Rocklin to its first-ever CIF NorCal Open Division volleyball title, defeating the powerhouse Archbishop Mitty in a gripping five-set match on November 18, 2025. This victory marks a significant milestone in Rocklin’s athletic history.
With the match unfolding at Mitty’s home court in San Jose, Rocklin rallied from a two sets to one deficit, ultimately winning the fourth set 25-21 and sealing the match with a decisive 15-10 victory in the fifth. This triumph not only highlights Rocklin’s resilience but also serves as a bittersweet moment for Almazan-Cezar, who previously secured numerous championships with the Monarchs.
Rocklin, boasting a remarkable season record of 37-4, quickly took control, establishing an early lead at 9-3 in the first set. Despite Mitty’s attempts to stabilize, they lost the first set 25-21, setting the tone for an intense battle. Mitty, ranked as the 7th best team in the nation with a 33-4 record, initially appeared poised to dominate, having not lost a set in over a month.
Mitty regrouped in the second and third sets, showcasing strong performances from hitters Makenna Crosson and Chayce Courtney, who propelled the team to consecutive set wins of 25-16. Yet, Rocklin’s determination shone through as they regained momentum in the fourth set, taking an early lead and holding off Mitty’s advances.
In the decisive fifth set, Rocklin surged ahead 2-0 and maintained their lead, culminating in a match-winning kill by middle blocker Rylee Heinz. This unexpected defeat marks a significant setback for Mitty, which had high hopes of reversing its recent trends in CIF Open state championship matches.
“It was interesting because I told the kids, ‘Mitty’s never lost a NorCal championship match in this gym,’” Almazan-Cezar reflected after the match. “And I go, ‘Oh, that’s me.’”
First-year Mitty coach Jake Spain expressed disappointment but praised Rocklin’s preparation and execution. “His kids did a really good job in their preparation,” Spain noted. “They played into what we thought, and we didn’t do a great job of stopping it.”
Rocklin’s victory not only highlights a new chapter in their sports program but also leaves Mitty with critical lessons learned as they look ahead. Spain emphasized the emotional toll on his senior players, stating, “It’s heartbreaking… I love these seniors who give every fiber of their being to wanting to be champions.”
In her final high school match, Crosson delivered a standout performance with a game-high 25 kills, while Courtney added 22 kills, showcasing the talent that will continue to shape Mitty’s future.
The excitement surrounding this championship game is palpable, as Rocklin celebrates a historic achievement against a backdrop of intense competition and rich volleyball tradition. As fans and players alike reflect on this thrilling match, all eyes will be on what comes next for both teams in the evolving landscape of high school volleyball.
