Rocklin Wins First CIF NorCal Volleyball Title, Shocking Mitty

UPDATE: In a stunning upset, Rocklin High School clinched its first CIF NorCal Open Division volleyball championship, defeating powerhouse Archbishop Mitty on November 18, 2025, at Mitty’s home court in San Jose, California.

Bret Almazan-Cezar, the former Mitty coach, led the Thunder to victory after trailing two sets to one. Rocklin rallied to win the fourth set 25-21 and clinched the match with a 15-10 win in the decisive fifth set, marking a historic achievement for the school.

This championship is especially poignant as it comes against Almazan-Cezar’s former team, where he won numerous titles during his two-decade tenure. “I made sure when they took our pictures, they got the banners in there too,” he stated, reflecting on the emotional significance of the match.

Mitty, ranked 7th in the nation and boasting a record of 33-4, entered the game with high expectations after dominating their previous matches. However, Rocklin quickly took control, establishing a 9-3 lead in the first set and ultimately winning it 25-21. Mitty managed to respond with back-to-back wins in the next two sets, both 25-16, fueled by standout performances from hitters Makenna Crosson and Chayce Courtney.

Rocklin’s determination shone brightly in the fourth set as they surged ahead, never allowing Mitty to regain momentum. “His kids did a really good job in their preparation,” said Mitty’s first-year coach Jake Spain. “They played into what we thought, and we didn’t do a great job of stopping it.”

In the fifth set, Rocklin maintained its lead, sealing the victory with a powerful kill from middle blocker Rylee Heinz. This loss marks a disappointing end for Mitty, who was aiming for redemption after recent setbacks in CIF Open state championship games. Spain expressed heartbreak for his seniors, noting their hard work and dedication throughout the season.

“It’s heartbreaking,” Spain said. “I love these seniors who give every fiber of their being to wanting to be champions. And so when you come up a bit short, it hurts.”

Crosson, playing her final high school match before heading to the University of Minnesota, led all players with 25 kills, while Courtney contributed 22 kills as a sophomore, signaling a bright future for the Monarchs.

As Rocklin celebrates this monumental achievement, the volleyball community is left in awe of the dramatic turn of events. Fans and supporters are eager to share this incredible story of resilience and triumph, showcasing the unpredictable nature of high school sports.

Looking ahead, both teams will reflect on this match as they prepare for future competitions, but for now, Rocklin’s victory remains the headline of the day.