Rocklin Claims First CIF NorCal Open Title, Almazan-Cezar Triumphs

UPDATE: In an electrifying showdown, former Archbishop Mitty coach Bret Almazan-Cezar led Rocklin to its first-ever CIF NorCal Open volleyball championship, defeating the Monarchs in a thrilling five-set match on November 18, 2025, at Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose.

Rocklin rallied after trailing two sets to one, clinching the fourth set 25-21 and then sealing the victory in the fifth set 15-10. The Thunder’s historic win marks a significant moment in the school’s athletic history, emphasizing Almazan-Cezar’s successful return to his former coaching grounds.

Entering the match, Archbishop Mitty stood as the No. 7 team in the nation, boasting a record of 33-4 and having not lost a set in over a month. However, Rocklin’s aggressive start put the Monarchs on the defensive early. They struggled to recover from a 9-3 deficit, ultimately losing the first set 25-21.

“It makes it hard when you’re playing from behind against a good offensive team,” said Mitty’s first-year coach Jake Spain.

Despite the rocky start, Mitty managed to dominate the next two sets, with standout performances from hitters Makenna Crosson and Chayce Courtney, leading to consecutive set wins of 25-16. Yet, Rocklin’s perseverance shone through in the decisive fourth set, where they once again took an early lead and maintained it to force a fifth set.

In the final set, Rocklin surged ahead with a 2-0 lead and never looked back, closing the match with a powerful kill from middle blocker Rylee Heinz.

“His kids did a really good job in their preparation,” Spain acknowledged. “They are physical, and they did a really nice job of sticking to what they do.”

This loss ends a promising season for Mitty, which had high hopes for a deep championship run after an undefeated league season. Almazan-Cezar, who previously led Mitty to 11 state titles, expressed his pride in Rocklin’s performance.

“Mitty’s never lost a NorCal championship match in this gym,” Almazan-Cezar noted, reflecting on the emotional depth of the game.

Crosson, in her final high school match before heading to the University of Minnesota, delivered an impressive performance with a game-high 25 kills, while Courtney contributed 22 kills, setting the stage for future success as a sophomore.

As the dust settles from this remarkable championship clash, all eyes will be on the future of both programs. Rocklin celebrates a historic victory, while Mitty’s team, filled with potential, prepares to regroup for the next season.

This thrilling conclusion to the CIF NorCal Open Championship is a reminder of the excitement that high school athletics can bring, as both teams now look ahead to what comes next.