SAN JOSE — Rocklin High School secured its first CIF NorCal Open Division volleyball title under the leadership of coach Bret Almazan-Cezar, who previously led Archbishop Mitty to numerous championships. In a thrilling match held on November 18, 2025, Rocklin overcame a two sets to one deficit to defeat Mitty, winning the final sets 25-21 and 15-10.
The match took place at Archbishop Mitty High School, a venue where Almazan-Cezar had spent over two decades building a reputation as a formidable coach. Despite Rocklin’s historical significance in the game, the atmosphere was charged with the weight of tradition, as Mitty, ranked seventh nationally, aimed to extend its impressive season.
Mitty (33-4) had entered the match with an unblemished record of set victories over the past month, yet struggled to find their rhythm early. Rocklin quickly established a 9-3 lead in the first set, forcing Mitty to play catch-up. Despite their efforts, the Monarchs lost the opening set 25-21. New head coach Jake Spain remarked on the challenge of facing a proficient offensive team like Rocklin, stating, “It makes it hard when you’re playing from behind.”
The Monarchs regrouped effectively in the second and third sets, showcasing their skill as hitters Makenna Crosson and Chayce Courtney led the way, contributing to back-to-back 25-16 victories. However, Rocklin displayed remarkable resilience, taking control in the fourth set with a strong 3-0 start and ultimately winning 25-21.
Entering the decisive fifth set, Rocklin maintained its momentum, again capturing an early lead. The Thunder (37-4) held on to win the match when middle blocker Rylee Heinz delivered the final kill, sealing the championship.
Spain acknowledged the preparation of Rocklin’s team, praising their execution and physical play. He noted, “His kids did a really good job in their preparation… they came down here and played phenomenal.” The loss marked a disappointing end to a promising season for Mitty, which had been expected to contend for a CIF Open state championship.
Reflecting on the match, Almazan-Cezar shared a light moment with his team, reminding them of the history of success in the gym, saying, “Mitty’s never lost a NorCal championship match in this gym… Oh, that’s me.”
The defeat encapsulated a bittersweet moment for Mitty, who had excelled in their league and CCS Open title run. Spain, in his first year as coach after leading Marin Catholic, expressed his admiration for the senior players who had dedicated themselves to the program. “It’s heartbreaking… I just have to take a second and breathe and tell these seniors how much I love them,” he said, emphasizing the commitment shown by his team throughout the season.
In her final high school match before moving on to play at the University of Minnesota, Crosson delivered an impressive performance with a game-high 25 kills. Courtney, only a sophomore, added 22 kills, positioning her as a key player for future seasons.
The championship win for Rocklin not only marks a significant achievement for the school but also highlights the impact of Almazan-Cezar’s coaching legacy as he continues to shape a new chapter for the Thunder.
