URGENT UPDATE: In a stunning upset, Rocklin High School, led by former Archbishop Mitty coach Bret Almazan-Cezar, has claimed its first-ever CIF NorCal Open Division volleyball title by defeating the favored Archbishop Mitty Monarchs 25-21, 16-25, 16-25, 25-21, 15-10 at Mitty’s home court in San Jose on November 18, 2025.
Rocklin, now boasting a record of 37-4, rallied from a two sets to one deficit, showcasing remarkable resilience. Almazan-Cezar, a familiar face at Mitty, returned to the gym where he secured countless titles during his two-decade tenure, leaving with a victory that shocked the volleyball community.
The match began with Rocklin taking a commanding 9-3 lead, forcing Mitty, who entered as the No. 7 team in the country and had not lost a set in over a month, to play from behind. Mitty’s first-year coach Jake Spain acknowledged the struggle, stating, “It makes it hard when you’re playing from behind against a good offensive team.”
Despite Mitty’s efforts, including strong performances from hitters Makenna Crosson and Chayce Courtney, who recorded 25 and 22 kills respectively, Rocklin’s determination proved too much. The Thunder regained momentum in the fourth set, and in the decisive fifth set, they surged to an early lead and never looked back, sealing the championship with a powerful kill from middle blocker Rylee Heinz.
Almazan-Cezar expressed pride in his team’s preparation and performance, emphasizing the importance of their game plan against Mitty. “His kids did a really good job in their preparation… they played into what we thought,” Spain noted, recognizing Rocklin’s tactical edge.
The loss marks a bittersweet end to a promising season for Mitty, which had high hopes of overcoming previous heartbreaks in CIF Open state championship games. Spain reflected on the emotional toll, saying, “It’s heartbreaking… I love these seniors who give every fiber of their being to wanting to be champions.”
As Rocklin celebrates this monumental victory, the future looks bright for both programs. Mitty, with a strong core including sophomore Courtney, aims to rebound next season, while Rocklin’s triumph solidifies Almazan-Cezar’s legacy as a formidable coach in high school volleyball.
The volleyball community is buzzing with excitement over this unexpected turn of events. Fans and players alike are eager to share their thoughts on social media as the story develops further.
