Rocklin Wins First CIF NorCal Volleyball Title Under Almazan-Cezar

BREAKING: In a stunning upset, Rocklin has secured its first-ever CIF NorCal Open Division volleyball title, defeating the powerhouse Archbishop Mitty in a thrilling five-set match on November 18, 2025, at Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose. Former Mitty coach Bret Almazan-Cezar, now leading Rocklin, orchestrated a remarkable comeback after trailing two sets to one.

Rocklin clinched the championship with a final score of 25-21, 16-25, 16-25, 25-21, 15-10, marking a historic victory for the program. “I made sure when they took our pictures, they got the banners in there too,” Almazan-Cezar remarked after the match, emphasizing the significance of the win.

The match started with Rocklin taking an early lead, forcing Mitty, ranked No. 7 in the nation, into a defensive position. Despite an impressive performance from Mitty hitters Makenna Crosson and Chayce Courtney, who combined for 47 kills, the Monarchs could not maintain their momentum against Rocklin’s determined offense.

Mitty, boasting a record of 33-4 and riding a month-long winning streak without dropping a set, managed to recover by winning the second and third sets convincingly. However, Rocklin’s resilience shone through as they fought back, winning the fourth set and taking control in the decisive fifth.

“His kids did a really good job in their preparation,” said Mitty’s first-year coach Jake Spain, acknowledging Rocklin’s strategic play. “They played into what we thought, and we didn’t do a great job of stopping it in runs.”

The fifth set saw Rocklin surge ahead, never relinquishing their lead and sealing the championship with a powerful kill by middle blocker Rylee Heinz. This victory not only marks a significant achievement for Rocklin but also ends Mitty’s hopes of capturing a NorCal championship at their own gym, a place where they had previously dominated.

“It’s heartbreaking,” Spain expressed, reflecting on the loss and the emotional investment of his seniors. “I have to take a second and breathe and tell these seniors how much I love them and appreciate everything they’ve given to this program.”

As Almazan-Cezar celebrated his new team’s triumph, he humorously reminded his players, “Mitty’s never lost a NorCal championship match in this gym,” a nod to his storied history with the Monarchs.

Rocklin’s victory is a testament to their grit and determination, and it sets the stage for what could be an exciting future as they build on this historic win. With this championship, Rocklin not only claims their first NorCal Open title but also positions themselves as a formidable force in high school volleyball.

As the dust settles on this intense matchup, the future looks bright for both teams. Mitty will aim to regroup and prepare for next season, while Rocklin celebrates an unforgettable achievement that will resonate throughout their athletic program.