SAN JOSE — In a thrilling final match of the CIF NorCal Open Division championship, Rocklin High School emerged victorious against Archbishop Mitty, securing the school’s first title in this prestigious tournament. Under the leadership of former Mitty coach Bret Almazan-Cezar, Rocklin staged a remarkable comeback after losing the first set, ultimately winning the match with scores of 21-25, 25-16, 25-16, 25-21, and 15-10.
The match took place on November 18, 2025, at Archbishop Mitty High School, a venue where Almazan-Cezar enjoyed significant success during his two-decade tenure. Rocklin’s triumph adds a significant chapter to the school’s athletic history, as they had never before claimed an Open title. Almazan-Cezar expressed his pride in the achievement, noting the importance of capturing the moment with team photographs that included the championship banners.
Mitty, ranked No. 7 nationally and boasting a record of 33-4, entered the match with an impressive winning streak, having not lost a set in over a month. However, the Thunder came out strong, quickly establishing a 9-3 lead in the first set. Despite Mitty’s efforts to stabilize their performance, they lost the opening set 21-25, setting a challenging tone for the match.
“We had to play from behind against a good offensive team,” said Jake Spain, the first-year coach of Mitty. The Monarchs managed to regroup and took control in the second and third sets, powered by standout performances from hitters Makenna Crosson and Chayce Courtney. Crosson, who is set to begin her college career at the University of Minnesota, finished the match with a game-high 25 kills.
The fourth set marked a turning point, as Rocklin again took an early 3-0 lead. They maintained their momentum to secure the set 25-21, forcing a decisive fifth set. Rocklin’s confidence soared, and they quickly established a 2-0 lead in the final set, ultimately sealing their victory with a final kill from middle blocker Rylee Heinz.
Spain reflected on the match, praising Rocklin’s preparation and execution. “His kids did a really good job in their preparation,” he noted, acknowledging the challenge posed by Almazan-Cezar’s team. Despite the disappointment of the loss, Spain remains optimistic about the future of the Mitty program, which he believes has the potential for continued success.
“This place is amazing,” Spain stated, emphasizing the strong foundation established by previous successes at Mitty. He expressed gratitude for the dedication of his senior players, acknowledging the emotional weight of their final game together. “It’s heartbreaking… I just have to take a second and breathe and tell these seniors how much I love them and how much this program appreciates everything they’ve given to it,” he said.
Even as Mitty’s season concludes, the future looks bright with players like Courtney set to lead the team moving forward. The loss marks an end to a season that held promise for Mitty, which had hoped to break a recent trend of disappointing outcomes in CIF championship games.
Rocklin’s victory in the CIF NorCal Open Division not only highlights the team’s resilience but also signifies a new chapter in the school’s athletic history. Almazan-Cezar’s legacy at Mitty remains intact, and his ability to guide Rocklin to such a monumental win underscores his coaching prowess. The Thunder’s championship win is a testament to their hard work and determination throughout the season, setting a benchmark for future teams.
