UPDATE: In a stunning showdown, Rocklin’s volleyball team, led by former Archbishop Mitty coach Bret Almazan-Cezar, captured its first-ever CIF NorCal Open Division title by defeating Mitty 3-2 on November 18, 2025, in San Jose. This victory marks a historic moment for Rocklin, overcoming a two-set deficit to achieve the triumph against a team that had dominated the season.
The match began with Rocklin seizing an early advantage, taking the first set 25-21. Despite Mitty, ranked No. 7 in the nation and boasting a record of 33-4, rallying back to win the next two sets 25-16, Rocklin demonstrated resilience and skill. They clinched the fourth set 25-21 and sealed the win in the fifth set 15-10.
Almazan-Cezar’s return to his former court at Archbishop Mitty, where he celebrated numerous championships, added a layer of emotional intensity to the match. “I made sure when they took our pictures, they got the banners in there too,” he said, emphasizing the significance of the victory.
The match was a rollercoaster of momentum. Mitty, who had not lost a set in over a month, faced immediate pressure as Rocklin surged to a 9-3 lead. Despite strong performances by Mitty’s hitters, Makenna Crosson and Chayce Courtney, the Monarchs could not recover from the deficit in the crucial fourth set.
Mitty’s head coach, Jake Spain, reflected on the challenge posed by Rocklin: “It makes it hard when you’re playing from behind against a good offensive team.” The Monarchs’ hopes for a state championship were dashed as Rocklin capitalized on their momentum.
Rocklin’s triumph means not only a first CIF title for the school but also a significant setback for Mitty, who had aspirations of breaking a recent streak of losses in CIF Open state championship games. Spain expressed his heartbreak for the seniors: “It’s heartbreaking… you want that for them so bad.”
The match’s intensity was palpable, with Crosson finishing her high school career with an impressive 25 kills and Courtney contributing 22 kills, setting the stage for a promising future for the Monarchs.
As the dust settles on this thrilling championship clash, all eyes will be on the future of both teams. Rocklin celebrates its historic win, while Mitty seeks to regroup and rebound from this unexpected defeat.
Fans and analysts alike are poised to discuss the implications of this match, as Rocklin’s victory could reshape the landscape of NorCal volleyball.
