In a thrilling climax to the 2025 CIF NorCal Open Division championship, Rocklin High School achieved a historic first by defeating Archbishop Mitty 3-2 on November 18, 2025. Under the leadership of former Mitty coach Bret Almazan-Cezar, now at the helm of Rocklin, the Thunder rallied from a set down to secure the victory on Mitty’s home court in San Jose, California.
Rocklin’s Historic Comeback
Rocklin entered the match as the underdog but displayed remarkable resilience after falling behind two sets to one. The Thunder won the fourth set 25-21, setting the stage for a decisive fifth set that concluded with a 15-10 victory. This marked Rocklin’s first NorCal Open title in the school’s history, a significant achievement for the team and its coach.
The match began with Rocklin establishing an early lead, going up 9-3 in the first set. Despite this strong start, Mitty, ranked as the No. 7 team in the nation, managed to stabilize and take the first set 25-21. Mitty’s first-year coach, Jake Spain, acknowledged the challenge of playing from behind against a skilled Rocklin team, stating, “It makes it hard when you’re playing from behind against a good offensive team.”
Mitty’s Strong Performance and Rocklin’s Strategy
In the following sets, Mitty’s hitters, including Makenna Crosson and Chayce Courtney, showcased their skills, leading the Monarchs to two consecutive 25-16 wins. However, Rocklin’s determination shone through in the fourth set, where they quickly took a 3-0 lead and maintained it, forcing a fifth set.
In the final set, Rocklin’s momentum was undeniable as they established a 2-0 lead and maintained it until the end. The match concluded with Thunder middle blocker Rylee Heinz delivering the final kill, sealing the championship for Rocklin. Almazan-Cezar reflected on the victory, noting, “His kids did a really good job in their preparation,” referring to Spain’s efforts.
The loss marked a disappointing end to a promising season for Mitty, which had previously dominated the West Catholic Athletic League and secured a CCS Open title. Spain expressed his pride in the team, especially for the seniors, stating, “It’s heartbreaking… I love these seniors who give every fiber of their being to wanting to be champions.”
Crosson, playing her final high school match before heading to the University of Minnesota, finished the game with a remarkable 25 kills, while Courtney, a sophomore, contributed 22 kills, underscoring the talent that Mitty will build upon in the future.
As Almazan-Cezar returned to the court where he won multiple championships during his two-decade tenure at Mitty, he ensured his team captured the moment, saying, “I made sure when they took our pictures, they got the banners in there too.” This victory not only highlights Rocklin’s growth as a competitive force but also serves as a poignant chapter in Almazan-Cezar’s storied coaching career.
