BREAKING: In a stunning turnaround, the Rocklin Thunder, led by former Archbishop Mitty coach Bret Almazan-Cezar, clinched their first-ever CIF NorCal Open Division volleyball title by defeating the Monarchs on November 18, 2025, at Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, California. This victory marks a significant moment in high school sports, as Rocklin came back from a set down to win the match with scores of 25-21, 16-25, 16-25, 25-21, 15-10.
This game was not just a championship; it was a historic event. Rocklin, with a season record of 37-4, faced a formidable Mitty team that entered the match as the 7th ranked team in the nation. Almazan-Cezar’s return to Mitty, where he previously secured 11 state titles, added an emotional layer to this intense battle.
The match began with Rocklin making an aggressive statement, establishing a 9-3 lead in the first set. Despite Mitty’s attempts to recover, the Thunder’s strong offensive play proved too much, leading to a first-set loss for the Monarchs at 25-21.
Mitty, determined to regain control, rallied in the next two sets, dominating with back-to-back 25-16 victories. However, Rocklin refused to back down. They surged ahead in the fourth set, ultimately winning 25-21, forcing a decisive fifth set.
In the final set, Rocklin maintained their momentum, taking an early lead and closing out the match with a final kill from middle blocker Rylee Heinz to clinch the championship. Almazan-Cezar expressed pride in his team’s preparation, stating,
“His kids did a really good job in their preparation. They played into what we thought, and we didn’t do a great job of stopping it.”
This loss is a heartbreaking close to an impressive season for Mitty, which boasted a record of 33-4 and had not lost a set in over a month. First-year coach Jake Spain lamented the missed opportunity, acknowledging the effort of his players:
“It’s heartbreaking… I love these seniors who give every fiber of their being to wanting to be champions.”
The emotional stakes were high, especially for senior star Makenna Crosson, who finished her high school career with a game-high 25 kills. Her teammate, Chayse Courtney, a sophomore, contributed significantly with 22 kills, laying a strong foundation for future seasons.
As celebrations erupted among the Rocklin players and fans, this victory not only represents a championship title but also a poignant reminder of the competitive spirit and resilience that defines high school athletics. Rocklin’s triumph reaffirms their place in NorCal volleyball history, while Mitty looks to rebuild and reclaim their legacy in the seasons to come.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the implications for both teams moving forward.
