Rocklin Claims Historic CIF NorCal Volleyball Title, Shocking Mitty

UPDATE: In an astonishing turn of events, Rocklin High School has clinched its first-ever CIF NorCal Open Division volleyball championship, defeating the previously undefeated Archbishop Mitty on November 18, 2025. Former Mitty coach Bret Almazan-Cezar orchestrated this thrilling victory, returning to his old stomping grounds and leaving with a title that eluded the Monarchs this season.

Rocklin, down two sets to one, showcased tremendous resilience, rallying to win the decisive fourth set 25-21 before concluding the match with a 15-10 victory in the fifth. This dramatic win marks a historic milestone for Rocklin as they celebrate their first Open title on the court where Almazan-Cezar previously led Mitty to numerous championships.

The match began with Rocklin establishing an early lead at 9-3, forcing Mitty to play from behind. Despite Mitty’s strong comeback in the second and third sets with back-to-back wins of 25-16, the Thunder regained control in the pivotal fourth set, never relinquishing their lead.

Almazan-Cezar praised his team’s preparation, noting, “His kids did a really good job in their preparation,” referring to the strategic challenges posed by Rocklin’s performance. Meanwhile, Mitty’s first-year head coach Jake Spain expressed disappointment, stating, “It’s heartbreaking… I love these seniors who give every fiber of their being to wanting to be champions.”

This unexpected defeat halts Mitty’s impressive season, where they entered the match with a 33-4 record and had not lost a set in over a month. The Monarchs were poised to contend for the CIF Open state championship, but Rocklin’s tenacity proved too much to overcome.

As both teams showcased remarkable talent, Rocklin’s middle blocker Rylee Heinz sealed the win with a powerful kill, exemplifying the Thunder’s determination. The match drew significant attention, not only for the surprise outcome but also for its emotional stakes, particularly for Mitty’s senior players, including standout Makenna Crosson, who recorded a game-high 25 kills in her final high school match before heading to the University of Minnesota.

This championship game will be remembered as a significant upset in California high school volleyball history, with Rocklin marking their place among the elite. The immediate future will see both teams regrouping, with Mitty looking to rebuild and Rocklin celebrating their monumental achievement.

Fans and volleyball enthusiasts are urged to follow for further updates as these teams prepare for the upcoming challenges ahead. Share this story to highlight the incredible resilience demonstrated by Rocklin and the emotional journey of the Archbishop Mitty Monarchs.