SJSU will play in the Mountain West volleyball final after losing to Boise State in the semifinals amid a controversy
There was a shocking move in the Mountain West Conference women's volleyball tournament as Boise State announced it will forfeit its semifinal match against San Jose State on Friday.
The move coincides with the Spartans' regular season ban, and while no specific reason has been given for the move, it may have something to do with the Spartans having Blaire Fleming, a trans athlete, on their roster.
The Broncos lost twice to the Spartans in the regular season, but after defeating Utah State in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, they have them on the schedule again. However, this time, a spot in the conference finals was at stake.
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Front left to right, San Jose State player Brooke Slusser celebrates after scoring a point with libero Randilyn Reeves, outside hitter Blaire Fleming and libero Alessia Buffagni during the first set of an NCAA college volleyball game against Colorado State, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, Fort Collins, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
After discussions, Boise State also decided they would not take the court against SJSU, and their season would end as a result.
“The decision not to continue playing in the 2024 Mountain West Volleyball Championship was not an easy one,” Boise State Athletics wrote in a statement, per OutKick. “Our team overcame forfeiture to earn a spot in the tournament field and rallied to beat Utah State in the first round on Wednesday.
“They should not give up this opportunity while we are waiting for a thoughtful and better plan that helps all athletes.
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The Broncos and Aggies, who also lost to SJSU this season, always knew the Spartans were waiting for the winner of their game Wednesday night because of their bye as No. 2. Boise State beat Utah State in four sets.
SJSU, whose six wins and losses helped it earn the top score in the tournament, will advance to the conference tournament on Saturday despite never having stepped on the field.
They will face the winner of San Diego State-Colorado State, which will be decided on Friday. Both teams played their games against SJSU this season.
Blair Fleming of the San Jose State Spartans watches during the third set against the Air Force Falcons on Falcon Court in the East Gym on October 19, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
The winner of the Mountain West will head to the NCAA Division I Women's volleyball tournament, which is expected to be the team's only exit from the conference.
Earlier this week, Federal judge Kato Crews in Colorado, who was appointed by President Biden in January, rejected a motion to dismiss the case against the college volleyball players against the congress.
A dozen women filed a joint lawsuit against Mountain West and its commissioner, alleging violations of Title IX and their First Amendment rights. Among these women are SJSU volleyball captain Brooke Slusser and two former Spartan players as well as athletes from other Mountain West schools.
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However, Crews wrote that the plaintiffs' request for an emergency delay was “unwarranted” and “would risk confusion and extend months of planning and would prejudice, at the very least, (San Jose State) and other teams participating in the tournament.”
“Plaintiffs have failed to meet their burden of showing irreparable harm, reasonable prospects of success, or that the balance of damages or equity is in their favor,” Crews wrote in his decision.
The players were looking to lose their money for refusing to play with Fleming and the Spartans were disqualified, which will change the standings going into the tournament. They also wanted Fleming banned from the tournament.
Boise State, Wyoming, Utah State and Nevada were among the conference teams to cancel games against the Spartans because of Fleming's presence on the team. They knew the forfeit would result in losing their record, which ultimately helped SJSU secure their top seed.
NCAA Volleyball featured in the Division I Men's Volleyball Championship held at the Walter Pyramid on May 4, 2019, in Long Beach, California. (Photos by John W. McDonough/NCAA via Getty Images)
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“San Jose State University will continue to support its student-athletes and reject discrimination in all forms. All San Jose State University-athletes are eligible to participate in their sports under NCAA and Mountain West Conference rules,” the school's statement said. . on Fox News Digital.
“We are pleased that the Court overturned the eleventh hour effort to change those rules. Our team is looking forward to competing in the Mountain West volleyball tournament this week.”
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