A shocking move occurred in the Mountain West Conference women’s volleyball tournament as Boise State announced it would lose its semifinal matchup against San Jose State on Friday.
The move coincides with the Spartans’ forfeiting the regular season, and although no specific reason was given for the move, But it likely has something to do with the Spartans having Blaire Fleming, a transgender athlete, on the roster.
The Broncos lost to the Spartans twice during the regular season. But after defeating Utah State in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, They were back on the schedule, but this time, a spot in the conference finals was at stake.
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From front left to right, Brook Slusser, setter from San Jose State. Celebrating after scoring with libero Randilyn Reeves, outside hitter Blair Fleming and libero Alessia Buffagni during the first set of NCAA College Volleyball Tournament vs. Colorado State On Thursday, Oct. 10, Sept. 3, 2024, in Fort Collins, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
After deliberation, Boise State once again decided that they would not take the court against SJSU and their season would end as a result.
“The decision not to continue play at the 2024 Mountain West Volleyball Championships was not an easy one,” Boise State Athletics wrote in a statement. Continuing the outkick– “Our team overcame the forfeit to earn a spot on the field of play and battled to victory over Utah State in Wednesday’s first round.
“They should not pass up this opportunity while waiting for a more thoughtful and better system to serve all athletes.”
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The Broncos and Aggies, the teams that lost to SJSU this season, always knew the Spartans were waiting for the winner of their matchup on Wednesday night. Due to a bye as the No. 1 2 seed. Boise State defeated Utah State in four sets.
SJSU, which had six wins from losses to help earn the high seed in the tournament. It will now advance to the conference championship this Saturday. Even if you don’t have to go on the field.
They will face the winner of San Diego State – Colorado State, which is determined on Friday. Both teams play SJSU this season.
Blair Fleming of the San Jose Spartans watches during the third set against the Air Force Falcons at Falcon Court at East Gym on October 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado (Photo of Andrew Wavers/Getty)
The winner of the Mountain West tournament will advance to the NCAA Division I women’s volleyball tournament, which is expected to be the team’s only way out of the conference.
earlier this week Federal judge Kato Crews in Colorado was appointed by President Biden in January. Denied request for injunctive relief in suit filed by college volleyball players opposing the convention.
Dozens of women have joined together to file a lawsuit against the Mountain West and the commission. It alleges violations of Title IX and First Amendment rights. Among those women are Brooke Slusser, co-captain of SJSU’s volleyball team, and two former Spartans, as well as athletes from other schools in the Mountain West.
A judge’s decision to allow SJSU TRANS women’s volleyball players to compete in the tournament has received backlash.
However, Crews wrote that the plaintiffs’ request was for an emergency delay. It “doesn’t make sense” and “could risk confusion and delay months of planning.” And it will have a negative impact on at least (San Jose State) and the other teams participating in the tournament.”
“The activists failed to meet their burden of showing irreparable harm. Tendency to succeed in virtue or the balance of damages or equity is in their favor,” Crews wrote in his decision.
Players wanted the forfeit for refusing to play with Fleming and the Spartans delisted. which in turn will change the ranking in the tournament. They also wanted Fleming banned from competing.
Boise State, Wyoming, Utah State and Nevada were among the conference teams to cancel games against the Spartans due to Fleming being on the team. They realize that forfeiture will result in loss of records. This ultimately helped SJSU maintain its high position.
A photo of the NCAA Volleyball at the Division I Men’s Volleyball Championships held at Walter Pyramid on May 4, 2019 in Long Beach. California (Photo John W. McDonough/NCAA via Getty Images)
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“San Jose State University will continue to support student athletes and reject discrimination in any form. All San Jose State University student-athletes are eligible to participate in their respective sports under the rules of the NCAA and the Mountain West Conference,” the school said in a statement. to Fox News Digital
“We are pleased that the court rejected the eleventh hour attempt to change those rules. Our team looks forward to competing in the Mountain West Volleyball Tournament this week.”
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