The Boise State women's volleyball team has decided to forego any chance of winning the Mountain West Tournament because it will face a transgender player in the semifinals.
After defeating Utah State in the first round, the Lady Broncos set up a matchup against second-seeded San Jose State, which features transgender athlete Blair Fleming.
Immediately after winning the playoffs, Boise State announced it would forfeit its semifinal game, which automatically advanced SJSU to the finals.
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San Jose State's Blair Fleming is shown during a game against Air Force on October 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Andrew Webbers/Getty Images)
“The decision not to continue competing in the 2024 Mountain West Volleyball Championship was not easy,” Boise State Athletics said in a statement. “Our team overcame a forfeit to qualify for the tournament and fought for a win against Utah State in the first round on Wednesday.
“There is no need to give up this opportunity while we wait for a more thoughtful and better system that serves all athletes.”
The Broncos' decision drew plenty of praise on social media.
It was the third time this season the Broncos lost against San Jose State. They also chose not to play in two regular season games.
San Jose State's Blair Fleming kicks a ball against Air Force on Oct. 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Andrew Webbers/Getty Images)
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Boise State won Utah State, which also forfeited its only game this season against SJSU. Therefore, SJSU likely made it to the finals no matter what.
SJSU, which won six games by forfeit and helped earn the top seed in the tournament, advanced to Saturday's conference championship despite never having to step on the court.
They are scheduled to face the winner of the San Diego State-Colorado State game, to be decided on Friday. Both teams played SJSU this season.
Earlier this week, Colorado federal judge Kato Cruz, who was appointed by President Biden in January, denied a request by college volleyball players to block their lawsuit against the conference.
Twelve women jointly filed a lawsuit against the Mountain West and its commissioners, alleging violations of Title IX and First Amendment rights. The women include SJSU volleyball co-captain Brooke Slusser and two former Spartans, as well as players from other schools in the Mountain West.
San Jose State's Blair Fleming is shown during a game against Air Force on October 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Andrew Webbers/Getty Images)
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Boise State, Wyoming, Utah State and Nevada were among the conference teams that canceled games against the Spartans due to Fleming's presence on the team. They knew their record would be destroyed by the forfeit, which ultimately helped SJSU secure a high seed.
FOX News' Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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