LAS VEGAS (AP) — San Jose State expressed disappointment on Thursday following Boise State’s decision to forfeit its semifinal match in the Mountain West women’s volleyball tournament. However, the Spartans are looking ahead to their championship match this weekend.
Despite Boise State previously boycotting regular-season games against San Jose State, they secured a place in the conference tournament against the Spartans. But then, just hours after winning against Utah State in the quarterfinals, Boise State withdrew from the tournament on Wednesday night. This allowed San Jose State to automatically advance to the championship match on Saturday.
While the Broncos did not provide a specific reason for their withdrawal, it followed the recent filing of a lawsuit in Colorado by players from several schools. The lawsuit challenged the participation of a San Jose State player, citing an unconfirmed transgender identity. The lawsuit insisted that this player should not be allowed to compete in the tournament.
Fortunately for San Jose State, U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews ruled on Monday that the player could compete, a decision that was upheld by a federal appeals court the following day, allowing the Spartans to proceed with their eligibility intact.
In a statement, San Jose State expressed gratitude for the ongoing civil discourse and affirmed its commitment to supporting all students, particularly the student-athletes representing the school during this holiday season. “While we are disappointed in Boise State’s decision, our women’s volleyball team is preparing for Saturday’s match and looks forward to competing for a championship,” the statement read.
San Jose State, having benefitted from six forfeit victories during the regular season due to similar boycotts, entered the conference tournament as the second seed with a first-round bye. They are now set to face either No. 1 Colorado State or No. 5 San Diego State in the championship.
The two teams San Jose State will compete against in the final are actively participating in the tournament, having chosen to play against the Spartans earlier in the season rather than boycotting. On Thursday, the Mountain West Conference stated, “Decisions to forfeit matches are at the institutions’ discretion and are considered a loss.”
Boise State’s decision to withdraw from the tournament followed their victory over Utah State, where they won 25-19, 18-25, 25-20, 25-23. The athletic department released a statement highlighting the challenges faced by the team, saying, “Our team overcame forfeitures to earn a spot in the tournament field and fought for the win over Utah State in the first round on Wednesday. They should not have to forgo this opportunity while waiting for a more thoughtful and better system that serves all athletes.”
Throughout this season, several Mountain West opponents, including Boise State, Wyoming, Utah State, and Nevada, canceled matches against San Jose State. As noted by Nevada’s players, they opted not to participate in any contest perceived as advancing injustice against female athletes, though further details were not provided.
Moreover, Idaho Governor Brad Little signed an executive order on August 28, known as the Defending Women’s Sports Act, which disputes the interpretation of Title IX rules within the state. He stated, “Biological males – men and boys – have physical differences that give them an unfair advantage when competing with women and girls in athletics.”
While media outlets have reported various aspects of this situation, San Jose State has yet to confirm the existence of a transgender player on its volleyball team. The Associated Press has opted to withhold the player’s identity due to her lack of public comment on her gender identity and her refusal of interview requests through school officials.
The participation of transgender women in women’s sports has become an increasingly significant political issue, particularly ahead of the recent elections.
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AP college sports: https://apnews.com/hub/college-sports
