San Jose State University is headed to the Mountain West final, although it appears they feel they should have earned their place on the court.
The Spartans advanced to the championship game after Boise State announced their forfeit of the semifinal match due to the controversy surrounding trans player Blaire Fleming.
The Broncos made their decision after defeating Utah State in the first round of the playoffs. Boise State had already forfeited both of their regular season matches against SJSU, while Utah State had forfeited one.
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Blaire Fleming, #3 of the San Jose State Spartans, attacks the net during the first set against the Air Force Falcons at Falcon Court at East Gym on Oct. 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
San Jose State expressed their disappointment at Boise State’s decision to forfeit.
“In this time of Thanksgiving, we are especially thankful for those who continue to engage in civil and respectful discourse,” San Jose State’s statement said. “We celebrate and support all of our students, including our student-athletes as they compete for our community on this holiday weekend.
“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.”
SJSU now awaits the winner of top-seeded Colorado State and No. 5 San Diego State; neither team forfeited against them in the regular season.
Blaire Fleming, #3 of the San Jose State Spartans, waits to serve during the first set against the Air Force Falcons at Falcon Court at East Gym on Oct. 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
LIA THOMAS REACTS TO SAN JOSE STATE WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL TRANSGENDER CONTROVERSY
Boise State, Wyoming, Utah State and Nevada were among the conference teams to cancel games against the Spartans due to Fleming’s presence on the team. They knew that forfeiting would mean a loss on their records, which helped SJSU secure a high seed.
Earlier this week, Federal Judge Kato Crews in Colorado, appointed by President Biden in January, denied a motion for injunctive relief in a lawsuit by college volleyball players against the conference, in efforts to have Fleming not play in the tournament and their forfeit losses rescinded.
Blaire Fleming, #3 of the San Jose State Spartans, reacts during the second set against the Air Force Falcons at Falcon Court at East Gym on Oct. 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
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A group of women jointly filed a lawsuit against the Mountain West and its commissioner, including allegations of violations of Title IX and their First Amendment rights. Among the women are SJSU co-volleyball captain Brooke Slusser and two former Spartans, as well as athletes from other Mountain West schools.
Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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