LAS VEGAS, NV – In a surprising turn of events, Boise State University made the decision to pull out of the Mountain West women’s volleyball tournament despite previously securing a spot in the semifinals against San Jose State. This move follows two previous boycotts against regular-season matches with the Spartans.

San Jose State, on the other hand, received six forfeit victories throughout the season due to boycotts from other Mountain West opponents. This unexpected turn of events has led to the Spartans being seeded second in the conference tournament and receiving a first-round bye, ultimately advancing them to Saturday’s championship match.

Boise State released a statement citing the difficulty of the decision, stating that their team had worked hard to overcome forfeitures and earn a place in the tournament. After defeating Utah State in the first round, Boise State expressed their desire for a fairer system that serves all athletes, leading to their withdrawal from the tournament.

The announcement came shortly after Boise State’s quarterfinal victory over Utah State. Despite the win, Boise State did not commit immediately to playing San Jose State in the next round, leaving fans and officials puzzled. It remains unclear whether the decision to withdraw was a result of a team vote or a university directive.

As for the upcoming title match, San Jose State is set to face either top-seeded Colorado State or No. 5 San Diego State. Both teams opted to play against the Spartans during the regular season rather than forfeit, showing sportsmanship and commitment to fair competition.

However, issues of injustice and discrimination have plagued the Mountain West conference this season, with multiple teams canceling matches against San Jose State citing concerns about a transgender player on the team. Despite legal challenges and controversies, a federal appeals court recently ruled in favor of allowing the player to participate in the tournament, upholding her right to play.

With Wyoming and Nevada failing to qualify for the tournament, the focus remains on San Jose State as they navigate through the remaining matches in the championship. The outcome of these games will not only determine the conference’s champion but also shed light on the importance of inclusivity and fair play in collegiate sports.