Utah State and Boise State are set to face off in the Mountain West Conference semifinals with a chance to advance to the NCAA Tournament on the line. This matchup comes after both teams forfeited matches against the San Jose State women’s volleyball program earlier in the season.
Five schools in total, including Wyoming, Nevada, and Southern Utah, opted to cancel their matches against San Jose State without providing clear reasons for their decisions. Some cited concerns about fairness in women’s sports, while others alluded to the presence of a transgender player on the San Jose State team.
Despite the controversy surrounding the situation, a judge ruled that the San Jose State player in question should be allowed to compete in the tournament. This decision was upheld by an appeals court, allowing the Spartans to focus on their upcoming games.
San Jose State, holding a No. 2 seed, is prepared to face the winner of the Utah State vs. Boise State matchup in the semifinals. If either Utah State or Boise State were to forfeit again, San Jose State would advance directly to the conference title game.
Looking ahead, the Spartans could potentially face tough competition from top-seeded Colorado State, Fresno State, or San Diego State in the championship game. The conference champion will earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, adding extra stakes to the upcoming games.
As the teams prepare for the semifinals, the focus remains on the competition on the court. Both Utah State and Boise State have expressed their commitment to their upcoming games, with Utah State reviewing the court’s order regarding the situation with San Jose State.
The controversy surrounding the forfeited matches has brought attention to the issue of transgender inclusion in sports and sparked discussions about fairness and respect in women’s athletics. Despite the challenges and distractions, the teams are determined to compete at their best and earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
The upcoming matchups in the Mountain West Conference semifinals promise to be exciting and competitive, with the opportunity for teams to showcase their skills and earn a chance at postseason success. Stay tuned as the action unfolds and the teams battle it out for a shot at the NCAA Tournament.
