SDSU is committed to staying in the MWC tournament even if it faces SJSU

SDSU is committed to staying in the MWC tournament even if it faces SJSU

LAS VEGAS, NV – After the Boise State women’s volleyball team’s shocking loss in the Mountain West Conference tournament, the question was whether other schools would follow suit.

Boise State refused to play San Jose State, where transgender player Blaire Fleming plays. The Broncos lost twice in the regular season and then withdrew from the Mountain West tournament rather than face Fleming, ending Boise State’s season.

The likelihood of another team forfeiting was very slim since the two remaining teams – Colorado State and San Diego State – have already faced SJSU this season.

On Friday, San Diego State reiterated its commitment to playing its games in the Mountain West tournament regardless of opponent.

The team released a statement:

“We love the sport of volleyball. We remain focused on continuing our strong start to the season and competing for a Mountain West championship. “Our decision to play is not intended to be a statement other than to demonstrate our commitment to volleyball,” the statement said.

SDSU also informed the Mountain West Conference that it would not allow its players or coaches to speak to the media for the remainder of the tournament, according to conference spokeswoman Hannah Parker.

San Diego State will face the top-seeded Colorado State Rams on Friday for a spot in the conference tournament final against San Jose State.

Although Colorado State hasn’t made anything official yet, it would be a surprise if they forgo games. Not only are they the best team in the conference, but they have also played San Jose State twice this season.

Additionally, a Title IX complaint against SJSU and a lawsuit against the Mountain West Conference allege that Blaire Fleming worked with Colorado State star Malaya Jones, with whom Fleming reportedly has a friendship, to to try to hurt Spartans co-captain Brooke Slusser.

According to the lawsuit, Fleming sought revenge against Slusser for speaking out about transgender participation in women’s sports.

Fleming reportedly visited Jones along with two SJSU teammates the evening before the Oct. 3 game between the two schools.

The Mountain West Conference said it investigated the claims but “did not find sufficient evidence to support the allegations in a recent Title IX complaint.”

RELATED: Attorneys for SJSU volleyball plaintiffs say Mountain West’s Blaire Fleming investigation is “biased.”

With that in mind, it’s very likely that San Jose State will have to take the court to win the Mountain West tournament, even if they haven’t played a game in Las Vegas yet.

Whether they play San Diego State or Colorado State will be decided in Friday’s semifinal game, which begins at 1 p.m. PT at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas.

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