The Spartans lose to Colorado State in what likely brings to an end San Jose’s season filled with controversy.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — San Jose State’s volleyball team, the subject of a national debate about participation in women’s sports, was beaten by Colorado State 27-25, 25-20, 23-25, 25-16 in Saturday’s Mountain West tournament final, ending the Spartans’ season.

San Jose State's women's volleyball season ended by loss to Colorado State in the Mountain West tournament final

The San José State women's volleyball team lost its bid for the Mountain West Conference championship Saturday, ending a season full of controversy, forfeits and protests.

San Jose State says it's disappointed that Boise State forfeited its semifinal match in the Mountain West women's volleyball tournament but is focused on the future.

Boise State, which twice boycotted matches with San Jose State, has pulled out of the Mountain West women's volleyball tournament.

The issue resurfaced after San Jose State’s fast start to the 2024 season. The Spartans were initially scheduled to face Southern Utah as part of the Santa Clara Tournament on Sept. 14, but the match was abruptly canceled. Boise State elected not to play its scheduled Mountain West Conference match against San Jose State on Sept. 28.

Earlier this month, 11 female volleyball players, led by San Jose State co-captain Brooke Slusser, and an assistant coach sued the Mountain West Conference and San Jose State University, alleging the defendants violated the U.S. Constitution and Title IX by allowing a transgender athlete to play for a women’s sports team.

San Jose State's season was marked by forfeits, limited protests and the topic of gender identity becoming a political issue in an election year. The Spartans were 14-6. The controversy didn't end during the Mountain West tournament.

Amid protests, lawsuits, and forfeitures, San José State’s volleyball team ends its season with a hard-fought loss to Colorado State in the Mountain West championship.