Another volleyball opponent of San Jose State is facing a dilemma regarding whether to compete against the university. The University of Nevada announced on Monday that its scheduled match against San Jose State on October 26 will proceed as planned, despite a statement from its players declaring intentions to forfeit just a day earlier.

In their statement, the players strongly advocated for their right to compete safely and fairly. “We demand that our right to safety and fair competition on the court be upheld,” they expressed, emphasizing their refusal to partake in any match that they believed would perpetuate injustice against female athletes.

This situation follows similar actions taken by Boise State, Southern Utah, Utah State, and Wyoming earlier in the season, all of which have canceled matches against San Jose State without explicitly stating their reasons. Republican governors from Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming have voiced their support for these cancellations, framing them as essential for maintaining equity within women’s sports.

The Nevada athletic department cited adherence to state equality laws to justify its decision to continue with the match, acknowledging that the majority of its players expressed their unwillingness to participate. Additionally, they pointed out that the university is bound by federal laws, NCAA regulations, and Mountain West Conference rules that mandate a competition environment that is inclusive and supportive.

Supporting the notion of a cancellation, Nevada’s Republican lieutenant governor previously voiced her opinion before the school reevaluated its stance. The athletic department reassured players that there would be no penalties for those who choose to abstain from the match.

“The players’ decision and statement were made independently and without consultation from the University or the athletic department,” stated Nevada athletics. They emphasized that the players’ stance does not reflect the university’s official position.

Nevada senior Sia Liilii expressed the team’s dissatisfaction with their athletic department’s response. “We decided that we’re going to stand in solidarity with other teams that have already forfeited,” Liilii shared with OutKick. “We would not participate in a game that supports sex-based discrimination or injustice against female athletes.”

This series of cancellations may have significant implications for the teams involved, potentially affecting their eligibility for the upcoming conference tournament set for November 27-30 in Las Vegas.