The women’s volleyball team at the center of a national debate over gender and sports advanced to the conference championship after Boise State refused to play.

The Boise State women’s volleyball team forfeited its semifinal match in the conference finals against San Jose State, whose roster features a transgender player, bringing to a premature close the Broncos’ championship quest amid a battle over fairness versus inclusion in women’s sports.

A federal appeals court has upheld a ruling that allows a San Jose State women’s volleyball team member to play in the Mountain West Conference tournament after complaints said she should be ineligible on grounds that she’s transgender.