Nevada becomes the fifth team to lose a game against SJSU volleyball, potentially jeopardizing the postseason

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) — After the University of Nevada women's volleyball players refused to play against San Jose State University, the school became the fifth school to lose a game to the Spartans this season, and the decision was made by a member of SJSU's own squad welcomed.

The SJSU women's volleyball team continues to be at the center of a national debate over transgender athletes' participation in sports.

The controversy could now cost them their first NCAA Tournament appearance in more than two decades.

RELATED: What to know about the San Jose State volleyball team and why opponents are boycotting games

But it also shows an increase in hateful rhetoric against the LGBTQ+ community.

“This is not what America is supposed to be,” said Gabrielle Antolovich, president of the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center. “But it’s very dangerous right now.”

RELATED: Mountain West commissioner heartbroken over unrest surrounding San Jose State volleyball

The University of Nevada has now become the fifth team to forfeit a game against San Jose State following a Spartans volleyball player's unconfirmed claim that one of her own teammates is transgender.

After Saturday's game was moved from Reno to San Jose, Nevada school officials said the game would go on, citing athlete safety.

But several Wolfpack players refused to participate in a game that “promotes injustice against female athletes,” forcing the team to lose.

Spartans volleyball co-captain Brook Slusser applauded the decision.

She is one of many current and former athletes who are part of a lawsuit challenging the NCAA's Title IX protections regarding transgender athletes in women's sports.

Slusser spoke out on camera for the first time about this season's losses in an exclusive interview with Fox News. She did not respond to our request for comment.

“This is just an amazing step in the right direction for women's sports, to finally be able to stand up and say, 'No, this isn't happening, this isn't right,'” Slusser said. “And that’s amazing. So I can’t do anything other than support her decision because if I were in her same position I would do the same thing.”

RELATED: SJSU becomes target as Trump vows to ban transgender athletes

Mountain West Conference commissioner Gloria Nevarez said that the losses volleyball teams would take to avoid facing San Jose State “are not what we celebrate in college athletics” and that she was heartbroken about what has happened this season around the Spartans and their opponents.

SJSU has increased security amid increasing threats to the team and coaches.

A spokesperson says its athletes adhere to NCAA and conference standards and “we will continue to take measures to prioritize the health and safety of our students as they pursue their deserved opportunities to compete.”

Antolovich loves team sports and the bonds they create, but fears this situation will affect more than just one athlete.

“There is a certain part of the community that uses transgender people to bombard the LGBTQ+ community with hate,” Antolovich said.

RELATED: Two schools lose games to SJSU volleyball due to dispute over player's gender

The Spartans need to play 19 games to make the NCAA Tournament, they are at 14.

With 8 games remaining and more losses, the Spartans may need to apply for a waiver to be allowed to play if they qualify.

SJSU is scheduled to play Wyoming and Boise State in November, two schools that have already lost games to the Spartans.

The top six teams qualify for the Mountain West tournament and the Spartans are currently among the teams with a conference record of 7-3 following the loss at Nevada.