The Clemson volleyball team lost a five-set match to the Butler Bulldogs on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Despite rallying from a 2-0 deficit to force a decisive fifth set, the Tigers ultimately fell short.
Maddie Anspaugh led Clemson’s offense with 17 kills during the match. Setter Katherine Sandt contributed significantly with 53 assists, marking her second-highest career total in a single match. Anspaugh also recorded 18.5 points for the Tigers.
Butler secured the first set 25-22, with both teams struggling offensively. The Bulldogs then took the second set 25-22, out-blocking Clemson 4-1, despite the Tigers improving their attack line to .226. Anspaugh registered five kills in the second set.
Clemson fought back in the third set, winning 25-22. Anspaugh achieved double-digit kills for the second consecutive game, the first two instances of her collegiate career. Anika Groom added four kills in the third set. The Tigers then claimed a hard-fought fourth set 30-28, forcing a fifth set. Alyssa Irwin contributed four kills in the fourth set, including back-to-back kills that led to a Butler timeout.
In the fifth set, Irwin and Anspaugh combined for seven kills. Anspaugh finished the night with 17 kills, matching the start of senior Kennedy Wagner’s career with 15 and 17 kills in her first two matches. Irwin concluded the match with 10 kills. However, Clemson ultimately lost the fifth set 15-11.
With the 3-2 loss, the Tigers’ season record now stands at 1-1. Other notable performances included Addi Rains with 14 digs, Lina Merz with 5 blocks, and Lucy Malone with 2 aces.
Clemson is scheduled to play Western Carolina on Sunday, August 30, at 4 p.m. in Jervey Gym as part of the 2026 Big Orange Bash.
