---
title: "Anspaugh’s 20 Kills Lead Clemson to 3-1 Victory"
url: https://www.hereaiken.com/2026/09/01/anspaugh-clemson-volleyball-win/
date: 2026-09-01T05:30:33-04:00
modified: 2026-09-01T05:30:33-04:00
author: "Marigold Whitcomb"
categories: ["Sports"]
site: "HERE Aiken"
attribution: "HERE Aiken"
---

# Anspaugh’s 20 Kills Lead Clemson to 3-1 Victory

*Source: [HERE Aiken](https://www.hereaiken.com/2026/09/01/anspaugh-clemson-volleyball-win/) — September 1, 2026 by Marigold Whitcomb*

Clemson University’s volleyball team secured a 3-1 victory over Western Carolina on Sunday, August 30, 2026, with freshman Maddie Anspaugh delivering a standout performance of 20 kills. This marks the most kills by a freshman in a single match for the Tigers since the 2020-21 season.

The Tigers demonstrated strong defense in the first set, limiting the Buccaneers to a .067 attack percentage and tallying 15 kills to Western Carolina’s seven. Anika Groom led Clemson in the first set with five kills, contributing to a 25-20 win.

Western Carolina narrowly took the second set 25-22, improving their attack percentage to .152 while holding Clemson to .114. The Buccaneers also recorded three blocks compared to Clemson’s one in a set that featured nine tied scores and three lead changes.

Clemson fought back in the third set, securing a 26-24 victory after overcoming a 20-15 deficit. Alyssa Irwin’s solo block for set point ultimately sealed the win for the Tigers, putting them up 2-1 in the match.

Anspaugh continued her impressive play in the fourth set, reaching 20 kills and becoming the first freshman since the 2020-21 season to achieve 18 or more kills in a match for Clemson. The Tigers closed out the match with a 25-20 win in the fourth set.

With this 3-1 win, the Tigers’ season record now stands at 1-1. Key individual performances included Maddie Anspaugh leading in points with 23.0 and kills with 20. Claire Luoma contributed 15 digs, Katherine Sandt recorded 42 assists, Alyssa Irwin had 6 blocks, and Talea Mitchell served 3 aces.

The Tigers are scheduled to host a second tournament at Jervey Gym, beginning September 4 against UNC Greensboro at 6 PM. The Clemson Invitational will also feature matches against East Carolina and App State, with all three games available for streaming on ACCNX.