The Clemson University volleyball team lost a five-set match to the Butler Bulldogs on Saturday night, August 29, at Jervey Gym in Clemson. Despite rallying from a 2-0 deficit to force a decisive fifth set, the Tigers ultimately fell short.
Maddie Anspaugh led the Clemson attack with 17 kills, supported by setter Katherine Sandt, who recorded 53 assists, marking her second-highest career total in a single match. Anspaugh achieved double-digit kills for the second consecutive game, the first two instances of her collegiate career, matching the start of senior Kennedy Wagner’s career with 15 and 17 kills in her initial two matches as a Tiger.
Butler secured the first set 25-22 after trading points with Clemson for most of the set. The Bulldogs then took the second set 25-22, despite an improved .226 attack line from the Tigers, largely due to Butler’s 4-1 blocking advantage. Clemson fought back in the third set, winning 25-22 with Anspaugh reaching double-digit kills and Anika Groom contributing four kills.
The Tigers continued their comeback in the fourth set, pulling ahead 14-9 and eventually securing a hard-fought 30-28 victory, forcing a fifth set. Alyssa Irwin had four kills in the fourth set and combined with Anspaugh for seven kills in the fifth. However, Clemson ultimately lost the final set 15-11. With this 3-2 loss, the Tigers’ season record now stands at 1-1.
Key performers for Clemson included Addi Rains with 14 digs, Lina Merz with 5 blocks, and Lucy Malone with 2 aces. The Tigers are scheduled to return to action tomorrow, August 30, to face Western Carolina at 4 p.m. inside Jervey Gym. This match will be streamed on ACCNX and marks the third and final game of the 2026 Big Orange Bash.
