Women’s pro volleyball: Good week for Cook, Conegliano; Skinner sparkles in France

This is our weekly update on USA women playing professional volleyball around the world. Most of the players are former NCAA standouts: 

Italy

On the first match day, Conegliano powered past Chieri in 25-19, 25-21, 25-22 to remain unbeaten. Kelsey Cook came off the bench as a receiving specialist, recording one perfect pass. Kathryn Plummer did not play. Brionne Butler came off the bench to make her first non-serving specialist appearance for Chieri and had two blocks.

Scandicci battled past Casalmaggiore in a tight sweep (28-26, 25-23, 25-20). Haleigh Washington had three kills and a block for Scandicci. Ali Frantti added 10 kills for Casalmaggiore while Lauren Carlini had a kill and two aces.

Novara continued its winning ways with a relatively easy sweep over Busto Arsizio (25-15, 25-19, 25-20). McKenzie Adams was top scorer for Novara as she had eight kills, three aces, and a block. Jordyn Poulter made a brief appearance, her first for Novara after her injury, contributing one block. Carli Lloyd also made her return from injury, appearing as a brief sub for Busto Arsizio.

Vallefoglia claimed its second win of the season by beating Pinerolo in four sets (25-20, 19-25, 25-16, 25-22). Micha Hancock had three kills as she set Vallefoglia to hit .318. Merete Lutz came off the bench to add five kills.

Firenze stormed past Macerata 25-11, 25-20, 25-16. Rhamat Alhassan had five kills and two blocks for Firenze. Symone Abbott had seven kills for Macerata.

Milano narrowly avoided a major upset by escaping Perugia in 23-25, 25-20, 22-25, 29-27, 15-10. Jordan Thompson had 10 kills, two blocks, and an ace as she played the first three sets. Dana Rettke made two appearances as a blocking sub. Stephanie Samedy was the top scorer for Perugia with 20 kills. Setter Tori Dilfer added one ace for Perugia.

Milano was pushed in its second match of the week, but came away with a sweep of Macerata (25-23, 25-17, 25-23). Thompson was the top scorer and named MVP with 14 kills (.571), two aces, and a block. Rettke made her first appearance as a starter and had seven kills (.385) and four blocks. Abbott had five kills for Macerata.

Conegliano held off a valiant effort from Cuneo and came away with a 21-25, 25-18, 26-24, 25-19…