Women’s pro report: Skinner, Plummer, Frantti, Drews, Hart, Hoffman make the news

This is our weekly update on USA women playing professional volleyball around the world. Most of the players are former NCAA standouts. Pro leagues are entering their winter breaks, but there was plenty of action last night:

Italy

It’s a big time in the Skinner family. Madisen, who was named the VolleyballMag.com national player of the year after her Texas team won the NCAA title again, is visiting her sister, Avery, who plays for Chieri.

And Chieri (8-5)  won its second in a row, beating Casalmaggiore (2-11) in four as Avery Skinner had 16 kills (.682) and two aces. Madi Kingdon had six kills. Simone Lee had nine kills and a block for Casalmaggiore and setter Micha Hancock had three kills and an ace.

Conegliano (13-0) swept Busto Arsizio (4-9) to end the first of the season as Kathryn Plummer returned after an extended absence with seven kills in two sets. Kelsey Robinson Cook had two kills and two blocks in the final set. Madi Bugg added a kill.

Firenze (6-7) finished the first half by pulling off a reverse sweep against Cuneo (4-9). Lauren Stivrins had two kills for Firenze in a one-set appearance. Madi Kubik had eight kills for Cuneo, while Anna Stevenson-Hall added four kills and a block.

Scandicci (11-2) won its eight league match in a row by sweeping Bergamo (2-11), but neither Haleigh Washington nor Lindsey Ruddins played. Audriana Fitzmorris had one kill and a block for Bergamo.

Trentino (1-12) lost in five to Pinerolo (7-6). Both teams had match points in an exciting 22-20 final set. Carly DeHoog had 12 kills, two blocks and two aces for Trentino.

Türkiye

VakifBank (12-1) ended the first half of the season by beating Kuzeyboru (9-4) in four in a make-up match. Ali Frantti had 18 kills (.385), three blocks, and an ace, Jordan Thompson added six kills and an ace, and Chiaka Ogbogu had a kill. Sarah Parson had six kills, three aces and a block for Kuzeyboru.

The Turkish League is now on winter break.

Japan

NEC Red Rockets finished 2023 with two sweeps as Dani Drews had 16 kills (.615), two blocks, and an ace against Toray. She then had 13 kills and two blocks against Okayama.

JT Marvelous and Hisamitsu Springs are their winter break.

Brazil

Osasco (5-3) swept Sao Caetano as Brionne Butler had four kills, two blocks and an ace….