Women’s pro volleyball report: Mims, Keene lead Nantes into first in France

This is our weekly update on USA women playing professional volleyball around the world. Most of the players are former NCAA standouts. Many pro leagues are on winter breaks, but there was plenty of action involving Americans. We’ve also got a list of NCAA players who have completed their eligibility and have signed with pro teams:

France

Nantes (12-1) won the battle for first place by beating Nancy (10-3) in four as Taylor Mims led with 15 kills and two blocks. Jaelyn Keene added three blocks, two kills and two aces. Breana Runnels led Nancy with 14 kills and a block. Haylie Bennett and Katelyn Evans both finished with 10 kills and a block. Shayla Hoeft had seven kills and two blocks. Setter Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres had three blocks and a kill.

Levallois Paris SC (10-3) won its third in a row by beating Chamalieres (5-8) in four and Emily Thater contributed four kills, two blocks and two aces. Courtney Buzzerio led Chamalieres with 10 kills (.429) and a block. Sabrina Starks finished with a match-high seven blocks and had a kill. Kari Zumach added two kills and a block as a substitute.

Madelyn Robinson had 19 kills as Cannes (6-8) battled out a five-set win over Marcq en Baroeul (4-9). Leah Meyer appeared as a serving substitute. Tristin Savage had five kills and two blocks for Marcq en Baroeul.

Claire Hoffman had 13 kills, two aces and two blocks as Beziers (9-4) won its fifth in a row by sweeping Venelles (3-10). Taylor Fricano added nine kills and two blocks, while Serena Gray finished with six kills and two blocks. Beziers setter Ella May Powell had two blocks and a kill.

Mulhouse (10-3) overpowered the developmental France 2024 team (0-13). Annayka Legros led with eight kills (.500) and six aces. Jaali Winters added five kills and a block.

Italy

Kelsey Robinson Cook had 14 kills, hit .480 and had an ace and Khalia Lanier had 12 kills, hit .429 and had an ace as Imoco Conegliano (14-0) swept Trentino (1-13). Carly DeHoog led Trentino with 13 kills and a block.

Milano (13-1) overcame an unusually slow start and beat Busto Arsizio (4-10) in four as Dana Rettke had five kills (.500) and a match-high five blockso. Kara Bajema had three kills in a brief appearance.

Chieri (8-6) lost to Novara (11-3) in four. Avery Skinner had 12 kills and two blocks for Chieri. Madi Kingdon had nine kills.

Casalmaggiore (2-12) fell into the…