Zhu Ting celebrates during Savino Del Bene Scandicci vs TrasportiPesanti Casalmaggiore, Volleyball Italian Serie A1 Women match in Florence, Italy on November 2, 2022. Photo: VCG

Scandicci lost to Milan 3-2 in the seventh round of the Italian Serie A1 women's volleyball league although Chinese outside hitter Zhu Ting scored 17 points for Scandicci, the second highest in the game.

Scandicci fought hard but lost at 23-25, 25-21, 20-25, 26-24, 15-8 eventually.

Playing her first home game as a starter, Zhu said she is getting back to her normal level.

"I hope to regain my form as quickly as possible, but I have to be patient and I need to take it one step at a time," said Zhu, who has just recovered from a severe wrist injury and joined the team in October.

"Zhu plays a fundamental role in this team and we know that we have one of the strongest players in the world," said Scandicci head coach Massimo Barbolini, adding that he was sure Zhu would contribute more in the future.

Zhu, 27 years old from central China's Henan Province, is a 198-centimeter outside hitter with exceptional elevation and a wide variety of strokes. Known as "Zhuper" - from the union of "Zhu" with the adjective "Super" - she is the first player in FIVB history to win two consecutive World Cup titles, also being awarded the MVP in both cases.

Zhu also won the gold medal with China at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

"Savino Del Bene Scandicci is delighted to confirm that the club has reached agreement with one of the strongest athletes in the world. In the 2022-23 season, Chinese spiker Zhu Ting will be part of the roster of coach Massimo Barbolini," the club said on its official website previously in July.

"I'm happy to join Scandicci and looking forward to returning to the volleyball court," Zhu said in a statement.

Xinhua