February 6, 2024

By Matt Betts

Canadian Baseball Network

The Ave Maria University Gyrenes were put to the test right from the get-go of the season as they faced off against two ranked teams and one that received votes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletic preseason polls. 

Fortunately, their Canadian was ready to play. 

Francesco Barbieri (Brampton, Ont.) started his campaign going 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and a stolen base in his team’s 13-11 win over No. 17 Vanguard University. 

Against Arizona Christian in their second game, Barbieri went 3-for-5 with a walk, a solo shot in the top of the first to open the scoring and a two-run home run in the second inning to lead his team to a 13-9 victory. He totaled four RBIs in the game. 

He finished out the weekend with a hit against No. 11 Hope International. 

For his impressive weekend, Barbieri was named The Sun Conference Player of the Week. 

If that sounds familiar, that’s because last week’s top Canuck, Simon Grinberg, also plays in the conference and was tabbed player of the week. 

Barbieri is the Canadian Baseball Network College Player of the Week for Jan. 29 to Feb. 4. 

Canadian Baseball Network College Player of the Week 

Week 1: INF Simon Grinberg (Kitchener, Ont.) - Keiser University 

Week 2: OF Francesco Barbieri (Brampton, Ont.) - Ave Maria University