Valparaiso University junior Giovanni Garbella (San Diego, Calif. / Cathedral Catholic) gained attention from the Horizon League office on Monday after his recent trend of success continued this week.

Garbella ripped two doubles in a midweek game at Notre Dame on Tuesday night, then followed with a strong performance this weekend at Youngstown State. The Valpo junior hit .583 in the three-game series with three doubles, a home run and six RBIs. Garbella accumulated 13 total bases in the three games. Garbella is the first Crusader to win the Horizon League Batter of the Week this season. 

Over the last three weeks, Garbella has emerged as a pleasant offensive surprise for the Crusaders. Entering Valpo's game against Northern Kentucky on April 9, Garbella was hitting .213 with no home runs and eight RBIs in 26 games this season and was a .204 career hitter over three years. Since then, he's hitting .451 with five home runs and 20 RBIs in 14 games.

Garbella and the Crusaders will be back in action on Tuesday as they welcome Northern Illinois to Emory G. Bauer Field. The game is slated to begin at 3 p.m. CT with links to live audio and stats available on ValpoAthletics.com.