The NCCAA named Mark Pastorella the Division II Player of the Week. Pastorella is the first in the history of BUF Athletics to win national player of the week. Against TCJ on February 13th, the freshman from Ocala pitched a complete game shutout with 7 strikeouts, allowing only 3 hits. For the final out of the game, the batter hit a chopper toward the 1st baseman, and Pastorella ran over to cover first base. He cleanly caught the ball and stepped on the bag for the challenging out to end the game and secure the victory for BUF.

Pastorella has had a ball in his hands for as long as he can remember. Born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, he is a big Phillies fan and wears number 27 because of Aaron Nola. As a child, his family moved to Florida, where he spent the rest of his childhood. Pastorella attended high school in Ocala and pitched throughout his youth career. His connection to BUF came through a high school coach. He exchanged emails with Coach Albury and spoke with him on the phone, and after the summer of 2025, it was arranged for him to come to Graceville.