Buyten wins

Two-time X Games step up gold medalist Matt Buyten of Carson City claimed his first gold medal south of the border in the inaugural X Games Mexico on Monday.

The three-day event showcased some of the world's best action sport athletes from 12 countries and three continents, competing in BMX freestyle street, skateboard street and moto X best trick at the Palacio de los Deportes.

Buyten won gold in moto X step up by clearing 23.5 feet. Todd Potter, the moto X best trick gold medalist, finished runner-up at 23 feet. Brian Deegan was third at 21 feet.

"It was amazing to compete in Mexico," Buyten said. "The crowd was so enthusiastic and I'm extremely happy to walk away with the gold."

Ford American East Rook of the Week

Carson High graduate Lindsay Ford, a freshman setter for the University of Hartford, was named the American East Conference Rookie of the Week on Monday. Ford helped lead the Hawks to a 4-0 record last week with wins over Quinnipiac, Loyola (Md.), Coppin State and Holy Cross.

Ford opened the week with three kills, 17 assists and three service aces against Quinnipiac. The freshman then came out to record a season-best 50 assists in a four-game win over Loyola to open the Holy Cross Invitational on Friday. Ford finished that match with four kills and 16 digs, completing her second double-double of the season.

She came out against Coppin State to record 26 assists and three service aces, while adding 35 assists, nine digs and two aces against Holy Cross in the final match of the tournament. For the week, Ford has 128 assists, eight kills, nine aces, 29 digs and three blocks. For the season, the freshman leads the team with 19 aces.

Hartford hosted Marist on Tuesday. On Friday and Saturday, Hartford will play in the George Washington Tournament.

Hartford played at Capital City Volleyball Club and the club's recruiting coordinator, Jim Saari, played a key role in helping Ford earn her scholarship. She trained under Dan McLaughlin and Jorge Urbina for two years at the club. She was also an all-league setter at Carson.