Poway High junior Lauren Plum has orally committed to play volleyball at the University of Oregon, she confirmed Tuesday.

A first-team All-Palomar League setter as a sophomore in 2007, Plum could have waited to make her choice, but opted to commit to the Ducks now.

"It was pretty hectic," Plum said Tuesday. "At first, I had no clue what to look for because I really had no dream school.

"After a few recruiting trips it became a much easier process. I knew as soon as I got to Oregon that this was the place.

"I've lived in the same house my whole life, so I wanted to get out of Southern California and try something new."

Plum said she had never been to Oregon before her recent visit to the Eugene campus. But the opportunity to play in the Pacific 10 Conference convinced her to end her college search.

"Really, the Pac-10 was one of my goals," Plum said. "I saw a poll the other day where five teams were ranked in the top 10. So this is a great conference.

"I have a goal to be on the national team one day, and playing in this conference can only help.

"I could have waited a few weeks or even until summer, but it was so obvious to me that after my visit, and with the research I'd done, Oregon was my choice."

Plum has been the MVP of the San Diego Fall Classic the last two seasons, helping the Titans to win the team championship both times.

"Oregon is a perfect fit for Lauren," Poway coach Steve Lamb said. "Lauren looked and looked and found a program where she can flourish as a player in two years."

-- Terry Monahan