Punahou School's boys and girls volleyball programs, long regarded as being among the country's finest, added to that tradition yesterday with four seniors signing National Letters of Intent to attend Division I universities.

Spencer McLachlin, a 6-foot-7 outside hitter and the reigning Advertiser Player of the Year, will follow in his father Chris' footsteps and play for Stanford. Teammate Riley McKibbin, a 6-3 setter, signed with Southern California.

Liz Ka'aihue, a 5-8 outside hitter, signed with Hawai'i, where she will play libero (see related story on page D4). And teammate Larissa Nordyke, a 5-9 outside hitter, signed with UC Irvine.

McLachlin said he chose Stanford over UCLA, where his brother Parker was a standout golfer.

"(Chris and Parker) were really cool about letting me make my own decision," McLachlin said. "They pretty much stayed out of it."

He said the decision came down to Stanford's unique combination of academic and athletic excellence.

"Stanford is one of a kind, and everybody who is there is there for a reason," McLachlin said. "I just couldn't pass up the academic and athletic opportunity."

McLachlin and McKibbin visited Stanford last month and were hosted by good friend and former 'Iolani standout Kawika Shoji, who is a freshman setter for the Cardinal.

McKibbin, an Advertiser All-State first team selection in 2005, said he chose USC over Stanford mainly because of an opportunity to start right away.

"Their setter is graduating and they needed me a lot more," McKibbin said of the Trojans. "I felt SC has a better future for me athletically."

McKibbin said Southern Cal offered him a 75 percent scholarship. He and McLachlin have led the Buffanblu to the past two state championships.

Nordyke said she chose UC Irvine over Santa Clara and UCLA.

"I like their academics and I like the location," Nordyke said. "I really like Southern California."

Nordyke was an Advertiser All-State first team selection in 2004, helping Punahou win the state championship. She and Ka'aihue will receive full college scholarships.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.