LORETTO, Pa. (May 4, 2011) – The back-to-back Northeast Conference Champion Saint Francis University swimming team will add the talented trio of Rebecca Peer, Lauren Vennefron and Mary Wardle to its freshman class in 2011-12, head coach Patrick Gallagher has announced.

"We are excited about having these women join the University next fall and I am confident that they will have a significant impact, both as students and swimmers during their time in Loretto," said Gallagher.

"These three will address some areas of need within the team and be able to contribute at the highest level of the Northeast Conference."

The Red Flash will add an international prospect in Chelsea, Quebec-native Rebecca Peer. A graduate of Philemon Wright High School, she has competed the past two seasons at Cégep de l'Outaouais under head coach Robert Toupin. Peer racked up three gold medals and five silvers at the past two Provincial Championships in addition to being named a 2011 All-Star. She was awarded the school's Student-Athlete Merit Award and was named its Female Athlete of the Year in 2011. She also received the Student-Athlete Merit Award in 2010.

Peer plans to pursue a degree in Environmental Engineering at the University. She is the daughter of David Peer and Linn Mayes.

Vennefron, a two-time letterwinner after transferring to Villa Madonna Academy as a junior, specialized in the 100 breaststroke and 500 freestyle events during her career, and ranked among her home state's elite in each. At the 2011 Kentucky high school championships, the Fort Mitchell, Ky. native placed seventh in the 500 free in addition to taking eighth-place in the 100 breaststroke and 16th in the individual medley in the 2009 meet.

The future English major was also a National Merit Finalist and a member of the National Honor Society. She is the daughter of Scott and Kimberly Vennefron.

A four-year letterwinner at Bell Vernon High School, Wardle turned in a distinguished scholastic career that included four-straight years of both individual and relay WPIAL qualifying times. A freestyle specialist, she is also an outstanding student, having been named a Highest Honor Student in addition and inducted into the National Honor Society.

The daughter of Ralph and Rosemary Wardle of Belle Vernon, Pa., Mary intends to study Physical Therapy at Saint Francis.