Nov. 24, 2009

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Women's swimming and diving head coach Dave Alexander has announced the signing of Renee Deschenes (Winnipeg, Manitoba), Serra Falce (Glastonbury, Conn.) and Allison Zelnick (Troy, Ohio) to National Letters of Intent. All three student-athletes will join the Seawolves for the 2010-2011 season.

Deschenes was one of 12 swimmers to make the Manitoba Provincial Team at the 2009 Canada Games on Prince Edward Island in August. Currently listed as the 84th best recruit by CollegeSwimming.com, Deschenes attended the 2008 Beijing Olympic Trials and the 2009 World Championship Trials. She was part of a medley relay team that owns the 13-14 Canadian record in the 4x100. Deschenes has been a member of Manitoba's elite team since the age of 13.

Falce is a top diver for Glastonbury High School, finishing in the top 10 in the one-meter dive at the state championships in 2008 and 2009. Last year she earned all-Central Connecticut Conference North honors. Falce is also an accomplished gymnast, earning all-around honors as a sophomore.

Zelnick, whose sister swims at Rice, finished seventh in the state in the 50-yard freestyle. A two-time Greater Western Ohio Conference North Swimmer of the Year, she has been the team's MVP the last three seasons. Zelnick has also competed at the YMCA Nationals in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and USA Swimming Nationals.