CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The ninth-ranked University of North Carolina women's swimming and diving team bounced back from a season-opening loss at fourth-ranked Georgia to defeat Rice 201.5-83.5 in the Tar Heels' 2000-01 home opener at the Maurice J. Koury Natatorium.

The meet was highlighted by an outstanding swim by junior Molly Sullivan in the 1650-yard freestyle as she posted a career best time of 16:32.19. That was also a consideration qualifying time for the 2001 NCAA Championships and it moved her into fourth place in the all-time UNC depth chart in the 1650 free. She passed Leslie Ramsey who had a time of 16;32.51 in 1994. UNC senior Lauren Silva also posted a consideration NCAA qualifying time in the same event with a time of 16:49.05.

Charlene Wong, a freshman from Greenville, N.C., had a career best swim in the 100-yard freestyle as she won that event 52.89 seconds. Wong's previous best time in that event was 24.41 seconds.

Carolina will next swim next Friday and Saturday against the University of Michigan, which is currently tied with UNC for ninth in the national rankings. That dual meet will be Friday at 6 p.m. at Koury Natatorium and will continue on Saturday at noon.

FINAL SCORE: NORTH CAROLINA 201.5, RICE 83.5.