LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Even though Jodi Unger led a 17-point Arkansas bonanza in the pole vault in the Southeastern Conference Women's Indoor Track Championships on Saturday, the senior from Abilene, Texas, called her second-place performance "bittersweet."

Unger cleared 13-8 1/4 on her third try for an indoor personal best, but lost to Natalie Means of Florida at the same height on misses.

Arkansas, with Dacia Barr second and Christine Kalmer third in the closing 3,000 meters, leads with 45 points.

"I'm excited, but I wanted a first place for the team," Unger said. "Natalie is a great competitor. I'm looking at this as a good 'prelim' for nationals."

Arkansas sophomore Stephanie Irwin of Mt. Ida finished third at 13-1 3/4, and UA freshman walk-on Katie Stripling of Jonesboro was sixth at 12-0 1/4.

Irwin has more speed than Unger, but Unger used her strength and technique to make her last two clearances on the final try.

"I hate third tries," Unger said. "I psych myself out on them. But it's the biggest adrenaline rush ever when you make them."

Arkansas junior Jessica Cousins rushed to the school record in the 400 meters, qualifying for the finals in 52.79.

Cousins bettered the previous mark of 53.17 by teammate Tominque Boatright, who failed to qualify in Saturday's prelims.

Coach (Lonnie) Greene told me to take each race like the finals, and that's what I did," Cousins said.

Arkansas junior Paige Farrell of Springdale, after beginning her day with accelerations in the warmth of the team hotel lobby, qualified in the 800 meters with a season's-best 2:08.95.

"It was cold outside," Arkansas coach Lance Harter said, explaining Farrell's unique warmup.

UA junior Peter-Gaye Beckford placed third in the long jump at 20-4 1/4 for six points and a provisional spot in the NCAA meet.

"We're a little behind schedule," Harter said. "Tennessee may be in control, with a lot of qualifiers. LSU has a lot, too."

Harter praised Barr, who broke her little toe two weeks ago, for her gutsy finish in the 3,000.

SEC WOMEN'S INDOOR TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS

Team Standings: Arkansas 45, Georgia 36, Tennessee 25, LSU 19, Florida 18, Ole Miss 15, South Carolina 9, Vanderbilt 8, Kentucky 7, Alabama 6, Mississippi State 4, Auburn 3