If there was any surprise on the final day of competition, it was the performance of the Arkansas women’s 4×400 relay team. Entering the finals, Arkansas held the sixth best time (3:30.45) in a pool of eight teams and exited the NCAA Championships as champions. Not only did Arkansas edge heavy favorites LSU and Texas A&M, Arkansas made a final push that will hold as one of the highlights of the day.

After trailing early, Arkansas began to make their move in their second and third legs. Heading into the final leg, it was Texas, Arkansas and Florida in the top three. But with 200 meters remaining, Regina George of Arkansas made her move to give her team their first lead of the race heading toward the finish line. George not only had a great last leg, but she was also the difference in the race. Arkansas’ final two legs were the difference makers in the finals, and it made for a spectacular race to the finish.

“This is my first title, my senior year so I’m really happy,” George said after the win. “I didn’t do what I wanted in the 400 meters and to come back and win the 4×400 relay I couldn’t ask for a better finish.”

Arkansas finished the race with the best time of the event this week with a 3:27.09 time. Finishing behind Arkansas were Texas A&M with a 3:27.59 time and Texas with a 3:27.98 time. Arkansas came into the event as underdogs and exit as champions. Considering their team fell short of the top 10 in team standings, the Arkansas’ women’s 4×400 relay team will hold as one of the better team performances in the 2013 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships.