The South Kitsap High School Navy JROTC precision marksmanship team — comprised of four girls — placed eighth in the nation at the 2015 JROTC Service Championship marksmanship match on Feb. 19-21 in Phoenix, Ariz.

The team composed of juniors Breanna Emery (captain), Danielle Corpuz, Katelynn Croston and Jessica Hasel finished with a two-day team total of 4,282 out of a possible 4,800.

“The team shot very well on Friday with Katelynn recording her and South Kitsap’s highest mark ever at 567,” said Capt. Todd Schapler, Senior Naval Science instructor.

The teams had a 2,195 on Friday and 2,187 on Saturday, and team competed in the prone, standing and kneeling positions.

“The shooters were lined up shoulder-to-shoulder with their competition which can be quite stressful,” Schapler said. “But the South Kitsap team has been coached on how to concentrate on the task at hand and to shut out all external distractions so that they can focus entirely on their shooting.”

The team — the Navy JROTC Area 13 precision marksmanship champions — is coached by Will Lewis and Jeff Phillips. The area is comprised of more than 120 high schools in Washington, Oregon, northern California, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nevada, Colorado, Utah, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and Japan.

Schapler said the team arrived in Phoenix on Feb. 18. They spent the day doing technical inspections and range practice to make sure all of their equipment was not affected during the flight from Seattle.

He said the team’s travel partially was funded by the U.S. Navy and was supplemented by a Feb. 19 fundraiser and with donations from individuals, the American Legion and Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Schapler said the students were not required to pay anything for travel or lodging during the trip.

“We could not have participated at this level of shooting if it were not for the exceptional support of the people of Port Orchard, Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Tim Matthes, South Kitsap District school board, Superintendent Michelle Reid and Principal Jerry Holsten,” Schapler said.

“We have the full support of the district and the school, and they have provided this team with the best of equipment and facilities.”

Schapler and Senior Chief Harold Vickers instruct the Naval Science program at South Kitsap, which is comprised of more than 180 cadets and is one of the largest programs in the state.