Haunani Akana of Sacred Hearts is back to defend her state title at today's Civilian Marksmanship Program/Hawai 'i High School Athletic Association Air Riflery Championships.

Shooting begins at 8:30 this morning at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall and will end in the afternoon.

Also back are state runner-up Lauren Riford of Punahou and two-time O'ahu Interscholastic Association champion Chelsie Hata of Moanalua, who was third.

Defending state boys champion LeLan Aranaydo has graduated, but returning are state runner-up Paul Berce of St. Anthony and third-place finisher Jayson Lum of Saint Louis.

Now in its 11th year, the state air riflery championships have been dominated by Interscholastic League of Honolulu teams.

Punahou has won the last four boys titles and Saint Louis won the first five state titles. Waiäkea has been the exception, winning in 2004.

Punahou and Sacred Hearts have won all the girls team titles. Punahou is the defending champion and won in 2001, 2002 and 2005.