Russellville Middle School’s scholars bowl team is having a winning year. The team recently advanced to the Junior Academic National Championship in Orlando, Fla., ultimately placing third overall in the competition, one of four national events across the country.

Sponsor Molly Bates said the team hasn’t received the overall scores yet from the other sites across the nation, but with the third-place standing, RMS should place in the top 12 overall nationwide.

“This is the first time we’ve made it to the national level,” Bates said.

RMS team members at the national competition were team captain Maddy Green, Grace McDermitt, Kaitlyn Balding and Grayson Murray.

Friday and Saturday of the championship, the RMS team won the majority of its matches, which advanced RMS to the playoffs Sunday. Friday the team members only won one match, but Saturday they were undefeated.

Sunday the team nabbed the third place overall, with only 15-20 points between them and second-place winner.

“There was a wide variety of teams with different experiences, strengths and weaknesses,” Bates said. “It was good for the team to play teams outside of what they’re used to.

“They really shined and played well,” Bates said. “I’m very proud of them.”