VASSALBORO — Kristen MacDonald, of Billerica, Mass., shot a 1-under par 71 to take the opening round lead at the New England Women’s Amateur at Natanis Golf Course on Monday.

“1 under is probably the best round I’ve had,” said MacDonald, 23, a 2011 Fairfield University graduate. “I was able to hit all the shots I wanted.”

MacDonald made three birdies — the par 3 7th, par 4 12th and par 3 13th.

She has a 1-shot lead over Alison Eleey, Of Quincy, Mass.

Saco native Emily Bouchard, the defending Maine amateur champ, shot an 81.

She had the best round out of the 24 Mainers who teed off Monday.

The three-day tournament resumes Tuesday at 8 a.m.