She was the model of consistency with one birdie (on No. 14), two bogeys and 15 pars in her one-over-par score.

Nancy Schlich of Auburn is second after a 75, with birdies on Nos. 16 and 17 against bogeys on Nos. 2, 3, 6, 9, 10 and 18. She finished third in last year’s championship at Prattville Country Club.

Two former winners, Chris Spivey of Pell City and Harriet Cauthen of Orange Beach, are tied for third on 76. Cauthen’s round was highlighted by an eagle on No. 14. She also had a birdie on No. 11, bogeys on 3, 6 and 10 and double bogeys on 7 and 13.

Spivey, who has won this championship four times, had three birdies, four bogeys and two double bogeys.

Raines, who lost in a playoff to Martha Lang in this championship in 2009, is playing in her third Women’s State Senior.

“I’m glad I played well today, but tomorrow is another day. I know a three-shot lead is very small and there are a number of players capable of winning,” she said.

She plays golf at Turtle Point in Killen and participates in Valley Golf, a ladies group that plays at seven area courses, including Huntsville Country Club.

“I think this helped me in that I’ve played the course a number of times.”

She has won a number of statewide stroke play events including at the Country Club of Birmingham and Willow Point, as well as qualifying six times for the USGA’s Women’s Senior Amateur Championship.

“It’s nice to be in the mix, but I don’t put particular importance in leading after one round. Certainly I’d like to go one better than my playoff loss and win the championship, but we have two days of golf left.”

This championship is open to ladies who are 50 years old and above and is 54 holes of stroke play.

Two-time defending champion Tami Green of Hamilton struggled to an 88.

Tee times for the second round are from 8:00 – 9:20 off Nos. 1 and 10.

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