It turned into a superb day at Belmont for the 21-year-old as she shot a five-under 68, the lowest score in the history of the Lake Macquarie Women’s Amateur Championship.

The blistering performance followed an even-par 73 on Tuesday and gave Hillier a five-shot lead on 141 at the halfway point of the 72-hole tournament.

Defending champion and first-round leader Breanna Elliott, of Yarrawonga, shot four-over 77 yesterday to drop to equal second at 146 with Kingston Heath’s Grace Lennon (75-71).

Hillier started with a 10-metre putt from off the green to snare eagle on the par-five first hole.

The rousing start was followed by two pars and another eagle, when Hillier holed her third shot on the par-five fourth from 105 metres out with an eight iron.

Hillier also birdied the 9th, 10th and 17th and bogeyed the 13th and 18th.

‘‘My best round ever is 65, so it was pretty close, but I was really happy,’’ Hillier said.

‘‘I haven’t carded a round like that since about mid-2008. I’m happy to get that feeling back and to get those low scores again.’’

The Joondalup member has endured several setbacks since she starred in her teenage years, winning the 2009 Astor Salver in England, 2008 San Diego Junior Masters and 2007 Australian Junior Masters.

A tendinitis injury in her wrist kept her away from golf for most of 2009 and 2010.

Now in her fifth attempt at the Lake Macquarie Amateur, Hillier is desperate to finally claim the crown before turning professional next year.

‘‘All my wins have been in juniors, so I’d love to get a win this week and put that to my record,’’ she said.