CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Amber Lutmer became UNO's new career home runs leader with 45, but the Omaha softball team dropped its final game at the Fighting Illini Classic, 6-1 to Illinois on Saturday.

The Mavericks went 2-1 at their final tournament of the season and are now 16-9 overall heading into the home opener Tuesday against Wichita State at 5 p.m. at Westside Field at Westbrook. Illinois improved to 14-7.

Lutmer's solo home run in the first inning put UNO on top 1-0. It was her 11th home run of the season and the 45th of her career, moving her alone into first place past Leslie Svoboda.

But the Fighting Illini tied the game in the third, then strung together three runs in the fourth and two in the fifth to take a 6-1 lead. Dana Elsasser (13-4) was in command until a two-out infield single in the third tied the game. In the fourth inning, the first three Illinois batters reached base to spark a three-run inning to make it 4-1. In the fifth inning, two Maverick errors and a failed out attempt on a fielder's choice allowed two more Illini runs to score. Elsasser allowed six hits and four earned runs with four walks and five strikeouts.

Illinois pitcher Brandi Needham (9-3) limited the Mavs to just three hits with four strikeouts and three walks. Lutmer and Lizzie Noble were each 1-for-2 with a walk. Lia Mancuso was 1-for-3.