The second game also was close as the Crimson lost despite an effort that included 14 kills and 18 digs.
In the third and final game, Harvard dropped the match with a 15-8 game score.
Forcum and Lutich again led the Harvard offense with 13 and 11 kills, respectively. Nash contributed 31 assists.
Northeastern 3, Harvard 2
Playing on the Huskies' home floor, the Crimson kept it close but could not overcome Northeastern's strong team.
Harvard and Northeastern traded wins in the first four games with the Crimson having to work harder for its two, winning both 17-15.
In the final game of the match, again played with rally scoring, the Crimson lost 15-11.
Lutich tallied 23 kills and Forcum chipped in with 15. Sophomore setter Julie Yick was the spark, however, with 41 set assists and 31 digs.
Denniston added 10 kills en route to being named to the All-Tournament team.
The loss dropped the Crimson to 0-6 in five-set matches.
Harvard will try to reclaim the season as it opens up Ivy play at Cornell and Columbia next weekend.
"It's whole new season," Nash said.
"We're just going to learn what we can from these losses and leave it all on the court."