In Harvard coach Jenny Allard’s tenure, the Crimson softball team has never beaten the University of Massachusetts.

Harvard (15-19, 6-4 Ivy) came as close as ever yesterday, but it ultimately dropped the nonconference doubleheader against the Minutewomen (25-15) at the UMass Softball Complex.

Despite leading early in both games, the Crimson could not hold either lead and fell to UMass for the 11th year in a row.

“In my 11 seasons coaching, it’s the best doubleheader we’ve played against UMass,” Allard said. “We just didn’t finish it off.”

UMASS 4, HARVARD 1

The Crimson took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fifth inning, but the team surrendered four runs in the bottom of the sixth to fall behind 4-1.

With two outs, junior catcher Erin Halpenny started the offense with a single to left field. Sophomore shortstop Lauren Brown singled to the same place to keep the inning alive.

With two runners on base, senior pinch hitter Annie Dell’Aria stepped to the plate and dropped a hit into right field. Halpenny scored, while Dell’Aria advanced to second and Brown moved to third.

Brown and Dell’Aria were left on base when senior second baseman Lauren Bettinelli struck out looking for the inning-ending third out.

The Minutewomen responded convinvingly in the bottom of the sixth inning.

After K.J. Kelley knocked in Candice Molinari to even the score, Stacy Cullington launched a three-run home run over right field.

Freshman pitcher Shelly Madick allowed six hits in her 5 2/3 innings, three of which came in that final inning, before junior hurler Michele McAteer forced a groundout to get Harvard out of the inning.

The Crimson managed four hits off of UMass pitcher Barb LaFogg, who recorded seven strikeouts.

UMASS 4, HARVARD 3

The Crimson again struck first in the second game and led through 5 1/2 innings.