Otago slipped to a 51-run loss to Canterbury in a three-day warm-up game in Lincoln.
Black Cap Dean Foxcroft nabbed five for 47 with his off-breaks to help restrict the home team to 290 for eight in their second innings.
That left Otago a victory target of 270.
Dale Phillips swatted 64 from 65 before he retired not out. And Thorn Parkes added 45 to complete a solid match for the left-hander. He made 57 not out in his first dig.
But a flurry of late wickets saw the visitors fall short of the target.
Cole McConchie claimed three for 51 from 10 overs, and former Otago bowler Angus McKenzie snaffled two for
33.
The Volts open their Plunket Shield campaign with a match against Northern Districts in Hamilton beginning on October 20.
Volts coach Dion Ebrahim could not be reached for comment.
