The Otago Spirit produced its best performance of the season, despite recording a fourth consecutive loss.
Wellington built on its 14-13 lead at the break to win 40-20 at Porirua Park on Saturday.
Normally, a 20-point loss might be followed by a sermon but coach Duncan McEwan said he could not fault his charges.
"We played by far our best game all season," McEwan said.
"We were playing a pack which was significantly bigger than us and we were having to defend for long spells at a time. It was difficult to sustain our defensive systems ... but it was a very close game.
"To be honest, I can’t think of a single player who did not have their best game of the season."
Sevens star Kelly Brazier made her first appearance for Otago in four years.
The fullback made her debut for the province as a 15-year-old but shifted north to chase her Olympic dream.
She was solid at the back and scored the team’s third try. But her biggest contribution was helping organise the backline.
"She defended well, distributed well and was good in all areas. She wasn’t making a line break every 30 seconds or anything. But she just kept us connected and that is what she brought to the team," McEwan said.
"It is a shame we don’t have her for the next couple of games, to be honest."
Brazier helped the New Zealand women’s sevens team win a silver medal at the Rio Olympics last month but has some leave owing and has a holiday in Hawaii planned.
Otago opened the scoring when winger Georgina McCullough crossed in the corner following a midfield break.
Experienced centre Greer Muir added another before the break and Megan Manson slotted a penalty.
Otago led the early stages but Wellington began getting on top through its pack.
"I think they [Wellington] are right up there, as far as potentially winning this thing. They have a great combination of size, speed and power. But it was a good game. They were pretty nervous at halftime," McEwan said.
Pride v Spirit
The scores
Wellington Pride 40
Ayesha Leti-Iiga, 2, Georgia Daals 2, Acacia Te Iwimate, Joanah Ngan-Woo tries; Lizzie Goulden 5 con
Otago Spirit 20
Kelly Brazier, Greer Muir, Georgina McCullough tries; Megan Manson con, pen
Halftime: 14-13 Wellington