The Otago Spirit experienced its second consecutive loss when it was beaten 19-14 by Hawkes Bay in Napier on Saturday.
The visiting side trailed 14-7 at the break and, despite having more ball in the second half, could not get over the line near the end to secure even a draw.
Otago coach Jonathan Homer said the side played well in patches but could not catch Hawkes Bay, which made the most of its chances.
Fullback Kelly Brazier grabbed the first try for Otago when, after a quick tap kick, the ball was moved wide for her to score.
She also knocked over the conversion.
Hawkes Bay scored early in the second half to go out to a 12-point lead, but Otago was then awarded a penalty try, after Brazier was taken out when attempting to ground the ball.
She easily added the extras.
Otago pressured the line near the end, but could not get through Hawkes Bay's solid defence.
Homer said Otago needed to be more efficient when clearing the ball near its own line, and to show a bit more patience in attack.
The players tended to lose the ball after a couple of phases, and often chose the wrong option.
He was pleased with the side's effort at the set-piece, and its dominance in the scrum increased as the game went on.
Flanker Rachel Scott, restored to the forward pack after flirting with the midfield last week, had a top game for Otago, while centre Vicky Nafatali turned in a good performance.
Brazier and winger Carla Hohepa, back from injury, also made the most of their opportunities.
After losing 26-5 to Wellington in the first round, Otago faces a must-win game against Canterbury at the North Ground next Saturday.
Otago B was beaten 28-26 by Southland B in a nail-biter at Carisbrook on Saturday.
Southland led 14-13 at half-time, and managed to hang on as Otago attacked near the end.
Backs Julius Glasson and Lex Kaleca scored the tries for Otago B.
Luke Reihana converted both five-pointers, and slotted four penalty goals.
Former Otago fullback Glen Horton scored a crucial intercept try for Southland.
Loose forward Cam Goodhue played well for the home side and Glasson showed some nice touches.
The Otago Colts made no race of it against Otago Maori, winning 49-7 at Carisbrook on Saturday.
The Colts side continued its good form of recent weeks.
It beat Canterbury Country last weekend, and was too good for the Maori side, leading 23-7 at half-time.
