And one out of three was not good enough.
Having dismissed Central Districts for 164, the Sparks were well placed to push for their fourth win from seven matches and remain firmly in contention for the one-day title.
But the visitors produced a pitiful batting display and were bowled out for 125 in their match in Masterton.
Classy White Ferns all-rounder Sarah Tsukigawa top-scored for the Sparks with 39 and bowled a frugal spell, conceding just 12 runs from 10 overs.
The right-hander did her best to hold Otago's innings together but the modest target proved out of reach.
Lucy Foote (20 not out) and Amanda Green (14) showed some character, putting on 34 for the ninth wicket, but opener Kyle Crowley (15) was the only other Sparks batsman to reach double figures.
Central's attack shared the wickets, Rachel Candy, Kate Broadmore, Abby Burrows and Maneka Singh picking up two apiece.
"Some of the plans that we talked about did not go well and we were lacking in our execution," Otago coach Nathan King said.
"There are three or four players we look to, to score the bulk of the runs.
"But we also have three or four other players who we hope will contribute as well.
"Unfortunately, that did not happen.
"We were happy with the end result of 164 but, again, our execution in the field was a little bit disappointing.
"But we felt quite confident chasing 164."
The sides meet in another one-day match today and King said the game was a must-win one for Otago.
Central Districts opening pair Esther Lanser and Rachel Priest made a watchful start as Otago duo Suzie Bates and Tsukigawa kept their opponents pinned down with some tight bowling.
Lanser made just one run from 28 deliveries before her patient vigil came to an end when Green capitalised on the pressure and bowled the right-hander.
She struck again in her next over, this time getting a delivery past Priest, then removed fellow White Fern Aimee Watkins three overs later to leave the home side reeling at 41 for three.
Sara McGlashan combined with Broadmore in the best partnership of the innings - just 25 - to help Central claw its way back into the match.
But when Broadmore was run out for 11 and McGlashan trapped in front for 25, any hope of posting a reasonable total appeared lost.
Aroha Northover counter-attacked with a run-a-ball innings of 33 and No 8 batsman Sarah Norman top-scored with 38 to help Central sneak past 150.
Green finished with four for 39 from 10 and Clare Taylor tore through the tail, taking three for 44.
Tsukigawa was wicketless but bowled superbly, and Bates was also thrifty with none for 20 from seven overs.
