The team from B.C.'s Hub City gave the front-running New Westminster Salmonbellies the snub.
And one small setback has put the Western Lacrosse Association club in a tighter fight for top spot.
New West enters tonight's contest (Thursday, 7:30 p.m. at Queen's Park Arena) against the Langley Thunder with a renewed sense of urgency, after Saturday's 11-9 loss in Nanaimo.
Without the services of World championship-bound Jimmy McBride and Daniel McQuade, who will be playing for Team Scotland at the field championships in Israel (both Canada and Scotland kick off their schedules on Friday), New West entered Frank Crane Arena a little shorthanded. Nanaimo didn't take long to take the lead, jumping out to a 5-1 advantage after 20 minutes.
New West trailed by four after two periods, but put in a strong push to start the third on tallies from Jason Jones, Lyndon Bunio and Nathan Stewart to get within a goal. But Jon Phillips' powerplay tally with 5:26 remaining proved to be the game-winner, ending the 'Bellies momentum.
Chase Fraser led the way for the T-men with three goals, while Drew Belgrave, who played a huge role during New West's playoff and Mann Cup march last summer as a junior call-up, tallied twice.
New West got two goals each from Mitch Jones and Anthony Malcom, while Jordan McBride and Logan Schuss counted a goal and four assists.
The 'Bellies sit tied with Maple Ridge for first place, although New West holds an edge with more wins and two games in hand. Victoria sits just two pooints back, also with six games remaining.
On Saturday, New West pays a visit to last place Coquitlam.
