diff --git a/tools/proving-v1/pc2-segments.ps1 b/tools/proving-v1/pc2-segments.ps1
index 4944f3572..df040cf41 100644
--- a/tools/proving-v1/pc2-segments.ps1
+++ b/tools/proving-v1/pc2-segments.ps1
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path $job | Out-Null
 $jobStart = Get-Date
 "RESULT start $(Stamp) app_dir=$app base_len=$($base.Length) job=$job run_minutes=$RunMinutes"
 $evmPort = $null
-foreach ($p in 26790, 26800, 26810) { if (Rpc 'igneum_getProvingStatus' @()) { $evmPort = $p; break } }
+foreach ($p in 26790, 26800, 26810) { $evmPort = $p; if (Rpc 'igneum_getProvingStatus' @()) { break }; $evmPort = $null }
 if (-not $evmPort) { "RESULT refused $(Stamp) no node EVM RPC on 26790/26800/26810: $script:rpcErr"; exit 1 }
 # the app's miner (the signer) and its label, the payout address
 $mp = Get-CimInstance Win32_Process | Where-Object { $_.Name -like 'igneum-miner*' -and $_.CommandLine -like '* mine *' } | Select-Object -First 1