For the past two days, the parking lots at the Clinton Lake Softball Complex have been flooded with minivans and SUVs displaying out-of-state license plates and windows painted with words of encouragement.

The first two rounds of pool play at the American Fastpitch Assn. “B” Girls National Tournament have been conducted in a light, friendly atmosphere. Heck, on Monday, all participants exchanged gifts with their opponents following games.

But after the conclusion of Tuesday’s pool play, the real competition begins.

“These are just warm-up games, the way I look at it,” coach Eric Epperson of the 18-and-under Phenix Epperson team said. “The real deal starts tomorrow. It doesn’t matter where you start, because everyone’s even tomorrow. I think you’ll see the level of play come up.”

Epperson’s squad will enter today’s double-elimination tournament with an added chip on its shoulder. Phenix Epperson has endured an up-and-down first two days at nationals.

Monday, Epperson’s team suffered an 11-1 loss to the Dakota Wild from Hartford, S.D. The Phenix were able to turn their fortunes briefly Tuesday afternoon with a 4-1 victory over the Oklahoma Dizasterz, but the Lawrence team could not keep the momentum going into the nightcap against the Lee’s Summit (Mo.) Renegades.

The Phenix lost that game, 2-1.

Phenix Epperson’s Alissa Hamilton ripped an RBI triple in the top of the first inning to give her team the early lead. However, Phenix pitcher Kristal Holland’s shutout was spoiled in the bottom of the fourth inning when the Renegades scored the only two runs they needed for the win. Instead of having an undefeated second day at the tournament, Phenix Epperson were left bitter.

“Our first game was just horrible,” Epperson said. “We played well today, and this was a good game. A couple of mistakes and we let them right back in it. But, you know, we competed. We’ll be ready.”

The Lawrence Phenix's Kelsey Epperson of Eudora rounds third base on her way to score a run against Lee's Summit Rampage. The 18-under Phenix lost to the Rampage, 2-1, on Tuesday at Clinton Lake Softball Complex.

For Phenix Epperson, Tuesday night’s tough loss should give the team motivation for today’s tournament.

With two more losses, the team’s week would be cut short.

“We’ve lost so many games by one, and it’s just so tough to take those games,” Hamilton said. “I think it’ll be a lot different than pool play was. It’s kind of do or die from here.”

Phenix batter Jill Spratt of Ottawa watches her hit against Lee's Summit (Mo.) Rampage. The Phenix lost, 2-1, Tuesday at Clinton Lake Softball Complex.