The trip to Georgia Southern is by no means a team favorite, and needless to say this year’s trip got off on the wrong foot.

When the bus pulled up, we realized it was not our regular bus, instead a shorter antiquated version of the one we have become accustomed to over the last few years. As if to add insult of injury, we did not have our traditional driver “Big D,” who had called in sick. The thought of a six-hour bus ride to Statesboro, Ga., could make anyone sick to their stomach.

“Big D” is legendary for his lead-foot, and if there was ever a trip when he was needed most, it was the trip to Georgia Southern. But much like how our season has gone thus far, you have to go with what you got.

Marvin, the new driver, didn’t make any friends the first day. We were getting passed on the interstate as though we were driving backwards, and the six-hour trip turned into what seemed like a seven-hour marathon.

Marvin however, turned out to be the man. He was a Phoenix fanatic in the stands, defending us in the face of some staunch hecklers. Throughout the first two games, he had plenty to cheer about.

Friday, we rode strong starting pitching and held on for 5-4 victory.

Saturday was the definition of a team win. We had two freshmen come off the bench for clutch RBI, and the bullpen stepped up. With all the chaos of substituting, coupled with our lack of depth, I found myself playing third, and I hadn’t fielded a ground ball in over two years. But somehow we managed a 4-3 extra-inning win.

After the first two games, everything seemed to be going our way. We were riding a six-game win streak, we had taken the first two games and it felt like we were starting to play our best baseball of the year. But we have struggled to complete sweeps all season, and we knew Georgia Southern would not roll over for us.

After drawing first blood, we relinquished an early four-run lead and then a two-run lead in the ninth, as Georgia Southern emerged victorious in another one-run affair. Sunday’s game was certainly not short on drama; a game that featured a coach ejection, bench warnings and nearly a bench-clearing brawl. A bus ride is not fun after an emotionally draining loss.

As I focus on the positives, I’ve realized that we’re only one game off of last year’s conference championship pace, and that has been without our best hitter for two conference series. If we can continue to play better baseball, getting stronger as the season winds down, our goals will be within reach.

We get another opportunity to knock off a ranked opponent when the No. 2 Tar Heels come to our park. Weather permitting, the atmosphere should be electric, and hopefully, we will give them something to cheer about.