"Vivian and Larissa were a fantastic team this year," San Marino Coach John Christopher said. "They were very determined. They were a fantastic combination of offense and defense. Larissa hit such a big ball and Vivian was just unbelievable. I'm really proud of them."
Le began the season third in the lineup behind Sarah Gealer, who won the league's singles championship, and Dorothy Tang, the runner-up. Phillips also started in singles, despite her interest in playing doubles.
But as the season progressed, the Titans' dominance — particularly in singles — forced opposing schools to rearrange their strategy. That's when the Le-Phillips pairing was born.
"I think the coaches saw that we worked well together," Phillips said. "I think we definitely do feed off each other's personality and get each other excited.
It's different being with a partner. Communication is key. But it also allowed me to feel a little more secure, knowing my partner can always lift me up."
Feeding off one another taught the two to work in unison.
Described as an "aggressive player" and "cheerleader" of sorts, Le helped pump up the more mild-mannered Phillips.
In turn, Phillips taught Le patience and working alongside a new partner.
"It was a tough transition because it was hard not having my sister there," Le said. "She was mentor and someone I could always count on.
"But, through this, I learned that it's really important to compromise and pump each other up — to have that energy on the court and reproduce it with every match. Sometimes it's hard to have that energy because we're coming after school and we're tired, but that's what helps push you through."
