ATHENS, Ga. (May 23, 2007) ? University of South Florida senior Shadisha Robinson ended a 23-year old drought by becoming the first USF women's tennis player to advance out of the first round of NCAA singles play since Laura Garcia in 1984.

No. 28 Robinson defeated the University of Tennessee's Blakeley Griffith in three sets Wednesday afternoon at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex at the University of Georgia to accomplish the feat.  The Tampa native jumped out to an early lead over Griffith, the 26th ranked player in the country, capturing the first set 6-3.  The Tennessee senior then battled back and claimed the second set 6-4 to set up the deciding frame.  Robinson would not be denied however, as the BIG EAST Most Outstanding Player put down the Volunteer with a match clinching score identical to her first set, 6-3.

The win sets up a meeting with No. 14 Celia Durkin of Stanford Thursday in the Round of 32.  Durkin downed Eastern Michigan's Vanessa Frankowski 6-4, 7-6 in her first round match.  Entering the tournament with a 27-11 overall record, Durkin will be the highest ranked opponent Robinson has faced since battling No. 6 Kristi Miller of National Champion Georgia Tech on Mar. 21 in Tampa.

NCAA Singles Championship - Round of 64

No. 28 Shadisha Robinson (USF) def. No. 26 Blakeley Griffith (UT) 6-3, 4-6, 6-3