SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- South Dakota responded to adversity on Friday afternoon, dominating singles play, and snapped its four-match losing skid with a 5-2 win over Connecticut inside Huether Family Match Pointe.

The Coyotes (4-5) dropped the doubles point before controlling singles by winning five of the six, including a pair of three-setters late that clinched the team victory.

"This was such a huge win for the program," head coach Brett Barnett said. "We didn't go away and found a way to win against a very strong program.  

Connecticut won the doubles point behind a pair of 6-1 wins at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles.

"I wasn't happy with how we came out in doubles and just played flat for the first time in a while," said Barnett. "I asked the team to respond and play with heart and compete and they sure did.  

Straight sets singles wins came from Grace Chadick, Bea Havlickova and Selena Bird, setting the stage for the late dramatics from Sorcha Caves and Amanda de Oliveira. 

Chadick, a senior, moved to 6-3 on the dual season with her 48th career win, a 6-3, 6-0 triumph at No. 5 singles.

Havlickova, a senior, earned her 62th career singles win, moving her into a tie for second all-time, following her 6-2, 6-3 win at No. 1 singles.

Bird, a junior, earned a 6-1, 6-4 win at No. 4 singles to push the Coyotes within one point of the win.

"Unbelievable effort by Grace, Bea and Selena getting off the court fast and getting us to three points," added Barnett. "UConn fought back and Sorcha and Amanda had to dig deep and earn their wins. 

"I'm so proud of those two, they've been close the last month and played great tennis today."

Caves, a sophomore, earned her first win at No. 2 singles this dual season by responding after dropping the second set to win the third set 6-4.

De Oliveira, a sophomore, rallied from a set down, won the second set in a tie-break and then dominated the third set, 6-1, for the victory.

"This was a huge step forward for us and we need to be ready for a strong Omaha team next week," commented Barnett.

South Dakota opens Summit League play at Omaha on Friday at 5 p.m.