First-year Tallis Tarbell tallied three goals and an assist to lead the St. Lawrence University women's lacrosse team, as the Saints opened the 2026 season with a close 9-7 loss to No. 19 Babson on Saturday evening in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Jessica LaPlaca recorded a goal and an assist, while Cate Rathnam, Lily Stanton and Kelsey Roth also scored for the Scarlet and Brown. Kelsey O'Brien picked up a team-leading five ground balls and caused three turnovers, while Jolie Osborne recorded five caused turnovers.

Bella Kehoe struck first to give Babson a 1-0 lead, but with 1:03 to play in the first LaPlaca tied things up one apiece just before the first break.

The second quarter remained even, as both teams netted two goals apiece for a 3-3 tie at halftime. Rathnam and Stanton both scored in the second for the Saints.

The Beavers pulled ahead in the third quarter, outscoring the Saints 5-2, to carry a three-goal lead into the fourth quarter. Tarbell scored her first collegiate goal at 7:33 of the third quarter.

Less than three minutes into the fourth, Roth scored to bring the Saints back within two, but just about a minute later Kehoe scored her second of the game to extend Babson's lead back to three.

Tarbell scored her third of the game, but the Beavers were able to hold onto their advantage for the win.

"We've had a great trip and I'm proud of the way we finished," said head coach Tom Ryan. "Zoe was in mid-season form and kept us in the game early. Our defense was strong for most of the game outside of a few minutes here and there. We've got things to clean up, but a lot to look forward to this season."

Jenna Wong led Babson with three goals while Courtney Laden tallied five caused turnovers and three ground balls.

Zoe Froimovitz recorded nine saves for the Saints, while Babson's Morgan McGahan made eight.

Babson led in shots on goal 14-10, ground balls 20-18, and draw controls 15-5.

St. Lawrence fell to 0-1, while Babson moved to 0-1.

The Saints will return to the North Country to take on SUNY Potsdam on Tuesday, February 24 at 4 p.m.