When they stepped into the circle, it quickly became clear who was in charge.

In her five years as starting pitcher, Madison Frain lifted the Creston softball program to new heights. In her first year as starting pitcher, Madison Keysor lifted the Treynor softball program to its first state championship.

For their dominance, Frain (Class 5-A/4-A/3-A) and Keysor (Class 2-A/1-A) are the honorary captains of The World-Herald's All-Western Iowa softball teams for the 2012 season.

In Iowa, graduated eighth-graders are eligible to participate in high school softball and baseball programs. Frain excelled as an eighth-grader, going 31-10 with a 1.71 ERA. She marks her fifth year on the All-WI large-school first team.

"Obviously, she's the best pitcher that's been at Creston," coach Mike McCabe said. "It will probably be a while before we have another one like that."

A South Dakota recruit, Frain ended her senior year with a 27-6 record and a 0.73 ERA, striking out 346 and walking 31 in 21923 innings.