 Complete the following phrase:  Melnikova was named as team captain of the Russian womens national team starting in 2017, succeeding Olympic teammate Aliya Mustafina. Melnikova started her season at the Russian National Championships in Kazan. Although she was expected to do well in the absence of Olympic champion Aliya Mustafina, as well as coming into the meet as the reigning national champion, she faltered throughout the competition on every event except vault, finishing 9th in the all-around. She also placed 3rd on vault and balance beam, falling on the latter. Despite her poor showing at nationals, Melnikova participated in the Stuttgart World Cup in March, placing second behind Germanys Tabea Alt and ahead of the USAs Morgan Hurd. She then competed at the City of Jesolo Trophy, where she received three bronze medals in the team all-around, vault, and floor exercise. Later she participated at the London World Cup. She competed poorly, falling on balance beam and floor exercise with major mistakes on uneven bars and vault. It was announced in April that she would attend the 