Bulgaria coach Jose Hernandez believes his players have been making good progress ahead of the U20 European Championship for Women in Poland.

His compatriot, Spaniard Jose Maria Buceta, was appointed  coach of the Bulgaria senior team in March.

Hernandez's under-20 side started their preparations with three defeats in Germany (60-75, 65-72 and 58-79) but then prevailed in two games against Israel in Samokov (76-65 and 82-54).

"We improve our game in every contest," Hernandez said.

"That pleases me. We are working very hard, so I believe we will do better. One of the problems is physical strength but I'm sure that in Gdynia (Poland), we will be able to play an entire game at our best."

One of the players who has stood out for Bulgaria has been Stefka Miteva, who's been a handful for opponents in the paint. She averaged 10 rebounds in those five games.

Providing the points have been Daniela Peteva, Sara Marinova, Hristina Ivanova and Tonka Tencheva.

Bulgaria were set to host Romania on July 3 and 4 in two more friendly games.

The U20 European Championship tips off in Gdynia on July 9, with Bulgaria opening their account against Serbia. They will also go up against Italy and Montenegro.

Bulgaria preliminary squad: Stefka Nikolova, Veronika Dzhikova, Daniela Peteva, Michaela Dilova, Hristina Ivanova, Tonka Tencheva, Stefka Miteva, Emilia Yancheva, Ana Maria Bozhkova, Maria Baycheva, Anita Dimitrova, Tzvetelina Kremenlieva and Sara Marinova.